Death of Rig 4416

Discussion in 'Western Express' started by sfynboh, Jan 2, 2018.

  1. sfynboh

    sfynboh Bobtail Member

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    What a last two days. Went to Fort Dodge, IA yesterday(12/29) for service, instead was to pick up a load to Eagan and Blaine. Shawn went to hook up to the trailer, first the trailer dropped, then he got it back up, then he hooked up the air lines and one hand (red) broke. Got someone to come out to try and fix it, but the tech took off and never showed back up even after he broke the second hand (blue). Then shawn called his breakdown department, they were unable to get someone out last night to fix it. They also told him (shawn) to call back this morning (12/30), he did and was on hold for 2 hours. They (breakdown) found someone but it was going to be 4 hours before they came to fix it, the vendor called, Shawn explained what was going on, and the vendor said they were on the way. Half hour later, the vendor calls back and says that they would not be coming to fix the trailer, they had an "emergency". So, Shawn and I left Fort Dodge, and came home to Dad's. We get to Faribault, and the truck starts acting weird. Get by Taco Johns and the truck stops working completely. Would not start back up. Shawn called breakdown and they are sending out a tow truck. Now, Shawn has to wait til Monday to see what the plan will be. What a crappy couple days. Oh and not to mention, when we were in Eau Claire (12/28), the truck stalled out with low coolant. Added coolant and then thermostat would not work. Now that is a big issue. What a lovely horrible the last week has been. And we still don't know what is going to happen with the truck until 1/2/2018. We are unsure if they are going to tow to Nashville, or have it fixed near by, so we can get back on the road once its done. We are not even sure if we are getting a new truck. I know that it needs a new engine, sweet smell means radiator and head gasket are done for, then a woody smell meaning that the rod went through the engine block. I know my #### because I was to be trained in the military for air craft and big rig mechanics. Of course, no one is going to listen to a girl that doesn't work for the company but gets paid to do the driver's paper work. They are never going to listen to a passenger who has been trained in the mechanical works of big rigs. Kinda stupid I would say. Idiots in Fort Doge at the International shop named O Hallerons, and a DM that would have his drivers be unsafe with broken trailers in icy,, snowy conditions (really crappy weather).
    P.S This is written by the passenger of the rig, the driver, Shawn, was busy trying to figure things out.
     
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  3. ShooterK2

    ShooterK2 Road Train Member

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    Never really thought much about what a rod hanging out the side of a block SMELLS like. I usually go by sound (BANG) and sight (hole in side of block, connecting rod hanging out).

    As for the sweet smell, it doesn't always mean a bad radiator or head gasket, although it's a possibility.
     
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  4. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Paragraphs please.
     
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  5. Jazz1

    Jazz1 Road Train Member

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    Not going to get paragraphs when they have to call in mechanic to replace gladhand:)
     
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  6. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I think it will become apparent how little horse the driver has in a situation like this.

    God can show up with the Arch angel Michael at the desk of the trucking company owner and declare one of the trucks dead. But the owner will not give credit, respect or pay attention to such complaints from drivers. Because drivers know nothing. //snark.

    I have gotten into the habit of going to the shop with a dead or sick vehicle and tell them exactly what I want done. Big truck or car. They hate that very much. They really do. Especially when I turn out to be right.

    Once in a blue moon I hand em a vehicle that is beyond my understanding, they go to town on it.
     
  7. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    Any time in my life I have heard the person talking say I know my stuff..........
     
  8. ShooterK2

    ShooterK2 Road Train Member

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    I dunno wore, the more I think about it, maybe there is something to being able to diagnose engine problems by smell.

    Now if I could just learn to smell it ahead of time....
     
  9. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    I just wish I knew this blue heeler was gonna fart before he does. Man he is prime tonite. Wait is that my flutin pin on the wobblin shaft going out?
     
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  10. I glide 47

    I glide 47 Road Train Member

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    I have three blue healers I know what you mean
     
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  11. Streetroddreams

    Streetroddreams Medium Load Member

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    You might be getting a false reading,try recalibrating the flumagucci valve first or check the carberator throw out bearings...that sweet smell could also just be them Jamaicans parked next to ya...lol
     
    Northeasterner Thanks this.
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