3-10-18 Penrose Point
Shakedown cruse to start the camping season. This was scheduled for a few weeks ago but the truck failed the preflight check. I warmed the truck up and noticed that the heater hoses were leaking at regular intervals along their length. Weird. So I closely inspected the entire cooling system. If one hose is bad they are all suspect. The radiator had a leak in the plastic as well. So I replaced all the coolant hoses and the radiator. I also noticed that the second cylinder from the firewall on either side is oozing oil at the exhaust manifold. I’ll have to keep an eye on that. Not quite sure how there is oil there, I’ll have to look at the service manual and see what that’s all about. The radiator cap has a small pressure leak as well. That goes on the list of things to replace.
The truck ran fine. I haven’t cracked the hood open yet to check oil and coolant levels. We arrived after 6pm Saturday and it was dark already. Tomorrow we will head up to David and Makenna’s for lunch (dinner?) and head home. It’s been pretty cold at night. Last night it was 37 degrees. We should be warm enough. We brought lots of sleeping bags and warm clothes.
We have been trying for weeks to get out. Every time we get something scheduled it snows, or ices, or rains, or is just generally miserable.
3-11-18
The oil burned off from around the exhaust ports and no sign of fresh oil. Maybe it didn’t like sitting for four months without moving. I didn’t measure any appreciable oil consumption. Coolant seems to be holding steady as well. The windshield washer didn’t work either. I know it’s something that will only get used 3 times a year, but when I need it, it won’t be there. Can’t be that expensive? We drove up to Scenic Beach state park in Seabeck. It looks like a reasonable place to spend a weekend or so. Sites are mostly well spaced and well covered in brush. I suspect it gets busy in the summer. Small beach, but a large day use and play area for the kids with toys. Some sites are pull-in. We will need to check for that if we make reservations.