New Years Eve was going to be great! We had been bush camping on the Atlantic side of Ihlabela near the isolated beach with Suzy the Kombi (Rose & Charly). The place was just fantastic, though the slaves were complaining (what else is new) this time about the barachugas (black flies). But then I overheard the slaves talking about how they were going to park me and Suzy somewhere and leave us while they had a good time in town! This had to be dealt with promptly. So I quickly ran down my two batteries (they thought that with two I would be unable to do such a thing), and then I sat mildly waiting for the exciting drive into town. Oh what a commotion when they found out the batteries were dead! It looked like we would all have to stay at the beach for the New Years. Suzy and another vehicle were attached with cables to me, but I would not start. Then they had the idea of Suzy towing me; which I knew was ridiculous since I am so overloaded with junk. But I had overlooked one thing, there was a small valley a few meters away in the dirt road, so with a tug from Suzy and a few pushes, they managed to pull start my motor. Well, I gave it my best that night, but I made up for it the next day with complete brake failure.
After such a great time at Florianopolis, as Christmas was nearing I thought what would be a thoughtful gift for my slave. Yes, an engine overheating in Curitiba was in order. After my overheat we limped over to a mechanic and my engine head was promptly removed. When the mechanic saw our two head gasket setup, it was time again for a new proper head gasket. Even though we had two extra head gaskets with us, the mechanic insisted that a new one was purchased, which of course was not in stock and would require a week of waiting. In the hands of such a great mechanic with such great insight, it was clear we were going to make about 800kms before our next hiccup. My slave gave me a very nice gift for Christmas; a second slave. Yes, Claudia became a captive of mine on this day. It was appropriate that we meet in a mechanic's shop.
We left Lins two days ago heading for Curitiba, and yesterday we moseyed over to the beaches of Florianopolis; about 850kms in total since my wonderful engine overhaul. This morning I had a little surprise waiting for my slave - a puddle of water on the ground under the engine. There was a bit of shock to say the least after it was determined that there was water under me and I was low on coolant, yet there were no leaks. Nevertheless, onward to the beach. |
Zebra Landy
Always noticed, always full of stories, and always looking for a mechanic! Archives
April 2014
Categories |