I quick update on my incarceration. Finding spare parts for a Jeep is a bit like Where’s Waldo? Normally, that’s the mechanics job, but we decided to replace the timing chains and tensioners since they have been pulled out already and one of the chains was stretched (don’t ask me what they do). They might have lasted another 40,000k and if I was going to sell it Lawrence said, “Not to worry.” I said, “Hell no, what’s another $1200. This bitch owes me now!”
Poor Jeep. All the reusables are in boxes or steel trays. Reminded me of an autopsy, except all the organs are going back IN. Miners Mate are flat out, being the RACQ guys as well as a workshop. Lisa, the office manager is stoic and so pleasant under duress, so I offered to source the bits. It went something like this:
Found the chains at Hervey Bay and the tensioners at the source – Jeep in Melbourne. So, as a good friend once said. “Little fish are sweet”. The heads came off (finally) and no harm seems to have been done, so they’re at the head guy being machined and stuff. And now, we wait.
Apart from now having all the parts we need, there’s been a couple of little wins along the way. I was going to way overstay my initial booking, and ,with the rodeo coming to town, digs were as rare as hen’s teeth. Despite being booked out, Carmen and Lindsay were able to resurrect a disused spot down the back of the caravan park, and now I have a safe haven for the duration. Legends!!
Thank God for the Olympics, especially now that the Swans are plummeting back to earth. Although, I haven’t spent much time staring at the ceiling, working on a brand new feature for the website that should be available in a few days. The Mt Isa Rodeo is also on this week so, there’ll be plenty of pics to see next time.
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Get them to fit an engine guard over heating alarm. Will warn you of over heating before you do damage. Driving on with an overheating engine is what has cost you the most. Just replacing the water pump would have cost less than a grand.
The backstory to this disaster is long. Due to failure of hoses in the past, the temperature guage has nudged the top end more than once, apparently without any detriment in the past, especially as the engine is designed to cut out auto if too hot. However, I suspect the water pump gave out between Boulia and Dajarra and over the two days spent at the Dajarra all of the water leaked out. I was only maybe 10-15klm into trip on Monday and she had red lined. I’m not sure I had a chance to avoid the outcome. Luckily, heads survived well and the Jeep has being put back together as we speak. Will ask mechanic about that alarm. Thanks for your concern
The alarm will let you know before you get to redline temp. With the history of overheating engine you really need this warning device. You need to adjust the alarm to 110c, this is hot but not hot enough to do damage to your engine. Bonus is it will give you a constant digital read out of the temperature.