Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT Grumblebums Corner

[Coolabah]

Thanks for checking in guys.

Just a quick update...this morning with some daylight I ran the test unit on the alternator and guess what big red X. ******. Was only putting out 8 volts or something not very useful, so I had basically just run that battery down. After a full night on the charge it was happy.

So picked up a new alternator late morning and had it back in operation by just after 1pm. Putting out 14 odd volts again and big green tick on the tester after that. I'll see what needs repairing on the old unit and keep it as a spare. 300,000k from the factory unit can't be too bad I guess.

Terrick, no mate no led bars on it at this stage.

Cheers GB

300k ?? Strewth they do build Toyotas well

 

[1/2 Cup]

GB, all things considered you have had a good run out of it..

 

[Grumblebum]

300k miles is about twice the design intent usually so it did ok. Hop it can be a good spare.

300k ?? Strewth they do build Toyotas well

GB, all things considered you have had a good run out of it..

Thanks guys, all charging systems are still working well after about 600kms so far on the new alternator.

View media item 71324
Most of the weekend was QFT, however I had to get stuck in to investigating the water leak on Monday. Basically pull stuff off and investigate. These pics are after everything has been cleaned but I managed to find that the wiring loom grommet through the firewall is the main culprit. Basically the wires sit under where the water drips from the windscreen down through the engine bay, so if water lands on the wires it tracks in and drops internally. Wasn't easy to see as the water tracks down the wires inside and drops off some distance from the grommet.

View media item 71325
I can only assume it started some time around when I added the second battery to the front as I ran new accessory power feeds for the UHF etc from the auxilery battery rather than the main. ******.

View media item 71326
I've just sealed it up with a mastic polymer sealer tonight (think sikaflex type stuff) so will let that set and do a follow up touch up in the next day or so. Hopefully a full wash and clean on the weekend will see no further issues and I can reinstall the internal trim that I've left off a the moment.

Fun and games.

Cheers GB

 

[Grumblebum]

GB - how does that snorkel sound at speed? Like 75+? Was looking at one for my Disco but have heard that they can howl at higher speeds?

Jeff, with a recent bit of highway time I've been trying to listen for snorkel noise. In my case there is no howl to be noticed, you can hear a bit more wind noise on that side, but I must say after having it on there for 17 years it's never really bothered me.

I doubt you would notice it much above the normal wind noise you get from your Discovery anyway.

That was running upto 75 mph for a short stint, but sitting on 68-71 mph for most of the time.

Cheers GB.

 

[ajohno]

Great job finding the leak GB. It's always the last place you look. Now you are taking detailing to a new level.

 

[bj383ss]

GB hopefully that fixes your leak. I know how frustrating that is trying to find. I would say you got your money's worth out of the Alt.

Bret

 

[Grizz1963]

Morning Rod

Thank you very much for your generous contribution to my charity effort.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/GeneralMedicineTriathlon2017

Still not wearing Lycra though.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Great job finding the elusive leak!

 

[dchance]

GB
Enjoyed you thread and the adventures you had in organizing. Great pics on the tractor show and the old Holdens.

Enjoyed the detailing posts and finding the leak.

Dwight

 

[Grumblebum]

Great job finding the leak GB. It's always the last place you look. Now you are taking detailing to a new level.

Thanks Aaron, I'm yet to get 5 to give her a wash and confirm I've got it sorted so I can put the internal trim bits back in - hopefully this weekend I was however a bit annoyed as the guy that resprayed the flares had to take them off to sand them back and respray. However I found that they didn't even take 10 mins to do a quick wash of the area before they put it back on...so there was clay bar involved before I reinstalled the grey flare bit.

GB hopefully that fixes your leak. I know how frustrating that is trying to find. I would say you got your money's worth out of the Alt.

Bret

Thanks Bret, one day I might get to restore a cool older truck like you have. The alternator has performed well so far with over 1000kms (620 miles), so I'm happy. It's now due for it's 300,000k (186,000 mile) service so my plan is to give the engine bay a bit of love while I work through that - it might be another one of those things that draws out over a few weeks though.

Morning Rod

Thank you very much for your generous contribution to my charity effort.

Still not wearing Lycra though.

Your welcome Rian, just stay away from that lycra stuff Even better if you can keep that exercise going after the fact, I know I could sure do with some.

Great job finding the elusive leak!

Thanks Andy, a little touch up and I think we should be in business.

GB
Enjoyed you thread and the adventures you had in organizing. Great pics on the tractor show and the old Holdens.

Enjoyed the detailing posts and finding the leak.

Dwight

Thanks for taking the time to read through Dwight, much appreciated. Always something going on. I find my garage and home project time is a fantastic distration from the day job and sends me off to sleep happy most nights now.

Detailing is kind of addictive. I was quite happy plodding away with the RO polisher even though the process was several hours long.

All, have been a bit low on evening motivation the last few weeks, but finally tonight I had to have a stab at cleaning up the latest clutter and mess.

View media item 71523
View media item 71524
Mainly was just putting stuff away. It's been a bit bad because I cleaned out my office due to us now being owned by a larger company - so I de-personalized my space a bit. Lots of old paperwork to go through now and either scan or shred and send to the chicken coop to be processed into compost.

A couple of hours with some tunes playing and we are almost back to normal.

View media item 71525
Then I started thinking about all the little projects that need to be done or finished.

Cheers GB.

 

[1/2 Cup]

GB, I understand your low motivation, short days and cold..

 

[taumac]

What happen with work?

Sent from my Venue7 3740 using Tapatalk

 

[shortykorte]

Looking good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Grumblebum]

GB, I understand your low motivation, short days and cold..

1/2 Cup it for sure takes a couple of coffees to get going in the morning, I don't know how you manage to get up at 4am'ish still at this time of year Saw your neck of the woods was under 0 C last day or so.

What happen with work?

Gerard, basically the client of which %80+ of my time is spent working for has purchased our business. We've been building these guys as they have grown since around 2002 and they are in a rapid expansion phase and are now near $300 AU million on the Australian stock market.

Getting too big for me to do on my own, so likely there will be a few more guys in my team to take the load off as I've been getting spread pretty thin. My boss will take of over the CTO (chief technology officer) role for the larger organisation. We'll still maintain our existing other client base. Will be interesting to see how the dynamic changes as I'm pretty used to running my own show.

Looking good.

Thanks Shorty.

All,

Last couple of weekends I've not been too lazy, but have started on an outdoor project that will see the completion of a lot of work that I've done to the house and property. This is the last section of fence that needs doing. This neighbour has already done the front section of this fence and the deal was they do the front and I'll sort the back.

Basically there is about 1' of fall between yards, so I've dug out all the old railway sleepers that were rotted out (some still have original steel pins that I'll see if they are worth doing something with). Left with a trench now that I can work from. Originally was hoping to use the steel post work but it's way out of plumb and not high enough anyway so it will be quicker for me to pull them out or cut them at the bottom (more likely as they are in pretty well).

View media item 71582
Nothing holding the post right at the end it's completely rotted all out at the bottom. New fence line will come up to the top of the green one at the back which is 6'.

View media item 71583
So when I rebuilt my box trailer a way back I installed LED tail lights. They were supposed to be sealed units, so imagine my surprise when I found water in both sides that had corroded out the LED's and hence they didn't work very well any more. This time purchased some hopefully better ones.

View media item 71585
Installed a new 7 pin plug as well.

View media item 71584
So trailer is good to go, it's got a bit of work coming up

Cheers GB.

 

[metalhead140]

Are the trailer lights pictured your new or old ones? They look the same as the ones I installed on my wife's horse float 18 months ago, that I now have to chase down why the indicators are very dull. I suspect that may be an issue with the wiring on our tow vehicle rather than the lights, but it has been out in the weather all of that time, so if you had water in yours then I might have to check that first..

 

[Grumblebum]

Are the trailer lights pictured your new or old ones? They look the same as the ones I installed on my wife's horse float 18 months ago, that I now have to chase down why the indicators are very dull. I suspect that may be an issue with the wiring on our tow vehicle rather than the lights, but it has been out in the weather all of that time, so if you had water in yours then I might have to check that first..

MH, they are the new ones. Got the Narva branded ones this time instead of the generic SCA branded ones.

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Pr...limline-Rectangle-LED-Combination-Pair/287167

I hope these don't get water in, they are not the cheapest things in the world. I had issues with the trailer plug not getting a decent connection on the indicators hence why I replaced it also. Will also replace the plug on the back of the truck as it's the original 17 year old one that's had it's share of **** in it over the years.

The old lights had water sloshing around in them so was easy to see in my case.

Thanks for checking in.

GB

 

[Terrick down Under]

Hey, if you have a 7 pin flat connector, then check the two outer most pins. They are the indicators. When most people disconnect, the plug gets wiggled and those two pins slightly compress. We get it alot here!!

 

[Grumblebum]

Hey, if you have a 7 pin flat connector, then check the two outer most pins. They are the indicators. When most people disconnect, the plug gets wiggled and those two pins slightly compress. We get it alot here!!

Agreed Terrick, they do tend to do that, often I insert a small flat head screwdriver to separate the pins again and they are normally a bit better. I've used the trailer a bit now having only replaced the trailer plug so far - no problems so I'll leave the one on the back of the truck as is for the minute.

Still busy pottering away - just not much in the garage. Did however recsue a few things from being thrown out today as there is a big office cleanup going on which is basically sorting out the boss's **** that he's been filling the place with for the last stack of years.

One was this little adjustable work bench. Once I assembled it correctly so it could actually be closed and gave it a wipe over it looks thus...

View media item 71711
Cheers GB.

 

[rmalkow2]

Nice save of the delta work table. Similar to a WorkMate and they are very useful. I have more than one and use them constantly in and out of the house. Looks like that one folds up for storage so you can hang it from the wall when not in use. Even a good thing to take camping. You picked wisely from the bosses extras.

 

[shortykorte]

^ditto


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jon72vega]

Grumblebum,
I haven't posted here for a long time, but I've been watching your thread.
One thing I especially enjoyed was the pictures of the old Holdens.

 

[cbacres]

I like the steel frame around your lights GB. At least you shouldn't have to worry about damage to them.

 

[Grumblebum]

Nice save of the delta work table. Similar to a WorkMate and they are very useful. I have more than one and use them constantly in and out of the house. Looks like that one folds up for storage so you can hang it from the wall when not in use. Even a good thing to take camping. You picked wisely from the bosses extras.

^ditto

Thanks RM and Shorty, It's just an imitation Delta branding that Aldi stores use from what I can see. But yes it folds up nicely so should find a home on the cleat wall.

Grumblebum,
I haven't posted here for a long time, but I've been watching your thread.
One thing I especially enjoyed was the pictures of the old Holdens.

Hi Jon, thanks for keeping tabs. Always something going on. Really must get started helping my Dad get his old holden back on the road.

I like the steel frame around your lights GB. At least you shouldn't have to worry about damage to them.

Thanks CB, we made the trailer pretty solid, and that is 1" box tube around the lights. The inserts and mud guard covers are aluminium checker plate that came off an old excavator where they were used as door and window covers.

Thanks for stopping in.

Off this week on school holiday duty, but no time to rest got stuck into replacing the last section of fence at home. So Mon-Wed resulted in this...

View media item 71966
Shot is from the neighbour side. I still have some drainage to finish and clean up to do back on my side. Sleepers are 3" x 8" double stacked. Only had 6 post holes to dig but 2 ended up being the footings for the fence before the last fence - solid concrete with steel reinforcement so lost most of a day just getting them chopped out as they were exactly where the new post holes had to go.

Anyway that's another large'ish project ticked off.

Cheers GB.

 

[ajohno]

Great job on the fence GB.

 

[rmalkow2]

That's a good looking fence GB. Job well done and looks like it will last a long time to come.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Top job on the fence GB

 

[Terrick down Under]

Hey, looks like that second last sleeper is in upside down, yep you need to clock those puppies.
LOL, it looks good.

 

[hewey]

Fence looks great, nice work.

 

[dlcwent]

Nice job on the fence Rod. Very "clean" look. I like it.

 

[Grumblebum]

Great job on the fence GB.

That's a good looking fence GB. Job well done and looks like it will last a long time to come.

Top job on the fence GB

Hey, looks like that second last sleeper is in upside down, yep you need to clock those puppies.
LOL, it looks good.

Fence looks great, nice work.

Nice job on the fence Rod. Very "clean" look. I like it.

Thanks for the responses guys. Still a bit of tidy up to go with some gravel and drainage line then we can setup the entertaining space finally.

Not much other garage'y stuff to report this week due to the outside work, however I did just replace a headlight bulb on wifies Camry - low beam had died on one bulb. Really haven't been happy with the fancy brand name ones - had the same issue with them dying on my truck. Lately have gone with the generic auto parts store brand and so far they have been good.

Had some store credits to use up which paid for these

View media item 72465
Cheers GB.

 

[Grumblebum]

Sydney Motorex 2017.

On Sunday just gone, I went up to have a look at the Sydney motorex show with fellow member Lyndon and my Dad.

Managed to get some pics, so posted them in a free parking thread here for anyone interested.

Was a great way to spend a Sunday. Some very nice machines to envy over.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=366289

Cheers GB.

 

[BBChevro]

Nice fence GB, I'm slowly doing a similar one out the front of our place - I love the way that the sleepers can slide into the posts.

 

[metalhead140]

Thanks for the Motorex pics GB! Killer!

 

[Grumblebum]

Nice fence GB, I'm slowly doing a similar one out the front of our place - I love the way that the sleepers can slide into the posts.

Thanks Mark, the 2" wide sleepers go straight in, these ones are 3" wide so we had to notch them out.

Thanks for the Motorex pics GB! Killer!

Was a good day Andrew, lots to see and take in. Lot's of $$$ in paint jobs!

All it's been a while since I've done much in the garage or spent any time on GJ - have been off reading some other threads of interest the last month or so and am way behind on what everyone has been up to here.

Have still been fiddling around outside on activities such as chicken coop fixup/expansion and other QFT related activities.

Came down to the garage tonight and did a bit of a clean up (horizontal surface area disease had struck again). Then jumped on to post an update...

The other weekend we visited my brother in-law's new business/property (wholesale nursery supplier), he'd been cleaning up the property and had pulled this chainsaw out of the weeds or an old greenhouse down the back somewhere and was going to throw it out.

I thought I took a before pic but seem to have not done so. It was pretty much oil and sawdust soaked - filthy like it had never been cleaned in it's life.

Got some time late Sunday afternoon to have a look at it. It's a Jonsered 625II which after looking into it is a 61.5 cc engine capable of running upto a 24" bar, seems to be around a 1996 model. Jonsered are a Swedish brand but no longer sell chainsaws in Australia, they still sell ride on mowers. Seems a lot of cross over between this model and the Husqvarna 266 series saws.

Tore it down a fair bit and give it a good clean up with petrol, pulled the plug and it looked ok - just a wire brush up needed, re-assembed and time to give it a test, fired up after a couple of pulls. Had good compression and the engine sounds great - I hadn't even drained the old fuel out.

I just need to get a new kill toggle switch as the one on it was broken. (The wire was broken off inside when I tore it down. I wonder if they couldn't start it because the wire was grounding inside the shroud and hence gave up on it ? or if they got it to start and the wire grounded during movement and stopped it ?)

View media item 73803
View media item 73802
Plan is to give it a decent test next weekend and if it goes ok I'll get a new bar/chain and a couple other small bits for it. It's currently running a 20" bar, chain looks ok just needs a good sharpen and the bar end needs a good bit of grease - it sounds like it's had a bit of sand and **** in it.

So far sounds promising anyway will see how it goes.

Cheers GB.

 

[oldironfarmer]

That's a first class chainsaw!

 

[Lyndon]

Rod

I was wondering where you'd gone into winter hibernation at....?

Great pick up on the chain saw. That's going to be a good find I suspect.

Lyndon
Wandering by....

 

[Redwolf947]

Nice find on that saw..

 

[dlcwent]

Rod, that looks like a great saw. On a similar note, I bought a Jonesered 2035 Turbo new in 1997. I had never had to do a thing to it except buy a couple of new bars and chains. I know some would argue but I think they're one of the best saws ever made. It never fails to start and work flawlessly whenever I pull it out from under the bench. I think you'll be happy with it, even though you paid way too much for it.

 

[BBChevro]

Great score GB.

You ****.

 

[Grumblebum]

That's a first class chainsaw!

Rod

I was wondering where you'd gone into winter hibernation at....?

Great pick up on the chain saw. That's going to be a good find I suspect.

Lyndon
Wandering by....

Nice find on that saw..

Rod, that looks like a great saw. On a similar note, I bought a Jonesered 2035 Turbo new in 1997. I had never had to do a thing to it except buy a couple of new bars and chains. I know some would argue but I think they're one of the best saws ever made. It never fails to start and work flawlessly whenever I pull it out from under the bench. I think you'll be happy with it, even though you paid way too much for it.

Great score GB.

You ****.

Thanks all. I'm still waiting on the replacement kill switch arriving for the chainsaw, was hoping to have it by last Friday so I could test it over the weekend, received a message this morning that it's due this week so I'll keep you posted after a better test. Just not quite comfortable using a wire and aligator clip for an extended test as a kill switch that I did when test firing it.

Mark, just pause on that thought for a sec until it gets some cuts under it's belt. Hopefully it's a winner, I've already started planning a chainsaw storage box out for it

However ironically Dan the old Jonsered started more easily (just the test fire) for me than Dad's much newer Husky 350 on the weekend.

Up helping my BIL fixup a soil bay on the weekend to store potting mix (20 cubic meters worth at a time which lasts him about a week or so) keeping in tune with old petrol tools, Dad suggested I have a crack at getting this going also. An Atom lawn edger which are the ants pants of edgers AFAIK (at least over here). It was rescued from the same pile as the Jonsered chainsaw.

View media item 74096
Just gave it a good bug spray, hope no big fat red-back spiders hitched a ride home in it

Looks pretty beat up but will see what a bit of a tear down reveals. Seems to have compression from the half pull I gave the cord.

Cheers GB.