One of those weeks......kinda long

[Oh Haha]

Just venting a bit.

Last week I finally got the nagging battery drain issue with the 911 solved. I figured it was time to get the lawn equipment out and ready for the year.

Saturday, I started my push mower and it promptly threw the connecting rod out the side of the case. It's gone already to the salvage pickers that make the rounds Sunday nights.

(I have been wanting to get a new one for a while and now I have a reason.)

I went to get my lawn tractor out but the battery was dead. I charged it up but it still would not start. I gave up for the day and took the 911 for a drive instead.



Sunday, I tried the tractor again but it still would not start. I checked the battery, connections, fuel lines, etc. Nothing. Gave up for the day.

Monday I took the old battery to the store and they told me it was "weak" even thought it had a full charge. Off I go with a new battery. Installed it and it fired right up. Stupid tractor.

Rolled the lawn out, went to put it in the shed and thought all was well. nope.

All of a sudden I have no gears. nothing.

sonofabi@#$!!!!!!!!!

I thought the transmission was shot. Turns out it has a belt that drives the rear wheels. It had split and wrapped itself around the pullet. wonderful.

I don't have a manual as I bought it used from my FIL from his yard sale several years ago.

Tuesday evening i removed the mower deck and saw my dilemma. I don't have a clue as to how the belt comes off. I worked on it into darkness but still it would not come out.

This afternoon, I got out of work a bit early so I was determined to get the belt off and install a new one. After fighting with it for about an hour, having my 6 YO stand on the clutch pedal, and STILL not having any luck I cut the old belt off.

We received our new license plate tabs today so I put the sticker on the GP and went to put the new registration in the glovebox. Wait, the insurance card I have is expired. WTF!!!!!!!! I called my wife who did the renewal but she didn't know why it was missing. ugh. Called the agent and had wifey pick me up a new card on her way home.

I ran uptown and purchased a new belt and set about to getting it installed on the pulleys. AGGGHHHHH, I just cannot get it over the top pulley. I just need a few mm and I KNOW it will go. I did not want to remove the clutch mechanism as I was not sure I could get it back together. I did take pics though, in case it was the only way. I finally took a second and noticed a nut that appeared may help. I loosened it and the pulley shaft dropped down enough for the belt to fit. YAYYYYYYY. Buttoned everything up and it runs great. I did the full boogie maintenance on the tractor while I had it apart as well.

All the while these things are going on I have the typical issues with life involving a wife, 2 kids, a dog, a house, work and my wife's grandmother who is knocking on heaven's door.

Man, it's only Wednesday and I am whooped.

[ZOO]

I feel your pain -- I am having a similar week. I've got a track day on April 30th. I've got a laundry list of things to do on my new to me M3 in preparation for it, so Saturday I started a brake job. Everything went well, except for one seized caliper. That was delay 1. I ordered a remanufactured caliper on Sunday, for delivery on Monday. Caliper arrives -- and it's for the wrong side. Delay 2. Parts manager goes above and beyond to have the correct caliper to me on Tuesday. It arrives, as promised. But, you guessed it -- the wrong side again. Delay 3. I gave up, and ordered from an on-line vendor and paid for expedited shipping. Still no caliper as of yet.

The worst part? Some of the "to-dos" I won't attempt myself -- I had the car booked for them for Wednesday and Thursday. It doesn't look like I'll make either appointment.

Fortunately I have another car to drive to work.

[crustychief]

Wayne,
I wish I could help you out with some chores or something, I have absolutely nothing to do but take care of my daughter all day. I have had weeks like that and I am sure I will have them again. You are a good man and have a good family, stay strong.

[Dave L]

Last week was a little rough.

My wife is in exams so its a stressful time for her
My grandmother died
Our babysitter who looks after our kids quit

we got through it as always but its amazing how things always seem to come in groups like that.

[fastfredracing]

Sounds like my life for the last couple of months. 7 days a week , 12 hours a day.
Hang in there brother, they say the big man will not give more than you can handle, but he sure does like to test us.