July 2016 Hurricane Creek Trip

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Overheated.
Then blew the top radiator hose
Replaced that hose by the side of the highway thanks to Rob for the O'Reilly run
Couple miles later - lower hose is now spilling out.
Rafael towed me to the next exit
Called for a tow truck home. Quote was $750. Said no to that and had it towed to a local shop hoping they could diagnose and fix the problem.

They fixed the hose filled it back up and ran it for 30 mins with no problem. But told me that in their opinion it was a possible head gasket but they weren't sure and it was 4pm on a Friday so they were happy I decided to leave and try and limp home.

So 20 miles later and it's steaming again. This time I've also got a problem with the power steering. Turns out the serpentine belt is off. Still there, but not connected to anything. So loose that I'm able to wrangle it back into place by hand while I'm waiting for the Towtruck.

Got home 2 beers (10 minutes) ago. Long damn day for nothing.

So hopefully a new and tightened serpentine belt will fully engage the water pump and fan and all will be well.

Or I'll be throwing down Benjamins for a head gasket.
 
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No AAA? No towing through your insurance?
Yeah they cover first $50. I ended up using my mechanic's 'guy'. Less than half of what the quote was from the Insurance one.
 
Yeah they cover first $50. I ended up using my mechanic's 'guy'. Less than half of what the quote was from the Insurance one.
Membership Member Benefits

Up it to the RV Premier for more money but more benefits on larger vehicles. At least get the Premier for 200 miles free towing. You've already needed it how many times since you got the 40? And all of your trucks are far from stock, meaning much more possible confusion when trying to troubleshoot something on the side of the road.
 
Could just be water pump?

Not impossible, but most gm water pumps let you know when they're failing by shoving water out the weep hole. From what James is describing my first guess would be serpentine tensioning device.

James, another thought after our phone chat is there was belt slippage after heat caused the fan clutch to lock up. When unlocked the hp draw on the motor is small but can easily be above 5 hp when it locks up (one reason electric fans can never out cool mechanical). As you said, new belt, check out the tensioner, and drive it.

Sorry for the hijack ... We should move future discussion over to TWT.

Rice
 
Yep. those exotic Chevy 350's. Nobody has parts.
But
I had taken it for a 1 hour drive the night before and all was well. So I figured it was worth a shot

Certainly I'll be reviewing AAA, buying a better toolbox and go back out there again.
 
100% agreed. The "RV" level will even tow you and your trailer. My AAA level has 200 miles free range. It's paid for itself many times over.
 
A few random pics from the weekend...I'm not a frequent pic taker! Great trip, enjoyed getting to know more ONSC folks.....
HC 2 AT Max.webp
HC 2 AT Max.webp
HC 2 in shade.webp
HC 2 Lineup 2.webp
HC 2 Lineup.webp
HC 2 Riding 2.webp
 
Even the cheapest AAA coverage allows a 100 mile tow. I've used it 5 or 6 times with my Cruisers....easily paid for itself.

I believe its necessity for anyone with an older vehicle.
Basic $49 membership will tow 3 miles according to AAA.
 
Had a great time a usual. Thanks to David, Rob, Eric, Rafael, and everyone else that had a part in putting this together. It was great meeting new members Alex @fj40alex and Jeff @JToobe, both are great guys and great additions to the ONSC family. Didn't really take any good photos since the one thing I forgot was my camera batteries. However, a few of the guys were able to take some photos and I am sure they will be posted up soon. Personally, I would say Buzzards Roost was by far the highlight of the trip. That's the best Mt. view I have seen on the East Coast. It kind of reminded me of my days in BC. Cant wait to hit the trails with everyone again.
 
Just a couple of pics. Alex is a prepared man. He had what he need it to fix his truck in 5 min.

image.webp


image.webp


image.webp
 
Buzzards Roost is the Bomb!
HC 2 Buzz Roost David.webp
HC 2 Buzz Roost view.webp
HC 2 Buzzards Roost Park.webp
 
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