No problems getting OUT of Milwaukee, though finding a scale is interesting. Finally found one in South Beloit (well, saw one in Beloit, but had essentially passed it). I gave things a little thought this morning when sliding tandems, so it's not just luck... but I admit a lot of luck is involved. Drives and trailer tandems are within 120 pounds of each other. That'll go to hell if I have to slide the tandems the 18 inches or so to make it legal in CA...
Stopped at a rest area in Iowa, to.. um... rest. Came back out and darn truck won't start. Got electrics, so it's not the batteries again. It's acting as though the anti-theft device were missing. Breakdown suggest that it might be the starter. Supposedly, they get stuck when they're hot. Gonna give it an hour and try again.
No joy. Facetiously, I asked breakdown if I should smack the starter with my tire thumper. I was floored when they said “yes. A couple taps might loosen it up.” By jimminey, it worked. I heard the starter engage, and could see the fan move a few inches. But still no start. Voltmeter still says about 13v. Breakdown is sending a fixit wagon. Second time in less than a week I've been fixed.
They promised me an ETA ASAP. I think I amused them when I responded “no hurry, I'm not going anywhere”
Made sure my DM knows about the breakdown, too.
This sucks, but at least I don't have to go pee in the woods.
Wrecker is on the way. Apparently we're gonna try a “pull start”. Probably the same process as in a car, but .. well, we'll see.
It is, except with an 8-speed you start in third, not second. And of course, the first thing I did was kill it. Talk about embarrassing! Fortunately I was still hooked to the tow, so it was a simple matter to start it again. I made sure it was ok to drive – breakdown wants the engine to run at least 4 hours. Idling or driving or a combination. Good. Des Moines is about 2 hours away – that's where I'm due to fuel, and spend the night.
Made it. Barely. Pulled into the Pilot with 5 minutes to go on my clock. Hit the parking lot and of course one of the first things I encounter is some complete moron in a Swift truck. Couldn't be bothered to park in a stall, he had to park in a driving lane at the end of a row. To make matters worse, he parked outside somebody else who was ALREADY parked illegally. There is just about one truck-width left to drive through.
I'm sorry, I don't care how long he's been here, there are plenty of open stalls now. Even if there weren't any when he stopped, he should have moved later on.
Had to apologize to Gamera – really wanted to be online for him tonight, but truck issues put me here instead of 10 minutes down the road at a Flying J.
Ran for 4 and a half hours. 2.5 to get here, then two just idling. Should make breakdown happy. Got my alarm set for 04:00. I expect I will get CLOSE to home tomorrow, but not close enough to make the delivery. Google maps says it's 660 miles or so. I have 11 hours. I'd have to average 60 mph to make it. We all know that's not gonna happen. Brighton is 650 miles...Roggins is 600. I think that's a reasonable target. 10.5 usable hours.. gotta pretrip, then fuel... IF the damn truck even starts.
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