Fort Collins and Aurora, CO

Friday - The only task completed was finally washing the Jeep. It’s been a while since it was last washed. 

Saturday - Bridget headed home for a few appointments and after dropping her off at the Denver airport, I went to the Chang’s home for a visit. It was a wonderful visit and I stayed overnight. It was nice to not drive back to Fort Collins in the dark. There was a lot of traffic and road construction on I-25. 

Sunday - It was a fairly relaxing drive back to Fort Collins and I even had the front half of the top open. Mid-70s (°F) for most of the drive. 

Monday, Tuesday - I helped friends with the yard of one of their rental properties.

Wednesday -  I heard back from the Cat shop. They removed the oil filter and it had sludge in it. They cut the filter open looking for any traces of metal and didn't find any. After putting a new filter on and replacing the oil, they were able to start the engine but it sounded horrible. They then dropped the oil pan and found that cylinders 3 & 4 showed damage. The recommendation is a re-manufactured engine.

A re-manufactured engine does not seem to be available in the U.S. but the "kit" version is. This includes the full block and fuel injection but does not include the external pieces such as the intake and exhaust manifolds, turbo, and alternator. Some of these would be moved from the old engine and some things, such as the turbo, would be new. The "kit" is available in Atlanta and work could start next Monday. His estimate is 2½ - 3 weeks from today.

Fairbanks, AK

Monday - This morning, I met with JedR for coffee. I hadn't seen him for a couple of years since we worked on his Ural. It was good to see him again. I arrived back home in time to participate in the later test session then back to decluttering the garage. There is a lot of junk in there.

Tuesday - Morning coffee at Sunsprout Cafe followed by a short visit to the university barbershop. I then spent most of the day shredding old papers. 

Wednesday - An eye appointment and more shredding. 

Friday - I picked up a wheel chock and installed it on the trailer. And, I removed the upper sides of the trailer. Now, I can simply drive the Ural up onto the trailer and into the chock. No need for the come-along or extra blocks. After the Ural is loaded, I can re-install the sides. There is room on the trailer for four large bins and four smaller bins. 

So busy. I’m feeling exhausted.