Where in the world is BrianR?
I'm creating a thread to follow me around as I travel. Anyone who wants to meet and say hello is welcome to do so here.
I'm currently in San Antonio, on the east side along I10.
I will be offline for the rest of the week, however, because I need a new chip for my air card, which is at home...somewhere. I try to check in at certain truck stops and other places where I can find a free wi-fi network.
I will be back in El Paso by next weekend, Thanksgiving and likely Christmas. I'm usually home on weekends, but you never know where I'll pop up next.
Those of you whom I've met already, I know where you are and will try to make contact, even just to say hi. Assuming I have your phone number, of course. Post your location and I will email first and offer my number.
BTW, if you have my number, it is now out of date...I have a new one. Ask and ye shall receive. Some of you already have it, it's the 915 area code, not the 570.
Off to the races!
Brian
Let me know when you get to Scotland!
Um, Scotland. Uh, I've never been there, despite being of Scottish parentage. I'm of the Cunningham clan, in the central highlands. No Highlander jokes please.
Now, Tennessee I can do. In my opinion, Tenn is heaven on earth. I wish I could get the wife to move there...I'd be there tomorrow. But she claims the humidity would kill her. I told her if I have to live in a desert much longer, *I'd* kill her!
I get through there from time to time, the latest being two weeks ago. Whereabouts do you live? Is there a truck stop nearby? I'm often found between Nashville and Memphis...especially West Memphis. And along the interstates from Knoxville to Memphis. Rarely to Chattanooga but it happens.
Anyone else that hasn't already offered me a standing invitation?
Brian
If you make it to Scotland you can definitely make it down to see me!
I'd love to meet up.
Sadly I can't do anything that side of the Atlantic.
SG, if I go to Scotland, I'd definitely make a stop at Heathrow first. How could I pass over England?
I certainly hope I get a chance to get a new chip for my laptop's air card today. I'm going crazy without internet access.
So, you must be in El Paso now. Say hi to Mary for me!
Galesburg, IL for the weekend. I doubt there's a dweller here but you never know...
Let me know if you are heading to Savannah. Maybe we can meet up. Safe travels.
Denver for Thanksgiving. Sorry, internet was down so I couldn't post.
on my way home for the weekend.
Let me know if you are heading to Savannah. Maybe we can meet up. Safe travels.
Ditto. We could all meet up. :D :eek:
unofficial GTGs are fine with me, as long as a few simple ground rules are followed.
One, my arrival is not guaranteed. Sometimes traffic or tardy customers delay my trips.
Two, I need a ride unless it is held at a truck stop. Semis are large, unwieldy vehicles and do not lend themselves to residential streets or apartment parking lots.
Three, my time off is limited and I do need some sleep from time to time. So I may not be able to stay unless there's a problem getting or delivering a load.
Details will be provided in individual cases.
Phone numbers help in coordinating, too. Ask anyone with whom I've shared numbers, I do not abuse them or make them available to anyone else.
Brian
Denver for Thanksgiving. Sorry, internet was down so I couldn't post.
on my way home for the weekend.
Damn. Sorry we missed ya...you could have come over for Thanksgiving and had turkey with us. Perth was here, too.
Darn! Next time.
Next up: Dubuque, IA. Here all afternoon, then off to Atlanta by the usual interstate routes. Heads up, Treas. Maybe lunch. We'll have to see the time though...I may be through late at night, depending on whether this load ever gets put together.
Atlanta for sure though, my truck needs repairs. Lithia Springs to be exact. Due in on the eighth in the am.
Brian
Hey Brian, you got my cell number... holler or PM me when you know when you'll be in my area. Late at night isn't a problem :-)
sorry, missed you. I only got as far as Nashville but was on a tight schedule. I might be coming back again soon, on my way to Indianapolis though.
Darn. Well, for future reference, Nashville's only a half hour away up I-40 for me :-) Safe driving!
I'll keep you in mind.
I'm leaving the Greensboro, NC area bound for Brookville, IN. Be there tomorrow!
I'll keep you in mind.
I'm leaving the Greensboro, NC area bound for Brookville, IN. Be there tomorrow!
I'm here from 1500 today to 0900 tomorrow. Then I grab a trailer and head for Browns Summit, NC via I74 and I77. I will be there by 2100 on the tenth.
Have rec'd your number in PM... and now suspect it is your cell number, not your home one, so will try calling you about any time.
Next up: likely Dallas. Should be there late tonight or early tomorrow.
Houston to Atlanta by Saturday.
if you live along the I10-I85 corridor let me know...I have lots of time to get there.
Norcross, GA now (Atlanta area)
on my way to San Antonio, TX by Monday morning via Lanett AL.
Anyone along I10 west of New Orleans?
OK, so much for San Antonio. My truck is down hard near Baton Rouge. Any Dwellars in the area? I have all day Sunday and probably Monday as well. I'll be at the Freightliner dealer...
I won't be fixed up until tomorrow afternoon, according to the dealer. I'm still in East Baton Rouge. Is there no people here?
I'm lonely!
What's wrong with it?
Who tows you when you have to be towed? What if yer broke down in the middle of Montana?
She blew out an obscure oil line on the back of the engine, resulting in my oil (five gallons of it anyway) being pumped onto the interstate. The engine is programmed to shut down to save itself if the oil level gets that low. I killed the ignition before that happened and coasted it to a shoulder.
As for towing and repair, the company has a national network of "approved" facilities which do the work. It doesn't matter where I am, the breakdown dept will find someone to either fix it on the road or tow it to a place where it can be fixed. Tires and simple things can be done right where I stop it but oil lines must go to a dealer.
All I do is shoot a message to the right dept on my Qualcomm unit, tell em where I am and what's wrong and they handle it. Eventually. It may take some time what with thousands of trucks out there and only a small handful of staff working to keep them running but it will get done. I have faith.
Brian
C'mon...San Antonio. I KNOW there's people here!
Let me know, I'll be here until tomorrow afternoon.
OH! right. Christmas.
Never mind.
OK
Carolers in a truck stop?
Yep. San Antonio Petro, a bunch of em going around to anyone visible and singing them a carol. The drivers seem to appreciate it.
Overnighting in West Memphis, AR, across the river from Memphis, TN.
Anyone want to come out to play?
I have all day today (Sunday 1-25) in Baytown (east of Houston) TX.
Anyone want to come out and say "Hello"?
If you make it near Scottsdale, AZ let me know and I'll give you the traditional greeting of my people. ;)
Wreaths, gifts of native foods and crafts? Ceremonial dances in my honor? The mind boggles... ;)
I think the native food is weinerschnitzel.
Frozen to the ground in Oklahoma City. I hope to get free tomorrow but will be here at the T/A I40 exit 142. Anyone want to keep me company?
OK, I'm out of EL Paso bound for Dearborn, MI.
Anyone along the route want to say HI???
I'm en route, when are you passing?
btw weather forecast is crappy for tomorrow morning's commute -watch out....
passed. You didn't say where though.
Anyway, I got rerouted to Perryville, MO instead.
Today finds me in Minneapolis, MN
All day because I'm too early to pick up my load headed out to Texas.
Anyone want to say hi?
El Paso, near Cloud but not too near. Right under the star.
I'll be passing down I25 soon as I pick up this load headed to the border crossing there.
Then it's just a long-distance wave this time. :(
Hi Brian!
watch out for lovely Mexican ladies named Falina. And Rose's cantina.
Hi Brian!
watch out for lovely Mexican ladies named Falina. And Rose's cantina.
:lol2: That happens every time one hears "El Paso", doesn't it? At least it's a great song.
I got my hands full with a chica named Mary as it is. I don't need any more trouble!
Slight change of plans. I head out Tuesday instead and go to San Antonio instead of El Paso. I should be there by the 27th at 1830.
This is like the Waldo Books. :D
Without the happy meal.
J/K
Waldo doesn't keep changing position, though
Heading to Bozeman, Butte, Helena and Havre beginning tomorrow at 0900 and ending Havre at 0900 on the fourth. Anyone about?
Damn! It's COLD up here in Havre, MT!
I delivered my load here and can't seem to find another load out, been here in a hotel (too cold in the truck). Last night I slept in the truck because I didn't know what time the customer started work so I wanted to be ready at a moments' notice. Turned out they start at nine here. Couldn't start the truck (dead batteries), brakes frozen to the drums and a huge sheet of ice across the (slanted) parking lot.
Got a jump courtesy of the company's breakdown dept ($75), broke the brakes free with warm liquid (yes, THAT) and managed to get the truck across the lot without losing control. Now I'm here all night again and I'll have to do it all again tomorrow IF I can get a load out.
It's the boonies out here and there's no freight that I know of for a hundred miles.
Ah, me. Such is the life of a trucker.
Hey, if you ever travel between Billings MT and Sheridan WY, be sure to stop in
Garryowen and tell Chris that his friend in SW Washington said to treat you right.
:)
so tell us about being a trucker, Brian. Do you own your own truck? Or rent one? How do you get your loads? How do you get paid? etc. Is it regular to drive somewhere without having secured a load for the return trip or is that just a sign of the current economy -you take what you can get and then sit and wait....?
....if that's not being too nosy....
there was a big article in the local paper about truck driving being a fairly good biz to be in right now---are you finding that to be true, brian?
I work for a major company (third largest) as a company driver, which means they buy and maintain the truck, it is issued to me and I drie it but do not own/lease/rent it. Loads come from our company load planners and are handed out by my dispatcher. I am paid by direct deposit weekly, by the mile as well as extra pays (load/unload, extra stop etc). Yes, it is common to deliver a load without another out. I am not responsible for that. I do get paid for sitting here (not much tho) but sitting costs me a lot of money.
Trucking has been very rewarding to me, I have been all over, met some interesting people including my wife. I have seen some amazing scenery, something that a desk jockey cannot claim. My view changes daily and varies from dismal city slums to breathtaking mountain vistas. I see lots of wildlife, some still alive. Yesterday I viewed fossils from dinosaurs in a small museum and learned something about the local history from Indian times to the present. This would never have happened had I remained at home, doing whatever I could find to earn money.
The business isn't what it was this time last year but I still have work to do. The company is still hiring new drivers and I still train them. Freight is a little harder to come by than it used to but it is just now coming out of the winter doldrums. This is usual and I was ready for it. The spring merchandise is coming out, I just delivered four stores' worth of Sears. WalMart is another frequent customer as is Home Depot.
Glinda, I just came up near there...Cheyenne to Caspar to Billings and Bozeman. I have been through that stretch of road several times. Next time, I'll stop.
What percentage of your time is away from home?
two days off for every two weeks out. Or one day off per week. No banking time off.
Currently snowed in at Jamestown, ND. Darn cold too, bow it is -4 up from -9F. Snow fell, but only a few inches of powder and the 25-35 mph wind has blown it all over. Drifts are rampant and block the roads, thus I94 is closed from here to Fargo.
Anyone with a laptop is our best friend as we have access to the latest weather and road info. I'm thinking of charging for forecasts...
Stay warm, Brian! It's warm here in Hawaii... ;)
Do long, flat, straight sections of road piss you off?
No, I love em. It's steep hills that get my knickers in a twist.
Do you use radar detection? What's the fastest you ever went?
No radar detectors, they're illegal on commercial vehicles.
Fastest I ever went was over 85...the needle stopped at 85 and it was buried. I was going down a long, straight hill with a lot of weight behind me and I failed to monitor my speed. ooops!
Looks like we've got us a CONVOY!
Naa He'd be some thing like Bondage Duck
Nice guesses, but wrong. All of you.
I'm known far and wide as.... Jellybean, since I'm always snacking on Jelly Bellys, my favorites.
Better than coffee, I can get on a sugar high and drive for 700 miles straight.
So are a teamster then? The Teamsters are a pretty good, powerful union, from what I understand. Working in entertainment for those years in LA, I met quite a few of them. They all seemed pretty cool.
I refuse to join any union. I believe unions were the downfall of American business. They've ruined each and every industry they've gotten their hooks into.
I'm a free agent, working for a company. Perhaps soon an independant operator, time will tell.
Another driver and I are looking into buying a truck and going into business together. We're talking it through now!
Thats great! Then as things go well for your new company, you can hire a few drivers and relax more with the family. Then the drivers can unionize and....
BrianR, co-owning a truck sounds like a good idea... will the two of you be able to cover insurance and gas and all that fun stuff?
And I don't suppose you ever drive out to Hawaii, do you?
Kidding. That's a joke, y'all. :P
Don't they make "high Flotation" tires? :lol2:
Well, good luck to you with your new business venture. You might be able to tap into some of that money Obama is making available for the startup of small businesses. I don't know that much about it.
I disagree with you about unions. I think some of the workforce is in desperate need of them because they are very unfairly treated and paid.
Decca, yes we will, we will sign onto a company that offers good freight, good miles, operates in all the lower 48 states and pays around $3 per mile. Income needs to top $2500/week to cover expenses and still provide an income above $700/week for us both.
And no, I don't drive in Hawaii. Not until they build a monster bridge.
Why does Hawaii have three interstate highways anyway?
Anyone near the San Felipe Res in northern NM? I'm at the truck stop here waiting for a load to drop from the sky.
Tomorrow I plan to be home in El Paso again, this time to have my teeth done. It's time for my ten-year drilling. Pain galore for another week!
BrianR, I have no idea why there are three interstate highways. Doesn't make much sense to me either. But if you ever happen to BE in Hawaii, for business or for pleasure, I live about forty-five minutes from Honolulu and maybe an hour from Waikiki, depending on traffic :)
I haven't been to Oahu since 1987, I need to return one of these days.
Would be pleased to have you. Not allergic to dogs or children, are you? :P
I have five dogs of my own and although I dislike children, the best ones are someone else's.
BrianR, I have no idea why there are three interstate highways. Doesn't make much sense to me either. But if you ever happen to BE in Hawaii, for business or for pleasure, I live about forty-five minutes from Honolulu and maybe an hour from Waikiki, depending on traffic :)
My brother lives in Hawaii. I lived there once, for about 8 months. He's been there for about 25 years. Not sure where he lives now.
@BrianR: Well, Lil' D's well behaved for only being a year old... but she's rambunctious! Of course, we can always put you up at the Cabanas on base.
@Sugarpop: Wish you could remember where your brother lived!
I have a blue ID card if that helps...
Hey Brian, how's it going? I'm an OTR driver myself, driving team for one of the large carriers. Given my druthers, I'd be driving solo, but I was out of driving for over four years, so I had to kind of start over, although the experience I have factors into my pay. The only job I could get, due to my lack of recent experience, the economy and where I live (S. FL), is team driving.
Team driving isn't the worst thing in the world. It's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. But once I get the magic "100,000 miles" or recent experience, I'll very likely sign on with a small firm that has a terminal closer to my house, although I'm looking into getting into driver training with my current employer. It pays pretty good, and I'd like to teach some of these new drivers.
It sounds like you got stuck in the same ND blizzard in which we got stuck earlier this month. I think we were in the Fargo Flying J while you were in Jamestown. We were under a load bound for Butte. After we delivered it, we were dead-headed clear down to Green River, WY for a load that delivered in Seattle, and while delivering that load, we were shut down by the weather again, in Ellensburg, just east of Snoqualmie.
I stay on-line out on the road. I have AT&T Wireless Internet, which isn't WiFi: it's an actual wireless phone number, which makes it a whole lot more secure and reliable. It's $60 a month for unlimited minutes, and I highly recommend it. I can send and receive email and surf the net while the truck is rolling (driven by my co-driver, of course).
Here's to dry tarmac and tailwinds.
Cane... welcome Driver!
I have the same AT&T card you do but my antenna broke off. :(
I drive for a major carrier known for neutered blue trucks. Don't train...the 20 hr plus workdays are murder! So is what you'll do to a steering wheel holder like MY current student. And just when you can sleep behind them, you get a new rookie and have to start all over again. It's frustrating and the pay doesn't cover the work you have to do.
Team driving may be in my future as well. A friend (million miler) and I are discussing a joint truck purchase and signing with LandStar. Maybe. Time will tell. I'm in Little Rock now, headed to St Louis for a Monday 0600 delivery. I'll have all day Sunday off for anyone in the area who wants to come over and meet me. I'll be at the Pilot truck stop on the IL side at I70 exit 4, or five, whatever it is, I forget right now and I'm too lazy to go look it up. Anyway...
See you out there, PM me and I'll shoot you a phone number.
Brian
Aren't you guys supposed to put "over" or "10-4" at the end of your posts?
Still roaming around, today finds me in Harrisburg for the day. My consignee doesn't want their paper towels early :(
So, I have the day off, anyone want to say hello? I'm at the T/A on I81 exit 77. Near Hershey.
Brian
Girard, OH, just outside of Youngstown. Petro truck stop.
I'll be here until eight tomorrow. Brianna? Are you near here?
Tampa, FL tonight. Until 0900 tomorrow.
GAH! I saw this thread last night and didn't open it thinking "There's no chance he's in Florida." And now I open it at 9:10 to find that I've just missed you. And my car is undriveable anyway, so even if I'd seen it in time I wouldn't have been able to head over. Oh, well. Catch you next time, Brian!
BrianR is off making a porno movie. Only he won't tell us what it is so we can all watch it. :D
Am not..I did mine in New York City.
Sorry, sugarpop. Yes, next time.
Folks, ya gotta watch this thread! Things happen FAST out here.
Sorry I can't give more notice, but I don't control my schedule and my boss doesn't see any value in letting me sightsee or visit friends.
SW Atlanta tonight, because I need repairs to the ole truck. New truck coming in a few more days! YAY!
I'll try to post a few pictures if I can.
There you are! :D
What a skank. ugh. both of them.
Both?
Is Waldo inclusive?:runaway:
Actually I was referring to Paris, in the background. Waldo, though, considering where he is, is pretty skankish too. :D
Omaha today and until Saturday morning.
C'mon people! You can do better than this! I have better response from IRC!
I'm not playing until you tell us a movie we can watch. :evil2:
I have nearly 500 movies on board...choose!
Davenport IA, anyone?
Been here two days with a sick truck (you'd think a NEW truck would at least START?) and am in a hotel. Anyone want to buy me a beer?
Been here two days with a sick truck
What is now required to get a truck fixed these days? Is the problem parts, test equipment, or just someone who knows the truck?
Yes.
My problem is no fuel getting to the engine. There's only a few things that can cause this on the DD15 engine. So far, it's been to two shops and no luck identifying the problem. We've called a Detroit Diesel specialist to come out from the manufacturer to troubleshoot the thing.
The rest will come in time. Once the problem is found, we have to order the parts which will take another day. Or so, depending on availability.
The procedure is the same for a truck as for a car. You go to a shop, describe the problem and let the mechanic go to town. If the problem is beyond him, you go to the dealer, who supposedly has better mechanics than the regular shop, and they fix the problem. You pay and go your merry way.
In my case, I don't pay, the company pays but that's it.
It's just that the repair bills tend to start at four digits and go up from there for a Class 8 truck. Ouch.
I'm sitting in a Clarion Suites hotel until they get it running again, which the company is also paying for.
I even talked the clerk into putting the room code on the bill instead of the type of room so I can have a smoking room. My company doesn't pay for smoking rooms, only non smoking. So I get by okay out of this, except I'm not getting paid to sit. My paycheck this week will be zero as my last trip will be in next weeks' check, which will also be small since I spent most of the week sitting. Again.
Maybe I should have requested on old truck...at least THEY have the bugs worked out.
My problem is no fuel getting to the engine. There's only a few things that can cause this on the DD15 engine. So far, it's been to two shops and no luck identifying the problem.
So little can obstruct fuel flow. Pump. Regulator. Clogged fuel filter. Either computer say fuel pressure is too low or injectors are not working. Even old school - a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel manifold.
I suspect the next guy knew what he was doing - found it in a hour - and that you are well on the road. So what was it?
Fuel line came loose from the tank selector valve (L,R,or Both). That caused air to get into the fuel lines and lost the system's priming.
Fuel line came loose from the tank selector valve (L,R,or Both). That caused air to get into the fuel lines and lost the system's priming.
They still don't put the pump in the diesel tank? That was a problem long ago when trucks did not even have electronics? The mechanic could not figure that out?
Unless you wanted time off, you have every reason to be pissed. Any rookie should have been able to find and fix that one.
No, the pump rightly goes near the engine. The reason is that there are two fuel filters, a primary with relatively large filter apertures and a secondary which has much smaller apertures. The fuel pump is located between these so that it pulls fuel through the primary (removes dirt and sludge) and pushes it through the secondary (removes small contaminants and water), thus giving maximum efficiency. Also it is easier to access when it isn't in a tank, requiring the removal of the tank first.
I told the (three) mechanics about my changing the fuel valve position and the subsequent failure of the engine. One would think they would have started looking there first to see if I broke something, or perhaps moved the selector to the 'OFF' position by mistake. I'm not that dumb, but they should have listened to me and checked there first.
Mechanics tend to hold drivers in low esteem and vice-versa. Both sides have ample reason to mistrust the other. Drivers have been known to do (or not do) incredibly stupid things. I know of one who never checked their oil until the engine starved for oil and seized. There went a $30,000 engine.
I have had a mechanic remove my power steering pump to clean and rebuild it. They reinstalled the WRONG pump, thus causing the new pump to explode a few minutes later. How do you do that? You take the pump out, take it apart on a bench, clean it and redo whatever needs redoing, put it back together, reinstall it and refill with fresh fluid, bleed the system and test drive it. If I want downtime, I disconnect the dashboard ground, cover it with clear nail polish and put it back, causing the system ground for the dashboard and main computer to go away and cause major electrical headaches. After a day or two and I've rested and done whatever, I clean the contact and retighten it. They have no idea what the problem was but assume the accidentally fixed it and pretend they knew along and clear my repair order. It works every time!
Brian
No, the pump rightly goes near the engine. ... The fuel pump is located between these so that it pulls fuel through the primary (removes dirt and sludge) and pushes it through the secondary (removes small contaminants and water), thus giving maximum efficiency.
All those same things are acomplished with a pump is inside the tank. Even easily accessed. A pump inside the tank also means no air pocket problems exist in fuel lines. If a pump goes bad, just switch over to the other pump and keep going. Get it repaired when convenient. Another example of 'gimp mode'.
But again, when diesel is not flowing, it was always a first thing checked by any junior mechanic. Open the test cock or threads where a fuel pressure gauge attaches. See if fuel even exists in that manifold. $thousands for the mechanic and he does not even do this the simplest thing?
Love that 'varnish the ground stud' test. We did similar to new techs. Test their basic knowledge. Most discovered it immediately. Amazing is how many have so few thought skills as to be fooled by that varnish trick.
Fuel pumps in the tank are a bad idea because the fuel can turn into Jell-O in very cold weather, damaging the pump. Also, it's hard to access since the entry is on top of the tank, requiring the tank to be removed and the fuel drained into two 55 gallon drums. It's easier this way.
you two need to get a room ....in one of those drive up motels in BFE with the illuminated arrow signs outside.
just sayin'
What? You aren't interested in technical discussions on the various merits of submerged fuel pumps versus exposed fuel pumps?
I admit, trucks give me hard-ons, but somehow I don't think TW and I will be going into THAT much detail. The discussion has been civil thus far and it should remain so, as I suspect neither of us is THAT militant on the subject.
Anyway, back to the subject of my whereabouts.
This weekend, I am to be found in Monee, IL. Just south of Chicago.
Anyone in the area? Let me know!
In other news, Labrat and I met briefly in a park near her job. No, nothing hinky happened but I can tell you her ass is every bit as fantastic as it looks in pictures.
Here is a photo of us (SFW) as proof:
THAT is one great pic!
(and a great hat and a great truck!)
Fuel pumps in the tank are a bad idea because the fuel can turn into Jell-O in very cold weather, damaging the pump. Also, it's hard to access since the entry is on top of the tank, requiring the tank to be removed and the fuel drained into two 55 gallon drums.
You don't remove fuel to access or replace a pump. Replaced is standard and easy. Pump is mounted in a hole at the top of the tank. It hangs down inside the tank with a large filter on its inlet.
If diesel is jello (so that a pump at 60 PSI cannot push it), then an engine mounted pump with no more than 14 PSI sucking power could not work. If a 14 PSI pump can work, then a tank mounted pump at 60 PSI would have no problems.
I understand why a truck may not want pressurized fuel pipes since a 60 PSI leak would spray fuel. Pumps using suction would only suck in air. But pumps inside fuel tanks with more flammable materials (ie gasoline) have been standard for generations without leaks. Done to eliminate air bubbles and other problems. I still don't grasp why a pump is still mounted on the engine. That pump was moved into the tank long ago for other vehicles, airplanes, etc.
Far more confusing - why would air in diesel lines confuse any trained junior mechanic?
If that is what today’s genetically engineered labrats look like, I’m getting a truck - that does not require a junior mechanic.
The answer is obvious to anyone who has seen a truck up close.
There are only a few inches of clearance between the top of the tank and the bottom of the cab. There is simply no room to access the top of the tank...even the fuel fill caps have to be offset a bit to allow the nozzles to get into the tank and still clear the cab.
Thus, any maintenance to the tank requires the removal of up to 120 gallons of diesel before removing the straps and dismounting the tank.
And if you want a truck like mine, it'll set you back about $160,000. And my truck is not top-of-the-line either. There are options that can push the price tag close to $200,000. Better start saving those nickles and dimes!
A common truck payment (on a new truck) runs around $4-5,000 per month on a six-year note.
What is your 0-60 time?
What's the captain's chair like? Is it comfy enough, the place you have to park your ass all that time?
we want pictures! cab and outside!
Like this? The garage was cleaned up for the annual Christmas party... '03 I think.
There is simply no room to access the top of the tank...even the fuel fill caps have to be offset a bit to allow the nozzles to get into the tank and still clear the cab.
Thus, any maintenance to the tank requires the removal of up to 120 gallons of diesel before removing the straps and dismounting the tank.
How do cars with gas tanks beneath and in front of the rear axle easily replace a fuel pump without removing the tank? They solve the same problem. Cars have fuel pumps and gas gauge inside the gas tank. Pump and gauge (at least on better cars) must be replaceable without removing the gas tank. Same solution can be installed on a truck.
But again, the confusing question is why they still want a pump on the engine - dependent on vacuum to provide fuel?
From your picture, I saw nice headlights.
I have yet to see a car that you can pull the pump without dropping the tank. If they put the tank under the trunk they could have an access plate but it's such a rare occurrence why bother?
If they put the tank under the trunk they could have an access plate but it's such a rare occurrence why bother?
How to find the fuel pump on a 1998 honda accord?
It is located inside the fuel tank on top. ... There is an access panel in the trunk or under the back seat.
Many vehicles put the gas tank below the trunk which makes fuel pump access easier. That mislocated fuel tank created the famous Pinto fires and fires in GM products (see the cost analysis at
Long-Hidden Documents Reveal GM Cost-Benefit Analyses Led to Severe Burn Injuries).
Meanwhile Honda has always put every fuel tank in every car safely ahead of its rear axle. Even Honda has an access plate for the fuel pump.
Some cars may be defectively designed so that a fuel pump access plate is not provided. (I still remember the Chevy's. Remove one motor mount and jack the engine up a few inches to replace two spark plugs.) However, simple design means a same solution is easily implemented in trucks.
Locating a fuel pump inside the gas tank has long been routine. A diesel truck manufacturer must have good reason for still using the long obsoleted suction method. Pumps are routinely mounted in all vehicles (including airplanes) with that pump easily serviced. A curious question is why trucks still use that long since obsoleted suction pumping.
Or maybe this truck is unique? Maybe other trucks do use fuel tank pumps? That would also explain why junior mechanics were easily confused by a simple air bubble in a fuel line.
It just hit me.
BrianR is actually a fuel pump.
Trucks have 2 tanks, or more. So you would need to have two pumps and supporting lines, wires, etc.
Trucks have 2 tanks, or more. So you would need to have two pumps and supporting lines, wires, etc.
See reference to 'gimp' mode. A pump fails. It gets fixed when convenient.
'Gimp' mode is a function available with electronically controlled engines. A part fails. So the computer makes compensations to keep the engine running in a 'safe' mode (see 'Check Engine' light to appreciate same in cars).
Best repair service is obtained when a truck can drive into the shop - not on the side of some road.
Oh good gravy! My fuel pump is gear-driven and that would be difficult to engineer all that way.
I'll see what I can do about pics, inside and out. My chair is quite comfortable, a nice change from seats past. It's wider and softer, and my armrests are adjustable and not broken off for once. I'm liking this, goofy electrical system aside.
Trucks have 2 tanks, or more.
Not necessarily Our big truck ha 1 75 gallon tank
When I say truck, I refer to OTR class 8 trucks. Yours I refer to as a yard dog!
In Zippyt's case, a junkyard dog. :haha:
In Zippyt's case, a junkyard dog
that would be a scrap yard dog , Thank you verry much !!!!!!
this is a Yard dog ( To me at least )
http://www.kalmarind-northamerica.com/show.php?id=2703
and this while not a Class 8 OTR truck , but still a Big truck none the less
Well it's got 5 axles, it's just shorter. Whats the GVWR?
Chubby little fucker. :haha:
Currently laid over in Tulsa, OK. Is there a Dwellar here?
Overnighting in New Braunfels, TX and will be spending the rest of tomorrow just west of Brownsville, TX.
Anyone? Anyone?
Hi Brian sorry not in TX but I am posting here because correcting TW is entertaining :)
Many ECU units are fitted with a 'limp home mode'. NOT GIMP MODE When it detects that something semi-serious is wrong, it enters the limp mode, which means that the engine won't rev beyond a pre-programmed speed. You can re set some computers by disconnecting the battery for 15 + minutes and it may make the vehicle drivable to a service area, however if it is a serious problem you may damage the vehicle. If the check engine light stays off after the battery disconnect it may have just been a plug misfire. If it was serious the then check engine light would come back on immediately. Autozones and Advanced Auto Parts will run a free scan to tell you exactly what your computer says is wrong with the vehicle.
Sorry, BUT diesel engines don't have plugs.
they do have Pinchys, though
Rolling from Montgomery AL to Atlanta GA by 1800, then to Greensboro NC by midnight, and may spend the night there. Anyone along that route (I85)?
You coming East of Atlanta before you head North?
passed through/around. Coming back tomorrow afternoon to hit Tifton.
I need to make it before midnight. I don't see a problem with a stop somewhere along the way...just not inside the loop please.
Heading into Rome, GA tonight. Details to follow!
Many ECU units are fitted with a 'limp home mode'. NOT GIMP MODE When it detects that something semi-serious is wrong, it enters the limp mode, which means that the engine won't rev beyond a pre-programmed speed.
Which is completely different from the *Gimp* mode previously discussed. For example, if a fuel pump is failing, the computer compensates for low fuel pressure using various changes such as extending short term fuel trim. Gimp mode - an unofficial backup system. Not the well defined and intentionally programmed 'limp home' mode that is another system.
Unfortunately, some mechanics will clear the "check engine" light. If the light does not immediately re-illuminate, then that mechanic says, "No problem." Of course there was a problem. But some techs are sufficiently trained to find it. So they pretend the alarm never really occurred.
Plug misfire? One misfire never causes a 'check engine' light. The failure must occur repeatedly. Some techs pretend that problem never existed only because it is intermittent.
And yes, trucks have no plugs to misfire which is known to minimally trained techs.
Coming back tomorrow afternoon to hit Tifton.
When do you go home and take some time off?
Next time will be for the July 4th holiday....five days off. I will be meeting a friend at home and he, my student and I will be having a grill and beer session to make the serious discussion go faster. That discussion will revolve around the fact that all three of us are unhappy at this company and I have received a better offer from another company. Money will be double what I get now, miles are never less than 20,000/month unless I take time off or lay over somewhere. Benefits are equal or better than my current benefits plus it is a smaller company where I won't be "just a driver number". Best of all, I won't have to train newbies anymore.
My buddy and I will discuss teaming up until my student (current) finishes his mandatory two years of t/t OTR experience and comes over there with us. His sister works there and I have talked to her, her husband and soon the company recruiter about logistics of changing companies.
This may be a good move for me but I want to do more research before I commit to anything.
Brian
BTW, are there any of us in the Channahon, IL area? Looks like I'll be spending the night here. Again.
Money will be double what I get now, miles are never less than 20,000/month unless I take time off or lay over somewhere.
Is the money that much better if you are team driving?
I'm trapped in Illinois hell!
475 miles for four days. This is disgusting me. My boss and I need to have a long talk tomorrow about his performance in finding me loads that are worth starting my engine for.
That other company is starting to look REAAAAALLLLLY good about now.
Brian.... you and Cane need to team up. I know him IRL. He's a good guy. With good sense. But it seems he has the same problems in the trucking biz that you do.
I'm solving my problems, what is he doing about it?
I didn't mean it to sound that way. Sorry.
it didn't sound that way. brian must need sleep.
I was referring to the layovers, waiting, and dealing with a co driver. Sometimes things read differently to others. Oh well.....
I'm not sure how you meant that. I took no offense though.
I like my co-driver and intend to keep him. I will be dealing with my problems easily enough...the company has been placed on 90 days' probation. If things don't greatly improve, I'm leaving. Hopefully, I will take a few other drivers with me.
No harm, no foul. Peace
Brian
I'm on my way to Columbus from Salt Lake City. Via I80, Omaha, Davenport, Chicago (southside), Indianapolis and Springfield, OH.
Brianna? Where are you? I will likely have the day off and will be in Springfield for repairs and rest.
I missed Brianna by a quirk of fate. The mechanics took my truck (and my phone) while my back was turned and I couldn't call her at the appointed time, I missed it by two hours. And her. Maybe next time Bri.
Shawnee, you should tag along too, don't be shy. I don't bite!
Was great talking with you, Brian!* Happy trails!
*we connected later via phone call. :)
Currently running I10 east from LA to El Paso. Anyone near US 395 in California, sorry, no internet along there for me! Next time maybe I'll get warning. This time I was supposed to be heading from west OR to Cheyenne but that got switched at the last minute. But! I will be home until next Wednesday! I got an extra day off! YAY!
I will be having a cookout with burgers, hot dogs and steaks plus all the trimmings, photos will be posted. And beer! Cloud? You're invited.
I will have five or six other drivers from the area over to discuss our collective future and present status with the company. None of us are happy, several are disgruntled. One is losing his house due to low pay and scarce miles.
I have a possible solution. A small company in GA is hiring teams for reefer freight. I have a line on a spot but I need another driver. I want to talk a million-mile driver into coming with me, we've discussed the possibility of teaming before. And I want to quit the cigs too so this may be a good chance.
Just beware my temper! Last time I tried to quit, I was unceremoniously told to start again.
If this works out, my pay will triple, benefits remain the same and I get al the bonuses this company cancelled back. Having to move to the Carolinas, Georgia or Tennessee is a side-benefit, I hate the desert anyway. I'm pushing for Knoxville. Heaven on Earth to me.
I'll let you all know how things work out!
Grilling. Today.. My place. All welcome, we overbought on food!
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am laying over in Seattle, WA
I have made contact with BigV, but is there anyone else who wants to come by to say hello? I will be out of here by nine tomorrow and on my way to Little Rock, AR.
Montgomery, AL.
All day so far. No loads. Specifically, no SOLO loads. My co-driver went home for some well-earned time off, so I get to run solo for five days, which could well be HERE if nothing comes available.
I get my revenge next week though; he will be alone while I sit on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, FL for the weekend.
Tonight in Springfield, MA...until 0900 tomorrow, then Leominster and then traipse across NY state picking up stuff for our second-biggest customer, then deliver it all in Morehead (heh heh) KY. The boss seems to have forgotten all about my partner in Alabama. I see no way to pick him up on time Tuesday. I suppose he will sit at home until they route me back there again. I will be in Ft Lauderdale FL this weekend though.
Anyone there??
Radar, on deck. I may come down I75 instead of my planned I95. I will call if it becomes so. Are you still at the number I have on file?
I came down I95 through GA Friday night, stayed the weekend in Florida and expect to be heading north again tonight. Merc, I missed you the last time due to the lateness of the hour, how about this time? Shoot me a number and I'll try to set it up.
Anyone on the Atlantic Coast of FLA I should meet?
I am laying over in Fontana (LA) for repairs. My truck has a weird electrical problem (ALL the lights are flashing) and is in the shop here. Anyone in LA want to come out and say hello? I will be here for a day or two yet.
You must come to me, however, I have no wheels.