12-12-14 Engine change weekend.

12-12-14 ENGINE CHANGING WEEKEND !!

Recieved a text early (Friday 0609) this morning from my mechanic, Robert, verifying he was going to be off from his primary job for 3 days this weekend. Engine change out is on !!! We talked on the phone about 0845 and made a plan for meeting up after 1200. He's going to be prepping the new engine this morning. We have to travel about 5 miles down the road to his sisters place. I hope the rig makes it. I'm sure we'll be smoking !! If the rig can't make it, Robert will tow us.

The weather forcast is for mid 60's and sunny for the weekend with 70's next week. Kinda critical for this work.

At about 1200hrs we fired up Rolling Earthquake and slowly drove 5 miles to the repair spot. Wow, did we smoke up the route. I'm going to guess we may have lost a compression ring or have a cracked piston. Still had plenty of power but had a slight miss in the engine. I was still towing the trailer and that weighs near 2500#s.

Robert got right to work. I had already prepped the front bumper and fiberglass cap last week so that all came off in ½ hr.

Robert, Heather & I worked together to strip the replacement motor and the one in the rig. We finally called it quits for the day about 6PM and it was after sunset. It cooled off rather quickly so we put the motor doghouse back in place and cranked up some heat. Gonna stay in the rig tonite.

Saturday-- I heard Robert rummageing around outside about 8AM, so the day begins. Hot coffee tasted especially good this chilly morning. We're planning on going to a motel this afternoon. 

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !

     Charlie & Heather

12-3-14 Living with Glitches

12-3-14 First Glitch

It's a good thing I'm patient. If you read the last blog you know I'm worried about “glitches” happening during this engine swapout. My mechanic, Robert, was gonna be here by 2:30 PM to look at our rig and take me to the salvage yard to pick up the replacement engine. He called about 2PM and said he was having problems with his vehicle. OH-OH ! We needed to be at the salvage yard by 5 PM. I called the yard and told them we may or may not be there today.

Robert limped his truck here at 4:30PM. Seems he has a bad tranny fluid leak on his truck. He had just put in a new tranny seal yesterday and universal joints. He was very apologetic. Since I've done a few of those, years ago, I can relate to that headache. We looked over the rig and he took note of what was needed & looked at parts I've accumulated. . The revised plan is for him to pick up the engine Friday AM and then we will all travel to the repair spot. Oh well, a slight change in plans.

One of our neighbors, Phil, has been a monsterous help to me. He's driven me to stores and to get misc. parts any time I've asked ! That sure makes this whole mess easier.

Glitch #2 –

On Friday about 3PM Robert called and said he got called into work and was stuck at his primary job & has to work Saturday too ! So we revised plans. He's going to try and pick up the engine Saturday afternoon and we agreed to do the engine swap next weekend if all goes well.

He called at 3 PM Saturday and now has possession of the engine from the salvage yard. He sent pics of it in his truck and has it covered in a tarp. Later in the day he stopped by our RV Park to discuss the job and look over our rig again.

On Monday (8th) he called to say he moved the replacement motor to the place we're getting the work done at ( His sister's house). He said he bought a new vehicle to replace his undependable truck. Still on for next weekend.

I read a lot of other's blogs. Billy Bob's tells a story of an uptight trip to Texas. His engine keeps dying which causes the emergency brake to engage. Very scary ! Seems he has a bad ignition switch. To condense the story, he finally made it. Makes our problem seem simple. If you are curious about the other blogs just look up “ www.hitchitch.com “ It's a good site to get an education about this lifestyle.

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!

Charlie & Heather

12-2-14 Enroute to engine change

12-1-14 Lots of details for Engine Swap

My friend, Phil, and I met up with Robert, the mechanic, at the salvage yard last Saturday to see the used 454 engine and to get an out the door price. The engine has 35K miles on it and is out of a 1983 motorhome per the Baldwin Auto Salvage yard owner, Juan, he said he heard it run before it was pulled and it ran strong. I'll pay for it today ($1150) and Robert will pick it up Wednesday with his truck.

Robert is now making arrangements for a place near us to do the work. His sister has 2 acres nearby, about 5 mls. He's trying his best to keep us near where we are at so I can drive there with no hassle. Gonna look like a big mosquito chaser going down the road ! That will save a lot versus towing.

I have been WD40'ing any nuts and bolts we need to remove and marking all the wires ahead of time. This will save time I hope.

As agreed with Robert, I'm picking up gaskets, oil & filter, etc today . ($150). I preordered all of it. Supposed to be ready at 1PM.

Looks like we're all set for Friday. Robert says 2 days for the work to be done.

12-2-14 Tuesday

I'm getting in to my “ more geeked out” mode as the day nears to get this engine changed. Bad habit from years ago. I'm over worrying and over thinking this whole thing ! I've never been very good at letting someone else do things for me. I really dislike being old! I was sitting here this morning and I suddenly remembered that I forgot anti-freeze yesterday ! BAM, there it was! *&%*....The shop I'm getting parts from didn't have a carburator gasket yesterday so I have to go there again tomorrow. I wonder what else will be forgotten ? I woke up a few times the last few nights with all of this on my mind.  

11-29-14 ENGINE CHANGE PLANNING. ROBERTSDALE, AL.

11-29-14 Planning the engine change

Still in Robertsdale, Alabama at Wilderness RV Park.

I've been on the phone and internet a lot this week ! As you might believe, trying to plan an engine change this far from home can be a challenge. Locating a mechanic and an engine has taken up a lot of time. I put an ad on Craigslist for a mechanic and got a call that evening from “ Robert “. He lives about a ½ hr from us and gave me a fair quote for labor. I located a low mileage 454 engine with 33k miles on it that has been taken out of a motorhome.

My friend and neighbor, Phil, gave me a ride today to meet Robert at the salvage yard and we all checked out the engine. So far, so good ! Robert is supposed to call in the next few days to set up a date for the work to be done. He's guessing next week and 2 days.

I'm praying this all happens without any glitches.

Since we live fulltime in our rig we'll probably have to grab a motel nearby for a few days. Gonna research that soon. Might be in Loxley, Alabama for that, judgeing by my preliminary search.

I've done a lot of “wrenching” in my life so I have some knowledge of what needs to be done. If we were back home it would make all this seem so much easier. Probably would be done by now. But, be that what it may, here we are. I started out with estimates around $9K and now have it down to less than $2K..not bad !! This whole job should take about 2 to 3 short days, about 24 hrs at the most. ( at Geezzer speed ! ) Robert is, I guess, about 30 years old and seems knowledgeable. I remember being that age ! Full of confidence and brawn !! Oh, those days were crazy !!! But, we got a lot done back then !

I'm not totally without transportation. Got the Goldwing. I'm hoping the weather allows me to ride. I'll try to help out where I can and try to stay out of the way. I know how I am when it comes to having someone hanging over my shoulder when I'm wrenching. Interruptions only confuse the whole job. It takes a lot of focus to do this kind of job.

So, next up is a call from Robert to set a date for the work.

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!

Charlie & Heather

11-26-14 HAPPY THANKSGIVING & we're thankful in Alabama

11-19-14 Robertsdale, Alabama

What happened to Southern good weather?? Last few days have been chilly. Night freezes. Mid 20's last night from 9PM til 9AM. The RV park had notices on everyone's door that the water would be off at 6PM. We made sure our onboard water tank was full. He water was back on at 9:30 in the morning.

There was a potluck dinner at the clubhouse last night so we went and met some more of our neighbors. Nice bunch of folks. Got back in the rig by 8PM and the walk back was cold! We had lowered the heat setting before we went to dinner and raised it immediately as we walked in the door. The furnace and the electric heater got a good workout last night. It was below freezing til 9AM, as predicted, but the sun is shining today so it'll warm up quickly. I'm looking forward to getting back to normal this weekgave.

To update our engine failure progress: I found a repair shop about ½ hr ride from here. Our new friend, Dave, gave us a ride to check out a MH for sale. It was a mess! The shop owner had it for sale. I asked him if he could replace our motor. Had a lengthy conversation with him and he said he'd research the possibility and call me in a few days with a quote. I walked around the shop and he definitely has the facility to do the work. He said we could campout there if he did the work. Time will tell. We're leaning more towards the idea of getting another MH even though I hate to do that after all the repairs and $$$ we've put into this one. Time will tell and we're not in any rush. We are in a great RV Park with FHU's and good neighbors.

The Goldwing starter has been replaced. I had to changeout the gear reciever for it too. I had a hell of a time getting that done ! When I pulled the starter a few weeks ago it came out easy, I cleaned up the armature and put new brushes in, it went back in easily. The starter then worked, but still wasn't right so I order a completely rebuilt one. Gonna be an easy out, easy in, Right? NO WAY. The new starter just wasn't gonna cooperated going back in. It came with a new gear reciever so I carefully replaced the gear. A feat in itself ! This gear is inside the case, inside a chain. My repair manual says ya gotta pull the engine to do that. HA !! Of course the repair manual say ya gotta pull the engine to replace the starter too! I held the chain by fingers and used an offset needle nose to pluck out the gear and to install the new one. I found a couple Youtube videos to show the repairs and so I proceeded. Success followed..back in business again. Some times I wonder who writes those manuals. It sure makes the dealers a lot of moola!! Hmmmm !!

11-26-14 Wednesday

Re: Motorhome engine repairs...The previous comments re: the shop I was at the other day fizzled out ! The guy never called me back and doesn't answer the phone or texts. So much for his story about wanting to make $$$ for his daughter's college bill. Oh well !! We've got an old friend that lives 25 miles South of us in Foley, Al. And he gave me a few leads. I put an ad for a “mechanic wanted” on Craigslist and a fellow named Robert called me this morning. I'll go and meet him after Thanksgiving and check it out. I've located an engine and it just so happens that Robert has dealt with the place before. I think (cautiously) that this all sounds like it may work out. I hope so.

Tomorrow is Turkey day. The RV Park has a big dinner planned. I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. I know we have a lot to be thankful for !!

REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!!

Charlie & Heather

11-12 & 13-14 PLANNING THE FIX

11-12-14 PLANNING THE FIX !!

I've been chatting with our neighbors at Wilderness CG about our failed engine problem. Got some new leads going. I sure pray that some of them pan out! Of course I know talk is cheap.

I expect the new starter for the Goldwing to be here in a day or two. It'll only takes 1 hr to install it. Then, I will be able to chase down some of the leads I've been given..

I've located a few engines under $1000, now I need a mechanic that is priced fairly. My first few calls made me laugh at their quotes for labor ( $6 to 9K). If I was home I'd change this engine out in less than 3 days at 8 hours a day. I'd put a fair price at $2000 for labor. Not bad for a few days work. I really believe repair people today overcharge tremendously! I see the RV dealers and many mechanics charging upwards of $150+/hr. How do they expect anyone to afford their work?? Then you couple in the stupid hours they estimate. A 24hr job is quoted 60hrs. Rip off !! I've wrenched on a lot of stuff and I know these charges are robbery. Now I now a lot of people will disagree with my thinking but my logic has gotten me this far so I won't change my ways of thinking. Good, honest deals are always around the corner if you look hard enough. ( I always tip well too!)

11-13-14 Thursday

The Goldwing starter got delivered yesterday. Wow, that was fast. California to Alabama in 3 days. Now all I need is for the rain to stop so I can do the changeout. Our weather is supposed to be crappy for a few days. I'll just wait impatiently !! It's a bit cool to use the shower house ( no heat) so we'll just use our rig's conveniences. It got down to 42F last night. A bit cool for South Alabama ! It may be cooler for 4 days but it's going to warm up by Monday. Looks like a lot of reading for a few days and some TV (ukkk!).

11-07-14 BREAKDOWN !! Alabama

 11-07-14 I really hate having breakdowns !! They mess with the grand plan!!
We were rolling along EB I-10 without a care in the world for about an hour when suddenly we heard a weird sound. We both noticed/heard a change in road sound. I slowed a bit and we turned the radio down and everything seemed to be okay. Hmmmm! But then a car pulled up on the drivers side and pointed “ pull over” ! OH-OH ! So I did.
As soon as we stopped we noticed a blue puff of smoke. Got out and the right side exhaust was putting out a lot of blue/grey smoke. NOT GOOD !! So we put 'er in D and limped to the next exit. Alabama, EB I-10, Exit 53. I immediately saw a “truck repair” to the North. Pulled into it and a guy said pull the rig in and we'll take a looksee ! Whew!
After an hour, he started the engine, took the valve covers off and said “ do you hear that rod knock? He then proceeded to quote a repair bill of $7 to 10k TO REPAIR IT !! HA HA HA HA HA !! “ I have worked on a lot of engines and really didn't hear anything except lifter noise. So I had him put the valve covers back on ( with silicone? That'll never work ! ) and researched the area on internet. Found an RV park about ½ ml South and limped there with a lot of smoke about 5PM. OKAY Now , FHU and very good rate. I guess we'll work this out from here! Didn't do anything except hookup and pop beer! Whew...what a day !!
The next morning I had a coffee in hand and went out and sat on the picnic table. Gotta think !! Had quite a few neighbors stop over and after intro's I told them about our dilemma. Got a lot of info about the area. One of them, Dave, drove me to a store and took a scenic route. He pointed out all the thing we need to know. Stores, repair supplies, etc. , he knows the area because his daughter lives here. My friend, John Nichol, lives about a ½ hr. South of here in Foley. I called him today and he said he'd be home by the weekend from his job as a truck driver. He said he'll help us if he can.
Sounds like it'll be a busy week. Tomorrow I'll do a compression test and see what that tells me. Sure am glad I have tools with me.
11-11-14 … Took a few days off...(decompress) .. We're safe, FHU's, good neighbors..all okay !! I've been making a lot of local calls. No luck on finding an affordable mechanic yet. I found a few 454 engines nearby. Also found a few used motorhome deals too ! It's always been an escape plan of ours to just find another used motorhome if we had any catastrophic failures. We may go with that plan! One of the great things about driving an older rig is that there are a lot of good deals out there.
My Honda Goldwing has been having problems with the starter. Before we use it for chasing down a deal I decided to order a new starter. It should be here by Friday. It only takes an hour to replace. I have 4 motorhomes I'd look at within an hour of here. I found most of them on Craigslist.
I really don't care if we stay here for awhile. Wilderness CG has FHU's for $300/month and is close to shopping. Our neighbors are friendly and helpful. Ya gotta love other Rvers !
I dug out the test tools and ran a compression test today. NOT GOOD !! #4 cylinder is flatlined @ 28 #s. 120 to 165#'s on other cylinders. Kinda looks like bad news.
And the saga continues !!
REMEMBER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS AS TIME GOES BY QUICKLY !!

Charlie & Heather.