Post by: mountainlake on November 07, 2018, 05:52:57 AM
Snow on the ground, highs in the mid 20's, lows 10 to 15F. Time to switch over to diesel for lube. I've been running the same v belts since last spring so I put new ones on yesterday as they have to be in good shape when running diesel or they slip off when engaging the engine. One was tough, the other not too bad, seem like some are just a hair smaller. For the first time since 2002 I left the mill in the shed, the skid loader will be in there soon and it will be kicked out. Steve.
Post by: Ox on November 07, 2018, 09:01:36 AM
How depressing. I hate winter these days. On top of winter coming, we've had a perpetual mud season since early summer. Our ground hasn't dried out for over 5 months. In my 40+ years living here it's never been this bad. Ever. Of course I don't remember much being a young kid but records are there to search. I'm so glad I'm not still farming because hay this year was impossible, corn needed chopping last month and there just ain't no way. Well, maybe one way. 2 tractors chained together with double ring tire chains on. Our soil is clay and as such turns to grease when wet. Not to mention being on a mountain with everything on a slope.
No thanks.
Post by: Kojba on November 07, 2018, 08:44:35 PM
Snow on the ground, highs in the mid 20's, lows 10 to 15F. Time to switch over to diesel for lube. I've been running the same v belts since last spring so I put new ones on yesterday as they have to be in good shape when running diesel or they slip off when engaging the engine. One was tough, the other not too bad, seem like some are just a hair smaller. For the first time since 2002 I left the mill in the shed, the skid loader will be in there soon and it will be kicked out. Steve.
High of 58 tomorrow, dropping down to a mid 40 something later this Saturday. Virginia weather ain't that bad... ;D I do like the occasional snow, but my arthritis doesn't seem to like it at all. I'd love to live a little farther north, but the wife won't hear talk of it. She wants to move to Georgia where our daughter lives; but if she moves, she'll move alone! LOL I can't take the heat and humidity of Georgia, it's bad enough around here! :o
Post by: bandmiller2 on November 08, 2018, 06:02:09 AM
Post by: mountainlake on November 09, 2018, 10:32:47 AM
I had a saw job scheduled for today, 11f with a high of 20f which would be fine but with a 19MPH wind out in the open it got put off until next week. Steve
Post by: bandmiller2 on November 09, 2018, 04:01:14 PM
Post by: Kojba on November 09, 2018, 08:09:37 PM
Post by: mountainlake on November 10, 2018, 03:56:12 AM
I'm right in the middle of MN, It's 4 f this morning. Steve
Post by: red oaks lumber on November 11, 2018, 10:06:11 AM
Post by: Kojba on November 11, 2018, 02:55:23 PM
Kojba
Post by: Banjo picker on November 12, 2018, 01:34:22 PM
Post by: Ox on November 13, 2018, 10:58:41 AM
On a separate note, we've got several new inches of the devil's cocaine on the ground. The ground is officially covered and I'm officially puckered up about it. I hate it here.
Just 5 more years, if nothing major goes wrong in our lives, and we'll be able to move the hell outta here and get south of the Mason Dixon to one of the "racist, dumb, deplorable" free states. My kind of folks! If the media knocks them, I'm gonna like them.
Post by: Kojba on November 13, 2018, 11:34:48 AM
Just 5 more years, if nothing major goes wrong in our lives, and we'll be able to move the hell outta here and get south of the Mason Dixon to one of the "racist, dumb, deplorable" free states. My kind of folks! If the media knocks them, I'm gonna like them.
You're welcome here! Virginia is slowly turning Demorat, but there are still great places in the country, where people get along just fine, regardless of race or religion. No matter what the media says, country people are the best...
Post by: Ox on November 13, 2018, 02:52:49 PM
It's a shame I have to put that last sentence on, but you know how some people can be - they'll point out one exception out of millions to try to prove you wrong - figured I'd save some grief. :laugh:
Post by: mountainlake on November 13, 2018, 04:02:28 PM
That's not city folk, its city slickers. Steve
Post by: Ox on November 13, 2018, 05:29:08 PM
Post by: Kojba on November 14, 2018, 07:06:04 PM
What's the difference? ???
Not sure about he city slicker, city folk thing, but Jimmy Carter's brother was once asked to explain the difference between a "Redneck" and a "Country Boy". Ole Billy just grinned and said "A Country Boy throws his beer cans in the back of his pick-up, and a Redneck just tosses them out on the side of the road". I guess the difference between "City Folk" and a "City Slicker" is the way they throw out their wine bottles. City slickers recycle, and City folk just toss them in a trash can... :o
Post by: Ox on November 15, 2018, 08:52:51 AM
Post by: Stevem on November 18, 2018, 12:07:52 AM
Quote
I would drop in some Bar's Leaks pellets before tearing into any heater core in a vehicle built after 1995 or so...
That's in the time frame when they went to aluminum heater cores. It seems I've changed a lot of heater core recently. Just found out the newer anti freezes have extra protection for aluminum and the hoses in the cooling system. It's really gone crazy on factory spec antifreeze. Just bought some and the dealer needed the VIN code to get the right stuff. Antifreeze isn't just antifreeze anymore. One might want to even add a ground strap to the heater core to reduce electrolytic problems.
Post by: red oaks lumber on November 18, 2018, 03:20:12 PM
Post by: Banjo picker on December 07, 2018, 08:13:48 PM
I would drop in some Bar's Leaks pellets before tearing into any heater core in a vehicle built after 1995 or so... I've heard horror stories of hours and hours of work and entire dashboards having to be torn apart. I know lots of folks scoff at the Bars Leaks pellets but I've had excellent luck with them and it's saved me tons of headaches and money. Seems to be basically a permanent thing and I've never had any reduction in heater output or cooling efficiency. I've got that stuff still working in one of the cars and it's been over 5 years now. I put some in everything because it's got conditioners in for the coolant as well, and having that small stuff constantly floating around ready to plug a leak is priceless to me. Whatever the case, I wish you luck with your heater core problem.
Ox: After thinking about how much I didn't want to put in a heater core right now, I went to the parts house and asked what they recommended, and I got a product called Dike. At least I think thats how its spelled. I came in a little jug and looked to have the consistency of a light grease. You drain about a gallon of your coolant out and mix that stuff with it and pour it in the radiator. When I cranked the old truck I noticed a small trickle of antifreeze leaking through a vent on the passenger side. I didn't know it was leaking that bad. I thought it might not stop it, but in about a minute and a half or two minutes....it stopped it. I ran the truck for about 30 minutes and so far so good. Seems to be good stuff. Its supposed to stay mixed with the coolant and not stop up the drain. If it don't hold up I'll let you folks know, but so far I like it. Banjo
Post by: Ox on December 08, 2018, 10:16:47 AM
I just tried finding what the stop leak pellets are made from, but couldn't find it. I simply can't remember anymore. It is a natural material, like maybe from a plant or herb or something, but apparently it's one of the only things on the planet that get smaller when it's wet and expands when it's drier which is why it works so well as a stop leak.
I've got a 1994 Cadillac Deville and the 4.9L V8 in it has iron heads and an aluminum block (weird, right?) and it's a requirement to add GM's own coolant additive pellets every year I think it was. Bar's Leaks is the same stuff and apparently made by the same company. I'm thinking the stuff you used probably had this same stuff mixed in with it.
I once used Bar's leaks pellets to fix a leak in a heater core in a 1977 Chevy Scottsdale 4x4 (full time, with the NP203 transfer case) and it plugged it tight. Never had heat after that. I was very leery of the product for a long time after that, but gave it another chance about 10 years ago and all was and still is well. It's also got coolant conditioners mixed in with the pellets for water pump seal lubrication and such (so it says).
I just went on Youtube and found the Dike stuff and saw a quick demonstration of it. Amazing. Never seen nothing like it. I'll have to file this away for future reference.
Post by: mike p on December 09, 2018, 10:25:19 AM
Post by: Ox on December 09, 2018, 02:08:14 PM
I know one thing - it's no fun working on a V8 engine that sits in there sideways. There's about 5 inches of room between the shock tower and the pulleys. :o
And forget about trying to work on the left bank of this engine. It's right up against the firewall and getting spark plugs in and out is a very trying and time consuming surgical operation. I hope I never have to do exhaust manifolds or something like that - I'll have to pull the engine probably. Maybe if I pull the radiator and rock the engine forward....
I don't wanna. I'll worry about it if it ever comes to pass.
I don't WANNA :(
Post by: mike p on December 16, 2018, 04:55:28 PM
Post by: Ox on December 17, 2018, 09:34:15 AM
Post by: mountainlake on January 02, 2019, 06:26:49 AM
It's +2 right now with a high of +16. I'll have to find another reason besides the cold not to mill today. Steve
Post by: Ox on January 02, 2019, 09:00:49 AM
I hate working outside in those temps. Nowadays I hate it when it's below freezing.
Post by: bandmiller2 on January 02, 2019, 04:51:39 PM
Post by: Crusarius on January 03, 2019, 06:18:26 AM
Works great to get it home off the trail after the fan and radiator get frisky with each other.
Post by: Banjo picker on January 03, 2019, 09:19:01 PM
Post by: A.O. on January 04, 2019, 09:40:27 AM
Post by: Kirk Allen on January 04, 2019, 05:51:10 PM
Post by: Ox on January 05, 2019, 12:22:03 PM
I shouldn't complain - it's above freezing here, but winter's got me in a funky funk again this year. This place is gonna kill me...
Post by: mountainlake on January 24, 2019, 11:38:18 AM
Winters here for another week or 2. Wen the 30th doesn't look good. Steve
Post by: Ox on January 25, 2019, 07:59:02 AM
Once again, I shouldn't complain, because we're still above 0. Next week's supposed have the bottom drop out for us too but not as bad as you.
Post by: A.O. on January 25, 2019, 08:27:52 AM
Post by: Ox on January 25, 2019, 02:38:03 PM
That there's t shirt weather for this fat boy when I'm working.
Post by: A.O. on January 25, 2019, 03:49:14 PM
Oh dear. Will you be all right? >:D ;) ;D
That there's t shirt weather for this fat boy when I'm working.
Yep me too most times.
Post by: Ox on January 26, 2019, 08:38:45 AM
Post by: A.O. on January 26, 2019, 09:34:14 AM
Good man. I think many folks that were born and raised in the south would consider 50 pretty darn cold. My aunt and uncle live in east TX for 40 years now and are from upstate NY and now consider 50 chilly.
Yeah, I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs.. been here about 4 years... loving it!
Post by: furu on January 26, 2019, 02:15:26 PM
Now I am not a fan of hot weather nor very cold but will take cold over real hot anytime.
I like 60 degrees. Near perfect IMO.
Problem that I am seeing is that it never got cold enough for long enough this year to give a real season change and kill bugs and "harden over" the conifer buds for the next growth season. It will be a very interesting year with the flies/gnats and other flying bugs. I always have liked the two weeks of 20 degree weather that we normally get in December as it really helps the natural way of things in this area. We never have the real cold that lots of you all get for months on end.
Post by: A.O. on January 26, 2019, 03:57:02 PM
It is the end of January and buds are starting to form with some even breaking open.
Now I am not a fan of hot weather nor very cold but will take cold over real hot anytime.
I like 60 degrees. Near perfect IMO.
Problem that I am seeing is that it never got cold enough for long enough this year to give a real season change and kill bugs and "harden over" the conifer buds for the next growth season. It will be a very interesting year with the flies/gnats and other flying bugs. I always have liked the two weeks of 20 degree weather that we normally get in December as it really helps the natural way of things in this area. We never have the real cold that lots of you all get for months on end.
I agree with the hot /cold thing other than I'd take hot over cold... cold comes with a snowplow on my truck and not again!
Post by: mountainlake on January 27, 2019, 06:13:28 AM
It's -24f right now, next Wen the predicted high is -20f. Where is global warming?. Steve
Post by: A.O. on January 27, 2019, 07:57:19 AM
It's -24f right now, next Wen the predicted high is -20f. Where is global warming?. Steve
Like everything else, Trump fixed it!
Post by: Ox on January 27, 2019, 08:49:54 AM
More lies with ulterior motives.
What most people don't realize is that Earth is still coming out of an ice age and will naturally warm up a bit with or without human activity.
With all that being said, I do think that human activity has caused a little bit of change, but nowhere near the levels "they" want us to believe.
Post by: kbeitz on January 28, 2019, 05:10:29 PM
I'll stay here in Pa with my 21F.
Post by: A.O. on January 29, 2019, 06:44:13 AM
In the news today I seen out west somewhere they are expecting -60f...
I'll stay here in Pa with my 21F.
And I'll stay here in SC with my 50's!
Post by: starmac on February 10, 2019, 03:34:43 PM
We have had an adnormally warm winter, really, really need a week or three at 10 to 20 below right now.
Post by: Ox on February 11, 2019, 09:28:04 AM
And why would you wish for below 0 weather?
Post by: A.O. on February 11, 2019, 11:04:12 AM
Remind me again, where are you located starmac?
And why would you wish for below 0 weather?
Alaska
Post by: furu on February 11, 2019, 11:16:29 AM
Cold and for most folks very cold is a necessary part of the environmental ecosystem.
Post by: starmac on February 11, 2019, 07:23:06 PM
AO, we still need to build an Ice bridge across one river and I found out just today, a slough that they haven't even been able to get too yet.
We have had a bridge across the big river a couple of weeks now, but a smaller faster river has been giving us trouble , finally got a D7 across yesterday, hoping to get a shovel across wensday to place logs in the slough to build an ice road on, then a couple more miles of road the other side of the slough and we can get the feller bunchers in and get started.
Warm weather has us behind, weight restrictions will go on around the first of April, maybe sooner depending on how fast it warms up and we need to get some 300 odd loads and the equipment home before the restrictions come on.
If the forecast holds up this tropical weather should go away and be down to 15 below thursday, hopefully it stays there.
This tropical weathers is only good for the tow companies, I had several friends slide back and off the haul road in one day last week. Tow bills usually run from 6 to 10,000 and even more, so not good for truckers, rather see 30 below anyday.
Post by: A.O. on February 11, 2019, 07:27:54 PM
It was 80 here last week!!
Glad to see you are doing ok up there!
Post by: starmac on February 12, 2019, 02:27:26 PM
They logged back there in 2015 and dropped the 7 through on the far side of the big river, it was another month before they could get equipment across to pull it out.
They had to just cut out a huge block of ice and winch it out, then everything had to be rebuilt, to the tune of close to 200,000, so they are probably being a little picky this time. lol
Post by: A.O. on February 13, 2019, 07:51:11 AM
We are trying to get 30 inches before we start hauling, there was some light spots at around 19 inches a couple of days before they run the 7 across, so it was maybe 22 0r 3 inches on the skinniest ice.
They logged back there in 2015 and dropped the 7 through on the far side of the big river, it was another month before they could get equipment across to pull it out.
They had to just cut out a huge block of ice and winch it out, then everything had to be rebuilt, to the tune of close to 200,000, so they are probably being a little picky this time. lol
Wow that was an expensive endeavor..
Post by: furu on February 13, 2019, 10:17:31 AM
Now for most of the country what we have is not even a drop in the bucket but for here with all of our hills it is flat paralyzing. There are not enough plows and what they do have, half are broken down. They ran out of aggregate and salt mix in the first 24 hours.
Finally after we had 24 inches of snow in two days it started to rain on top of the snow. What a mess. Then rain turned to sleet on top of the 24 inches of snow.
Roofs are collapsing. Several 60 foot boats have sunk as the dock roofs collapse and took the boats to the bottom. House car ports and even some houses have had their roofs collapse.
After it rained on the snow it got cold again and the ice formed on everything with the sleet. Trees and their branches coated with layers of ice and the tops break off. Just had the top 20 foot of an conifer break off and fall right near one of my vehicles.
Here I was thinking that I would start planting forest seedling about now. Fat chance, not with this much snow and ice.
Good news is with the temperatures having finally stayed in the teens for several days maybe some of the insects and their larvae will have been killed.
We are really a bunch of winter weather wimps out in this area, not like up when I was in Anchorage or where Starmac is in the Fairbanks area.
Post by: starmac on February 13, 2019, 11:27:24 AM
People do not understand the difference between snow here and snow there. warm weather snow is so much more dangerous and destructive than cold weather on everything, including the body. We had around a foot of basically warm weather snow in the last couple of days, which sucks, thankfully we are cooling down today and the forecast is calling for it to get 20 below by the weekend. I hate to even go down in he Anchorage area in the winter, the warmer temps are not only dangerous to drive in, I freeze in them. lol
Post by: furu on February 13, 2019, 11:45:03 AM
Post by: starmac on February 13, 2019, 02:29:13 PM
That said it did blow some yesterday. The way it blew , the snow was blowing off the roof right where my wife happened to be parked where she worked, filling the bed level full and the cab and hood had a couple of feet on it too. She was stuck dead in the water with a 4 wheel drive, while 2 parking spots down a little car was in the clear and could just drive off. lol