As mentioned last week, the Volvo raw water pump (840557) aboard Encore was beginning to drip. This usually indicate a little corrosion (cough, cough) and leakage around the seal closest to the impeller. Instead of sending the pump out to be re-built for $165, decided to purchase a new Johnson “direct replacement” (10-24707-01) pump ($350) from a guy wanting to reduce his new pump inventory – $225 shipped. I’m thinking about ordering seals and rebuilding mine myself for a spare? Hopefully with a little careful learning, I’ll be able to clean things up and replace the seals at home on the workbench without damaging the shaft (most common “home” re-builder issue). This will make for two spares in my inventory … maybe I should sell one? So far so good … now to find the best price for the seals.
After cleaning out the garage workshop to prepare for my woodstove addition, I removed the drawing table/desk area that I added when I was building the Sonex airplane(no longer needed since selling my project). The desktop was almost a perfect fit for the corner area in my basement workshop so I put it in this past Sunday while cleaning up the shop. Nice … now it is both functional and added that finished corner look that use to be just dead space.
Item two … was a new tool … well actually a Kreg jig. I’ve wanted the full kit for years but they are just too expensive. The single little bit and guide though was only $19 AND I needed it wanted it for a project (there are always ways around). It is a great timesaving system … next time I might even buy their special fasteners! This time I just used 3” drywall screws.
As I mentioned to my Liberty Mutual agent … “at least I know what my premiums are paying for – mailings!” It is hard to believe that removing Taylor’s car from our policy and adding the X5 could generate 14 multipage envelopes of policy information?
That said, our annual auto policy renews in November… so that may have been part of it. Unfortunately Liberty Mutual is inching up rates again too (see 2013); the mailing included an eye-opening 8% premium increase over the exactly the same cars and coverage two weeks earlier in October when I added the new car (BTW, no claims since a “glass” breakage 2 years ago). I’m beginning to wonder why I loyally stay with this company … it doesn’t seem to matter.
On a completely different note … below is the BMW X5 35d computer summary of the last 8.5 hours of driving (mostly interstate). Averaging 25.5 mpg is not bad, but not the 28 mpg EPA estimate either.
The first time I tried to use my relatively new Sea-Dog Impeller Puller and it FAILED. Really bumming that the threads seized at first use and I had to resort to the needlenose pliers again. As soon as I applied a little torque to the T-handle, it froze in place. No amount of heat or “penetrant” would release the bind (zero corrosion). Even removing the thumb screw and placing in a bench vice with an extender bar on the T-handle would not encourage the threads to release. What could have bound this up so tight?
What a duffus! I don’t want to admit, but I made a MAJOR airport security mistake on Friday morning … and am thankfully a free man to tell the tale. KUDOS to the much malignedTransportation Security Administration (TSA) for doing their job and doing it well. Neglectful Rich left an extended round full 9mm magazine buried in an inner pocket of in his carry-on bag … OR as I refer to it, my“battle bag” … BOB … or just mini-briefcase. Brenda is probably more accurate and calls it my “man purse.”
I couldn’t believe how foolish I was to leave the ammunition and magazine slip my mind, although the TSA personnel at FLL in Fort Lauderdale were extremely polite and understanding (commenting that it happens more often than you would think). I of course wasn’t a complete idiot as at least I wasn’t carrying my Kahr PM9 (right) or even my normal Swiss Army Knife (whoops, questionable link) or Victorinox Leatherman like multifunction tool. Still, it was a heart stopping moment to watch the TSA agent dig into my bag and pull out something that was not suppose to be going through security or onto an airplane … and doing it just days after security was elevated (November 2015 Paris attacks).
The process went like this:
I passed through the security line and the agent looking at the bag brought someone else over to look at it. They moved it to the security desk behind the scanners and had me walk over the the pat-down mat.
I had already put items back in my pocket put my belt and shoe back on, but was asked to remove all again.
The bag was completely disassembled and searched while I was patted down with several TSA agents around. All were friendly and polite.
It was pretty clear they had seen this before and although they cataloged and took photos on their whiteboard with my name, etc on it, they followed the procedure in bring in their supervisor.
After all the information was gathered, they made the call to the Deputy who ran a background check along with a couple of my IDs – Driver’s license, Ohio and Florida Concealed Carry License.
Thankfully all involved were understanding although the only option (besides getting arrested) was to relinquish the magazine and rounds … which I did without hesitation.
I was released to continue to my flight … which thankfully was still 30 minutes until boarding due to light traffic and a great UBER driver.
Let’s hope this is the first and last time I make this mistake … BUT I’ll never make a joke about TSA again. They were very impressive.
Yet another part to be serviced, rebuilt or replace on Encore’s Volvo diesel. This time it’s the raw water pump dripping from the weep hole … and indication the seal is no longer keeping the water in the pump. This is a normal wear item and most cruisers not only carry a spare impeller and possibly seals (requiring bench work) but often a spare raw water pump. In my case, the previous owner left behind the old water pump … frozen and in need of a rebuild.
Initially my plan was to take it home to my bench and order the parts to rebuild it (may still attempt), but after talking with a marine pump rebuilder, he happened to have a direct replacement not requiring me to ship back my core — he asked for an offer since it had been in his inventory a while. I came in on the low side (near the cost of rebuilding my current pump) and he said ok plus a few bucks for shipping. If all goes well, I’ll call with a card tomorrow and have a new pump heading my way. A few more dollars, but nearly half the price of a new bronze pump. (let’s just hope it really is a direct fit replacement!)
I know semi-famous boats can end up anywhere, but ever since I saw Robert Mandry'sTinkerbelle (Ohio) when I was a young boy dreaming of sailing … and Robin Lee Graham's Dove on our honeymoon after idolizing his adventure as a teenager … I keep my eyes open. Low and behold, Tania Aebi's Contessa 26 Varuna(different owner) is tied up one dock over from Encore. I could resist taking a photo too send my daughter Katelyn since I had Tania sign her book Maiden Voyage as a “reach for the stars” role model when I met her many years ago. The boat still looks great, although needs a mast!
Appreciation for the hospitaliy of friends is something that is hard to quantify, but having friends like Mark and Dar Jones makes living so very enjoyable. They always go over and above whenever I stop to visit … and the yesterday mornings’ extras were definitely an “over and above” delishes. I can’t wait to make these at home … thanks guys!
Several of the homes in our neighborhood had some hail damage this summer … ours included. We had damage to the sky light area of our mud room and water has been seeping in when the wind is just right. Unfortunately our insurance would not pay the entire roof OR the entire repairs that we are having done, but a little bit will help offset replacing our older “slopes.” The front (north facing) part of our roof is 20 years old and showing signs of age as were the areas over our first floor master bathroom and closet (we’re replacing that skylight too before it leaks).
Josh Tirey Roofing is doing our repairs and I’ve very please with the work they are doing so far. I particularly like the way they do the step flashing … fully soldered and cut into the mortar of the brick rather than gunked with silicone caulk (as was done by the builder). If there is one tip that you pick up from this post … try to find a really good roofer who pays attention to detail even if it costs a few dollars more. Not all roofers are the same!
I’m continuing to make progress on the woodstove project for my “man space” in the workshop/poolhouse. Since I’m overloaded with firewood, it will be great to be able to add a little heat to the workshop area when it is cold … and have a place to hangout where a man can keep his boots on. I guess you would have to be part of our family to understand “the rules” about shoe coming off in the house. Anyway, one step closer to adding a little free heat … although considering I already had the woodstove from our Hudson, Ohio house, it is still costing a few dollars – mostly the insulated chimney pipe.
