Rob

Most of those engines did not have thermostats and relied on the shutters to keep the operating temps up. I don't know if you could retrofit an older engine to incorporate an in block thermostat, or you should build a shield to restrict air flow through the radiator. The temps need to be around 180 degrees to ensure complete fuel burn when lightly, or unloaded. Rob

Jay this kind of shit happens all the time and is frustrating. I don't think John did anything wrong but the order once discovered could not have been filled promptly should have been followed through with communication ensuing. This is good business practice. Typically if something went wrong or incorrect in my business functions I look to offset the "cost" to the consumer with either a reduced rate, or something tangible of use. I'm not saying anything should be done as it's not my business and nobody purposely did anything wrong; just sometimes shakes out that way. Either way there is nothing to be angry about, dissapointed yes, angry no, as it was an honest mistake. Just my thoughts. Rob

Since I got screwed out of that deal and had to suffer through some second rate chilli dogs; If I "pay it forward" will my $50.00 payment reserve me a sub or two next year? Send me an address. Rob

Thanks to David with setting me up with an original sleeper for the Cat powered R model tractor. Would anyone have a period correct brochure, or good photos from this timeframe, (1978-1980) so I can replicate an interior? This one is bare inside with all remnants removed. Thanks, Rob

If you have heated the stud, throw it away as the strength has been compromised. Get a new stud and set up your "C" type press applying all the pressure it will against the hub and stud. From the rear using either a large air hammer with a hammer bit, or BFH, impact the rear of the press just above the stud a few times. Try to tighten the press further, and repeat the process. I borrow a guy's 10 ton unit and have had some tight ones in th past but have always managed to get by. Rob

Yup, I tried to get there timely but just couldn't. The "Trusty, Yet Crusty" ole Dodge did it again but it was slow going on Rt. 30 through the mountains. At the end of the show I turned around and headed back stopping about 75 miles short of Columbus, OH for a nap such as in "beauty sleep", (much needed). I must however apologize for the "tennis shoe incident". I really thought my bag was strapped tighter than it was. No, they weren't made that way with the extras and all. I must apologize to David also for making such a mess inside his little truck.. Guess he discovered the cab was a little more "air tight" that originally thought when he started hacking and coughing etc...... I did take the time to stop at the "Flight 93" national memorial at Shanksville, PA on Rt. 30 in the night. Although I could proceed no further than the gate, I felt it proper to render a military salute, and offer prayers for the tragedy that occurred there. Had a good time meeting you guys too. Rob

Hi Chuck, I would take the batteries to a battery center and have them tested first. Have you tried disconnecting them from the truck with a full charge and letting them set a couple of days, then retesting? This can be an indication of an internal short or sulfation of the plates causing self discharge. Have you noticed the batteries being warmer than they should be? This is another cause to self discharge. I'd pull them and get to a battery store with a carbon pile to test them under a strong load to evaluate integrity. Rob

Hi Bill, hope you've recovered nicely from the bicycle mishap. Sorry to see your truck for sale. You spent quite a bit of time going through that one. You ought to think about posting a little more often over here. Rob

HOW TO SELL TOOTHBRUSHES: The kids filed back into class Monday morning. They were very excited. Their weekend assignment was to sell something, then give a talk on productive salesmanship. Sally led off. "I sold girl scout cookies and I made $30," she said proudly. "My sales approach was to appeal to the customer's civil spirit and I credit that approach for my obvious success." "Very good," said the teacher. Jenny was next. "I sold magazines," she said. "I made $45 and I explained to everyone that magazines would keep them up on current events." "Very good, Jenny," said the teacher. Eventually, it was Little Johnny's turn. The teacher held her breath . . . . . Little Johnny walked to the front of the classroom and dumped a box full of cash on the teacher's desk. "$2,467," he said. "$2,467!" cried the teacher, "What in the world were you selling?" "Toothbrushes," said Little Johnny. "Toothbrushes!" echoed the teacher, "How could you possibly sell enough tooth brushes to make that much money?" "I found the busiest corner in town," said Little Johnny, "I set up a Dip & Chip stand and gave everybody who walked by a free sample. They all said the same thing, 'Hey, this tastes like dog crap!' Then I would say, 'It is dog crap. Wanna buy a toothbrush?"

The ENDT-676 engine is a very good platform. The two stick nine speed if Mack is what is referred to as a nine speed overgear trans. It is also sound if not abused behind that engine. He does want a bit much for the truck I feel however but that is just me thinking again. If it is what you are wanting it is not out of line as you would be about that building a copy. Be prepared for about $2500 for an interior and don't be surprise if more. I've seen the truck and there are a few things I would do different but again, just me thinking here. Rob

That is about right on the year. We had a 1981 450C and really liked it a lot as was very versatile due to size/weight. Rob

Thanks for the reassurance. I'll get on this next week early as I don't want to destroy anything. I could shim it out another .003 if the pto is "winding up" causing the internal driven gear to "load" the driving gear in the transmission. The tolerance is .006-.012 backlash. I did this prior to really torquing the retaining nuts down crushing the gasket(s) further. Maybe I'll pull the shift cover off tonight and check backlash again. Rob

Hi Ernie, it does have a PTO and I shimmed it to .009 backlash. I may pull it off and run around a bit to ensure something with it is not amiss. Thanks, Rob

The 1972 and prior cabs also used the style cab clearance lamps of the B series. The 1973 and newer used the torpedo style. Rob

http://www.theblaze....om-obama-admin/ Rob

Thought this was interesting. Rob Walking_my_baby.wmv

I can't shift this new RTO-14613 for shit most times. The shift handle seems to be difficult to pull out of gear and the effort it takes causes me to clash into the next higher gear. The tranny shifts a little easier when it gets warm but cold, it is damned near impossible to shift smoothly. Sometimes I think I'm gonna tear a tooth off a gear cause it drops in so suddenly. If I pull an upshift at about 1550-1600 all is fine. Much higher in rpm and it seems to want to be difficult to pull out of gear. All three of my RTO-12513 series trannys have shifted very smooth but this is the only brand new unit I've ever had so it may just need to wear in a little. Rob

Mine was brass, (when I had em). Rob

Pull the horn button out of the steering wheel and look for something coming apart or worn. If nothing apparent, pull the steeing wheel and change the multi function switch. This is the one the turn signal lever attaches to. Some switches in vehicles can be unbolted without removing the steering wheel, but I'm not familiar with the construction of that chassis. The problem you are experiencing is somewhat common with many vehicles. Rob

Be extremely careful using that word "monkeying" on this website. The use of that word makes randyp want to squeeze his banana and do all kinds of weird shit. Glad you got your problem addressed but you best be careful adjusting on an injection pump with no experience. Very easy to destroy an engine and a $1000.00 turbocharger, (if defective) will be a minor cost in the overall picture. I would recommend you take the truck to a diesel shop and have it properly tuned to specifications. That old 237 engine is virtually indestructible if taken care of. Boosting fuel delivery 10% over factory calibration will not be detrimental to the engines life, (short term) but the engine does need to be sound to start with. 237's never had intercooling and there are Gillions out theres still performing their missions respectibly. That engine was kinda like trying to tear up a steel ball in a padded room with your bare hands. No wait, that is my life. Rob

Nope, that is an R model for certain. The mismatched tires, and "Dupont overhaul" make it special. The truck appears to have had a dump body on it at one time looking at the pivot points at the rear. Rob

I didn't watch a video but the cab mounting is too far to the right, (as in convenional R model) to be a "U" series. This is judging by the photo taken from the video posted. Rob

http://www.ratbehavi...g/testicles.htm Why some guys would want to know this is beyond me. Possible "mine dust" exposure? Rob

Nope and the photo is not clear enough to ascertain but the advertisement states it. Rob

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/bfs/2617041987.html