Glad its working now,
Is there a check valve anywhere in these systems? Like maybe its backflowing into the fuel tank, and then times out befoe it fires?
Nope. a one way valve would have helped in this case but also create another possible failure point. But I ran it this morning for 45 minutes with ambient temp coolant it it warmed everything right up! I don't think the fuel issue that was fixed yesterday was the culprit. But rather it was one of the problems that developed over this past year. I'm going to try to rebuild the old unit by replacing gaskets and see if I can source new burner, and bench test it. Keep it as a road spare as it's somewhat small and easy to swap out. This was a simple fix but required many hours and many minds. It's a huge weight off my mind as winter approaches (my favorite season!).
Big projects pending and keeping me stateside right now are:
1. Getting an appropriate sized leaf spring so the truck is aligned.
2. Repair of the hydraulic tire carrier/bumper. It was working before the engine cradle failure. But since getting back, the hydraulic switches aren't activating and it has to be manually cranked. The truck shop did pretty poor quality repairs and the splices they put in the air lines are leaking. When the pneumatic switch to activate the PTO is used, I can hear the PTO engaging, but the bumper doesn't move. Maybe that air line needs to be repaired or something wasn't hooked up. The PTO has also been leaking since I've had it. I'll have to figure out how to address that.
3. Brake overhaul. I have shoe material and 2 drums on hand. My thoughts are to have the front brakes addressed. If possible, machine one of the set of drums for more use. The rear shoes will need to be services as well.
I found a spring shop in Sacramento that might be able help with fabricating a new leaf spring the replace the one that broke last year. I did a run to San Jose this week to pick up that piece and dropped it off. I was referred to a guy I will meet on Friday who might be albe to swap out the springs, help with the bumper, and the brakes.
Other things on the list that can be tackled on the road.
~ The flame start for the engine has never worked for me or the prior owner. I'd like to get that going.
~ I am seriously thinking of pulling the trigger on swapping in the OEM 200 amp alternator that will cost me $2.5K... This would help with system charging but it's also way more compact vs the aftermarket unit in there now. There is almost no clearance between the current alternator and lines that run across the frame rail just underneath it. There is potential for damage and loss of systems.
~Pending funding, I'd like to increase the battery bank from 400 amps. There is room for 300/400 more amps.
~ Generator is still not firing up remotely or charging the batteries. This has been placed lower on the priority list due to the challenges and some of the other systems that needed to be addressed.
~ There is room at the front of the roof to add another solar panel to increase harvesting. (Ideally, a solar system could better keep up with usage demands. This is challenging in winter months when meals are often cooked after harvesting hours. I anticipate rain season in C. America will be challenging if parked for long periods.
I was really hoping to spend summer/fall in Mexico this year with a convent of nuns and I'm hoping to do a loop up through B.C. Canada and AK soon. But ******** happens and you gotta deal with it. Plans change. I left someone I really care about, hoped to travel with, and tackling NGO projects just before moving in the heffalump. That is just life man. I got some biking in this past week and some beautiful places. I'm currently drinking coffee at a coffee shop before a morning appt. I was just gifted a cup of by the owner after we talked about the rig and Guatemala. I'm currently content, happy with traveling, living in the heffalump, and feeling all right.
