Puget Energy Electric Bill for Jim and Linda

I added our electric bills from Jan 27, 2021 up to Dec 14, 2022 and get $1,048 cost for the two years. Solar created $2,824 over two years creating a net profit of $1,775. We had 9 months over the two years where we did not pay for electricity but just the connection charge of $7.49. Bottom line our solar panel electrical generation plus rebates easily pay for our electricity usage. The net profit goes into refunding the initial cost of the panels which are supposed to break even at 8 years. Solar panels are a great deal if they get lots of sunlight and the State maintains their generous incentive program.

Fall Maintenance

 I usually go over the cars in the Fall after the Summer trips and enjoyment. I just completed the verification of the 2006 Odyssey and the 2013 Prius C. All in good shape. Changed the oil in both along with the coolants.

If I remember right, we have had both cars for about 6 years. This is my first coolant change for these cars. I remember when we had to replace coolant every year in the old days. While the cars are up on the ramps, I always inspect the undercarriage. All was good.

YouTube sure helps even though most of the videos are done by back yard mechanics. Both cars used different coolants and also different oil weights. Since the Prius is 10 years old, I researched the battery life which said 10 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. I found a site that had the whole refurbished battery pack for $1,900 with upgraded new batteries installed. And they would give instructions on how to install. It looks like it would not be hard. Such a deal. We still get 46 mpg and are at about 80,000 miles on the car. We really like the little car.

Next, I need to replace the head gaskets in my riding Cub Cadet lawnmower. I think it is a 2004 and it is the tougher 2000 series. A really nice mower over the years. I bought it when it was 2 years old. It is in great shape but I can hear the head gasket leak when I turn the mower off.

Then off to the motorhome which needs new coolant and the hydraulic / steering proportional valve cleaned. The motorhome overheats if it is 90 degrees outside and climbing a hill. The rig is 29 years old and the bolts on the proportional valve are rusty. So, there will be some adventure in working on this issue.

Stihl 029 Chainsaw Stopped

 My Stihl 029 chainsaw failed. Replace two fuel lines no help. Rebuilt carburetor no help. Found replacement fuel line was 3/8 inch too long and was kinking when installed. It fits so tight it was very hard to see kink. Cut off 1/4 inch and was able to install carburetor and now all runs fine. The original fuel hose is brittle and cracking causing no fuel to the carburetor.

Original

Original bent showing cracks better

New with 1/4 inch cut off end

Aluminum framed window replacement after 45 years.

 Aluminum framed window replacement. A few of the windows were also had water vapor between the panes of glass. The metal frame conducts a lot of cold for sure. Replace one sliding door which was from the basement to the outside and was only single pane glass. Replaced 20 windows in total. 

Here are a few pictures from the last two windows that were replaced. 

First step - remove glass, then drill holes in frame and wire in a turnbuckle I had laying around. Then tighten buckle to pull frame out of opening.

Securing nail removal. The top and bottom were not nailed per the original installation instructions. 

Cut loosened frame allowing easier frame removal. 

New window installed.  

Upstairs window with frame removed.

Time to pull maintenance on lawn mower

 After three years, the belt that powers the mower deck on my Cub Cadet Lawn mower broke. The design engineers ask a lot from this belt as the belt changes the mower power from engines' vertical pully to mower decks horizontal pully. A 90 degree turn using the belt and pullies. Strange design but fortunately one of the few strange designs on this mower. So, while I wait for a new belt which will arrive in 10 days and cost !8 with shipping it is time for maintenance. Today was remove the mower deck and clean the grass on the undercarriage and sharpen the 3 blades. (The blades were last sharpened 2 years ago.)  

Cleaned undercarriage 

Blade to be sharpened

Sharpened blade

Unusually good gas mileage on 2013 Prius-C today

 Amazing Gas Mileage today in our little red car. See pictures below - 

First line shows gas mileage of 75.5MPG after coming of Flicker Hill (JJ's) to beginning of Sawdust Hill. This was downhill or level driving. 

First line shows gas mileage of 59.9MPG after coming of Flicker Hill (JJ's) to our house. This was uphill, downhill and level driving. 

Tiller leaking gas - repair

 I wanted to till the garden today however noticed a drop of gas dripping every 30 seconds. Found the hose from the tank to the carburetor cracked. Had a length of that size gas hose in my supplies and was able to replace the hose costing about 1/2 hour. Garden is now tilled. Tiller started on second pull, again.

Cracked hose

Gutter repair

 Another woops. Thanks to the snow load. That gutter has been there for 47 years and now it decides to come loose. Time to gather tools and screws. I do not climb on ladders much anymore but to reach this I only need to climb 10 feet and the shed dormer roof is very low pitch.

The job is done. It was not too difficult. I am cautious and did not push the envelope in anyway. Saved my energy and did the task in the warmth of the afternoon. I climbed up on the shed dormer which adds 1/2 story to the house. The climb is on a ladder and the access is through a skylight. I need to get through a 13-inch opening on the narrow point which I can still do. Anyway, I added some screws to the gutter which has been in place for 50 years and is still in good shape. All is fixed.

Chainsaw Stihl 029 Running Poor

 Chainsaw Stihl 029 is running poor as it takes about six pulls to get it started then runs weak for a few minutes and even after warming up it seems to run out of gas and stall in the middle of a cut. 

I ordered and received a ($17) kit from Amazon which included the gas tube to the carburetor, also the vacuum tube, several tank fuel filters, a new sparkplug and even a new carburetor. 

I installed all above and engine would not run. When pouring about a quarter teaspoon of gas directly in the carburetor the engine would run for about six seconds. 

I compared the diaphragm in the carburetor between the replacement and original carburetor. The original carb's diaphragm appeared more flexible and of higher quality but had some contaminate clogging its operation. I carefully cleaned the contaminate and installed the original carburetor and the saw worked as designed. So the main problem was likely contaminate on the diaphragm of the carburetor. 

Now I look forward to sharpening the chain and adjusting the low speed of the saw as it now runs too fast at idle. I did make 3 large cuts and the saw had plenty of power but cut slow due to a dull chain. The saw was starting with two pulls rather than the six and ran well even before being warmed up. 

Black and Decker Electric Lawnmower lost power.

 While mowing the grass, the Black and Decker Electric Lawnmower lost power. I tipped it over to check the undercarriage to see if it was clogged with grass and found it clear. But while tipping I heard what sounded like little pebbles falling. Then I see on the ground a cup or so of corn feed for the sheep. Apparently, a mouse or family of mice stockpiled the corn under the mower cover.  

After removing the cover and removing the corn I applied power to the motor and saw too many sparks while the motor half-heartedly ran. Further investigation found the brushes were completely worn out. So ordered more on Amazon which are scheduled to be here in about 24 hours. ($13 total). I thought for sure the stored corn was going to be the problem. 

The mice sure were busy. We either need a barn cat or a secure corn storage container. 

Crazy drive on cover screws. I had a driver that worked fine. 

Note the very worn brush and the brass bush holder overheated.

I purchased this mower in the Fall of 2001. I installed new brushes in May of 2012. And will replace now in March of 2022. I replaced the power microswitch in July of 2020. It has really been a good mower for our little "fancy" lawn. Normally starts without an issue every year. 

Defective brush with new plus holder. 

Seems to be drawing lots of juice. (Spark)

Will have to see if the motor holds up over time. 

1 hp Meat Grinder - Cabelas - Switch Failure

Model 08-2201, 750 watts, 120 vac power, capacitor 60 microfarad - 250vac

The issue was that the FWD - Off - REV switch disintegrated leaving questions on how to wire. Per the parts list the switch had a part number of 08-3039. The capacitor part number is 08-2240. The motor is likely made by Weston. 

I was surprised at how poor the documentation was on how to rewire this replacement switch and motor. The grinder was dropped off by a friend who had ordered the proper new switch but was confused on how to rewire. 

I took the jumpers off the new ZH-HC-3 (08-3039) rotary switch and measured and recorded the continuity in the switch in the different positions. I then measured the resistance of motors two coils. 

I jumpered power right to the motor to get it to run clockwise and counterclockwise. I also measured the amperage to both windings while running without a load. It appears both coils remain energized at all times and the capacitor causes a phase lag or lead depending on which direction the leads are hooked up. 

Checking the switch operation and aligning the coils with the switch I was able to determine the proper wiring. 

Following is a schematic showing the results. All seems to work as designed.  

Grinder Repair

 Repaired a grinder today after receiving the new parts. I think it is as good as new. The housing to the gearbox had failed. The new part has more metal which makes it much stronger. $14 total cost.