Our baby Maggie is home and doing well, but still stoned.

 

Norm, good on getting the dash & electrical repaired. Chris, dang, too much bad weather for me, glad that it's past you now. Any update on Maggie? I had 2 1/8" of rain from tuesday through yesterday, and 4 7/16" in the last week. Saves on my water bill. Stopped today and picked up some "firecracker" flowers to lure the hummingbirds in, plus I ordered some seeds online for a bit of color and the butterflies and bees as well. Picked up some "Dairy Doo" fertilizer and compost, along with potting soil of the same name. I then drove across the county to pick up some Amish made baked goods, enough to last awhile. Got a car show on memorial day, small, but local. I may or may not go to one in Sheridan, Mi. about 1 1/2 hours away (two lane roads) on Saturday. It will be cool, 60ish, so I'll see on that one.

 

Which engine do you have - 4.6L or 5.4L?
4R70W = 4.6L
4R100 = 5.4L

 

Dan - Thanks. We could use any rain. Nice selection flowers/seeds. "Dairy Doo" - great name(s) for fertilizer, compost & potting soil. Yes, I would drive across the county for Amish made baked goods - nice.

 

Chris - Is Maggie willing to share whatever it is she's smoking?

 

I have the 5.4L. Thanks Norm!

 

Probably, whatever she's had she's still pretty out of it. Dawn just took her out the front door to try to pee. She can walk slowly and went willingly. Definitely no steps trying to get her to the backyard until at least tomorrow, and I'm definitely not carrying almost 60lbs of live animal up and down just to pee. Chances are we'd both end up on our butts.

Man I'm whooped. Did a cardio workout while she was at the Vet. Waited until they got home from the Vet and situated, then went out to mow and trim. Shower sure felt good, but I haven't eaten yet so I'm starved. Frozen pizza ((Dogtown 4-Meat) in the oven and ice cold Rolling Rock on ice. Then some Panthers/Hurricanes.

 

Ford employed the push button at the end of the gear shift handle for one of two purposes (based upon year & equipment e.g. engine + transmission + power train): (1) Certain vehicles were equipped w/ an OD push button; while others were equipped w/ a Tow/Haul button; yet, others (3) had no push button.

As you stated, yours is an OD push button; mine is a Tow/Haul push button.

You should never use OD for any high torque driving conditions e.g. going up inclines (mountains/hills/steep grades, etc.) - it can put significant stress on both the engine, transmission & entire power train. OD is designed to increase fuel economy in basically a flat cruising scenario e.g. highway/Interstate driving. Turn off OD when negotiating any inclines.

My Tow/Haul push button feature is nearly the opposite of your OD feature. My transmission automatically negotiates an OD condition - no driver input required. The Tow/Haul feature modifies the transmission shift points facilitating lower gears to remain effective longer, increasing torque, power & control while towing. Excellent feature for towing and managing steep inclines. I should note - that isn't to say you can't increase torque, power & control w/o the assistance of the Tow/Haul button - it's simply (really) automates the process since I can perform the same operation(s) via manually downshifting to a lower gear. Certain transmissions, coupled with select engines & power trains disable the Tow/Haul feature at select RPM &/or MPH to avoid rapid (unwarranted) coupling & decoupling of the transmission (to reduce wear & tear). My engine, transmission & power train Tow/Haul feature is only available below 45 MPH. Works fantastic when hauling loads anywhere.

 

Go Canes.

 

Yeah, if you ever witness someone installing an in-line fuse into the ground side negative (-) wiring be sure to smack them up alongside the head.

 

I had an explorer with a O/D off button on the column shifter ****. I used it in the hills, and, in the end, when the transmission was dying, I would run it up to highway speed in third, get some extra speed, let off, then hit the button and go into OD not under load. Made it not shudder doing that. We sold the car a few months later.

 

Chris - I can't watch the game live, so I'm listing to live stream. If they can't advance that little black thing how do they expect to win this game. Cats have over twice as many shots on goal as the Canes. I get it, Canes are more methodical (supposedly); yet, if you don't advance, you put nothing in net. Blah - Netflix is more entertaining.

 

That is exactly how I've always used it. Pretty much a summation from the Owner's Manual on when/how to use O/D.

 

I'm way behind in watching the game, just got to the point where the Panther's have gone up 3-0 in the 1st. Total domination by Florida in all facets of the game.

 

Norm - I think you'd be proud. I have an 8 pack of Entenmann's Chocolate Iced, Devils Food Donuts. I found the largest glass we had. Took 2 donuts and cut them up into Nickle sized pieces. Put several large scoops of Chocolate Ice Cream into the glass, added the donut chunks, and added just enough milk to allow me to mix it up by hand. Super thick, super delicious!

 

Chris - That’s genius!

 

Good morning everyone.

Ah the happy homecoming. Chris it's wonderful Maggie is home and doing well. When I first got my pair years ago, my girl had to be treated for heartworm. Part of that required her to stay at the vet for a couple days, and I was beside myself. My boy did pretty well, though I could tell he was on edge. Dogs need to be home where they belong. Inside. On the couch. With treats.

When I got home from work yesterday I needed a job where I could hear the phone and could stop working in an instant. I was waiting for a phone call I couldn't miss, so I chose to clean out some briars and overgrown shrubbery. Like a dumbass I never think to wear long sleeves, and my arms are all scratched up. Also like a dumbass I allowed the vines and whatnot to completely surround the AC condensers and I knew if I didn't do something soon vines would grow into the case and cause problems. So I beat a path to the condensers and cleaned out all around them. It's also a good start on getting all that crap out of that area. My call came in after I cleaned up and went inside.

Kind of a slow start to work this morning. Barring anything unforeseen I should get up to around 30 wheels today. That ain't so bad. Our weak lead is waiting to hear from our weaker foreman to make sure we're off Monday. The shop has taken Memorial Day off since the dawn of time, but now we have this yahoo who can't make a decision(one that doesn't even need making) and now one day before the day in question he's going to decide. HTF are we supposed to plan our lives. Usually a three day weekend people want to make plans with their families. Contrary to what the company puts forth, we don't live for the company. Though they try their best to make it so.

Okay Happy Friday everyone. Have a great day!

 

Glad you got it, Norm, I knew you would. I hope I don't have cluster problems on my 06 f250. My truck is just about the opposite of yours... Yours is very well maintained and as new. Mine is a retired plow/salt truck- very rusty and abused. But ironically, I plan to keep it as long as possible. As long as it's safe I'll use it as I do now, a second car and a hauler. AS it gets worse I plan to keep it, drop plates and insurance, and use only to plow the driveway and barn. So I hope something like a bad cluster doesn't kill it...

 

Greg - Thanks. Should you run into an issue w/ the instrument cluster I'd highly recommend Circuit Board Medics. Apparently they've had plenty of 06 boards go bad, as well.
Here's the link specifically for Fords. You'll note your 06 model year has two options: Exchange the instrument cluster or repair the instrument cluster. Here's the URL link should you ever need it.
https://circuitboardmedics.com/ford/

 

Thanks Mike! I hope you get Memorial Day off and you have a great long weekend!

 

No sense of urgency to fix the Indian no start issue; yet, it is on my immediate radar at a more leisurely pace. I'm not 100% how my starter is assembled & operates - other than what I research & find out on my own. Anyways, baby steps on diagnostics/troubleshooting. I'll have more to say/ask as I move forward. I've rebuilt starters of various types (not many) over the years w/ starter/solenoid rebuild kits - they're all different so it takes time.

Any of you guys know starters/solenoid? Chime in. I need to reacquaint myself w/ the lugs/posts between the solenoid & the starter internals - I can't do this type work very fast.

I removed one of the two contacts inside the solenoid (still mounted to the starter w/ starter mounted on the bike). I'm not sure exactly how certain items become damaged & what is normal wear on certain items, what can be repaired, what needs to be repaired, what needs to be replaced, etc. So, it's like drudgery for me muddling through the swamp.

This is the contact (below) I could easily get to & remove. I sanded it down flat, polished it w/ Emory & intend to use it again. There's tons of copper remaining. It's obvious there's been lots of arcing going on. I guess I'm looking for why it's been arcing? Is this my primary issue? As said, I'm no wizard on this stuff, but this much arcing reduces the contact surface where the solenoid plunger engages. Wondering if it's the result of moisture invasion into the solenoid which might have been causing this type arcing? Baby steps, baby steps. Any/All comments are welcome.

Other stuff to do...best be moving on.

 

Norm I perused that link and that seems like a screamin' deal. And shipping and lifetime warranty, if their work is as good as they say it is, you really made out. Excellent that it took care of all the problems.

I've got 33 wheels now and it's lunchtime. I'll probably get 10 more after lunch, that will be a good ending to the day. The lead just came around and said we are in fact taking Monday off. I think we were all going to stay home anyway. But now someone feels elevated because they made a decision.

 

Mike - Not sure how a specialized service industry such as yours normally manages paid holidays. Most industries simply shut down, no one works those days so no biggie, I guess. But the airlines have to keep birds in the air. Does your shop like stock pile enough wheels/tires to have on hand for a holiday; or, are there actually others who are willing to work holidays for extra candy ($$)? Man, the one thing I don't get is it's a Friday before a major holiday & the leads/foremen are just now figuring out if you're off on Monday? That's weird.

 

Norm - Since you previously mentioned various makes of cars/bikes have different starters/solenoids, maybe one of the Indian forums would be your best source of advice? I'd be surprised if you aren't already a member of one or more Indian forums?

 

Good morning guys,

Well it's 10am here and all I've done is sit here and drink my coffee, read stuff on here, and blab back to folks. One of the perks of getting my mowing out of the way yesterday. Just Livin the Dream!

Maggie is doing fine and much more alert this morning, and much more stable on her feet. She's still on some some strong pain medication so still no steps for a couple of days. She's eating, drinking and napping, pretty much her usual.

The Car Show I wanted to go to on Memorial Day has already been rescheduled to a previously identified Rain Date of June 1st because of the high threat of rain on Monday. There is also a Show on May 31st being put on by the Band Boosters at the School that my daughters and now grandsons attend. Both of these shows, May 31st and June 1st, are organized by the same promoter/head judge. They have pretty much taken the rain out of Saturday's forecast right now so I'm hoping to get the car out to a cruise-in at Raising Cane's in Arnold on Saturday evening.

I've got the grandsons' back to back hockey games tonight at 6:15 and 7:15, and I'm really looking forward to that.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and be safe if you're out and about!

 

Chris - I am a member of several Indian forums.

 

Vince Vaughn did a great job as the sergeant in the movie. That scene is up there with the initial scene in Full Metal Jacket.

I think solenoid discs always arc and it blows a chunk apart each time. I think this can be mitigated by good ignition system contacts and high battery (so, lots of power) and making sure the armature can move, but that's not the solenoid. I learned last year that a weak hot start is cables and connections and starter motor, but a click is a solenoid problem.

 

Thanks John - that's good feedback.

 

Norm the shop does one thing, so if it's deemed we are off, everyone is off. I would venture to say that all shops and the hangar are off on all the holidays, and production just doesn't happen. I've never heard of us being off three days and anyone runs out of wheels. The safeguard is the tire is approved for 10 takeoffs and landings after reinforcing plies are noted. That's days right there.

The mechanics at the gates and of course the ramp people are a 24/7 operation, weekends, holidays, if you're scheduled you work. If a holiday falls on your day off, yippie, you get to take it another time of your choosing. The company has been at this a long time (100 years!) there's always coverage.

 

Comparison pics of the new Sitting Room from what I first posted a few days ago. Primary changes are:
- My Mom's Antique Buffet along the far wall was removed and replaced by a new large display shelf that will be used to display family momentos.
- The table along the window opening to the Great Room was removed and replaced by the Ammo Box Table Dawn created. We're not sure the Ammo Box Table will stay yet, but it's there for now. I like it because of it's uniqueness, Dawn's not sure?
- The chair that was in the front right was removed in favor of a 2nd shelf unit with a lighting fixture at the top.
- The mirror sitting on the floor next to the Ammo Box Table will be mounted centered above the couch.

Before


Today

 

Chris - Yes to the mirror above the couch - creates a more expansive feeling of warmth for that room. No to the ammo box, or any furniture piece which might occupy that space next to the opening: (1) It encumbers the ability to move freely between the kitchen, the sitting room & beyond the sitting room by narrowing the passage; (2) It removes the ability to view &/or talk through the opening w/ a piece of furniture up against the wall. The short of it (IMO) is this. I'd prefer that space/area as a passage free from furniture or encumbering objects so people can easily navigate that area. You didn't ask for opinions/comments but I'll freely puke up my opinion(s).

Have a great time @ the back-to-back hockey games.

 

I have a brand new replacement relay in my hands (ordered off eBay); yet, I'm not certain this particular relay is the primary issue or a contributing issue to the starting dilemma. Hell, I'm not even sure I see a starter relay in the wiring labyrinth. Oh well, more wire tracing, more rabbit holes to keep me occupied.

Boy Howdy, traffic is a mess on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. I got to the grocery store ~1:30pm & the crazies were in full swing - dodging/swerving between lanes, cutting/pulling out in front of others, etc. Definitely need to keep your eyes on the road, for sure, for sure. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. Lots of touristas will be enjoying this weekend, for sure. We get tons of tourista traffic in this podunk little town nestled along the coastline mostly because it's so tiny & quaint - a nice place for the urban city dwellers to escape; and, of course the ferries are packed taking folks to the various islands.

 

Norm - I really appreciate your honest comments on the arrangement of furniture in the Sitting Room. Frankly, I was hoping some of you guys would throw in your 2-cents. I definitely see your point about blocking traffic thru to the kitchen or the view/communication to anyone in the Great Room. Thanks!

You know I'll have a great time at the hockey games! I'll be recording the Oilers/Stars game and looking forward to watching it when I get home, I think it's going to be a hard fought series. The Panthers/Canes, not so much.

 

I am no space designer, but it is my understanding that one needs end tables or coffee tables for a couch, but not necessarily both, especially for a 2 seater as they can both use the end tables for drinks. 3 seater needs the coffee table. Putting one's feet on the table is gauche and should not be thought of as a reason to have it.

Second load of Dr. Decal stickers arrived. I put a W-30 winter care sticker on the radiator top plate. It is square and located to one thing well, but I located it to the wrong thing up and down, so it's 1/8th inch lower than it was. Looks good and the car is not going to that kind of show probably ever again, so there it will stay until the next time it's replaced. Got all the bolts in for everything and put a new hose holder on for the upper radiator support. Now all I need to do is torque all fasteners and put the radiator cap alignment strip decal on.

 

Our Mom would daily/repeatedly/vociferously tell us no feet on any furniture. I listened to that my entire life growing up. I got her point - I didn't necessarily have to agree w/ her. It was her/their house not mine, I did as I was told. The whole deal w/ no feet on furniture annoys me to this day. I absolutely do agree w/ no shoes/footwear on furniture, but you can damn well put your feet anywhere you like on my furniture - my home, my rules, now.

 

Norm - Nice you have the tractor sorted. My brother has GM truck 2004 with a similar issue, I did forward the company you used for your fix. He has been kicking the can on the repair, maybe this will help his confidence level. The Ingun did you a favor by failing in place instead of leaving you both stranded away from the man cave.
I know what you mean about loading a bike on the lift, I looked at a couple pointers from the you tube and I really liked the "Longer" loading ramp in front, my factory ones are short and steep, the more gradual incline is an appealing mod for my lift. This one looks pretty slick too. Good luck with the trouble shooting


Chris - So good to hear your Maggie has recovered nicely

 

I know a long distance OTR long hauler who has nearly the exact same/type lift ramp you posted. He owns his own rig & has it mounted directly behind the sleeper cab. It mounts/lifts from the side. My ramp is long w/ only a slight incline needed to get on/off the lift w/ the bike running, but w/o no power it's very cumbersome & dicey. I've done it once prior w/ a cargo strap come-along but it's nerve racking.

I was stranded on the Indian only once - it was very much no fun - the BCM module went Tango Uniform. I care never to relive that dreadful night. Yes, I am fortunate this starting issue occurred right here in the man-cave. Hope your brother finds some use from the Circuit Board Medics.

 

That is a great application for that style of slide lift you're talking of for the long haul rig. My brain went to "Under no power lift load" those bikes weigh a **** ton. 1st thing I thought of was a set of temporary "Training" wheels or out rigger so it would take some of the tippy out of the equation with a remote controlled winch set up.
You'll get'r but like you say it is sure nice working waist high where the blood pressure is most even

 

This process is really super simple - you only need the right tools, you can't use your typical Magilla Gorilla soldering iron - you'd be lucky to use any soldering iron w/o a table mounted magnifier & appropriate tools. Solder which contains each of the pins on the PCB develops cracks, cracks lead to intermittent issues beginning w/ loss of communication among/between the various resistors, transistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, etc. on the PCB then finally all hell breaks loose & it all goes Tango Uniform.

A solder "re-flow" is performed on the various PCB pins. Simple stuff really. Apply new fresh flux to the various pins, heat the solder containing the pin(s), the solder re-anneals and you're golden.

 

Thanks for link, Norm- hope I don't need it. Glad Maggie is doing well Chris. Yesterday a friend and I went to a **** ton of garage sales- A fun day. My friend buys stuff he doesn't want with the idea of reselling for a profit on Marketplace. So his new name for me is "Harrison Picker", just like the guys on the show. He does really well with it. I bought a really nice Mac tool box with sliding drawers, etc. A gal had a sale after her hubby passed away- sad... I asked what she wanted for box- i expected answer to be higher than I would give- but she said $80.00, I said I'm gonna give you $100.00. It was worth more, then she said take a bunch of tools that were in it, so ended up with a bunch of neat stuff and some junk. Another strange thing about that sale was her deceased husband's dog was a male German Shepard- looks like Tiger. That dog clung to me like I was his master- Very affectionate and loving- I wonder if I reminded him of his dead master?? I've never had that happen with a strange dog before.