[RHClarke]

The mercury hit +30oC early this morning so most of the activities at the barn were completed indoors. Bob continued to agonize over his 3/4 inch deviation to the front frame rail horns. He removed the floor of the cab (with the help of the lovely Joyce) and was in the process of undoing every nut and bolt forward of the transmission. Bob indicated that the rear rails are aligned and the mid section rails are aligned. The easy by-stander's diagnosis: bent frame rail. I am sure that Bob will have an answer soon.

While he was disassembling his ride, I hauled the 45 HUP outside to do some maintenance. I was surprised to find a puddle of eerie green liquid pooled on the tarp underneath the truck. I had a coolant leak. The underside of the water pump was wet, so off came the radiator and the water pump.

The gasket showed some seepage had occured near the top right bolt - the one I use for the alternator adjusting bracket. Apparently I did not tighten the bolt enough when I last removed the alternator. No worries. I fashioning up new gaskets, and after cleaning all mating surfaces, coated the gasket material with a thin coat of silicon sealant. After drying rapidly in the noon day sun, the gaskets were mounted and the water pump put back into place - with snug bolts this time. By the time I got the rad back in place, it was time to go home. The better half worked early this afternoon. No complaints as the air conditioner at home beats the one at the barn any day.

Bob might pipe up with some more news about his tear-down.

Photos:

1 - The scene of the crime
2 - Cleaned up water pump
3 - Fuzzy pic of Bob pondering his next steps