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Lorrie Van Haul - 1967 Dodge P200 Mail Van - Part Two

168K views 2K replies 11 participants last post by  JCAllison 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey All,
Welcome to the continuing odyssey of the refurbishment of Lorrie Van Haul, one of the few, if not the only 1967 Dodge P200 Mail Van still in existence.

We're right at the point of doing all that is necessary to get Lorrie's mighty 225 Slant Six Engine up and running.

In the event that you are new to this project and would like to catch up on what all has been done in the past couple of years, you will find that account in another thread on this forum titled "Lorrie Van Haul - 1967 Dodge P200 Mail Van".
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275562

It is a detailed account, complete with JPGs, of all the stuff that has gone into making Lorrie what she is today.

Tomorrow will hail the arrival of a 3/4" x 2-1/4", 16 threads per inch, Zinc Plated, Grade 5 Steel Bolt to go into the nose of Lorrie's Engine's Crankshaft making it possible to turn the Engine using a Socket and a Breaker Bar in order to distribute the AeroKroil, WD40, and 10W30 Motor Oil Cocktail that has been put into Lorrie's Combustion Chambers and on top of Lorrie's Pistons.

Once the Engine has been turned a few times, the Battery out of Ms. American 3.14159, the ONLY 1964 Ford Galaxie 500, Four-Door, Hard-Top, Fast-Back, Police Interceptor that Google finds on the whole World Wide Web, will be installed in Lorrie and we're going to see if it will turn the Engine over.

If it does, then we're going to figure out what is wrong with the Ignition System Wiring, and do whatever it takes to get the Engine to turn by using the Starter Activation Switch.

Will keep you all updated on any progress.

Hope you all are well.

JC
 
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#1,346 ·
Hey All,
Friday Afternoon Update:

Called the Post Office. Package was in. Got all ready to go.

Started Ms. American up, and even though her Inspection Sticker is out of date, she's the only transportation that I have to get to the Post Office.

Pulled out of the driveway, and started up a slight incline, and the Engine died. Wouldn't restart. She doesn't want to go.

Had just yesterday put a gallon of gas in her tank, and thought that that would be enough to get to the Conoco, but going up the incline, she wasn't getting any gas.

So got out the Gas Can from the trunk, and put the other gallon in the Tank. She started right up with just a bit of priming.

She ran good all the way to the bank where $20.00 was obtained for gasoline.

Went to the Conoco and got gas, and then headed for the Post Office.

Got to the Post Office, went in and sure enough, the Vacuum Testing Rig was in.

Put the package in the 3.14, and tried to start the Engine to head for home.

The Engine wouldn't start.

And OF A SUDDEN, SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT!!!

Got out and opened the hood and the Carburetor was on FIRE BIG TIME.

FLAMES everywhere.

Took off my shirt and tried to smother the flames, but the shirt caught on fire.

Then a fellow pulled out a Fire Extinguisher from his truck and put out the fire.

In the process got this fine yellow powder all over everything in the Engine Compartment.

One of the people at the Post Office let me use their cell phone, and I called the fellow for whom the sign was painted a while back. He came with his pickup truck and towed Ms. American back home.

She is now sitting behind Lorrie Van Haul.

Am going to go out and vacuum all the powder out of the Engine Compartment.

Then will have to do an inspection of the damage. Am sure the NEW Gaskets are just charcoal like the last time that it caught on fire.

Will let you know what is found.

"It's always something." (Rosanna Danna Danna)

JC
 
#1,347 ·
Any updates? How are the patients, automotive and other?
 
#1,348 ·
Any updates?
Hey Mike,
Haven't posted any here yet. Haven't gotten any responses to the updates already posted. Figured that Al, and Larry are still engrossed in their medical emergencies and haven't read what was written.

How are the patients, automotive and other?
It's hard to tell for sure.

Was at the Post Office to pick up the Vacuum/Pressure Testing unit with which to tune the Autolite 4100 Carburetor when the fire happened.

After getting Ms. American home, vacuumed as much of the Fire Extinguisher Powder as could be removed from the Engine and Engine Compartment, began taking everything off the Engine, and out of the Engine Compartment.

Washed everything down with Vinegar, and flushed everything with lots of Water.

There are Engine Parts that couldn't be removed such as the Cast Iron Shorty Headers, which are NOW all corroded due to the chemicals in the Fire Extinguisher Powder. Think that they can be sprayed with Phosphorotic Acid to change the Iron Oxide to Iron Phosphate, and that will "sort of" salvage THAT problem, but the Intake Manifold and Valve Covers are going to have to have something done to them to keep them from not only looking ratty, but possibly deteriorating them.

Had to clean all the components to get them back to being usable. This included the Starter Solenoid, the Ignition Coil, The Distributor, the Spark Plug Wires, the Aluminum Spacer under the 4100, all the Brackets and Fittings, and etc., not to mention the 4100 Carburetor.

Had to remove it and completely disassemble it, and clean each and every piece. It was completely coated with the Fire Extinguisher Powder.

The Automatic Choke Mechanism was destroyed by the heat since much of it was either Plastic or Nylon.

Spent about four days on the 4100, but it is now back together, sans the Automatic Choke.

Am either going to have to replace the Automatic Choke Mechanism or devise a way to make a Manual Choke using a Push/Pull Cable. This will entail fabricating a Bell Crank and Brackets to attach the Push/Pull Cable to the Dash and to the 4100 so that it will do what is necessary.

There is also the possibility that all the Electrical Connections may be in the process of corroding due to the Fire Extinguisher Powder. Won't know for sure until and unless we start having electrical problems. Should THAT happen, it will most likely cause the death of Ms. American as the replacing of the Electrical System is FAR beyone my expertise and budget.

As to what caused the fire in the first place:

The 4100 has a Pressure Specification of from 4 PSI to 6.5 PSI. That's what the Needles&Seats are able to control.

After the fire happened, the NEW Vacuum/Pressure Tester was used to test the NEW Fuel Pump. Did it by hooking up the Test Unit to the Fuel Line FROM the Fuel Pump, reinstalling the Starter Solenoid, and the cranking the Engine with the Starter.

At cranking speed, found that the NEW Fuel Pump was putting out nearly 9 PSI and that wasn't at idle, or running speed, THAT was just at CRANKING speed. The pressure at idle or at running speed could possibly have been as high as 12 PSI or more. That's what is called an "Overly Aggressive" Fuel Pump.

So what happened was that the excessive pressure from FAULTY Fuel Pump just blew the Needles off of the Seats in the Fuel Bowl, and then overflowed the Fuel Bowls causing the fire.

Have called the Auto Parts Store from which the Fuel Pump was purchased, and they are replacing it with a NEW Unit. That was done yesterday. The NEW Fuel Pump will be in either today or tomorrow.

When I go to pick it up, am going to explain to them the situation. It has caused a LOT of extra work, and I'm willing to just let that go. But it destroyed the Automatic Choke Mechanism on the 4100 and THAT is going to cause a lot of added expense for parts. Am going to see if they will supply some of those parts to help out since it WAS their FAULTY Fuel Pump that caused the whole situation. My tack with them is what would they feel would be the right thing to do if what happened to me happened to them. They have always been VERY fair with me, and am hoping that they will continue to so be.

One of the things that couldn't be cleaned are ALL the Hose Clamps. They were all nice and bright before the fire. They are now all BLACK with tarnish, and it won't come off.

Also, have worn out the Craftsman RotoTool in the process of cleaning everything.

This was a MAJOR hit to my operating budget here.

Anyway, am trudging through this rather unfortunate situation, doing the best that can be done under the circumstances.

Hope this finds YOU doing well.

Hang in there.

JC
 
#1,349 ·
wow jc; when it rains, it pours. i have dealt with this situation in the past. first thing i would do at this point, would be to block of the manifold, or cover the openings to make it waterproof, then using a garden hose, flush off the engine several times to disapate the rest of the extinquisher material, it will be ok to flush the electrical connections. then air dry for a couple days. treat, then repaint the damaged valve covers, and manifold. replace the spacer, it probably warped. hopefully the parts house will cover the choke, if not pm me and i will see what we can do do get it right.
i'm glad you are ok though, we can take care of the mechanical stuff. if the wiring turns into a major problem, well then i just might have to travel down there nd help ya replace it.
i'm doin ok, today was 2 weeks after surgery, went for pt eval. kinda freaked the physical therapist, since i am already progressed about 1.5 months ahead of scedule, lol. he did give me instructions and equipment to continue at home, will return in a month for re-evaluation. was real sore today after what he showed me. but its a good healing pain now, not the constant gettin worse stuff i had before.
so whats the status on lorie? hey mike, and al, hope you guy's are doin well? enough for now, ttyltr, larry
 
#1,350 · (Edited)
wow jc; when it rains, it pours.
Hey Larry,
EVERYTHING that could go wrong, HAS gone wrong. None of it Ms. American's fault, and none of it MY fault.

i have dealt with this situation in the past. first thing i would do at this point, would be to block of the manifold, or cover the openings to make it waterproof, then using a garden hose, flush off the engine several times to dissipate the rest of the extinguisher material,
Have flushed it all down with Vinegar, and then rinsed, and rinsed, and rinsed it. This per instructions from a Fire Chief on the Ford Muscle Forum. Have taken the Electrical Fitting off of the Starter Solenoid, and the Ignition Coil and cleaned them with a Craftsman RotoTool and a Wire Brush Wheel. Have reassembled them with Dielectric Silicone coating.

it will be ok to flush the electrical connections. then air dry for a couple days.
Am a little antsy about getting water into the Electrical as the Powder becomes VERY corrosive when mixed with water.

treat, then repaint the damaged valve covers, and manifold.
The Valve Covers can just be repainted. They are stained, but not damaged.

The Intake Manifold and the Exhaust Manifolds are going to get treated with Phosphoric Acid. Any oxidization (Iron Oxide - RUST) will get converted to Iron Phosphate. That will STOP the rusting.

replace the spacer, it probably warped.
The Spacer amazingly came through just fine. It is still PERFECTLY flat.

hopefully the parts house will cover the choke,
Will tell you what happened at the NAPA today a bit later on.

if not pm me and i will see what we can do do get it right.
Think that is all worked out. See later comments.

i'm glad you are ok though,
I got a few minor burns, and my favorite shirt got burned.

we can take care of the mechanical stuff.
It all seems to be alright.

if the wiring turns into a major problem, well then i just might have to travel down there and help ya replace it.
Won't know if the wiring is bad until it starts causing problems.

i'm doin ok, today was 2 weeks after surgery, went for pt eval. kinda freaked the physical therapist, since i am already progressed about 1.5 months ahead of scedule, lol.
That's GREAT! But take it easy. You don't want to have any setbacks.

he did give me instructions and equipment to continue at home, will return in a month for re-evaluation.
Alright.

was real sore today after what he showed me. but its a good healing pain now, not the constant gettin worse stuff i had before.
Know what you mean about the different kinds of pain. Had that with the broken hip, and crushed foot.

so what's the status on Lorrie?
Lorrie was running one day, got parked that afternoon. Went out to start her the next day, and she wouldn't start. She hasn't run since and that was on November 12, 2012. Have a suspicion that she has bent some Push Rods again. As soon as Ms. American is back up and running, am going to pull Lorrie's Valve Cover to check on them.

Enough for now, ttyltr, larry
Went to pick up the NEW Fuel Pump at the NAPA.

Told the manager what had happened, and asked him what he would expect to have done if what happened to me happened to him.

He asked me: "What would YOU like to have happen?"

Told him that I'd like to replace the Fuel Pump, and all the parts that couldn't be restored replaced.

He wanted to know what parts.

Told him ALL the Hose Clamps, the Gaskets, the Positive Crank Case Ventilation Hose that had to be cut off to get the Aluminum Spacer and Gaskets off, and a Push/Pull Cable with which to make a Manual Choke.

Have decided to install a way to manipulate the Choke Plate manually with a Push/Pull Cable. It will take the fabrication of a Bell Crank, but it should be quite simple.

He said: "OK."

Then this evening, got the NEW Fuel Pump out of the box, and it isn't a NEW Fuel Pump. It has been messed with and and it is apparently a reject from another Parts Store. This NAPA got it from a NAPA in Dallas. Looks like someone returned it there and instead of chucking it, they sent it to the Livingston NAPA.

There doesn't seem to be a Gasket in between the Body and the Filter Canister, and there are scratch marks where someone has tried to remove the Canister and it won't come off. It should only be hand tightened. It can't be removed by turning it by hand. Can get the canister off of the one that is fritzed by hand, but not the NEW one.

Am going to call NAPA tomorrow, and tell them, and see what can be done.

Both Lorrie and the 3.14 are non-functional at this point, and costing me $50 a month for insurance! :(

Anyway Larry, take excellent care of yourself. If you don't, who will?

Be in touch.

JC
 
#1,351 ·
Just thought maybe I should check in to let you all know I'm still alive. Sorry to hear about all your problems with Ms. American and Lorrie Jim!
 
#1,352 ·
Just thought maybe I should check in to let you all know I'm still alive.
Hey Al,
THERE YOU ARE!!!

Was beginning to wonder if you were alright. How're you doing?

Sorry to hear about all your problems with Ms. American and Lorrie Jim!
I tell people that it's a good thing that all this is a hobby. If it wasn't, I'd probably junk these two old heaps! :)

Take care of yourself.

JC
 
#1,353 ·
Hey All,
Monday, December 17, 2012 Update:

Am at a break point in working on Ms. American. Am awaiting the arrival of an Automatic Choke Mechanism for an Autolite 4100 Carburetor which should be here this coming Friday.

In the meantime, I've had this intuitive feeling that what was wrong with Lorrie Van Haul not starting was that she had bent some Push Rods again.

So this afternoon, went out and removed her Valve Cover.

Fortunately, my suspicions were not founded. There are no bent Push Rods.

So starting from scratch. Am going to have to find out WHY Lorrie Van Haul will not start.

Don't even know where to begin.

JC
 
#1,354 ·
jc; first ya need to do a compression check on lorrie to be sure there are no basic mechanical problems, if she passes that test, then its on to spark, & ignition. then finally on to fuel. i cant think of any other way for you to proceed on her at this point in time.
as for miss america, is napa covering your costs on the damage done by there mistakes? i certainly hope so. other than that hope your doing as well as expected? all ok here, just doing my daily pt excercising, and dealing with the pain. cant wait to get on my harley again. feel trapped driving everywhere in my van and durango,lol.
hey al and mike, hope all is getting better for you too. peace, larry
 
#1,355 ·
jc; first ya need to do a compression check on lorrie to be sure there are no basic mechanical problems,
Hey Larry,
Am going to have to get a Compression Tester. That'll have to be next month due to budgetary constraints.

if she passes that test,
Have no reason to think that she has any kind of compression problems.

then its on to spark, & ignition.
Have checked and checked again to see if the Spark Plugs are firing. They ARE. Checked each and every one of them by removing them, giving them a proper ground and then cranking the Engine to see if they are firing. They ARE. A BIG FAT Blue spark.

then finally on to fuel.
The Bendix Stromberg Model W Carburetor COULD be the problem. BUT, haven't been able to find any rebuild kits for them. The Accelerator Pump is working fine.

i cant think of any other way for you to proceed on her at this point in time.
Me either.

as for miss america, is napa covering your costs on the damage done by there mistakes? i certainly hope so.
NAPA has been pretty good with this, though I didn't ask them for much. They gave me all NEW Hose Clamps as the OLD Hose Clamps, while still functional were in terrible cosmetic shape. NAPA also supplied a whole NEW set of Gaskets with which to mount the Autolite 4100 Carburetor. And there were some Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hoses that needed to be cut off in order to get the Aluminum Spacer off of the Intake Manifold to make it possible to change the Gaskets, AND to clean the Intake Manifold.

Presently, the Intake Manifold, the Exhaust Manifolds have both been cleaned of the Fire Extinguisher Powder, and have been given a coat of Phosphoric Acid to change the Iron Oxide (rust) to Iron Phosphate. Everything has been cleaned, though some parts (Valve Covers, Heater Motor Cover, Radiator, Catch Tank, and etc.) are going to have to be removed and repainted, or just repainted.

The Gasket, Aluminum Spacer, and all the Heater Hoses are reinstalled with the NEW Hose Clamps. The Starter Solenoid has been removed, cleaned and reinstalled, as has been the Mallory Ignition Coil.

Installed the NEW Fuel Pump yesterday, and tested it with the Vacuum/Pressure Test Rig, and it is putting out 6.8 PSI at cranking speed.

Have made up the Fuel Line from the Fuel Pump to the Carburetor with a Pressure Regulator included in the Line. It came out looking really nice. The Pressure Regulator is all Chrome, and with the NEW Hose Clamps, it looks really industrial.

Am presently awaiting the arrival of a NEW Automatic Choke Mechanism Assembly for the 4100. It will be here later this week, or early next week.

Have completely disassembled the Autolite 4100 Carburetor, cleaned, reassembled, except for the Automatic Choke Mechanism which just bolts on, kind of like an afterthought, and has only one "functional" connection to the Carburetor which is where it fastens to the Choke Plate Shaft Lever.

Have done all the "bench adjustments", and the 4100 is all set to be reinstalled as soon as the NEW Automatic Choke Mechanism Assembly gets here.

other than that hope your doing as well as expected?
Seem to be hanging in here. Am at kind of a lull in the activity due to waiting for the Choke Mechanism.

Am going to have to get off my butt and take care of some OTHER stuff that has been neglected due to all the "catch up" stuff caused by the setback of having an Engine fire.

All ok here, just doing my daily pt exercising, and dealing with the pain.
Know what you mean. Went through all the therapy pain after the motorcycle crash in 1987, and am NOW am living with all the "after-pain" that lingers from all the damage done.

can't wait to get on my harley again. feel trapped driving everywhere in my van and durango,lol.
Does the word "cage" have any relevance here? :)

peace, larry
Just got word this morning that the Automatic Choke Mechanism Assembly will be leaving Seattle, Washington today. It was supposed to have been shipped yesterday, but for some reason (?) it didn't make it.

So in the interim, will be keeping busy doing maintenance stuff, and preparing for the finishing of Ms. American's caper, and preparing for working on Lorrie again. Wonder if both of these old heaps are EVER going to both be functional at the same time?

Hang in there Larry. Don't let up on the Physical Therapy. It will serve you well later on.

Take care.

JC
 
#1,356 ·
jc; you should be able to borrow a compression tester from the auto parts stores. this has been, my findings throughout the past few years. hope this helps, larry
 
#1,357 ·
Hey Larry,
By the time one drives TO Livingston, picks up the loaner, they auto debit your checking account for a deposit, then you have to wait two to three weeks for them to refund your deposit by check. One uses the unit, then has to drive it back to Livingston. Then some weeks later one has to drive to the Post Office to pick up the refund. By that time one has spent as much (if not more) than the unit would have cost to just buy outright. And you don't have anything to show for all the cost.

It's just one of the minuses of living out in the boondocks. :)

Have Googled a "Compression Tester". They're between $20.00 and $30.00 to buy.

JC
 
#1,358 ·
damn, sorry jc, didnt realise it was like that. will try to send ya some help in jan, when my investments start paying off. in order to offset some of your xtra costs. i hate the thought of you not having any wheels all the way out there. we will talk soon. keep the faith, larry
 
#1,359 ·
damn, sorry jc, didn't realize it was like that.
Hey Larry,
The area is quite "back-wood-ish". The economy has really hit this area especially hard. As a result, the merchants here are doing all they can to survive. For example, the NAPA in Livingston: It used to be that one could call about getting a part, they would find it on their computer, have it shipped to them, one could pick it up the next day. But NOW, they do that same thing except there are shipping charges!

When Lorrie was having Battery Charging problems a while back, I called about a NEW Alternator. They could get one out of Kansas City... It was $69.00 + $60.00 for shipping from KC to Livingston. So instead, I took one of Lorrie's two Alternators to Smith Auto Electric, and had it rebuilt for $35.00.

will try to send ya some help in jan, when my investments start paying off.
Larry, that isn't necessary. The scene here is pretty much alright. There is enough money to get the amount of equipment/material/parts, etc. that can be installed with the amount of time and energy available.

in order to offset some of your xtra costs.
There aren't any "extra" costs. It's just that these two old vehicles need stuff done to them, and while the parts are available, the delivery of them are like swimming in molasses.

Like right now, am awaiting the arrival of an Automatic Choke Mechanism for Ms. American's Autolite 4100 Carburetor. One of the guys over at the FordMuscle Forum sent it off yesterday. He's charging me $5.00 for the item. He's sending it by USPS for $8.79 for shipping, insurance, and delivery confirmation. It will be here Thursday or Friday. But am ready for it NOW. So have had to "wait" for it for four days. It just the way it is.

i hate the thought of you not having any wheels all the way out there.
Fortunately, there is the fellow for whom I painted the sign for his welding shop who has offered to loan me his Dodge Pickup if necessary. All I have to do is call him, and arrange for a time for me to walk to his place and use his truck to go wherever I need to go. I don't want to be a bother to him, but do use his truck when absolutely necessary.

we will talk soon. keep the faith, larry
Alright.

Am spending the time while awaiting the Choke Mechanism by doing stuff that has been neglected around here by the dither that followed Ms. American's Engine fire.

The week following that event was quite intense and strenuous, so am also spending some amount of time resting up.

And as for the operating conditions that exist in the area, that's NOT just HERE.

The economy of the world is being manipulated by those in power, and the whole purpose of the economic uncertainty and turmoil is to make the wealthy wealthier, and poor poorer.

Anyway, your concern is VERY much appreciated, but none of what is here is REALLY of any urgency. It WILL be nice to have my own transportation again, but I am NOT stranded, nor am I in any kind of dire need.

Take excellent care of yourself.

Hope you are well.

JC
 
#1,362 ·
Merry Christmas to all!

Here's to a better 2013 for everyone!
 
#1,363 ·
Hey Mike,
THERE YOU ARE! :)

Hopefully everything will get easier this coming year. Am going to be getting Ms. American back together soon, and then maybe 2013 will be the year of Lorrie Van Haul.

Take care, and have safe and sane holiday season.

JC
 
#1,364 ·
Merry Christmas to all.
May we all have a better 2013.
:gr_patrio
 
#1,365 ·
Merry Christmas to all.
May we all have a better 2013. :gr_patrio
Hey Charlie,
You doing alright?

Did a bunch of work on Ms. American yesterday.

Got the Autolite 4100 Carburetor finally COMPLETELY assembled, including the connection FROM the Automatic Choke Mechanism TO the Choke Plate Shaft Lever. The Adjustable Fitting that makes THAT connection wasn't working properly, so it was reworked so that the C-Clip would hold it in place.

Installed NEW Gaskets between the Intake Manifold and the 4100.

Installed the 4100. It looks REALLY industrial. All clean and shiny after having been disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled after the fire two weeks and two days ago.

Hooked up the Throttle Linkage and Return Spring.

Hooked up the Fuel Line FROM the NEW Fuel Pump THROUGH the NEW Fuel Pressure Regulator TO the Carburetor.

Installed the Vacuum Line FROM the Carburetor TO the Distributor.

Installed the Spark Plug Wires, and the Wire FROM the Mallory Ignition Coil TO the Distributor. Got all the Spark Plug Wires routed through the Looms that connect to the Valve Covers.

Installed the Electric Choke Cap Wires.

So all that is left to do is add water to the Radiator, install the Fitting that will permit the Vacuum/Pressure Gauge to be attached to the Intake Manifold, hook up the Battery, and key the Starter to see if Ms. American will Start/Run/Idle.

If she will, will get her to where she will idle well enough to check the Timing, and then will fine tune the 4100, and HOPEFULLY, she will be able to be start easily, and be reliable enough to be my daily driver.

Then am going to see if what is wrong with Lorrie can be ascertained and remedied.

Hope this finds YOU doing well.

Have a Safe&Sane holiday.

JC
 
#1,369 ·
hey guy's , just wanted to wish you all a safe and merry christmas, here's hoping we will all recover, and be healthier in the new year to come. peace through strength, larry
 
#1,370 ·
al, sayin a special prayer just for you tonight. hang in there brother, dont let the bastards get ya down. you "WILL OVERCOME" this obstacle placed in your path. peace, larry
 
#1,372 ·
I was the one who elected to put it off after the holidays Jim. Maybe not a good idea, but oh well, I'm the one who has to deal with it. I have a will made out and funeral arrangements made well in advance. We will see what happens after the first of the year.
 
#1,373 ·
I was the one who elected to put it off after the holidays Jim. Maybe not a good idea, but oh well, I'm the one who has to deal with it.
Hey Al,
I know that this is a scary situation. Also know how it feels to have a life threatening condition. Over the years have learned to deal with these kinds of things aggressively/proactively. If we don't, who will? Don't skimp on anything. It's time to get involved in the struggle.

"Never give up, never, NEVER, N-E-V-E-R!" (Winston Churchill)

I have a will made out and funeral arrangements made well in advance.
So have I, but am not planning to have them go into effect any time soon. And neither should YOU. It isn't over till it's over. And one HAS to hang in there. We have no choice in the matter.

We will see what happens after the first of the year.
Well, the sooner that one gets started with whatever it takes to deal with one's health situation, the better.

I remember right after I was told that I had just five months left, that it was a really strange time.

I also remember one time when I was just a little kid, that I did something (I forget what), and got told that NOW I was going to die!

I went around to everyone I knew and to say "goodbye". That was, at the time, just a joke on me, but this last time, it was serious as an Ebola outbreak in the maternity ward.

Still, it ain't over till its over. And there's no giving up. We're not going to go easily into that dark night.

Anyway, no matter what the CT Scan reveals, there are still things that need and can be done. It's a matter of getting involved, and finding out all that can be done. I know that over the years, I've become more knowledgable about this liver disease to the point that I know as much, if not more about it than do the MDeities, because they only know the symptoms, effects, and therapies. I know all that too, but I ALSO know how it "feels", which they can never know. And the strange thing is: That THEY know that I know, and so they pretty much rely on me to tell them what they should do for me. The only ones that I have any issues with are the NEW MDeities who don't yet know me. But they soon come to realize that I too know what is going on from a perspective that they don't have.

Am hoping and expecting that YOU too will get to that point. As I've told a number of people: "This isn't always pleasant, but it's NEVER uninteresting."

Find out all you can about what is happening to you. It's necessary.

Anyway, have been working on Ms. American for the past few days. Got the Autolite 4100 installed and all hooked up, and got the timing set this evening.

The 3.14 is setting with her Initial Advance with the vacuum to the Distributor blocked at 12 degrees BTDC. The Manifold Vacuum is steady at at 18+". The idle is set at 800 RPM. The Secondary Throttle Shaft Adjustment Bolt is at 3/4 turns in. The Hot Engine Idle Screw is at 2 turns in, and the 4100 is now awaiting the adjusting of the Idle Mixture Screws which will happen tomorrow morning if it isn't raining.

It has been a good day.

Hope you are having a GREAT Crimmas Eve.

I'll hang in here, if YOU'LL hang in there.

JC
 
#1,374 ·
Hey All,
Just checking in to see if everyone is alright.

Al?

Larry?

Charlie?

Mike?

Everything here is alright. Am still working on getting Ms. American's Autolite 4100 Carburetor all dialed in. Am presently working on the Choke Mechanism. Have been doing some deep research to actually understand how it works. It is a complex Rube Goldberg contraption. But I think that I finally understand how it works. NOW, its a matter of finding out how to make it work THAT way.

Hope you all are well.

JC
 
#1,375 ·
Hello all. Been quite busy over the holidays. Work has been crazy. Everyone thinks their job is top priority, so we need to make all of them feel that way. It does make for a good paycheck.

Mr. A, the last I read you had her running, but needed fine adjustments. Has she been fighting you? I hope she gives in soon so you can move back to Lorrie. You've had enough excitement.

Al, get after that lung issue. Be aggressive.

Larry, keep on keepin' on. Hope the PT is going well.

Here's to a Happy New Year for all!
 
#1,376 ·
Hello all.
Hey Mike,
THERE YOU ARE! :)

Been quite busy over the holidays. Work has been crazy. Everyone thinks their job is top priority, so we need to make all of them feel that way. It does make for a good paycheck.
You getting lots of OverTime?

Mr. A, the last I read you had her running, but needed fine adjustments.
The 3.14 runs, but not REALLY well.

And THEN, just when the 4100 was getting dialed in, a couple of things happened that were NOT Ms. American related that kind of brought everything to a screeching halt.

First was the weather got bad. Rain/Cold/Wind. Just can't work out there when it's like that.

And then on Crimmas day, got to having BAD Kidney and Heart Pains. Didn't know what was causing THAT. Had all kinds of hypochondria. Kidney Stones, Renal Carcinoma, Heart Attack, the imagination was running wild.

Then I found a blister on the outside of my right wrist. Lanced it, and got a LOT of blood out of it.

Doing some research on it found that THAT was evidence of a Brown Hobo Spider Bite. Not a Black Widow. Not a Brown Recluse, but a Brown Hobo, which isn't nearly the problem of the Black Widow and Brown Recluse.

It took a week for the effects of the bite to wear off.

The symptoms that I had were Kidney and Heart aches, and HIGH Blood Pressure. Had readings as high as 225/112! Normal for me is 120s/60s.

The strange thing was that at no time was I feeling bad. No temperature, no muscle aches, no chills, no vomiting, no headaches, no flu like symptoms. Just HIGH Blood Pressure and Kidney&Heart aches.

Then last Monday, everything returned to normal.

Has she been fighting you?
Actually, she has been quite cooperative. What impedes progress more than anything is my ineptness at doing the adjusting, AND that there are actually things that need doing BEFORE dialing in the 4100 such as setting the Timing&Dwell, and setting up the Choke Mechanism which had to be partially replaced due to the Fire at the Post Office.

The problem with setting up the Choke Mechanism was that I didn't actually understand how it worked until the past couple of days. And so as soon as the weather permits, am going to go see if what is understood about the Electric Choke Mechanism is in REALITY what needs to be done.

I hope she gives in soon so you can move back to Lorrie.
Me too. Another part of the problem here that isn't related to the vehicles is that I was running dangerously low on funding. AND, property taxes are due at the end of this month. Also, I've got an MDeity Appointment on the 31st in Houston. All of which is causing some amount of trepidation and angst. But will just have to show some "class" and deal with everything as it comes.

You've had enough excitement.
Ain't THAT the truth!

Al, get after that lung issue. Be aggressive.

Larry, keep on keepin' on. Hope the PT is going well.

Here's to a Happy New Year for all!
X2!

So today, if it isn't still raining (which the weather guessers are saying it isn't supposed to be), and if it isn't too cold, am going to go see if I can't get the 4100's Choke adjusted.

Second thing is that even though the 4100 is giving good shots from the Accelerator Pump, the 3.14 won't start without a spritz of Start Fluid. We (all the guys at the FordMuscleForum) are somewhat perplexed by THAT. Have tried to start the 3.14 just by keying the Starter. She just cranks. Have tried giving her ONE pump on the Accelerator and then keying the Starter. She just cranks. Have tried giving her TWO pumps on the Accelerator and keying the Starter. She just cranks. Am going to give her FOUR pumps on the Accelerator this next time, and hope that she will start. BUT, all that has to be done is give each of the Primary Venturis a spritz of Start Fluid, and the 3.14 fires right up! Puzzling! Make me want to go: "Hmmmmm!"

Anyway, it's getting close to feeding the felines time.

Hope this finds YOU all doing well. Wish everyone would check in so that there'd be no cause for concern.

I'll hang in here, if YOU'LL hang in there.

JC
 
#1,377 ·
Yes, overtime is plentiful. I do alot of work in hospitals/health care, and they are spending freely right now. My office even asked if anyone wanted to work New Years Day because a customer called with a job the had to be completed by Jan 2. I was able to do the job on Monday afternoon, so I didn't have to work on the holiday.

I've never heard of a brown hobo spider. Interesting group of symptoms. I guess the venom is slow acting, long lasting. I have a friend that was bitten by a brown recluse a few years ago, and within half an hour the skin around the bite was deteriorating. I hope there are no lingering effects for you.

Good luck with the weather. We have cold with low clouds here in SE PA today. Keep posting. We are out here!
 
#1,378 ·
Yes, overtime is plentiful. I do alot of work in hospitals/health care, and they are spending freely right now. My office even asked if anyone wanted to work New Years Day because a customer called with a job the had to be completed by Jan 2. I was able to do the job on Monday afternoon, so I didn't have to work on the holiday.
Hey Mike,
Sounds like an interesting job.

I've never heard of a brown hobo spider. Interesting group of symptoms. I guess the venom is slow acting, long lasting.
It was quite an experience. Didn't actually know WHAT to expect. As it turned out all the worry was useless.

I have a friend that was bitten by a brown recluse a few years ago, and within half an hour the skin around the bite was deteriorating.
The Black Widow and the Brown Recluse are the two most dangerous spiders in the US. I've made it a point of NOT bothering spiders that occasionally get into the house. I usually get them in a container and throw them outside, but after this episode between Crimmas and New Year, am going to squash the little buggers if I see them. Am suspecting that the warming of the climate is going to be causing more and more problems with critters like spiders, ants, fleas, chiggers, and ticks.

I hope there are no lingering effects for you.
Me too. We'll just have to wait and see. Time will tell.

Good luck with the weather.
It's still heavily overcast, and a bit too cool to be outside still.

We have cold with low clouds here in SE PA today.
Typical Winter weather.

Keep posting. We are out here!
Where is Al, Charlie, and Larry, I wonder?

It's been a pretty good morning. Everything going along routinely.

JC
 
#1,379 ·
hey guys; checking in.... my girl and i have been busy the past 2 weeks while she was on winter break, entertaining, and doing some odds and ends around the house. health back to 85% . shoulder at 90%. saw surgeon thursday at 5 weeks, he just shook his head and released me, says im done with pt, but to keep things in moderation. yea right. took my first harley ride at the 3 week mark,lol.
also, great news, we have been searching for a month or so for a different place to live. put in a bid on a 5 acre farmette approx 25 miles inland of where we live now, offer was accepted new years eve. will be closing on the 1st of feb. will then move to the country and put our present place up for sale. we are right side up so it should work out well.cant wait. will be great to not live in a city environment any more.
glad your ok from the spider incident jc, that must of been real scary. we have tons of black, & red widows , and brown recluses here in florida. but they are usually kept at bay by the huge wolf spiders that are common here also. thats one of the issues that have come up with the move, not to mention, rattle'ers, coral snakes, gators, pythons, water moccasins, etc. our new place has a 1/2 acre pond, and is backed up on a large county waterway, so we will have to be vigilant.
as for ms. america, i still think you have a float issue. it just doesnt make sense that you have to use starter fluid. you need robert to come down and crank her, while you look down the 4100 to see if it is squirting fuel when the pedal is depressed. thats the only thing that makes sense to me. all else ok... hope everyone else is good, or gettin better(al)? tty all soon, larry
 
#1,380 ·
hey guys; checking in....
Hey Larry,
"Lovely to see you again, my friend. Walk along with me to the next bend." (Moody Blues)

My girl and i have been busy the past 2 weeks while she was on winter break, entertaining, and doing some odds and ends around the house.
Now she's going to have to go back to work to rest up from the holiday vacation. :)

health back to 85%. Shoulder at 90%. Saw surgeon Thursday at 5 weeks, he just shook his head and released me, says I'm done with pt, but to keep things in moderation.
Do what he said! What are you, some kind of masochist? :)

Yea right. took my first Harley ride at the 3 week mark, lol.
Well, as long as you kept the shiny side up...

Also, great news, we have been searching for a month or so for a different place to live. put in a bid on a 5 acre farmette approx 25 miles inland of where we live now, offer was accepted new years eve. will be closing on the 1st of Feb. will then move to the country and put our present place up for sale.
That's what I did in 1990. Always told myself that I'd have a place in the "country" when I was 50. And wonder of wonder, closed the deal the exact day that I turned 51! Moved in on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14, 1990)

Larry, you got to CRAZY to live in a city. I have to go back to Houston to see the MDeities twice a year. I get there, see what how much different it is from being out in the boondocks, and can see that EVEN with all the minuses of not having INSTANT access to every little thing that one needs, that to live like they do in Houston HAS to be pathological!

I we are right side up so it should work out well.cant wait. will be great to not live in a city environment any more.
It's different for sure.

glad your ok from the spider incident jc, that must of been real scary.
The elevated blood pressure, and aching in heart and kidneys WAS disconcerting, but at NO time was I feeling bad. Go figure.

We have tons of black, & red widows , and brown recluses here in Florida. but they are usually kept at bay by the huge wolf spiders that are common here also. That's one of the issues that have come up with the move, not to mention, rattlers, coral snakes, gators, pythons, water moccasins, etc.
Have read about them. Am of the opinion that the effects of global warming are going to exacerbate the insect/spider problem EVERYWHERE.

our new place has a 1/2 acre pond, and is backed up on a large county waterway, so we will have to be vigilant.
It MAY be that nature is proliferating its critters to take the world back from the hominids.

As for Ms. American, i still think you have a float issue. It just doesn't make sense that you have to use starter fluid.
Well, it's supposed to be nice here today and tomorrow. Am done with adjusting the Choke. Am going to be going out as soon as it is warmed up a bit to get Ms. American to start, run, and idle. She has been running the last few times that the weather permitted her to be out from under her plastic&tarp, but the Choke wasn't dialed in. Did that the last work session a few days ago, but it started to rain before she could be tested. So that's where she sits presently.

You need Robert to come down and crank her, while you look down the 4100 to see if it is squirting fuel when the pedal is depressed.
I checked the Accelerator Pump Shot. It's substantial.

Thats the only thing that makes sense to me.
Well, with the Choke adjusted, we're going to see if THAT helps. Will let you know how it goes.

All else ok... hope everyone else is good, or gettin better (Al)? tty all soon, larry
Well, thanks for checking in.

If Ms. American will start up today, will take her for a short test drive. If everything is alright, will bring her home and let her cool off and then start her up again and go for another test drive. If everything continues to be alright, will then take her for Inspection tomorrow. If she passes inspection, then she will be on the road again. Hopefully nothing else will go wrong.

It's been a strange last couple of months with her and Lorrie. BUT, we have met EACH and EVERY contingency with a proper "fix", doing EVERYTHING in a manner that was not only the RIGHT thing to do but done CORRECTLY.

Am thinking that unless there is a NEW issue, that we've pretty much covered all the bases, and that EVERYTHING is going to be just fine.

There's a different "feeling" about it this time. Not one of trepidation, but of confidence. We'll just have to wait and see. Time will tell.

Well, it's just about time to go feed the felines.

Hope you continue to progress. Now if we can just get Al all straightened around again...

HIT

JC
 
#1,381 ·
Hey All,
Thursday, January 10, 2013 Update:

Ms. American 3.14159 is all ready to go for her NEW Inspection Sticker tomorrow morning.

Thought I'd better check in to see if everyone is still hanging in there.

Should Ms. American pass Inspection, then we are going to have transport, and it will be time to turn our attention to Lorrie Van Haul yet once again.

Upon completion of the Ms. American preparation, all the tools&materials that were in Lorrie were cleaned out of the cargo bay and taken into the Sound/Music Studio.

So Lorrie is once again ready to have work done on her without any clutter in the way.

One of the suggestions made to get Lorrie Up&Running again is NEW Spark Plugs. Any opinions about THAT?

Another suggestion was that we need to do a Compression Check of the Cylinders in Lorrie's mighty 225 Slant Six Engine. That is going to entail getting a Compression Tester.

Have removed Lorrie's Valve Cover and found that there are no bent Push Rods, indicating that there are no stuck Valves.

Something of note though, Had just changed Lorrie's Voltage Regulator because the PREVIOUS Voltage Regulator was charging Lorrie's Battery at a rate of 16.8 Volts. Am wondering if maybe that affected the HEI Control Module which is supposed receive no less than 12 Volts. Maybe 16.8 was a bit much?

Since last we met, have had a Hot Water Heater start leaking. That was last Thursday Morning. Had no hot water from Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and finally Monday the Sears Service Man showed up. Deemed the leaking HWH as replaceable. Called the Sears Store in Livingston on Monday Afternoon, and they had one in stock. It was supposed to rain on Tuesday. The neighbor for whom I painted the Welding Sign, said I could use his pickup truck to go get the Unit.

It started raining on Tuesday morning at 6:08 a.m.

I walked out of the house to go get the pickup truck at 9:00 a.m. It stopped raining as soon as I walked outside. It took from 9:00 till 11:35 a.m. to get everything done. Picked up cat food at the Wal*Mart, kitty litter at the HEB, motor oil at the AutoZone, and the HWH at the Sears.

Got home at at 11:35 a.m. and unloaded everything and put it all away. Used a Ginshu Knife to cut the packing box off of the HWH. Got the HWH into the house with a hand truck.

Walked out of the house at 11:55 a.m. to take the pickup truck back. The neighbor drove me home, and when I got out of the truck to go into the house, it started raining again. But it hadn't rained a drop during the entire time that I was out and about. :)

Installed the HWH starting at about 12:30 p.m. Had it all installed by 1:35 p.m. Started putting water into it. Checked for leaks. There were none. At 2:05 p.m. turned on the electricity. Had hot water by 3:00 p.m. Took a shower almost immediately.

Anyway, hope everyone here is doing well. Let me hear from you all.

JC
 
#1,382 ·
good for you jc, but i think you are overdoing it, lol. glad everything is working out. as for lorrie, i forgot about the regulator caper. yep that might be an issue, imho. but at this stage no matter what, it wouldnt hurt to do a compression check just to verify that the mechanical function of the mighty leaning tower of power is in A-1 operating condition. your local autozone should sell a reasonable compression tester, with different adapters for under $40.00. i know cause i had to replace my ancient one last year due to its complete failure after 30 years of continuous use, so i purchased a new one.
other than that, all ok here, doin a buncha paperwork, and spending gobs of money trying to get through the purchase of our future home in the country. enough for now.
hope everyone else is doing well beside jc? tty all soon, larry
 
#1,384 ·
good for you jc, but i think you are overdoing it, lol.
Hey Larry,
Strangely, I seem to have developed more endurance by the forcing of myself to get Ms. American all recovered from the Post Office Fire. Other than my left hip hurting toward the end of the work session, I seem to doing alright.

glad everything is working out.
This morning's Inspection Station jaunt will tell the tale.

as for Lorrie, i forgot about the regulator caper.
BUT, she was running with the one that put out 16.8 Volts, and after it was changed, she was STILL running for some time after the swap. It was that she had run the day before, and when I tried to start her the next morning, it was the first cold morning of the coming Winter, all of a sudden she would just crank but no fire.

yep that might be an issue, imho.
Makes me want to go "Hmmmmm!"

but at this stage no matter what, it wouldn't hurt to do a compression check just to verify that the mechanical function of the mighty leaning tower of power is in A-1 operating condition. your local autozone should sell a reasonable compression tester, with different adapters for under $40.00. i know cause i had to replace my ancient one last year due to its complete failure after 30 years of continuous use, so i purchased a new one.
The purchase of the Compression Tester may have to wait till next month. Have an MDeity appointment on January 31, and Property Taxes to pay. So it would stretch the budget into a patriotic short-fall to spring for the Tester this month.

other than that, all ok here, doin a buncha paperwork, and spending gobs of money trying to get through the purchase of our future home in the country.
Things will settle down once you are settled in.

enough for now. hope everyone else is doing well beside jc?
See where Mike has weighed in. Now if Al would just straighten up! :)

tty all soon, larry
Am off to pick up proof of Insurance. Pick up money at the Bank for gasoline. Get gas at the Conoco. And then it will be to the Inspection Station to see if Ms. American will pass muster.

If she does, then THAT weight will be off my shoulders. Then if everything that has been done has rendered the old Gal reliable, THAT would be a blessing.

Will keep you all updated.

JC
 
#1,383 ·
Hi Mr. A, Larry, et al

Well aren't you the ambitious one! That is quite a number of checkmarks on the to-do list. I guess a hot shower was enough incentive to complete the water heater project.

Maybe the timing of the rain is a sign that things are going to roll your way this year.

I'll have to reread about the most recent issue with Lorrie. It's been quite a while since we've heard from her. I wish I had more to offer mechanically, but I'm just not a slant 6 guy. Keep us posted.
KTF
Mike
 
#1,385 ·
Hi Mr. A, Larry, et al Well aren't you the ambitious one! That is quite a number of checkmarks on the to-do list. I guess a hot shower was enough incentive to complete the water heater project.
Hey Mike,
The shower was GOOD. But the REAL treat was in the morning having hot water with which to clean up the kitchen. The weather had been chilly (27 to 32 degrees in the morning), and these old arthritic fingers having to wash dishes with COLD water was a bitch.

Maybe the timing of the rain is a sign that things are going to roll your way this year.
Was thinking the same thing. But one can only hope.

I'll have to reread about the most recent issue with Lorrie. It's been quite a while since we've heard from her.
She just one day decided that she wasn't going to start. No rhyme or reason. That's going to be the mystery that will have to be solved. Have gone back over all the NEW HEI Ignition components, but that was some time ago, back before the two and a half month debacle with the installation of the Autolite 4100 Carburetor on Ms. American. Am thinking that a step-by-step diagnostic of the fuel/ignition/compression system on Lorrie is in order. We will leave no stone unturned. :)

I wish I had more to offer mechanically, but I'm just not a slant 6 guy.
Then just get some popcorn, settle back, and watch the show. :)

Keep us posted.
For sure.

Anyway, weather here is supposed to be nice today, but rain tomorrow. Have this one window of opportunity with the Inspection. Will be heading out of here around 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.

Will be back, hopefully before Noon, if everything goes well.

JC
 
#1,386 ·
How did the inspection go? Are we back to Lorrie?
 
#1,388 ·
How did the inspection go?
Hey Mike,
Ms. American aced the Inspection. Got her NEW Inspection Sticker. She is street legal again.

Are we back to Lorrie?
Not quite. Ms. American's Autolite 4100 STILL needs some fine tuning, but it is just too rainy and cold to do anything with her. Weather is supposed to clear up later this week. Will get Ms. American all squared away, and then we'll start on Lorrie.

Per Larry's suggestion, we need to test her compression. Need to get a Compression Testing Rig. Have to put that off till next month due to budgetary constraints.

Once we confirm Lorrie's Compression, the next thing MAY be NEW Spark Plugs. Have had some amount of comment about them.

There WAS one anomaly prior to Lorrie refusing to start, which was that the Voltage Regulator was allowing 16.8 Volts to the Battery, which is a bit high. It may be that the 16.8 Volts might have damaged the Electronic Control Unit, though it is supposed to be getting at LEAST 12 Volts.

BUT, Lorrie was running AFTER the NEW Voltage Regulator was put on, and checked for Voltage. It was fine.

If the Compression and Ignition checks out, then it's on to the Carburetor.

So how have YOU been?

Haven't heard ANY word from Al since before the First of the Year. Hope he is alright. He was going for a CT Scan of his lungs.

Am in the process of kind of straightening things up around here.

Hope this finds YOU doing well.

JC
 
#1,387 ·
yea jc, enquiring minds want to know? btw, this is my 500th post...................yea! larry
 
#1,389 ·
yea jc, inquiring minds want to know?
Hey Larry,
Well, my response to Mike's query is already up.

As soon as the weather is a bit more hospitable, will be doing a whole list of stuff to Ms. American in order to get her to run better.

First thing is to get NEW Spark Plugs.

Then fine tune the Dwell. It's supposed to be 25 to 29.5 Degrees. right now it's about 32 Degrees.

Next is to set the Initial Timing.

Conventional wisdom says to set it with the Vacuum Gauge, with the Vacuum Line FROM the Carburetor TO the Distributor unhooked and capped.

With the Engine at idle, the Distributor is turned to get the HIGHEST Vacuum reading. It could be ANYTHING... But it will probably be around 14 to 16 Degrees BTDC.

Once the Initial Timing HIGHEST Vacuum is ascertained, then the Distributor is backed off 2 Degrees. So 14 becomes 12, or 16 becomes 14.

It appears that the Distributor Centrifugal Advance and the Vacuum Advance add another 20 degrees, and so anything between 32 Degrees to 34 Degrees "All In" is not at all unusual.

Once the Timing is set, the Vacuum Line TO the Distributor FROM the Carburetor, and the Secondary Throttle Shaft Adjustment Bolt is adjusted to give a good idle.

Then the Idle Mixture Screws are adjusted for BEST Idle.

Once that is done, the Hot Engine Idle Speed Screw can be set to give an 850 RPM Idle.

This is a bit higher than the 1964 Ford & Mercury Shop Manual specifies, BUT that is alright because the Crane Fireball 294 Cam is a bit MORE than the STOCK Cam that ORIGINALLY came in the 3.14.

Am going to have to get some Carburetor Cleaner and spritz the Choke Mechanism. I made the mistake of lubricating it with "3 in 1" Oil, and it isn't supposed to be lubed with ANY kind of oil as that will attract and trap dust and etc. to the Choke Linkage which should be TOTALLY free of any kind of "drag".

btw, this is my 500th post...................yea! larry
Doesn't THAT make you a Senior Member?

Well, as mentioned previously, haven't heard from Al since the New Year began. Hope he is doing alright. What he is facing CAN be quite scary. We both know about "scary", don't we Larry?

Just changed Medicare Part D Coverage. Changed to a plan with NO Premium. Have been paying $13.30 a month so will be saving $159.60 a year, which will help pay the Property Tax here.

Speaking of "property", how is the acquisition of your new country estate going?

Anyway, it's time to go take my meds and feed the felines.

Hope you are well.

JC
 
#1,390 ·
????
 
#1,391 ·
Hey Mike,
Whaddaya mean "????"?

Have you heard from Al? Hope he's doing alright.

Right after the first of next month, will be starting on getting Lorrie Up&Running again. Am going to get her a set of NEW Spark Plugs. Am going to have to find out why she won't fire up.

Have an MDeity appointment on January 31, 2013. Then I'll be clear for another six months.

Not much going on till then.

Hope this finds YOU doing well.

JC
 
#1,394 ·
Just checking in. I found out I have both lung and liver cancer. Not something I want to talk about because I get so depressed when I do, so please don't ask.
 
#1,397 ·
Just checking in.
Hey Al,
THERE YOU ARE! Have been asking about you for a while.

I found out I have both lung and liver cancer.
I am stunned. Don't know what to say.

Not something I want to talk about because I get so depressed when I do, so please don't ask.
Know what you mean. Just want to say that there is much that is known, and much that can be done. There is an attitude that HAS to be taken of joining in the fight with all your might and determination. Don't go gently and don't resign yourself to a fate without learning and doing all you can about it. It isn't over till its over.

Take MORE excellent care of yourself.

JC
 
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