Here in PA the last two days have been like an immediate summer following an intense deep freeze winter.
When I got home from work today it was so nice, that I got the cycle started(fired right up!) and went for a short ride. :) The ride was short because there are still so many stones left on the road from an 8" snowstorm event only one week ago. Filled up with fuel ($2.83) and put the bike back in the garage (before wifey gets home from taking kid #4 to dance practice). ;)
Since it is so nice I decide to see if the bus will start. I haven't run it since December 3 when we got back from Key West. I figured the batteries would be down, even though I turn them "off" at the master switch, just from sitting. I have an appointment on Tuesday at my local mechanic to look into the massive power steering leak that started on vacation. So I switch in and hit the switch---And To My Great SURPRISE---IT FIRES RIGHT OFF-And Keeps Running! I didn't even loose prime, but it sounded a little rough until I built up some air. The front and back air bags were completely down, which is probably because the front four are checkered and need replaced (and will be on Tuesday).
Once the air is up, and I put a gallon of antifreeze in, and fill the power steering with some 30 wt—AGAIN, I decided to look under and see where it is leaking. It looks like the leak is at the end of one of the flexible rubber hoses up front where it hooks to a bulkhead fitting. Without being able to get completely under the bus safely, I think it is probably the hose itself where the fitting is crimped(sweged on?). What I could see is that it is not leaking from the power assist ram that was rebuilt almost 2 years ago now(OUCH-$1200), so that is a major relief.
Now for the Apology. :-[ Had I not been so selfish as to want to keep to MY SCHEDULE, I know that some of my fellow busnuts would have gladly helped me, and my trip would have been better overall with power steering all the time(not just when I refilled the reservoir). I guess what kept me from taking that time to investigate was FEAR that the power assist ram was the problem again.
Steve Toomey
PAbusnut
It's always a win when you make it home ;D
Steve It is always is good when you hear that old detroit rumble.
Enjoyed our visit plan on coming to Palmetto Cove in april and bring the bike
Some of the best riding in the country is all around you there.
Uncle ned
Ned,
We won't be getting to the Palmetto Cove non-rally as the "part-time job" is on that weekend. Might make it to the real rally if they have it in the fall. The wife hasn't sifted through her bag of dirt from the Hiddenite mine yet, but I'm sure we'll be back if she finds something! Maybe we will find an emerald big enough to pay for the installation of the Jake Brake I just bought.
Steve
Steve just come to NC and get David or Gene to install the jakes and you may not need the emerald.
uncle ned