Taking the plunge. My journey as an O/O.

Update.

After a month of vacation in a hotel while the truck was being fixed, I will only be spending xmas eve and xmas day with the family.

Even with the loss of a day due to the DEF heater coolant leak, I still managed 2800 miles this last week. Another week like that will catch me up on fixed expenses deducted from settlements.

 

Update. I almost blew a gasket this morning after I saw a leak under the truck when I stopped for fuel. Then I realized it was condensate from running the A/C.

*whew!*

 

I think I am a bit justified about being paranoid about coolant leaks. The truck was worked on 5 times for coolant related issues in the last 6 weeks.

 

I was near Dillon, SC when I fueled. It was warm enough for AC in the cab. Not full blast, but I needed a bit to keep the engine heat from cooking me.

 

Update.

Heard a bit of squealing under the hood today. No other symptoms.

The squeaking was timed to engine RPM. Faster RPM, faster squeal cycle.

After allowing the engine to cool, no squealing.

About six months ago I asked a shop to replace both belts, but they only replaced one.

That older belt is likely the problem, even though it seems appropriately tight, it may be a bit degraded on the inside edge, and allowing slip when the engine gets up to temp.

I am having both belts replaced, and all tentioners, rollers, and engine accessories checked for slop or stickiness in rotation.

Two days ago, I had lots of fun with paperwork and dealing with dispatch to get a load assignment, started late, and ran a 14 hour day. Yesterday it was three garbage tires on an empty trailer, after spending 90 minutes on a garbagetastic receiver's lot, where nothing was anywhere near where they said it would be. Having to pay for parking spaces so I have parking several hours after I should have been shut down for the day is getting old.

Hopefully these junk loads will end soon, as the account customer comes out of holiday downtime.

 

Woke up this morning. Opened the hood. Discovered that the belts that were put on last night are now falling apart. There are thin bits of belt all over the place.

Looks like another screwed up day.