Gracie enters fuel filter black hole
2-17-15
Today began by waking up to 60 degrees inside Gracie. Our space heater didn't keep up with the 30 degree temp and strong wind. At 6AM I turned on the furnace and by 7 it was a toasty 74.
My morning chore was to change fuel filters before we left. The last hundred miles Gracie was bucking a bit and the ATC light flashed anytime the engine was pulling hard. Mostly on on ramps and passing. The last time that happened was in Canada and fuel filters was the fix. The instant I put my brand new never used filter wrench on the first filter, the wrench broke. Cheap Chinese welding. So much for the benefit of hauling that for the last 2000 miles. After a web search for an auto parts store I took off to buy another wrench. An hour later I was back and the first filter was off. After the second one was removed I dug into my storage bins for the replacement filters I had also purchased in Canada. First one was a perfect fit. Next it took both Ruth and I to remove the water separator from the primary filter. Job done without breaking it. However, when I pulled out the replacement filter it was painfully obvious it was the wrong one. Another set back and $32 into the garbage. Again a web search and several phone calls before I found the right one. Into the Burb for a 45 mile round trip. Now that I had the right part filter number two was installed.
Now the last time Winston and I replaced filters (in Canada) it took about 10 try's to start the engine. Not so this time. The filters refused to prime! That resulted in another trip to AutoZone for a 5 gallon can and then go fill it up. I removed both filters and refilled them with fresh fuel. After crossing my fingers and saying a few words, I cranked the engine. On the second try, SUCCESS!! Just saved another $500 service call and maybe more if a dishonest mechanic showed up.
Anyway by this time it was too late to leave for Texas and get there before dark, so Ruth went to the office to pay for another night. Opps, office closed for Fat Tuesday. Guess we'll settle up in the AM. Time for a shower to purge the diesel fuel smell an a drink to settle the nerves.
I considered going to a Casino tonight, but in light of my luck today, thought better of it.
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