We’ve got a host of family things going on this month, which are keeping our feet planted for a few weeks.
That gives us plenty of time to visit my dad.
And gives Ouest time to go to reading camp for a couple hours each morning. She gets to take her very own yellow school bus.
Meanwhile, Lowe attends escuela right at home.
Time to grow things that all taste like grass to me.
And of course, time to work on the truck. I replaced all the hoses—including rerouting one that was kinked up—the thermostat, plug wires, the electronic ignition, distributor cap, coil, the battery, the alternator, the belts, the coolant, and some wiring. The net result so far is that the engine temp gauge has gone from reading just a smidgen above halfway, to just barely reaching the one-quarter mark. I’ve still got a couple of engine projects, but man, it runs so tight and smooth that I also want to be careful not to try and fix something that isn’t broke.
We thought it was a miracle when Simone lived long enough to meet Ouest for the first time. Six years later, she’s still wandering around the house.
Celebrating our independence from the British Empire. Again.
17 Comments on “Time to Work and Play”
That moustache is finally reaching the “awesome” stage. Very impressive. Toby
Ouest asked me the other day why it was turning white.
The thermostat change definitely made the temp drop. Did you buy a 160 or a 180? Also, looking at the picture, it looks like it may be mounted upside down(?). Here is what it should look like right way up (the copper sensor with the spring is normally at the bottom): http://www.autozone.com/cooling-heating-and-climate-control/thermostat/failsafe-thermostat/361928_413832_1632_93207/?checkfit=true. HTH.
Oops. Thanks, Roland. And it’s a 180, replacing a 180. Also ran a radiator cleaner through there for a few days. The coolant had been black and was surely very old.
You are welcome and I don’t understand how an upside-down thermostat would ever open but again I have never tried it either :-). Are you going to replace the water pump too? Probably wise if the coolant was that black(?)
Pat, are you going to replace the radiator cap? Given you are going to climb in the mountains the rubber in the cap is old. Concur with your strategy of not making new problems. Congrats to you and your family on your new adventure! I have been following your adventures since “they” said it couldn’t me done!
ps – like the mustache too!
Ali’s dad had mentioned that too. It’s on the shopping list.
How old is dear Simone?
Twenty-two or so.
I never comment here (your site is great, your adventures are fascinating, etc) but this made me laugh:
“Celebrating our independence from the British Empire. Again.”
Good one!
I have been following your blog for a couple of years but have never commented. I love what you guys are doing as a family. If your journey South takes you through Vegas again I would love to meet your family and my kids would love to hear some stories. We can cook you a feast and you are welcome to laundry and other needed facilities. Best of luck to you in your future travels.
Thanks, Jacob. Looks like the truck may be heading east this time around, but you never really know until the wheels start spinning on the road.
I found your site a few months ago and really enjoy reading about your family’s travels/lifestyle. My dad and his sister went to school in Gaylord in the 50’s so we have that town in common (thought I read that you were from there)…..their parents owned a motel/restaurant across from the high school back in the day. Anyway, enjoy your time with family and I look forward to reading about your new adventures. PS I know about “white” hair since I have some myself 😉
My dad and his family are from Gaylord. My grandpa was sheriff of Sibley County for a while in the 50s-60s before farming just outside of town on Lake Titlow. I believe my dad was valedictorian of the high school back around ’68. I’m sure his older brothers and sisters would have gone to school with your family. Anyway, small world. Glad you found us.
Fully understand about fixing something that ain’t broke. Made that mistake many times in my boating days. Better just to carry the spare and fix it when it starts to act up. If you are going to ship your vehicle from Miami and need a place to spend a few days on your way down the peninsula, we are in Winter Haven (exactly in the center of the State), right next to Legoland, Florida and have plenty of room. Just give us a “heads up”.
I dont know if anyone has already mentioned it, but my comments about the distributor in the 318 of the bus apply to this vehicle also; a good ground connection for the swivel plate inside, and some lube on the centrifugal spark advance.
I would make a hood lock with some chain and a padlock too. Run one piece from the safety catch on the hood and bolt another shorter piece to the bottom radiator core support & padlock the 2 together. It will keep lookie loos out of the engine bay. Love this truck!