Have had some time to think over the last couple days as been waiting for my rear main seal to be replaced.. It has been a "comedy" of errors lately. All simple, yet stupid things, that have tested my patience and delayed my urgent feeling / need to get on the road.
My main disappointment is not being able to get on the road from what I deem an acceptable time period in which to fix what needs to be fixing. There are some lessons to be learned from this, for me and others.
First is I need to depend on others, tough as it might be. This is something which I've always had trouble doing, and it's even more difficult now.
Second is that I can't show how upset I really am to the people who I must depend on. This, in my mind, only aggravates the situation.
Third is dealing with the delays, oversights, and mistakes that happen, at the least inopportune times.
Fourth is putting forward a happy face while dealing with utter disappointment at not being able to advance at a more reasonable pace. This is closely related to the second item.
Fifth is finding silver lining, a reason why I have to stay in the area. There's a reason, always a reason, that things like this happen and continually plague us when we have to wait. Maybe it's a lesson I need to learn, maybe it's a lesson others need to learn, or a combination.
Sixth is making sure things don't get stalled and am doing what I can to help the process along. Am limited in what I can do, but pitch in wherever I can to streamline things / make it easier.
Overall am elated things are still moving forward, and even today there was forward movement. So far I don't think it's the fault of anything in particular, just a slew of things went awry in all the wrong sequence, like a perfect storm, or a perfect learning opportunity.
Beer is still safely in the fridge, unopened, and awaiting for me to give it away to a lucky recipient, though thought was there it wouldn't be given away.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Engine and delays
Friday was a rough day for me, Friday night specifically, after came to the realization that couldn't get on the road till at least Monday night. Am sure there's a reason why I need to spend more time in this area.
Found out the reason I needed to stay on Vashon and come to repair place Wednesday night. As was nearing garage remembered there was a showcase of sorts, so stopped in and talked with a good friend that did a Celtic Cross spread on me. He awakened me to some actions I really need to take, otherwise more excellent things will slip by. I generally lead my life in that the important things will land in my lap, slap me in the face, and be obnoxious until I recognized said thing. He advised me that this was not the case.. WHEN they appear I need to reach out and grab those items in life that are dearest to me.. Another aspect of The Meaning, and another reason why I NEED to go to New Mexico, to clear things up.
So, my "new" plan is...
The sadness I felt was very great and very deep. Had a super strong desire to leave, and still have desire. The sadness I felt is still with me, and felt very similar to sadness I had when lost Pia and Mia. Really really not sure why this delay hit me so hard.
The garage and mechanics here are great, it's a tough and labor intensive job, they even let me peek and poke, which is interesting. More stuff to write about.
So far, from what I've seen, they've had to do the following (Cliff notes version):
Went to Harmon Tap Room, for lunch and a small pizza when got a call from garage as was pulling into parking lot there (came over helmet). The exhaust was HOT to the touch after engine was off 3-4 hours... puzzling...
Long story short, they spent some time diagnosing it and found that the cable from battery to starter was resting on the exhaust, and can guess the rest from there. They also identified that the exhaust pipe was broken at the flair fitting coming out of the exhaust manifold (a guess on location).
Cable to the starter was shorting, and sparking, on the exhaust. It looks somewhat new and don't think it was there for too long otherwise would've expected more damage to the wire, and worn down batteries. My thoughts are it was hanging on just barely, then slight movement of things and it fell. I wrapped it in several layers (5 or so) of electrical tape and am waiting for reinstall of transmission. While electrical tape isn't heat resistant am thinking it'll at least help. Probably best to get some shrink tubing as wire will still go over exhaust pipe.
Broken pipe I somewhat new about, as there is a flex pipe that was busted (have patch but never patched it). Will get some of the parts to fix it to save them time. Time is very critical now but it still needs to be done properly..
Will await Monday morning... 8 am...
Found out the reason I needed to stay on Vashon and come to repair place Wednesday night. As was nearing garage remembered there was a showcase of sorts, so stopped in and talked with a good friend that did a Celtic Cross spread on me. He awakened me to some actions I really need to take, otherwise more excellent things will slip by. I generally lead my life in that the important things will land in my lap, slap me in the face, and be obnoxious until I recognized said thing. He advised me that this was not the case.. WHEN they appear I need to reach out and grab those items in life that are dearest to me.. Another aspect of The Meaning, and another reason why I NEED to go to New Mexico, to clear things up.
So, my "new" plan is...
- Get rear main seal replaced (Monday with any luck)
- Begin traveling 3-4 hours a day to New Mexico, as work permits
- Make side trip to Oregon coast (feel strong urge for the ocean, burrow feet down into sand in the surf and hear it crashing to shore)
- Continue to New Mexico
The sadness I felt was very great and very deep. Had a super strong desire to leave, and still have desire. The sadness I felt is still with me, and felt very similar to sadness I had when lost Pia and Mia. Really really not sure why this delay hit me so hard.
The garage and mechanics here are great, it's a tough and labor intensive job, they even let me peek and poke, which is interesting. More stuff to write about.
So far, from what I've seen, they've had to do the following (Cliff notes version):
- Disconnect wiring harnesses
- Disconnect hoses
- Drain transmission oil
- Unhook transmission cooler lines (actually had to remove "faceplate" from transmission instead of hoses, due to super tight fittings)
- Move away exhaust (see below)
- Disconnect drive shaft (took 45+ minutes by itself, very very tight fit (good sometimes, not here))
- Remove bolts inside flywheel / torque converter housing (little peephole to remove them, and not THAT type of peephole)
- Remove bolts on flywheel / torque converter housing that secures transmission to it
 | |
| Drive shaft unhooked |
Went to Harmon Tap Room, for lunch and a small pizza when got a call from garage as was pulling into parking lot there (came over helmet). The exhaust was HOT to the touch after engine was off 3-4 hours... puzzling...
Long story short, they spent some time diagnosing it and found that the cable from battery to starter was resting on the exhaust, and can guess the rest from there. They also identified that the exhaust pipe was broken at the flair fitting coming out of the exhaust manifold (a guess on location).
Cable to the starter was shorting, and sparking, on the exhaust. It looks somewhat new and don't think it was there for too long otherwise would've expected more damage to the wire, and worn down batteries. My thoughts are it was hanging on just barely, then slight movement of things and it fell. I wrapped it in several layers (5 or so) of electrical tape and am waiting for reinstall of transmission. While electrical tape isn't heat resistant am thinking it'll at least help. Probably best to get some shrink tubing as wire will still go over exhaust pipe.
Broken pipe I somewhat new about, as there is a flex pipe that was busted (have patch but never patched it). Will get some of the parts to fix it to save them time. Time is very critical now but it still needs to be done properly..
Will await Monday morning... 8 am...
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Island Life and a little bump
My journey started on the island, and for the last couple years have always circled back to the island. There is something magical about this place that haven't seen anywhere else. This year in particular, when was on the ferry, felt very giddy, like a schoolboy type of giddy. Not sure why, nor am I questioning why.
There are many advantages to Vashon that I adore, such as:
For me, the island has a special feeling to it. Almost feels like a "home" type of feeling, though at least one thing is missing and haven't put my finger on it yet.
This is somewhat like my feeling on the coast too, like the Oregon coast, where there is also magical things about walking into the surf and enjoying the cool (or cold) water swirling up around ankles, then calves, and if not careful, knees or higher.. But it's also where The Meaning came from too, wandering in the cloud bank, then all of a sudden it lifting... Exciting and wondrous all at the same time. If these two feelings could be combined think that would be the epitome of life, for me.
This also leads me to my current quandry, an oil leak. It surfaced as I was dumping the tanks getting ready to leave the island for a scooter meeting, and then off to my next destination, which is over a 1,000 mile drive.
In the picture it shows general area of the oil leak. There's a housing that contains the flywheel. According to engine manual it can also contain other things, though those other things went over my head. On middle to left is the engine, on the right is the transmission. Thing in the middle is a bell housing of sorts where the flywheel is, and am guessing, a shaft leading towards the engine.
A closeup of the area is shown in this picture. As can see there's a ring there where the oil was leaking out. Am unsure why there's no bolt here, and why oil was leaking out. According to mechanic, pressure should build up in this housing / flywheel area, which would prevent oil from going past the rear main seal.
Now, using my thumb as a measuring guide, stuck my thumb up there and it fits neatly in the hole. Measured thumb and it's about an inch wide. Followed by an index finger and felt something up there. Upon close inspection, and verification from a mechanic, tis a flywheel. Not that I can fly with it, but it's used for momentum on the engine, among other things.
This picture shows the innards of the hole, and flywheel as it's rotating. When stuck finger in hole, with engine off, coul feel some threads on side of hole. This, and looking at engine manual, confirmed that mechanics are probably right in that there should at least be a bolt here. Have looked around where have been for the last month and no bolt was in sight so not quite sure where it could've gone. Will be putting some LocTite on here when put new bolt in.
One thing that struck me odd, very odd, is that diesel engines, even in 1994, seem to use METRIC stuff. That blew me away as didn't expect that at all.
Will update again on what final resolution is. Am optimistic the plug will solve it and keep the flywheel area fairly dry.
There are many advantages to Vashon that I adore, such as:
- Rural type living 30 minutes from Seattle
- Abundance of small farms and farm stands, using honor system for payment
- Trustworthy individuals.
- Somewhat isolated from mainland by a fairy
- Small town feel with a sense of community
- Wide variety of people live here, from super well known to, well, you can guess
- Small town feel, mostly all mom and pop locally owned stores
- Miles upon miles of open road to explore, with minimal, if any, traffic
- Surrounded by water, glorious water, to help clenase things.
For me, the island has a special feeling to it. Almost feels like a "home" type of feeling, though at least one thing is missing and haven't put my finger on it yet.
This is somewhat like my feeling on the coast too, like the Oregon coast, where there is also magical things about walking into the surf and enjoying the cool (or cold) water swirling up around ankles, then calves, and if not careful, knees or higher.. But it's also where The Meaning came from too, wandering in the cloud bank, then all of a sudden it lifting... Exciting and wondrous all at the same time. If these two feelings could be combined think that would be the epitome of life, for me.
 |
| General area |
In the picture it shows general area of the oil leak. There's a housing that contains the flywheel. According to engine manual it can also contain other things, though those other things went over my head. On middle to left is the engine, on the right is the transmission. Thing in the middle is a bell housing of sorts where the flywheel is, and am guessing, a shaft leading towards the engine.
 | |
| Closer View |
A closeup of the area is shown in this picture. As can see there's a ring there where the oil was leaking out. Am unsure why there's no bolt here, and why oil was leaking out. According to mechanic, pressure should build up in this housing / flywheel area, which would prevent oil from going past the rear main seal.
Now, using my thumb as a measuring guide, stuck my thumb up there and it fits neatly in the hole. Measured thumb and it's about an inch wide. Followed by an index finger and felt something up there. Upon close inspection, and verification from a mechanic, tis a flywheel. Not that I can fly with it, but it's used for momentum on the engine, among other things.
 |
| Hole and spinning thing |
One thing that struck me odd, very odd, is that diesel engines, even in 1994, seem to use METRIC stuff. That blew me away as didn't expect that at all.
Will update again on what final resolution is. Am optimistic the plug will solve it and keep the flywheel area fairly dry.
Friday, July 17, 2015
There are spoons, then theories on spoons
Paul Wheaton, founder of the Code Ranch as well as Permies.com, made a post today about a rrealization he's had. First though, the lady (from Portugal) who gave him the realization posted this quote by Buddha:
This is first time I heard of this particular theory, and it seems a lot like a combination of different philosophies I have heard in the past. This also helps me with The Meaning.
I would highly recommend reading through his post. While I would truly love to copy/paste what he wrote verbatim, would rather everyone take a peek and see for themselves. There is a lot of useful discussion in the thread too. There is also a lot of truth in it in that we really need to take care of ourselves first and foremost as no matter how much we wish to help people, we must help ourselves first and foremost, then "spread the excess" as necessary.
On other news, most likely leaving Oregon Coast tomorrow headed north. Scooter is already loaded up and will be securing everything shortly.
You can search throughout the
entire universe for someone who is more
deserving of your love and affection than
you are of yourself, and that person is not
to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much
as anybody in the entire universe, deserve
your love and affection
- Buddha
This is first time I heard of this particular theory, and it seems a lot like a combination of different philosophies I have heard in the past. This also helps me with The Meaning.
I would highly recommend reading through his post. While I would truly love to copy/paste what he wrote verbatim, would rather everyone take a peek and see for themselves. There is a lot of useful discussion in the thread too. There is also a lot of truth in it in that we really need to take care of ourselves first and foremost as no matter how much we wish to help people, we must help ourselves first and foremost, then "spread the excess" as necessary.
On other news, most likely leaving Oregon Coast tomorrow headed north. Scooter is already loaded up and will be securing everything shortly.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
The 3 B's.... Brakes, brakes, and breaks
While I was in Florida this past winter, as mentioned before, spent most of my time in the Wauchula area. My time there allowed me to visit a great ape sanctuary, mix and mingle with many of the denizens, err, citizens, of the area, and just have a super great time! It was a mixed relief to leave, both happy to get on the road (and escape Florida "summer") and wanting to stay 'cause people are so nice.
While here had to get some welding done for another project I'll unveil shortly, but found this place called Big Daddy Fabrication and Welding (WARNING: F*c*book link). After he did the welding he helped me (did all the work while I watched) change the right side brakes, and the rotor. So, with that knowledge, I did the left side when was in Colorado.
The main thing which kept me from doing this work myself is absence of a functioning heavy duty jack. I picked one up from Harbor Freight and it worked pretty well. With all hydraulic jacks that I've used recently, they seem to slowly lower over time, hence the jackstand. As always, SAFETY first, in everything you do. Didn't want any unexpected surprises here. The jackstand got at, umm, Northern Tools, which is similar to Harbor Freight with seemingly higher quality. Granted, too much stuff is made in China so can't easily get away from that.
Next step is the lugnuts, which is another story, and kinda tells how I don't really know what carry around (another long story there). My problem here was thinking didn't have the proper socket (1 1/4 inch). Without this my only alternative would've been using an adjustable wrench, assuming had one that big. It would be equally hard to find an adjustable wrench both strong enough and safe enough to get it done properly. SAFETY first, hence impact socket.
Another trip to Harbor Freight and it turns out that they didn't have just a plain old 1 1/4 inch impact socket laying around. So had to buy a set of sockets which wasn't in my plans (and have yet to still return). Also picked up adaptors and such. NOW, it turns out after got back and started digging through storage areas, I already had these (DOH). Chalk another one up to cluelessness... I have too many stories about cluelessness.
Onto removal of the dust shield (only thing can think it's for). This part was stupidly easy and any one, or two, year old could do it. I like these easy parts of the job.
Now, at least for me, we're starting to get the tricky parts. Not shown, but in album, is removal of nut holding these two little metal pieces in place. There is one big I (eye) shaped thing and then a smaller piece to put pressure on it.to help prevent sloppiness. At least in brakes sloppiness is an unwanted factor, though beneficial sometimes.
Hammer and chisel (kidding on chisel) to the rescue. Chisel is actually the 1 1/4 inch socket I referred to earlier. For lack of a better name, am entitling this piece a pressure wedge. Used the socket, the wrench type thing (more like a breaker bar but not exactly), and a trusty 16 ounce (1 pound) hammer. Tap back of the socket/breaker bar with front edge of socket hooked onto top part of the pressure wedge. It's not truly a wedge but kinda acts like it.
This action popped out the two pieces. Once safely out set aside for later insertion.
It makes me shudder every time I think about this, but if look closely at the pads in this other view can kinda tell how far worn down the pads were... Like really worn down, I mean really really really. But now they're doing great! So great that I made it over all the hills in Colorado.. Did I mention there were hills there? I also mention how much I "like" them thar hills? Really, hills in Colorado, not just one, more than one, many many many more than one, all hills... Pure pure unadulterted hills... I mention the hills in Colorado? It was really like they would never ever end, them thar hills in Colorado.
Moving on..
This is what took me so long to replace the brake pads. If it wasn't for this one piece would've been done in an hour.. A lot longer than that and I was finally done. Next step of replacing brake pads is compressing the cylinder (for smaller brake pads) or cylinders as in this case. I've done the same with my scooter, and cars, before without an issue, It's easy enough to use a screwdriver, clamps, or anything else that you want to use.. NOT in this case..I made two trips to the store to pick up C-clamps. First trip was to Ace Hardware where got their best clamp (after my Harbor Freight one gave up the ghost).
As can see in picture, tried two and both clamps bent. The one in the foreground is the new one, background is Harbor Freight one (didn't bend as bad surprisingly). Again, nothing I could do to coerce these to squish back the cylinders would work.
Enter stage center, the third C-clamp (from Home Depot), and VIOLA, they compressed.. Naturally it wasn't as easy as just using this clamp, had to have an "enforcer". After some frustrating, and obscene, thoughts, it came to me that the ultimate enforcer, and persuador, in diesel mechanics is a hammer. Typically think they use ball peen, but didn't have one, so used my trusty 16 ounce claw hammer. Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap (give or take) and they compressed without issue.. Quite happy now!
That is the old brake pad which used, and again, can see how long I went.. A little longer than I should have.
Next step was to slide the two brake pads back in (along with something on the back edge that helps them stay in place, and reverse the above process to put everything back together.
I had to use my 1 1/4 inch socket, as well as some brute force (and a cheater bar) to both remove the lugnuts and put them back on. Took some effort but the cheater bar made it much easier.
The second Brake
This had to do with scooter brakes and think yesterday I finally figured it out, but doesn't make sense as never encountered it before, but makes sense in that it can happen.
I forget exactly when they went soft, but had problem in that the rear brakes would always reduce their effectiveness to zero, in that they would not work at all. This made me rely on the front brakes exclusively, which generally isn't good, nor recommended. Always good to have a backup, and firm things.
No matter what I did couldn't find a leak, the reservoir generally had enough fluid, bled the brakes quite a few times. With every bleeding (little difficult with one person) the brakes would firm up and be like they're supposed to be, but after driving down the road they would get soft and useless again after a few tugs. Rinse and repeat and that's just how it was, until my seeming aha moment yesterday.
Turns out I had been snugging all the bolts down very tight, and recently replaced a bolt (come to think of it that's when they started getting soft). I replaced a bolt with a longer version when I was in Longmont, CO that picked up from Home Depot. Same thread pitch, same head, just little longer.
So far so good, have taken it out several times so far and the firmness remains unchanged. No leaks, no nothing still, just a nice firm handle, which is how it should be.
What I think caused the problem is was torquing down all the bolts quite well and pretty sure they created a vacuum of sorts in the reservoir cylinder and this didn't fully allow complete movement of the fluid. This is only my guess as to what happened.
The third Break
Is the refrigerator... I arrived in Colorado Springs, CO, parked in the RV campground and went exploring. The next morning went into refrigerator and things seemed a little warm. Monitored it and it never got colder and the freezer was warming up. After some additional troubleshooting I determined the refrigerator died a sudden and unexpected death.
Will have a full write-up later but enjoy these two pictures of the refrigerator. Thought it was because RV was off level, but turns out that there was an ammonia leak presumeably due to rust in the piping behind the refrigerator.
BONUS: Cat picture, King of the hill
While here had to get some welding done for another project I'll unveil shortly, but found this place called Big Daddy Fabrication and Welding (WARNING: F*c*book link). After he did the welding he helped me (did all the work while I watched) change the right side brakes, and the rotor. So, with that knowledge, I did the left side when was in Colorado.
 |
| Safety First |
 |
| With lugnuts |
 |
| Lugnut FREE |
 |
| Dust shield? |
Now, at least for me, we're starting to get the tricky parts. Not shown, but in album, is removal of nut holding these two little metal pieces in place. There is one big I (eye) shaped thing and then a smaller piece to put pressure on it.to help prevent sloppiness. At least in brakes sloppiness is an unwanted factor, though beneficial sometimes.
 |
| Removing pressure wedge |
 |
| Another view of wedge |
It makes me shudder every time I think about this, but if look closely at the pads in this other view can kinda tell how far worn down the pads were... Like really worn down, I mean really really really. But now they're doing great! So great that I made it over all the hills in Colorado.. Did I mention there were hills there? I also mention how much I "like" them thar hills? Really, hills in Colorado, not just one, more than one, many many many more than one, all hills... Pure pure unadulterted hills... I mention the hills in Colorado? It was really like they would never ever end, them thar hills in Colorado.
Moving on..
 |
| Two is not the magic number |
 |
| Tap Tap Tap |
Enter stage center, the third C-clamp (from Home Depot), and VIOLA, they compressed.. Naturally it wasn't as easy as just using this clamp, had to have an "enforcer". After some frustrating, and obscene, thoughts, it came to me that the ultimate enforcer, and persuador, in diesel mechanics is a hammer. Typically think they use ball peen, but didn't have one, so used my trusty 16 ounce claw hammer. Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap (give or take) and they compressed without issue.. Quite happy now!
That is the old brake pad which used, and again, can see how long I went.. A little longer than I should have.
Next step was to slide the two brake pads back in (along with something on the back edge that helps them stay in place, and reverse the above process to put everything back together.
I had to use my 1 1/4 inch socket, as well as some brute force (and a cheater bar) to both remove the lugnuts and put them back on. Took some effort but the cheater bar made it much easier.
The second Brake
This had to do with scooter brakes and think yesterday I finally figured it out, but doesn't make sense as never encountered it before, but makes sense in that it can happen.
I forget exactly when they went soft, but had problem in that the rear brakes would always reduce their effectiveness to zero, in that they would not work at all. This made me rely on the front brakes exclusively, which generally isn't good, nor recommended. Always good to have a backup, and firm things.
No matter what I did couldn't find a leak, the reservoir generally had enough fluid, bled the brakes quite a few times. With every bleeding (little difficult with one person) the brakes would firm up and be like they're supposed to be, but after driving down the road they would get soft and useless again after a few tugs. Rinse and repeat and that's just how it was, until my seeming aha moment yesterday.
Turns out I had been snugging all the bolts down very tight, and recently replaced a bolt (come to think of it that's when they started getting soft). I replaced a bolt with a longer version when I was in Longmont, CO that picked up from Home Depot. Same thread pitch, same head, just little longer.
So far so good, have taken it out several times so far and the firmness remains unchanged. No leaks, no nothing still, just a nice firm handle, which is how it should be.
What I think caused the problem is was torquing down all the bolts quite well and pretty sure they created a vacuum of sorts in the reservoir cylinder and this didn't fully allow complete movement of the fluid. This is only my guess as to what happened.
The third Break
 |
| Coming out + messy bed |
 |
| The backend |
BONUS: Cat picture, King of the hill
 |
| Scatter, posing as King |
Saturday, July 11, 2015
A tale of two coasts, kinda.
As many know, this winter I spent huddled up with Scatter (my cat) in Florida. To be exact Wauchula, FL with a couple jaunts to Ft Myers, Tampa, Orlando, and Miami area (Coral Castle).
While there I had a great opportunity to enjoy Christmas and New Years with my parents, who were also in town with their trailer, and we camped back to back, which was great! Many fun nights of Yahtzee were enjoyed. For me this sure beat staying on the computer till the wee hours of the morning, which is my typical go-to activity, especially as of late.
In February or March a group from the Escapee Park I was at (Florida SKP Co-Op) went to an Orangutan sanctuary. The Sanctuary is called Center for Great Apes. Was a very humbling, and great, experience. They take in a wide variety of apes and I have a hard time calling then animals in the traditional sense. There is a lot of wisdom and caring in a great number of the apes. Just like humans there are also those bad apples. Some of them were members of the family and had their own bedroom when all of a sudden they were whisked off to the center and they don't understand what happened. Others are retired from show business and/or private zoos. One of the pets Michael Jackson had is also here (not sure which one). This post is also devoid of my pictures as they requested that every one we take is for our private use except for one, and I can't remember that one.
While it's not the same this sanctuary reminded me of the work that Willie Smits has done in Borneo. He created a sanctuary for animals like these, and also created viable income for many people in the area who who also help to protect the animals. The link above goes to the TED talk he did in 2009.
The sanctuary is truly wonderful! And they survive only on donations if memory serves me.
On the other coast, am now in Florence, OR., just down the street a little ways from where had my epiphany in The Meaning, and very close to the ocean. I wasn't planning on going to the coast just yet but had a feeling to come. Tried to go further north but this was the only place available for a week that's part of the Thousand Trails network. Some people disagree in this but I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, and so that's why am here.
My initial goal was to toodle up I-5 on way to Seattle for the Firkin Scooter Club rally. While I still plan to be there on time have just taken a detour for unkown reasons. The name Florence is also interesting to me as that's name of the only grandmother that I knew that I got along with pretty well but didn't see often due to other dynamics..
After arriving today at campground toodled over to the beach, walked in the surf a little and sunk my bare feet into the sand as the surf was swirling around my ankles. Felt really good though today was little chilly in the mid 60's. Well, chilly compared to the 109 degrees experienced in Pahrump, NV, and the 95'ish degrees in Sutherlin, OR.
A super great thing about the coast, notwithstanding the ocean's proximity, is that it seems like in every small town there's a food coop, or other such smallish natural food store. I like going to these small places as there's a definite.
Not sure what will be doing tomorrow or this week though plan to go with the flow. Need to work on scooter brakes as there's something that's troubling me since was in Colorado. Looks like will be heading north again Saturday, not exactly sure where to as life's a mystery.
While there I had a great opportunity to enjoy Christmas and New Years with my parents, who were also in town with their trailer, and we camped back to back, which was great! Many fun nights of Yahtzee were enjoyed. For me this sure beat staying on the computer till the wee hours of the morning, which is my typical go-to activity, especially as of late.
In February or March a group from the Escapee Park I was at (Florida SKP Co-Op) went to an Orangutan sanctuary. The Sanctuary is called Center for Great Apes. Was a very humbling, and great, experience. They take in a wide variety of apes and I have a hard time calling then animals in the traditional sense. There is a lot of wisdom and caring in a great number of the apes. Just like humans there are also those bad apples. Some of them were members of the family and had their own bedroom when all of a sudden they were whisked off to the center and they don't understand what happened. Others are retired from show business and/or private zoos. One of the pets Michael Jackson had is also here (not sure which one). This post is also devoid of my pictures as they requested that every one we take is for our private use except for one, and I can't remember that one.
While it's not the same this sanctuary reminded me of the work that Willie Smits has done in Borneo. He created a sanctuary for animals like these, and also created viable income for many people in the area who who also help to protect the animals. The link above goes to the TED talk he did in 2009.
The sanctuary is truly wonderful! And they survive only on donations if memory serves me.
On the other coast, am now in Florence, OR., just down the street a little ways from where had my epiphany in The Meaning, and very close to the ocean. I wasn't planning on going to the coast just yet but had a feeling to come. Tried to go further north but this was the only place available for a week that's part of the Thousand Trails network. Some people disagree in this but I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason, and so that's why am here.
My initial goal was to toodle up I-5 on way to Seattle for the Firkin Scooter Club rally. While I still plan to be there on time have just taken a detour for unkown reasons. The name Florence is also interesting to me as that's name of the only grandmother that I knew that I got along with pretty well but didn't see often due to other dynamics..
After arriving today at campground toodled over to the beach, walked in the surf a little and sunk my bare feet into the sand as the surf was swirling around my ankles. Felt really good though today was little chilly in the mid 60's. Well, chilly compared to the 109 degrees experienced in Pahrump, NV, and the 95'ish degrees in Sutherlin, OR.
A super great thing about the coast, notwithstanding the ocean's proximity, is that it seems like in every small town there's a food coop, or other such smallish natural food store. I like going to these small places as there's a definite.
Not sure what will be doing tomorrow or this week though plan to go with the flow. Need to work on scooter brakes as there's something that's troubling me since was in Colorado. Looks like will be heading north again Saturday, not exactly sure where to as life's a mystery.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Roof Vent Covers
While in Florida it rained a fair amount. It turns out when it rains that the water will go into anything left open, like car windows, sun roofs, and, umm, roof vents. It just so happens I have TWO roof vents on my roof...... And am guessing you can surmise what happened on more than one occasion....
That's right, I got a free floor washing, kinda.
This is what I started with, in terms of hardware. I picked two up some time ago but never got around to installing them. Think found them in California or Nevada someplace but was well over a year ago... Perfection takes it's time, at least that's what I tell myself.
First let me preface this by saying there is a distinct quality and pecking order in terms of fans. There are two major manufacturers of these exhaust fans, MaxxAir and Fan-tastic. In my very limited experience the MaxxAir brand is far far superior and it's very noticeable during this installation. I didn't take pictures of both covers installation, just the easier one (MaxxAir). The other one was a royal pain as no foresight seemed to have been given to doing this type of thing by the manufacturer, while MaxxAir paid attention to the small details.
I had installed the MaxxAir fan and documented it in this post. So we'll start off with that, and the tools involved (part of them got snipped off in the picture).
Just basic tools were needed as shown in the picture. Not pictured is a screwdriver.
On the MaxxAir fan, it turns out that they thought of doing just what I'm doing and even provided holes all set for the screws. I chose to enlarge them a little just to make my life easier but don't think I truly needed to. As can see on the right side one, there is a plug covering the hole. Using a flat bladed screwdriver it's easy to pop it off and then home free.
There are a total of four brackets to install, and on each corner of the MaxxAir fan they had those holes already in place. In contrast, the Fan-tastic fan didn't and I had to drill holes, which in itself is no big deal, right??? RIGHT???? Well, easy enough to drill holes (after making a small divot first). As I'm working by myself it was somewhat difficult to very difficult to put the nut and washer on the bolt and then tighten it up. Thank goodness for my long fingers, never thought would use them in this way.
The basic jist of this is, at least on MaxxAir, is to remove the plugs, enlarge hole (optional), use screw and attach bracket to side of housing, put the bolt underneath, and do this for all four corners. This next picture shows one side fully done.
Next step of the process is another fairly simple task and that is to actually put the cover on. Just a matter of lining up the holes and plopping it on. Again, for the MaxxAir it was fairly easy, same with Fan-tastic (anything but). One thing with the Fan-tastic (anything but) is wasn't truly sure if had all the holes drilled properly, did a guesstimate on where holes were supposed to be located.
Last step is to put the nuts on the bolts which hold it down. The bolt has a square bottom shank so that it doesn't turn when it's snugged in a little. This helps in that don't have to hold the bolt side.
As an ending note, the Fan-tastic (anything but) fan took significantly longer due to the things I mentioned above, and that is no foresight given to this and what seems to be taking the cheapest possible approach to building an exhaust fan. Again, this is just my personal experience and it looks like I might have to replace my Fan-tastic (anything but) fan shortly due to what I perceive to be a circuit board problem, unless I bypass circuit board entirely.
Last note, I promise. For those who have gotten this far down, I haven't posted in awhile due to drawing back in on myself again. One of the reasons I started this (not the only reason) is to help sharpen my communication skills and not keeping everything to myself. It's working in some unexpected ways.
That's right, I got a free floor washing, kinda.
This is what I started with, in terms of hardware. I picked two up some time ago but never got around to installing them. Think found them in California or Nevada someplace but was well over a year ago... Perfection takes it's time, at least that's what I tell myself.
First let me preface this by saying there is a distinct quality and pecking order in terms of fans. There are two major manufacturers of these exhaust fans, MaxxAir and Fan-tastic. In my very limited experience the MaxxAir brand is far far superior and it's very noticeable during this installation. I didn't take pictures of both covers installation, just the easier one (MaxxAir). The other one was a royal pain as no foresight seemed to have been given to doing this type of thing by the manufacturer, while MaxxAir paid attention to the small details.
 |
| Tools - Drill, Bits, screws (included) |
Just basic tools were needed as shown in the picture. Not pictured is a screwdriver.
 |
| First hole drilled |
 |
| First bracket |
The basic jist of this is, at least on MaxxAir, is to remove the plugs, enlarge hole (optional), use screw and attach bracket to side of housing, put the bolt underneath, and do this for all four corners. This next picture shows one side fully done. |
| In place and mounted |
Last step is to put the nuts on the bolts which hold it down. The bolt has a square bottom shank so that it doesn't turn when it's snugged in a little. This helps in that don't have to hold the bolt side.
 |
| Completed |
Last note, I promise. For those who have gotten this far down, I haven't posted in awhile due to drawing back in on myself again. One of the reasons I started this (not the only reason) is to help sharpen my communication skills and not keeping everything to myself. It's working in some unexpected ways.
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