My uncle is going to help me with the u-joints this week so thats off the list. I'm now considering a coolant flush, 203* thermostat and dieselsite coolant filter install.

Since the one hotel is all booked, has anyone found an alternate close by??

 

See, I missed all the fun last time - or I woulda known that!!

That'll teach me!!!

 

Yeah it works out great so long as you don't need power steering or brakes.

I'd seriously reconsider the 203* thermostat I've heard more problems with them than anything else.

 

I'm gonna look around and will post my findings.

 

The only problems I know of are from using it with big sticks and/or big oil - resulting in higher-than-normal EOT's. I've had 203* t-stats in both my trucks for 250k miles total and never seen excessive EOT.

 

I'd say 90% of the trucks I know of with 203* t-stats have had issues with leaks from the thermostat. That was my point not excessive temperature.

 

I am waiting on some details to settle out before I fully commit but I should know very soon. If I definitely come out we can work getting the wheels there though . No problem there.

 

There are several other hotel options, the downside is that they are all about 30 minutes away, although they are cheaper than the Quality Inn.

1) Days Inn Middletown - 4939 Route 17 M, New Hampton, NY
2) Days Inn Port Jervis - 2247 Greenville Turnpike & SR 23, Port Jervis, NY
3) Econo Lodge - 448 Route 206 South, Newton, NJ

I'm personally leaning towards #1 only because I am familiar with the route between the shop and Middletown

 

I'm only considering it because my temp has not be getting into the normal range. It gets close but still only about 1/2-2/3's of the way to "normal range". I still have decent heat though. I'm gonna buy the replacement pipe with the thermostat too.

 

Buy the billet tstat housing ... Lirrle more but its forever not single use

 

Now what Petey said about leaks is true - especially with the billet housing and aftermarket water pump. The billet does not give like the OE tin thingy does, and imperfect casting on the water pump can cause leaks. However, these are easily prevented with a conservative application of RTV.

Oh, I talked to boys again this morning and Jacob says he'll give up the free bike (prize) for perfect attendance to go on this trip!!! He explained how he would get more rocks for his teacher and he promised he would learn ALOT on the trip... LOL!!!!!!

About the rocks.... while he was flirting with Amanda, she told him all he'd have to do was get her a bigger 'rock' and she would be his wife. Now even after reminding him which guy Ray was and explaining what Ray's job was - he was overheard telling a neighbor-girl about it and said he was sure his brother had some pretty, big rocks in his rock collection and he was gonna work something out!!

 

I thought the oe "giving" was the sealing issue
My plan was billet housing with rtv

 

Just booked my room @ Port Jervis Days in..

 

I think the problem is more often corrosion, but I can see where it could get out of shape enough not to seal good. Bob told me to use RTV when one leaked on us once upon a time.

The 3rd grader is cleared for the trip, waiting to hear back from 5th grade teacher...

Meanwhile, I'll update the list with optimism!! Also added Roger to the list.

1) gbroehl1 - just me - glow plugs
2) rat49f6 - just jim - wheels and tires on the obs
3) MexicanScaper987 - Joe -Rad flush and coolant filter install
4) Arlene - just me - hanging out and trying not to cause too much trouble...
5) 7.3 rocket - me myself and I - brake lines if there's enough shop room.
6) skyskijason - me, Jordan, Jacob & Daisy - just bringing a touch of class to the gathering
7) roboto - doing GP's on new-to-him SD 7.3
8)
9)
10)

Russ and Mike (S. Jersey) also said they were coming to help out. (hope I was allowed to say that! )

 

Sadly, I see Mrs. Greg is not coming. Would it be too much to request some Mrs. Greg brownies???