Doggie Door?
I also read a book on the subject of my next series. It's one of those "easy reads" with 12 pt. type, double spacing and wide margins. He's got some good stuff to say but it could have been said in 20 pages instead of the 200 he and his editors used. But hey, the book was given to me (free books are allowed to be marginal) and I'm gaining some insight into how I might say some things. In general, when it comes to sermon prep I eschew books for the Book, but in this case I want the perspective of a variety of authors.
This morning I borrowed Josh's truck, loaded up the second engine, and took it down to Five Star Engine Rebuilders. I expected they would unload it and I would drive off like last time. But I quickly figured out I was supposed to wait while one of the guys tore it down enough to take measurements. I watched him work for about 45 minutes utterly fascinated with the speed, efficiency, and skill with which he worked. I felt better about not being able to get those three screws out (last night's post) when I saw him struggle with them. An acetylene torch, a 2lb. sledge, and a screwdriver that made mine look like a toy got the job done. There was no delicacy in any of his work; fast, brutal, and effective.
About halfway through the process Christ, the owner, came out to get the results. Then he took me through the shop to the back side to show me the block and head out of the truck I delivered to him last week. And the results....
- My head was cracked at the point where three of the exhaust valves enter the head. He said that's typical of 235 heads, some weakness in the design or manufacture.
- My block looked great, but at 80-over it could be machined anymore. Same with the crank shaft; already turned too many times.
- This block had never been opened up since it left the factory. The cylinder walls were worn, as evidenced by the ridge at the top, but there's plenty of meat left and he'll go 30-over.
- The crank is also virgin, so he'll turn it to true it up.
- They didn't tear into the head but because it had recently been rebuilt he doesn't think there will be a problem there, either.
- Chris said, with a grin, that he's surprised I brought in a second engine that is so good. He told me it's not uncommon to go through three or four engines before finding one that's still got a rebuild left in it.
- More remarkable: this is exactly the same engine. From the outside a 216 and a 235 (mine) look identical, and GM made several versions of the 235. In this case the second engine I brought is not only identical, it has the same casting numbers - numbers that identify the month, year, and location of its manufacture.
- And that I bought it for $250 had him literally shaking his head.
Needless to say, I am pleased! And the decision to have them build it is, after thinking more about it, the right way to go. After watching that guy disassemble it I realized I really am working well over my pay grade. And the stupid tax in this case - the costs involved if I make even a minor mistake in assembly - could be very high. Once I subtract the costs of machining and rebuild parts - costs I was going to pay anyway - the additional bucks I'll pay to have them do the work correctly the first time count as money well spent. I'll get back the built & assembled block and head, then do the rest of the assembly, things like flywheel & clutch, water and fuel pumps, distributor, headers & carb... myself. I can live with that.
At 6 p.m. it's 106. But it's OK, because the "feels like" temp is only 102.
#AreWeDoneYet?
The United States pays 22% of the U.N. budget. That works out to $1.08 Billion.
Yeah, we're getting our money's worth. Just look at how effectively they're dealing with the situation in Ukraine. Or with ISIS.
"This is wrong, it breaks international law, and we'd really like you to stop it. 'cause if you don't we'll...uhm...."
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