Posted 2006-05-28 10:00 PM (#42348) Subject: A day of riding lost and that pre flight check
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Keymar,Maryland
Went out this morning to drop the Double D on the ball and started my usual pre flight check. Just a short local trip but usually kick the tires anyways. Pulled the dipsticks and was ready to slam the hood when I noticed a damp spot on the gravel. Thought it had been the wifes car but further inspection revealed the lower radiator hose was dripping at the pump end. Truck still has original hoses and factory clamps. Well got the pliers and gave it a squeeze and the *@#$ thing snapped off. Off to town and came back with a handful of clamps. Figured if one had died may as well get ready for the rest. Spent the day busting knuckles and glad I did. Failure was imminent on a few others. Truck is a 2002 F350 diesel, low miles driveway queen except for pulling the trailer. If you have factory clamps get some spares and the tools to replace them. Don't lose a beautiful day in the saddle for this. Happy Trails, Rich.
Posted 2006-05-29 6:39 AM (#42349 - in reply to #42348) Subject: RE: A day of riding lost and that pre flight check
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
My compliments for doing a preflight check. It's always better to find failure on the driveway rather than the parkway. (X miles from home with the horses on a Sunday evening)
May all your miles be trouble free. But if trouble comes, meet it with stalwart friends.
Posted 2006-05-29 7:38 AM (#42351 - in reply to #42348) Subject: RE: A day of riding lost and that pre flight check
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
Its amazing what you'll forget to do after hitching up the trailer dozens upon dozens of time. I once for got to lock the coupler ( Gn) and we forgot to lock the BP livestock trailer. It was fine until the cow offloaded, then the trailer tipper back and popped off. whew.
Posted 2006-05-29 12:21 PM (#42352 - in reply to #42348) Subject: RE: A day of riding lost and that pre flight check
Veteran
Posts: 274 Location: MO in woods
So sorry to hear about your troubles.At least you where at home instead of miles away in heat.We have high of 95 yestarday.So glad had early ride an had Sundowner packed back up night before.
Posted 2006-05-29 4:26 PM (#42356 - in reply to #42348) Subject: RE: A day of riding lost and that pre flight check
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322 Location: Fort Madison, Iowa
Thanks for the warning, I have a 2002 F250 so I plan to have them checked.
I was on my way to meet friends for vacation and was traveling by myself to get there. I was fortunate enough to have a lower hose blow out at a gas station.
I was blessed to have three good ol'boys walking out of the station and offered to look at my truck. They were mechanics so one drained my radiator and the other two went to the parts store. They had me back on the road within 30 minutes and wouldn't take any money so I bought them some beer and we were all happy then.
Next time it might be a different story so I don't want to take any chances.
Posted 2006-05-31 9:03 PM (#42468 - in reply to #42348) Subject: RE: A day of riding lost and that pre flight check
Veteran
Posts: 109
Good job on your pre-flight check, those type of problems are easy to dismiss. The clamp thing bugs me a little. Four year old truck I would not expect that problem. From reading your post it was the clamp around the hose. What type was it that ford used? Was it the spring type of clamp or the screw type clamp?
Posted 2006-06-01 7:35 PM (#42521 - in reply to #42348) Subject: RE: A day of riding lost and that pre flight check
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Keymar,Maryland
These clamps are the spring type that go on/off just by squeezing with pliers. I replaced them with the worm type and lots of spares for the bottom of the tool box. PS get the correct size nutdriver for them. Forget the screwdriver slot. Happy trails, Rich.
A day of riding lost and that pre flight check
