Oil Pump

I'm not afraid to put a new engine in White Horse, whenever that day may come. But I'm also happy to tend to any repairs that can be done to keep this one running strong.

This original 6.0 V8 shows no signs of quitting. In 5,000 miles, she will burn about a quart of oil. Not enough to make me even think about an engine swap.

But you need good oil pressure. About two years ago she started running at about 30psi at idle. But when revved up a bit, she'd get back to 40psi. However, within the past few weeks, she has been hanging around 25psi all the time. And, until the oil got warm, she'd run dangerously low. So we set out to put in a new engine oil pump. 

Dave's shop in Gillette was our work space of choice. This is definitely a plan your work and work your plan kind of job. First thing was to make sure we had all the right tools. 

I'm a creeper guy. Ole Blue has served me well for the past 20+ years. 

Here's what we were after. Not a sump pump in the pan like I'm used to. This style runs off the front of the crankshaft.  

Chevy Vortec engines have actually been around since the 80s in V6s. In the mid 90s they started making the V8s with Vortec technology, and the power difference was noticeable! From my understanding, this feature of the Vortec has to do with good atomization of the fuel with the air in the combustion chamber. In the early 2000s they stopped making the standard Chevy small block and rolled into this newer LS V8. Tough engine. 

 

First step was to disassemble the front end; water pump and anything in the way of the timing chain cover. 

Getting the bolt out of the front end of the crankshaft was about as big of challenge as anything. Finally, this Milwaukee 1/2 impact did the trick. 

Then with a puller, we removed the harmonic balancer. 

That would be great if that was all the deeper we had to get. But because there is a siphon tube that goes from the pump to the bottom of the oil pan, we had to remove the oil pan too. Which, entails dropping the front differential. 

Some guys will wear protective gloves. But, I still prefer skinned knuckles. 

A good way to avoid whacking your hand, though, is by keeping an open palm when busting loose bolts. 

A few bolts and down she went. 

With that gone, we were able to expose the pan and drop her down. 

Then back up top to remove the timing chain cover and reveal the oil pump. 

This job was not for the faint of heart. Most bolts were barely in reach. 

Money.

I actually think this o-ring was the biggest part of the problem. It seals the suction line to the pump. I wasn't going to replace it until I felt how loose it sat in the pump. I bet it caused the pump to suck a lot air as it was trying to bring up oil. Especially when cold. 

Of course, we replaced the pump too. 

While we had the front end out, I wanted to replace the leaky axle seals as well. The drivers side you can just pop loose with this pickle fork tool. However, the passenger side you have to go in deeper. 

Here's an old farmer trick to give your end wrench a bit more leverage. 

After we disassembled the 4-wheel-drive engager, we were able to pull a clip, which allowed the axle to slide out. 

Then removed and replaced the seals. On these 1tons, everything is heavier. 

Then back in we put it. 

To top off the pumpkin with oil, just fill till it comes out the side plug. 

After we reassembled the front end of the motor, we filled her back up with fresh 5W-30. 

Muy bien.

The hardest part was the clean up. Where’s Dad when you need him. 

On the road again. 

Solid fix. The oil pressure jumps right up to 40psi at start up and stays there. I bet I can get another 100k out of this 6.0 with good oil pressure. Cheap fix for a big improvement. I'm glad we went through the effort. Could've had a shop do it, but where's the fun it that!? Special thanks to Dave for his shop and to Jared for keeping the trouble light out of my eyes. Ranch on. 

Golden Rule

Do unto others what you would have then do unto you.

           https://youtu.be/5Q7y2Ubad1k         

Forward

Jesus is not behind or way ahead, but in front of us. Follow Him!

           https://youtu.be/VNT8dmtjR_c         

 

Door Repair

The doors in the sacristy see quite a bit of swinging. Though they are 75 years old, they seem to be holding up good. Except for the one heading out into the sanctuary. 

I've been in and out of this door a hundred times and never thought twice about its integrity. Until I was visiting with Grandma on the phone and looking around at things I normally don't. Right in front of me was a crack clear through the door that run up and down the whole length. I'm surprised it didn't fall off right then and there! No sense in waiting until it does, though. Let's get it fixed. 

The basic plan was to screw it back together. The options of screws these days is amazing. When I can, I'm a torx man. 3 1/2" #10 screws with a 25 torx bit. 

If we split the difference of the screw right on the crack line, it should join the two halves back together nicely. 

The right depth is crucial. I only wanted to go about an inch in with the head before it started to tighten up. A piece of tape to mark where an inch is on the bit can work well. 

On a project like this, it is worth accurately spacing out the screws. This is good for both strength and aesthetics. 

Then screwed it up. Worked well. Because the door was still hanging on, it lined itself back up as the two halves were tightened together. We put in eight screws or so. 

Might as well finish the job right with a little wood filler. 

I just packed the holes deep and scraped off the excess with my pocket knife. 

Should work. 

Doors don't have much tolerances to spare. So, by tightening it up, we started to drag on the opposite top corner. 

A little 60 grit did the trick. 

Suck up the tailings. 

And we're back in business. 

What fun would life be if nothing ever broke down? Boring, for sure. I appreciate a good problem. Helps a guy grow in character. Through challenges, God can actualize a potential in us that we didn't know existed. My son, do not disdain the disciplines of the Lord! (Proverbs 3:11) Let's ranch. 

Patient Perseverance

Our Lord works through time and our humanity. 

           https://youtu.be/pC-1VbVdLJA         

Shoveling Snow

With winter finally showing up, I've been sharpening my snow shoveling skills. The month of February in Buffalo has been cold. Below zero and a couple good shots of snow. The storm of the last couple days has given us a few fresh inches of powder. 

Few weather patterns are as beautiful as a fresh blanket of snow. 

Shoveling sounds simple. Move the snow off the sidewalk in whatever fashion it takes. Yes and no. If you are going to play the long game with winter, you always plan ahead. One trick is to not throw the snow to the north. Most winds come in from the north. The bigger the berm you build in the direction of the wind, the bigger the snow drift it will make on the other side. In Johnson County, shovel the snow to the south. 

Also, throw the snow downhill. If you pile the snow up stream of how water runs off, you'll end up with an ice patch on the sidewalk when things start to melt. 

You also want to work efficiently when moving snow. The less shovel swings you have to make, the better. 

Sounds obvious, but with steps, start high and move lower. 

Push the show from the top steps down to the lower level first. Then you aren't shoveling the bottom section twice. 

Should work. 

To the best I can, I like to manicure snow removal like one would mow a lawn. It isn't just about getting the snow off the walkway so life can go on. It's about keeping the grounds beautiful. Winter has it's own beauty, and a guy can compliment that by intentional snow shoveling. Plan you work and work your plan. Make every shovel swing count. If you do this all winter long, the outside of the church will continue to reflect the beauty contained on the inside. Ranch on. 

Recreate

 God is about recreating.

           https://youtu.be/Kjb6ZuWKM9E         

Sign

Seek signs with faith. 

           https://youtu.be/GvZn8HoT3NI         

Chin Up

 Blest is the man who trusts in the Lord.

           https://youtu.be/9c2acmb9bz4         

Deep Riding

Tis the season for snowmobiling. Having an extra sled, I asked Jared if he wanted to jump in. Sure did. A good time was had by all. 

Thursday evening after work, we split town and headed for the hills. 

Once unloaded, we rode into the cabin. 

Where Dad had a fire going. 

And burgers on the grill. 

After a good night's sleep and celebrating Mass, we sat down to break the fast. 

Once our bellies were fueled, we hit the trail. 

Nothing like running on freshly groomed trails. 

Nice trip back to Battle Park. Light snow, but we found a place or two to play. 

These sleds depend on snow being tossed up to cool the coolant that runs along the track tunnel. If you’re running trails a lot, you put these spring loaded agitators down, which spray snow under the tunnel as you ride. Works well, as long as you put them back up before you backup. 

We arrived back to the cabin at noon, just in time for a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. 

Then round two. We loaded up and headed east to Baby Wagon. Deeper snow and funner riding. 

Highmark Lungren 

This is at High Park, above Meadowlark Lake. Cool rocks. Nice riding, Jared. 

On to the next one.

Fun stuff. It doesn't get much better than this. Good friends, warm cabin, deep snow, no casualties. The gifts in life a guy doesn't want to take for granted. But he does want to take advantage of them. Let's ranch. 

Fear the Lord

Take advantage, not for granted. 

           https://youtu.be/Mav1Ktr5X9I