Boat Fixed

Back in July OnSite Marine tore down the starboard engine and said that the cylinder head would go to the machine shop for resurfacing. Had no communication from them until we got to the marina the weekend of Aug 29 and I made it a point to get an update. I was told then that they had the head back from the machine shop.

Got a call on 9/8 saying that the work was complete. I take responsibility for some of the delay because I didn't show any impatience until late in the game. Though I had fleeting thoughts about calling for an update we weren't at the marina for several weekends. Out of sight, out of mind. I know that the cylinder head rode around in their truck for a while before they got around to putting it back on. Then, once it was on, there were problems with the way the engine idled leading to a carburetor rebuild ($238).

The starboard head on the starboard engine was not fitting flat against the exhaust manifold and was sent to the machine shop to be resurfaced ($180). OnSite's labor to remove and re-install was $2,430 including their attempt to use their own tools to resurface the parts. Gaskets and coolant ran $293.

Federer's Shot

Recorded 60 Minutes yesterday and when I watched later saw that the first 20 mins were preempted by the US Open.  Of course I got sucked into the tennis match only to catch the INCREDIBLE between the legs return.  When i saw it the 1st time I thought he lost the point and then when they did the replay and made it clear that he returned it AND that it was in I just lost it.  Have never seen anything like it in my life.

Woke up this morning expecting them to show it over and over on the news but it got secondary treatment to Venus' explosion which doesn't strike me as half as interesting.

Has The Cash for Clunkers Deal Really Expired?

The "Service Engine Soon" light on my 2001 Suburban has come on several times in the last few months but became more persistent as we headed home from Boston on Saturday so... I took it to the dealer for service yesterday. Good news is that the remedy will only cost $320. The full story was

• "Service Engine Soon" light referred to misfires on several cylinders. Doesn't think it's electrical, like spark plug, so recommends cleaning the fuel injectors $320
• Driver's window motor, regulator, and the rubber channel that the window fits through is dry rotted $530
• Mechanic reports loud noise/rumbling coming from front and diagnosed worn hub bearings that should be replaced. Replacement includes ABS and wheel speed sensor $1167
• Lubricant in front differential "like molasses." Rebuild $830 + parts
• Transfer case is also bad. Doesn't know if he can get a used one but new one is $1900
  

Will do the window motor, injector/engine cleaning, and replace the front hub bearings. Never use the 4 wheel drive so will avoid the front differential and transfer case for now.

We're in it for the long haul so I have no complaints about doing this work on an 8 year old car that has almost 150,000 miles on it. A lot cheaper than buying a new car.