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.