Rob

Hi Dan, I've never seen a shutter system that was default closed by design myself. It does not make good sense to me for them to operate that way because they cut off at least 95% of free airflow through the coil, (radiator) when closed. On Mack trucks there is always a pair of extension springs attached through linkage to pull the shutters open upon either a drop in air pressure to the operating cylinder, or the shutterstat dumps the air supply to them. I have seen spring balanced, air actuated cylinders in usage that were default closed, but not in an on road truck application. Engine overheating would certainly occur if the shutters were not allowed to open in warmer temps. Rob

Figgered I'd let you meet Eduardo who is my brother in law. He is married to Serena, my sister in law with the new tattoo. She is actually my 1/2 sister and her dad was Phillipino. They travel to his home yearly, (Luzon, P.I.) to visit his side of the family. Here also is Marge. She is mommas other sister. Most say she is "model material" and I must agree she is quite attractive. Now you've met the entire family. Rob

Great to hear Greg. Hope all progresses as good as it sounds. A little "extra" at this time would be nice I'm sure. Rob

Don't need no gauges in a Pete. Ya got idiot lights!! While Other Dog entertains hisself by "toting the mail"; Us "common folk" get to endure the increasing postal rates to cover the fuel, insurance, wear and tear, and convelescent care for the delayed onset of insanity due to operating a Pete at such high speed, etc...... Rob

In the photo you posted on the right there is a valve that is screwed into the water manifold. It is shown with a black plastic line with flaking red paint. That line will run to the air shutter cylinder that is mounted on the radiator frame someplace. That valve is called a "shutterstat". There are different temperature ratings for them and I'm not really familiar with fire apparatus so no real help there. There is also a valve mounted someplace that is an air pressure regulator that leads to the opposite side of the "shutterstat". When the temperature is attained, the "shutterstat" switches positions internally, exhausts the air in the line to the cylinder and the shutter springs return the shutter blades to the open position. By default they are in the open position as you can tell when there is no air in the tanks. When the engine temperature falls to under the setting of the "shutterstat", the valve switches positions again, charges the air line to the cylinder and the shutter blades close. Pretty simple rudimentary system that they had to improve. Only worked for about 75 years or so. Rob

That is another thing I liked about this Hougen; The control switch for the magnet is very easy to be at when you are positioning the drill for horizontal boring. In fact you "cradle" the back of the drill in one hand, and using your other, position the pilot into the pre punched center of the hole you will boring. A flip of the switch with the hand cradling the back of the drill, and it is set. I'm sure there will be some "out of positioning" that I will get into but this really is pretty easy to do. I'm sure with an overhead support, (cherry picker) supporting the dead weight of the drill, it will be even less cumbersome for proper placement. I've used several verticle, and horizontal milling machines in the past and understand the need for coolant/lubricant. Also know very well the importance of reading your chip for correct drill, or tool point pressure for a clean finished operation. I remember well the ordeal you had fitting the trunion into the R700 and the special bolts used. I'm sure that was quite the job to look forward to for completion. I hate when jobs go like that and usually plug the holes and start over. I can't hold a twist drill very steady in use so I wanted something like this for quite some time and I'll probably be the only one who uses it so don't mind spending funds for good stuff. Rob

I like the cherry picker arrangment, I'll remember that. This drill uses a safety chain, but I think I'll fashion an aircraft cable to use as it will be both lighter, and easier to set up. Haven't drilled anything of consequence yet so don't really know. I haven't quite figgered out what I'll do with aluminum truck frames yet cause we know that this drill won't stick to aluminum. Maybe I'll come up with a steel plate to clamp to the frame but this will reduce the magnets pull if it is thin. I'm thinking a rectangular plate with threaded hooks sliding through guides, or bushings drawing the adapter plate tightly against the frame side via the flanges, then attach the drill to the plate. New tool, new ideas to use it. Rob

Sounds like when I'm down there I'll have to apply for citizenship. Been several years since enjoying of the delicacy of "sun grilled wombat liver on open bitume". Around these parts, it's kinda rare, and then nobody knows how to cook it to perfection like the "Outback Sun". If you think "Chicago Dogs" are good; You should try "Dingo Dogs". The flavor is immeasurable. Damn, now I'm salivating in thoughts all down the front of my fresh nightshirt; (Got to get this droopy lip thing fixxed). Rob

Well I spoke with several persons that have used, and owned magnetic drills and a couple of suppliers in Peoria that sell all the good drills. I have purchased a Hougen HMD 505 series drill because of the external pressure lubrication when drilling horizontal. It was the only one that offered that option. It weighs about 45 pounds so should not be too awful heavy to work with. I also ordered a "Rotobroach" cutter set that will cover from a 9/16" to 1-1/16" hole size. This drill will go to 2-3/8" hole size at 3 inches deep so I think I'll be covered. It did not offer a swivel base but at over a 1000 pounds of drill point pressure, it should be quick to make holes. Really appreciate the advice and help in selection. Thanks, Rob Hougen HMD505 Magnetic Drill Pressure fed coolant system Cutter Kit

I only need them to read with. I guess I never stopped; maybe that is why my eyesight is in a state of decay. Think this could affect the arthritis in my shoulder? I also wonder if I may have choked Foghorn Leghorn as I've choked so much chicken through the years I may have forgotten! I seem to remember some rude obnoxious chicken trying to break into the conversation with "I say, I say, Boy"! Rob

Yeah. I don't know what we are going to do with that other dog character to straighten him up..... Rob

Best wishes to you Barry on your day! I'm finishing the remnants of the same type of head cold myself, and certainly feel for you. Rob

I prefer photographs of persons in their natural surroundings. Very much unlike the phony, doctored images of the most recent post. Looks like the bones have done been picked clean on the latest images. Of course you could pop it in soft, pull a stiffee and listen to the bones crack I suppose? Rob

You are incorrect Sir!! Rob

Believe it or not, she is a nutritionist. Rob

Actually broke my glasses on a radar feedhorn last week and haven't got them replaced yet. Rob

What do you think about the mother in law? Rob

You are correct. I read it wrong. Rob

Naw; That's my boss and his wife at last years Christmas party for the office. Rob

Hi Adrian, that is for an R686 Mack tandem drive tractor with a steering wheel on the right side of the cab; (Australian etc..) It should have been powered with either an ENDT676 Maxidyne, or 300+ Mack engine with a five, or six speed Maxitorqe transmission as built. This of course depends on date of manufacture. Rob

I have no life. When I first took that quiz about 19 months ago, I got all of them correct. Rob

Well, I never knew. You know me, always willing to help a guy out. Enjoy. Rob

What do you all think? Rob

What do you all think of this photo? Rob

Well that IS interesting. All those guages, and "indicator lights" are still required to tell what the hell is going on. Gotta be a Pete thing; I wouldn't understand. Rob