Never made it to Menards today...I could sure use Noel's hoist about now!

The '55 GMC started just fine with a temp of 20F at 5:30 am! Heavy frost but in 15 minutes the windshield defrosted well and just a little scraping on the door windows. I think some of you know i live within 2 miles of work but the headlights going out can still be spooky! Especially if it happens in an area where one hand is shifting and the other is hanging on to armstrong steering---LOL! Don't have a 3rd hand to jiggle the headlight switch! They never flickered at all, thankfully!

The radiator in the Denali shows no signs of leaks, as well as the radiator and coolant hoses. Still cannot see the bottom side of the water pump. Just dawned on me to use the HF flexible camera. I'll try that tomorrow after work. The water pump serpentine pulley is pressed on and is bowel shaped over the pump. Just can't see where the shaft seal is. Still 99% sure it is the water pump though.

I'm going to pull that starter back out, and exchange or get money back. Haven't decided that one yet. The A/C belt also needs replaced and the air filter as well. Be another expensive weekend I suppose!

DAC
 
MFDAC said:
The '55 GMC started just fine with a temp of 20F at 5:30 am!
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1955 and still alive! Good the old girl is still treating you good. I wonder if our newer vehicle will still be around after that many years.
Called about our Lincoln and they still can't figure it out. Thought they had it fixed and when they took it on a test drive it went nuts again. No reverse, warning lights and only 5 mph in forward. Dealer called Ford for help and are awaiting reply. Hopefully I will hear something about that tomorrow also.
 
Cvans said:
1955 and still alive! Good the old girl is still treating you good. I wonder if our newer vehicle will still be around after that many years.
Called about our Lincoln and they still can't figure it out. Thought they had it fixed and when they took it on a test drive it went nuts again. No reverse, warning lights and only 5 mph in forward. Dealer called Ford for help and are awaiting reply. Hopefully I will hear something about that tomorrow also.
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Sounds like it is going into a "limp mode"? The good news is that it actually did it while they were driving it! Seems like symptoms don't show up when a mechanic is test driving quite often---LOL! Hope it's something that can get fixed quick, Chris!

The '55 did well again at 24F cold start. Never did put a block heater in it.

DAC
 
We made it down to Sioux Falls and back just fine. We had to take a detour on the way back. Those bumps on the concrete hi-ways started doing a number on my neck. Found a black top road and it was smooth sailing again. Going to be glad to get this neck fixed. No date yet.
And just to keep it on subject we didn't stop at Menards. ;)
Limp mode is probably correct but no idea yet why.
 
Hate you having neck issues, as I know all about neck pain. But they'll get you "repaired" and like new again! I wish they would have done my neck surgery from the front and fused my joints instead of laminectomy from the rear....3 levels.
 
I hear you on the arthritis and back pain. I have had two test injections on my lower back, both successful. Go in now later this month and they will burn the nerves off the spine that are causing the pain. Not sure what all that entails yet for sure but anything to get rid of the back pain.
 
I need to get my neck checked out too. Kind of sucks that I can hear myself turn my head, crunch, crack, grind. I have to use a roll around stool ( an old seat cushion with casters screwed to it) for my head when I'm laying under vehicles. Hurts too bad to hold my head up in those situations. Been putting up with it way too long.

Please keep us posted on your progress, Chris!

I should have started draining coolant and pulling the starter back out of the Denali tonight to get a jump on tomorrow. Just too dang tired after work. Friday is always the hardest day of the week since I'm the only experienced operator with 4 greenhorns. One called in with a "serious medical condition" this morning. I tend to believe her since she looks sickly all the time too. I had to do her job and my job today. At least the newest greenhorn has taken to whats going on really fast! He will be a real good hand.

Hopefully I will have the parts off tomorrow before NAPA closes!

DAC
 
Cvans said:
I sure hope you will keep us updated on how your doing. Sounds like an option worth looking into. The only option for me this time is plates and screws.
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Going to pain specialist. He just deadened the nerves the first time on one side. I worked for about 2 hours with no pian working on a leak under a lavatory. Then the pain was back. 2 weeks later did the same thing on both sides with the same results. He just numbs them first to make sure he is on the right nerves. Couple weeks I go in for the actual burning of the nerves which usually last 6 mo. or longer. Then the nerves grow back and they have to burn them again. First two times I was in and out in 20 min so no big deal.
 
I got into town with the starter I bought last Saturday. It seems they gave me the wrong one! The mount was slightly offset a little tighter to the flywheel. Installed the new one and it fired right up normally. Tore into the water pump part of the job. no problem there EXCEPT those GM radiator hose clamps are brutal! You are supposed to be able to squeeze them loose enough from the hose where there's a little hook that should click in and hold them loose. Nope! My hands are aching but finally got them slid back enough to pull the hoses. Finally got the hoses up to an angle where I could take those pain in the a$$ clamps off the hoses! They will be getting replaced with worm gear type!

Pump is off, engine areas cleaned up, and ready to install the new pump. Tired and sore so it will have to wait until tomorrow to put the pump on.

Could any of you guys tell me if these type of water pump gaskets need RTV? New ones are on the left obviously. Don't look like the originals did.

Any help is appreciated.

DAC

DSCN3851.JPG
 
MFDAC said:
I got into town with the starter I bought last Saturday. It seems they gave me the wrong one! The mount was slightly offset a little tighter to the flywheel. Installed the new one and it fired right up normally. Tore into the water pump part of the job. no problem there EXCEPT those GM radiator hose clamps are brutal! You are supposed to be able to squeeze them loose enough from the hose where there's a little hook that should click in and hold them loose. Nope! My hands are aching but finally got them slid back enough to pull the hoses. Finally got the hoses up to an angle where I could take those pain in the a$$ clamps off the hoses! They will be getting replaced with worm gear type!

Pump is off, engine areas cleaned up, and ready to install the new pump. Tired and sore so it will have to wait until tomorrow to put the pump on.

Could any of you guys tell me if these type of water pump gaskets need RTV? New ones are on the left obviously. Don't look like the originals did.

Any help is appreciated.

DAC

View attachment 44453
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No gasket goo required.
 
:eek:I was going through my dads stuff a few years ago after he passed. I found an old metal can of the old Red Head gasket sealer, anybody remember that stuff. I have a hard time anymore my self wondering what gets a sealer and what doesn’t. Just so Kenny don’t get mad at us for going off topic I did pass a Menards last night off the expressway but didn’t stop.;)
 
MFDAC said:
It will go great for you, Roger! Sounds like the VA is taking good care of you!

DAC
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They do OK to say the least. I get a lot of community care if I want it as I am outside their "local" guide lines. The VA "pain specialist" I talked to wanted me to do PT for back pain. I rejected that real quick. Sometimes they think Ice and PT will cure everything. Th pain specialist I am going to seems real sharp. Told & showed me exactly what was causing the pain, a treatment plan, expected outcome they whole nine yards.
 
The Denali lives again! Ready to hit the road. No leaks so far, but I did set off the MASS air sensor alarm running the truck without the air filter hooked up. It cleared right up with the scanner.

Thanks for the advice on the gaskets guys, I'm used to composite gaskets!

DAC
 
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