So here's the scoop on our adventure home:
Had a late start leaving the campground since we enjoyed lunch with
Tommy, Marquis and Denzel (hope I spelled Tommy right). Then we enjoyed
lunch with the Maxwells. Plenty of food left over from the weekend. We
fired up the RV and headed out. All was working well... until we
travelled about 100 miles, then it sputtered a few times and died. We
pulled off the highway onto an off ramp. It wouldn't start despite
mulitple attempts. We started to think of options and while doing so
gave the engine a chance to sit for a while in hopes that the fuel
filter might be clogged and the sediment would settle and then the
engine would start. Wishful thinking?
Good news: Yes, it did start up and ran fine. Back onto the
interstate.
Bad news: It only ran for another 10 minutes, then sputtered and
stalled.
Good news: A state trooper stopped to check on us and see what was up.
He gave us a suggestion for towing (if needed) and a mechanic a few
miles down the road.
Bad news: He was a nice guy, but didn't offer to help pay for the
towing.
Good news: After another 15 - 20 minutes, it started and ran just fine.
Back onto the interstate. Less optimistic this time.
Bad news: You got it, stalled again, this time we barely got off the
road due to the guard rail. Lots of traffic going really fast!
Good news: We didn't get hit by any trucks. The generator kept running
so we sat along side the interstate with the AC running for the RV.
After a few short breaks, it didn't start, then started and sputtered us
part the guard rail and further off the road.
Bad news: Looks like we have have a major problem, can't see driving
home for another 300 miles by stopping for 20 minutes after 10 minutes
of driving.
Good news: A gentleman stopped to offer assistance, offered a ride or
to go down the road to see if the upcoming towing company was open.
Bad news: It was Sunday, 5:30 pm. No mechanics or parts stores are
open.
Good news: It started up again and we drove to the next exit. got off
and had dinner at a local restaurant. Called the towing/mechanic and
asked for help.
Bad news: They can help us, but not until the morning. No parts
available until Monday.
Good news: The RV started up after dinner and got us to a campground 8
miles away. Enjoyed another night in Kentucky. Next morning the RV
started and drove us to the garage.
Bad news: They took off the gas filter, it was clogged, waited another
hour to get a filter from parts store and installed it. The RV would
not start. The pump stopped working!
Good news: Tank and some of the bolts were rusty, but all came off okay
and the pump was pulled out. New pump is available and is ready for
pick up.
Bad news: The pump is in Cinncinnati, 1 hour away.
Good news: Everyone, including my 8 yr old daughter were very patient.
We spent the whole day under metal carport that was on display at the
garage. Nick and I got in over 4 hours of juggling. Did some passing,
played "Can you do this?", etc, etc.
Bad news: Repairs were not done until 5:30 pm.
Good news: It fired up and ran like a champ. REady to head home.
Bad news: Thye expected me to pay for the parts and labor! A little
over $800
Good news: No problems for the rest of the trip home. Got home at
12:30 at night.
The end of a great adventure! We had a good time on the trip, the
riding was great and Otter Creek Park was beautiful. Good choice Tom!
Thanks for organizing the trip!
For a couple photos go to
http://gallery.unicyclist.com/KY-MUni-Wkd-June-2005
Ready for NAUCC! See some of you there!
Bill
--
billham - LEVEL 4
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