Bollweevil

Let's see if this works

How did that situation get so out of hand? First prize for best story submitted will be a fax copy of one of Tom's famous BBQ sammich's. When he gets the computer fixed.

I've got four of the damn things now and not a single one finished! Getting real tired of looking at boat anchors. Three I know run very well, and the forth has not shown up at the shop yet. They sure sound different than the inline engines.

Real close on a deal for a fifth and then I'll quit, or add onto the building, (with the loss of my nuts I'm sure).

Rob

Look on the bright side Rob, without them you'll have more time to work on your truck collection.

Purple Stuff, Mean Green, you can find something in your area with a caustic agent. Having the tanks off makes it easy, you can pour about a half gallon in each tank, and roll them around. The last ones that I did were on the truck. After the tanks were clean, the next challenge was getting all the water out. I finally set a Reddy heater up on blocks, aimed it at the tank, and fired it off. It didn't take long and it was bone dry. Of course you could take them inside and set them on the stove. As if you are not in enough trouble already

I am glad to see DADDYSLILGURL back, Since she got that CDL, I was afraid she had taken a load to California, and couldn't find a load back east. One of the worst things that can happen is to start looking over your shoulder at that bunk. Next thing you know you'll want to start stopping and eating. Sleeping and eating, sleeping and eating, ruined more drivers than you can shake a stick at.

Rob, I tried about umpteen times but couldn't make it work. I tried to email you a photo couldn't make it work either. Too big I guess, I don't know how to re size it.

I have always heard that the squeaky wheel get the grease. If you are having trouble now, imagine what will happen when the warranty expires. Document every compliant, insist on having each and every one listed on a work order, and insist on a copy of the finished work order. Even if they say something is normal, or they can't find a problem. Get it all in writing, and save it all. Then if the sucker hand grenades two days after warrant runs out, you may have enough leverage to get something done.

You wouldn't have to worry about someone stealing the steering wheel, or CB.

Maybe I wasn't clear in my original post. What I want to know is what gives the right for them to check if you've got red fuel? The last I looked, the exceptions to a search warrant were consent, probable cause, flight risk, or plain sight. Seems to me its no different than a cop digging through your car, sleeper, camper, whatever, in which case the evidence against you would be thrown out. I just don't understand how these guys can force you to look at the color of your fuel. Like I said, I've never stopped at a checkpoint, and probably never will because I believe it violates my rights to be free of search and seizure as granted by our Constitution. Maybe I'm just an idiot, but I truly feel our rights are essential for a free society and if we give our rights away, we are screwed.

Have you never been through a drivers license check? By applying for and accepting a drivers license, and agreeing to have it with you while driving, you also agree to having the state stop you and check your license. It is the same with auto registration. In states with mandatory insurance, you agree to keep insurance on the automobile when you register it. The state HAS every right to check you for compliance. In the case of commercial carriers, when you receive a commercial carriers license you agree to abide by all the law concerning commercial carriers. When you pull up to a pump, that is clearly marked OFF ROAD ONLY the implication is #1 that you can read, #2 that you agree by pumping the fuel to use it off road. Since this clearly a tax issue, administrated by the United States Internal Revenue Service, you should also be fully aware that they do not need a reason, or excuse to make your life just as DAMN miserable as they can. p.s. I don't like it either.

what is this red fuel? and what the big deal?

-Monty

It is fuel which is intended for off road use, like construction or farming. It has a higher sulfur content, and contains a red dye to identify it. Also there are not supposed to be road taxes imposed. I have been in the situation in NM. Where after filling the reefer tank on my trailer. I had to pay more for the off road fuel, due to a different tax structure. That was the last time I asked for an off road discount in NM.

It is an IRS issue, [ tax evasion ] Refusal to allow inspection, carries a $1,000.00 penalty plus being detained until the vehicle is inspected. If the vehicle is found to have off road fuel, the penalty is either @1,000.00 or $10.00 per gallon of fuel on board, which ever is greater. [ estimated ] In addition the offended state collects the unpaid tax on the fuel on board. [ estimated ] This might not happen every time, but it is allowed for by law. Ultimately, the result of being in the wrong place at the right time with the wrong fuel, is up to whoever is doing the inspection. I have been checked once in 28 years, in Colorado. It seems to be somewhat more of an issue in farm areas. What's the use of being an OUTLAW, if you can't terrify somebody? Being terrorized yourself just ain't right.

Does this engine have a water rail, lower the coolant level and take it off, remove the engine belts add coolant to fill the heads, and fire it off. If it has a combustion leak, you won't have to wonder anymore.

Well let's see now, we have 4 axles rated at 12,000 10.000 20,000 and 20,000, that's 70,000. We have a 63,000 gross weight to work with. We have a chassis with 23 ft center to center between front to rear axle, along with a 22 ft body. Obviously there has to be an overhang. The more overhang, the more weight on the rear. I am still waiting on pictures, but my bet is that he would have a hard time getting 12,000 lbs on the steer.

Rob I have a picture of the Sheppard box on my RS, but I don't know how to post it.

The air system should have a one way valve plumbed between the compressor and the primary air tank. Usually at the point where the flexible supply line inters the tank. If it doesn't , put one in it. Otherwise, at shutdown all of your supply air, along with any contaminates such as oil and water buildup is forced back into the compressor. Then you can bend or break a rod or reed plate in the compressor on start up. I learned that that the hard way one cold winter morning when adding air line de-icer to a froze up air system.

Try to post a picture of the steering box. My 73 RS has a Sheppard box, with a straight steering shaft. My friend retrofitted a steering box from a 90's CH for his RS. He had to drill one hole in the frame, and slightly reshape the front of the housing for clearance with the front spring hanger. It looked like a factory installation with steering shaft out of the top.

I have experienced the same situation on road tractors, when replacing worn out tires with a full set of cross bar or lugged type drive tires. The problem always went away after a few thousand miles, as the tires began to wear in. Inflation pressure is critical to performance and tire life. On a set of new tires the " Roll Out", or inflated diameter will always vary somewhat. Usually not enough to create a problem. A rough tread tire with lugs sticking out every which way, compounds the problem. A few thousand miles on a fire truck, which I am assuming sits most of the time might be another problem. A single axle truck will behave differently than a tandem axle. Before I blamed it all on the tires, I would check the axle and spring mounting points for something loose.

But Mom, it's such a good dog, it likes me, it followed me home, can I keep it? That ALWAYS worked for my best friend Robert (aka Peg leg) Ware. In your case it is absolutely the truth, it did follow you home. Besides, it's such a good dog.

That bear looks confused to me, probably too many little silver bells, and too much pepper spray.

So, you are looking at a 10,250 allowable increase. When you factor in the weight of the modifications, you might gain 7,000 lbs. With that much wheel base the 315's will increase stability, and the pusher axle will take some weight off the steer axle. More than likely you won't need to change the front axle. At this point anything that you add decreases the payload. Give us an update on how the changes work out. You have reminded me that I am out of cornmeal, so I have to stop and go to the store.

You are making me curious about your grain hauling venture. What can you legally gross with the truck as it is presently configured? What are the axle weights? With the addition of the 315's and the necessary wheel change, and also a pusher axle, you will add at least 3000 lbs to your tare weight. How much more can you haul with the modifications?

The 8LL in your application is basically a 9 speed over drive with a deep reduction rear box. Very similar to a 15 over. With the correct auxiliary drive gear it is possible replace the deep reduction rear box with a 13 over rear box and have a 13 double over. Aside from setting your hair on fire, it wouldn't address your issue of being a little long legged. Most of the on off road Macks in my area, with an 8LL run a 4.64 gear. They have plenty of low gear, and top out about 80 mph.

What is your reason for wanting to change? 315"s are obviously rated at a higher load carrying capacity, how much more do you actually need, and why.

You have a right to be proud, that is a fine boy.

First of all you will need to determine if your state of residence will allow you to operate a a commercial vehicle in intrastate commerce, at age 18. Interstate commerce is not an option for you until you become 21.