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Date:         Thu, 17 Nov 2005 01:33:48 -0500
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      A postponed maintenance issue returns to haunt
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

So, I knew I had a tiny (!) leak from one of my coolant lines going to the front. I didn't know whether it was hole in a hose (due to a overtightened clamp) , or just a loose clamp. Me, being me, I postponed taking care of it.

Then I decided to do a major trip. DC to Chicago, towing a 1000 pound (enclosed) 6x10 trailer, with 600 pounds of cargo. In one day.

Okay., First I changed it to a 2 day trip (taking in a couple of hours out of the DC area on Tuesday evening as I figured it would be easier for the 2nd day's trip, plus I didn't want to have to contend with morning rush hour traffic. And I do own a Camper, after all (even if it does have a subaru engine in the rear).

So, Tuesday evening was nice and warm, mid 60 degree weather in the evening in south central Pennsylvania (Bedford, if you care). The front announced itself by blowing in in the middle of the night (a VERY big push to the camper) followed by torrential rain. Good sleeping weather by my accounts.

Morning. Much cooler. And the temperatures dropping through the day. By the time we make it western Ohio, we've already seen a little (scarcely noticable) sleet and snow. Then I notice steam out the back of the camper. Looking down I see it coming out from around the front tires. Pull to the shoulder and inspect. After a little bit of prodding, it appears my pin hole leak has reared it's head and says fix me NOW.

It's a loose hose clamp. Okay, that's easy to fix. Tighten. Now add water. 20 ounces at a time (that's the biggest container I have for getting water from the sink to the rear. After about six or seven of these, we're close to getting enough to fill up the tank. Run the engine. No water at the radiator bleed valve. Run at higher RPM.s. No water at the bleed valve. Remove bolt entirely from bleed valve. Lots and lot and lots of air. Then Water. Ooops. Drop bolt. Drop washer. Scream to assistant to shut things down.

Get washer and bolt back on (not fully tightened). Start engine. Bleed lots of air out. Fine. Now add water. Lots of water. Hmm. Overflow reservoir has been drained too. Top that up.

Churn down road. Get to service plaza on toll road. Carefully drive PAST service plaza, by one mile. Watch as idiot light comes on and temperatures start to go up. Stop and add coolant. Repeat (yes, go past the next service plaza by a mile, etc.)

Finally stop in at plaza and pick up some coolant (whole and premixed). Add coolant (almost whole gallon). Everything seems good. Continue down road. 15 miles from Chicago (Chicago Skyway in fact), idiot light comes on. Stop. Wait for engine to cool down. Add coolant.

Get into lovely icy Chicago (glare ice on interstates). Cruise on through and get to destination. Watch hat go sailing away (100 yard dash to retrieve). 30 mph winds, 20 degree temps. Yep. Quite a change, from that subtropical air in PA.

Tomorrow in the balmy 30 degree day, I hope to fill it up one last time. (I know we lost a lot of coolant in the initial incident). Ah, this is what makes for adventures.


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