I wrote a longer post about some mechanical problems, but it didn't fit my mood, nor explain some complex issues. To cut it short, two problems developed: one was the replacing of a blade clutch that cut a belt on a riding lawnmower, and the other was the replacing of a fuel filter on a four wheeler. The blade clutch is done, but I'm not completely sure about the four wheeler. I removed the tank, found almost a complete clog in the fuel valve, put it all back together, and it still had some running issues. I'll change the plug and hope I don't have to rebuild the carburetor.
I don't have detailed repair manuals. I usually will find a parts diagram, which is an exploded view of different components, and parts numbers. It can be tedious to decipher and makes me feel like a NTSB investigator examining the parts of a crashed jet. That, and the part number, when given to a dealer, results in a price that most people would call ransom. I understand they need to make some money, but when a part has to be ordered, and you can find the same thing online at a substantially lower price, you realize their markup, and sometimes it is beyond reasonable.
Anyway, today I might fiddle with the four wheeler, or not. My back hurts from scurrying around under things and finding muscles I put in storage decades ago. That, and it's been in the 90's with 700% humidity. Those conditions mean you have to snorkel in hot water, without a mask to keep the salt water from your eyes. Adding some direct sun, for me, means covering myself with a hoodie to avoid more skin cancer. Although it's not a crises, some might think so, and anxiety will rear its ugly head.
....and I have to add my hands, and arms, look like I've been in a claw-hammer fight with a three armed Ninja. I think engineers deliberately add extra torque on bolts to insure you smash you hand into something when the bolt finally comes loose. That, and some extra sharp edges to catch some skin when you reach into a tight area.
And angles that require you to hold your arms above your head while your forearm has to transit through 270 degrees to put the socket on the bolt head.
ReplyDeleteWithout seeing the bolt. It's all by feel, and the success of finally getting it started is rewarding. Of course, getting the wrench on the bolt is another thing. That can take some cursing, foot stamping and short breaks.
DeleteThat was something my grandfather (career mechanic) HATED with a passion. He quit working on newer cars because the designers were 'stupid' with the way they designed engines and other parts.
ReplyDeleteThey cram a bunch of things in small places. People with large hands either take too many things apart, or avoid mechanic work.
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