I know she must really like us, because she paid her own way. It wasn't even a family vacation or anything. I think that Jess will be updating everyone with the "Glenna Itinerary," so stay tuned for that.
While hanging out has been fun, there is also the other half of my life where I fix trucks all day. My new job has been great, because I get to do more of what I really enjoy doing: fixing trucks. You would think that in a truck shop that is the main thing one would do, but there is a lot more to it. Customer relations, organizing productivity, and delegating work for everyone are some of the many things outside of fixing trucks.
I have been able to work on all different Mack and Volvo trucks and try to solve all their many and different problems. One truck in particular came into the shop today with a very bad problem. The work order read, "Leaking coolant out of the exhaust." If you know anything about trucks or cars, then you know that to have your coolant leaking through your exhaust is a very bad thing. I checked the easiest things first and found no issues. This was not a good thing.
Basically for all you mechanical readers out there (I know thats almost everyone), the cylinder head seals the pistons and is water cooled. If the cylinder head has a big leak, the water that cools it will leak into the engine and start flowing through out the exhaust.
The top part of the engine leaks water into the bottom part of the engine. It ruins both halves.
In my last shop this type or work would be passed on quickly to one or two of our engine guys. Here they believe in a "start to finish" type of work. Once I determined that the cylinder head needed to be removed, my boss said (without batting an eye), "That's fine, go ahead and take it apart."
I walked to my tool box eagerly and began to make a plan. I have done this job only one other time before, and you may have seen the leftover exhaust valves on display in our old home. I looked through all the components and decided what needed to be done. About four hours later, this is what the motor looked like.
And this is what was left of the valve found sitting on top of cylinder number three.
My engine head job just became a major overhaul job. The piston rod, rod and main bearings, turbo, cylinder head...it was all going to need to be replaced.
I talked it over with my boss and agreed upon the repairs and then put together a parts list. We will see if it gets approved. Word is that this company won't spend the cash to repair and will likely scrap the truck, but we will see.
This is my shop.
It's larger than the last one, but it's much older. And my old shop was old!
This is the creepy staircase....
...to go to the creepy hall way...
...and into the second-worst break room ever.
The first-worst was at Good Year Tire back in TN, where there was only a microwave on the floor.
This break room has great A/C but recently has not been draining the condensation very well, so it gets the entire floor wet right at lunch time.
We also enjoy watching Family Feud with Steve Harvey everyday. More TV then I ever want to see.
After that you try and survive the afternoon heat and look like you're getting something done.
I will admit it, TX is hotter than FL. At least right now. Hope you all have a good week and don't miss Glenna too much!
Currently listening too: The Killers (Day and Age), MUSE (again, but with Glenna now, since Jessie hates them), and Copland (Eat, Sleep, Repeat).
Currently working on: 2006 Volvo VNL, removing and inspecting the cylinder head for engine damage.
Currently thinking about: getting back out on the new bike (Glenna doesn't have a bike here).
(The author would like to inform the readers that the title name should be credited to the Editor-in-Chief.)
I do miss Glenna. I want her plane to get the heck out of Houston. I know TX is hotter than Florida, but which is more bearable? Thanks for sharing your day!
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