DanD

Yea thanks for the memories Dan; looking through your pictures brought back a ton of great memories for me, fishing with my son. He’s 23 now and graduating this year with his BA in engineering from, UOIT in Oshawa. Proud as hell of him but because he’s done school and starting out on his career; he may have to cancel out on our annual trip (15 years) to the West Arm or other places “up north”, due to a job here in London at General Dynamics. All I meant by telling you the above, is hang on to these times and never get to busy to keep him by your side; for as long as you can. If they’re having fun fishing or whatever with the old man; they’re learning from and they will never forget. The tough part is that those times slowly become harder to find; when their lives begin to get busy and you have to let go. And like Roy said bend down, so the little guy can see what you’re doing; one day you may have to look up at him. LOL Dan.

I wouldn’t use automotive gear oil in the bottom end. Here’s a short description of marine grade gear lube. I’m not saying use Pennziol; it just happened to be what I found for a description. Dan. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION PENNZOIL MARINE® OUTBOARD GEAR LUBE and PENNZOIL MARINE® HIGH VISCOSITY LOWER UNIT GEAR LUBE are special marine grade formulations designed to withstand high amounts of water contamination. Both contain stable extreme pressure additives and corrosion inhibitors to protect gears and bearings subject to corrosion by water seepage. Special antifoam agents insure excellent lubrication to all gears and bearings under the severe churning action of marine gear cases.

I agree that gas stations or garages should have some form of air supply for their customer’s use; coin-op or not. Plus for me as a garage owner; it gives me a sales opportunity; when I go out a talk with the people. You know that tire you’re filling every other day; I can likely fix that for you. LOL Now I’m going to date myself here; but I can remember helping kids with their bike tires at the air pump; now that they’re grown up; I’m fixing their cars and helping their kids. LOL Dan.

Here’s the other side of this free air from someone that use to run a gas station. A few years back I was a Sunoco dealer, here in London; at a station that had service bays (almost a thing of the past) and it was the dealer’s responsibility to look after the free air meter. The thing cost me any where from 600-1000 bucks a year to maintain. People would beat the living crap out of it; trying to stretch a 25 foot hose to 30, throwing the nozzle/gage on the ground; just to run over it as they left. I found the meter lying on the ground one morning; after somebody ripped it out of the wall? Sunoco at the time wouldn’t let me put a coin-op in; when it came time for me to renew my contract; I insisted they take over the air meter’s maintenance; which they did; the next year the coin-op went in. It’s the people that abused things that screw it for everyone else; in this case, it doesn’t have anything to do with customer service. Actually the places that still have the coin-ops are doing their customer a service, by even having one. Because people still beat the crap out of them; as if it’s the fault of the machine, their tires went flat. Most of these coin-ops are not owned by the service station; but by companies like Airserv. The station supplies the hydro to run it and whatever company would look after the machine and the monies that came out of it. Never could get a strait answer out of the guy that serviced the machine; as to how the money was distributed to whatever charity they claimed to support? All I ever got from him was a smile, as he cleaned the money out of it? Now after saying all that; I’ve moved away from Sunoco and I have a free air line set outside my service bay door, for anyone to use; but I watch it like a hawk and it comes in at night when I leave. LOL Dan.

As for all this laying the motor on its side thing; once you have it off the pallet, you’ll notice that there’s a couple of feet/tabs on the one side of the motor’s case. Which makes it pretty much a no brainer; as which side, to lay the motor on, (if you ever had to) or at least mine did; it’s a 04 Honda 40 tiller. Dan.

Not sure if this has been asked before but I’m wondering what the environmental people have to say about these vehicles or any piece of motorized equipment, going through the ice? Battery acid, gasoline, motor oil, anti freeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer; gear oil; not to mention the brake dust and the grime form years of driving. I never hear a whole lot of talk as to how this gets cleaned up, or is there a blind eye turned? Myself here at the shop (automotive repair) have to have signed contracts with recyclers to haul away my waist oils and anti freeze. Plus I must keep a monthly record of the floor drain’s oil separators, as to cleanliness and with who the contrast is with that cleans them. Man if we were to be caught allowing even a cup of anti freeze to hit the drains there’d be hell to pay. But like I asked we don’t hear anything about (for example) the 50-60 plus year old bombardier snow machines sitting on the bottom? Other then we’re(hopefully)grateful that no one was hurt and the cost of getting them back to the surface? There’s nothing environmentally friendly about those PCB oozing, smoke blenching things; everything is vented to the atmosphere or the water in this scenario? Dan.

If you’re thinking of going as far as the French; why not a little further and try the West bay/west arm of Nipissing? I’m surprised no one else here hasn't suggested it; lots of water, lots of different structure; get up in the morning and then decide on what you’re going to fish for, that day. Even with a fair number of camps/lodges and cottagers; with the amount of water, you can fish all day and the closes you’ll ever have to get to another boat, is at the dock of one of the lodges to pick up some bait. Have a look at the listings that TJ has at this link http://www.ontariofishing.net/linkspages/F...Lake_Nipissing/ There’s Lakair, Memquisit, Saenchiur flechey to just name a few; their rates are all pretty competitive; it just depends on where you want to make your base camp. The only caution I have about the West bay is that it is skag heaven because of all the rock shoals; I had a rock come up and take a bite out of my motor the one year. LOL But you learn fast where and what is safe and you probably already know this; some of the best fishing is skirting those shoals. I’ve been going there for a number of years now; but if it where going to be some one’s first time and again because of the amount of water; I would suggest hiring one of the lodges guides for a half day. They’ll be able to take you to some of their “hot spots” and show you some of their techniques; that’ll give you a starting point to find your own. Dan.

Yea I was home for something or other, when they went past my house. I considered it window shopping for the thieves when they fist came out with this. Hey, here’s a place with a Vette in the laneway and no garage; easy picking. Now that the pic’s are dated; I guess it’s not that big a deal; I still own the car but now it sits at the front of the laneway in front of the truck. Dan.

Food for thought. I’m not sure how good an idea it is to put any form of chemical down the drain; especially a septic system. Like the others have said, it likely won’t hurt the system itself? But with septic systems we’re relying on the ground to clean and filter the waist water; not like a city’s or town’s water treatment plants. (as good as they are?) Sure latex is water soluble but that doesn’t mean that the hardeners, thickeners and whatever chemicals magically disappear. (out of site out of mind?) Sooner or later those chemicals, if allowed to stay in a liquid form, will enter the ground water (your well) or the lake. What I’ve read was to allow the paint or wash water to dry out and harden and then it is supposedly safe to be thrown in the garbage? Even that only sounds like the better of the two evils but what else are we to do with it? I know we could go on and on about what kind of environmental impact that would have on the land fills; but that’s what some are advising to do? Just my thoughts; I don't mean tp preach, so do as you please; but I was raised on a farm and have seen what the chemicals can do to the ground water. The irrigation pond produced some very weird looking multi colored fish. LOL I understand we’re only talking about very small amounts here, compared to farming but its still chemicals getting into the ground water? Dan

RobV Sorry for not noticing this before but with you being here in London; go and see Terry at Harry’s Spring Service on Horton St. here in town. They’re in the goofy spot where Horton St., Hamilton Rd. and William St; all kind of crisscross. I have used Harry’s for many years for most of my customer’s leaf spring needs. Terry is a good guy and will not throw you a line of crap to get your business; tell him what you want and he’ll tailor the suspension to your needs. Tell him Dan from D&S Auto sent you; not that that will get you a better deal but he’ll make sure that your satisfied with the work; that’s if you come to an agreement on the costs. If anyone here wants to call SPAM (it does sound like it doesn’t it LOL) go on a head; because you’ll be wrong; like I said I use and pay for their services for my customer’s vehicles. I don’t think in the 30 years I’ve known them that they’ve ever given me a reason to doubt them. They’re in the book, look them up and give them a call? Dan

Actually; if gone properly, adding an extra leaf to a leaf spring suspension, should only increase the ride height by the thickness of the leaf and that depends on whether the spring is mounted above or below the axle. It will increase the load carrying capacity probably by 15-20% and yes you’ll loose a bit of ride; but it’s a Ranger not an Escalade or Navigator. Plus beefing up the leaf springs is more or less a permanent repair or solution to this issue; no blown air lines, leaking air bags. There won't be any worries of looking for a source of compressed air to get the bumper off the ground, when a line or bag does blow; half way to your fishing hole and the truck loaded to its nuts (and bolts). Dan.

Grew up on a tobacco farm; as soon as my father determined that I could handle a certain job; I got it. There’s always something that needs doing on the farm. Turned 16 and had a blowout with my dad about staying in school. When he figured out I was determined to screw up my education; he found me an apprenticeship at a local garage. He then gave me three choices; take the apprenticeship, go back to school or move out of the house. I started the apprenticeship at $4.25 an hour and have been in the automotive repair trade now for 34 years. Every time my dad hears that I’ve finished another set of up dating classes at Fanshawe collage; he laughs and says, I thought you were done with school. As for the younger generation wanting things given to them; that’s our fault. Who gave them their play stations, Xboxes, Cell phones or all the other crap they don’t need? I’m just as guilty, I gave my kids all that stuff; but when they wanted something; I’m the one that got paid. Paid in grades that is; no increase in their grade a school, they didn’t get. My daughter is now at first year law in Ottawa and my son will be graduating this year with his automotive engineering degree. He has interviews lined up with General Dynamic’s here in London. So for me it’s not what was given to them; it’s how it was given. Dan.

16 known deaths are associated with this sticking throttle issue; what else has to be said? It doesn’t matter who they are or what their past history is; there are devastated families out there; due to their product, causing these deaths. How can anyone defend this company or any type of company for that matter; one that knew that they have a safety related issue, in their product and continued to build and sell it? Yes the media is grabbing for headlines; but it wasn’t until the media brought this to the front pages; that this company finally began doing anything that amounted to anything. Oh and I like this; they’re pretending it’s their idea; that they weren’t forced too act. If Toyota didn’t think that they were caught with their pants down; they’d still be back paddling; blaming floor mats and drive error. I say criminal charges are called for; sorry doesn’t cut it; not for the families that have been affected by the deaths and injuries. Dan.

All of the parent off-shore auto manufacturers have been playing this game for a long time. It’s about time they’ve been called on their “defects”; it’s just too bad people had to get hurt, before they stepped up and openly took responsibility. I know a number of techs that work for some of these companies and they were constantly repairing defects on vehicles. Vehicles that were brought in for basic service work (oil change) and the defect repaired without owner’s knowledge; just to keep their shinny reputation. Point being their vehicles now, are no better then the former big three. Dan.

I have a 16’ wide body tinny tiller and yes it’s very versatile but calls me a fair weather fisher anymore; but I do not like being soaked to the core, very time there’s a bit of a chop on the water. Power out to your favorite fishing hole, in 1-2 foot chop; drop anchor, ring out underwear and then get your fishing gear. LOL I’ve never owner a consol boat but the idea of a full walkthrough windshield and a standup convertible top; seems real appealing to me. Not sure how much I would like dealing with the top’s bars being in the way, while landing a fish; but the idea of being dry and warm? Now if there was an affordable top that was designed for a tiller; something that had a stowage system; that didn’t screw up the boats functionality with the top down (where would it be stored on board); I wouldn’t think of a larger/consol boat. Dan.

This picture of your little nurse should be framed and hung up with pride. It brought back a lot of memories of when my little girl was that size; she’s 24 now and away at law school. Thanks for bringing back some memories. Dan.

Those links were a good read; answered my questions. Thanks. When I get a chance and when my image host is back up & running; I’ll post a couple of pictures of the funnel I made; it seems to work ok to get the chum to the bottom. Dan.

I have a couple of questions that I hope someone could give up some of their experience with a few answers. First off is chumming still legal too do; we’re heading to Callander Bay. I thought I read something that lodge operators were no longer allowed; but individuals were? Is it worth the effort for a short three day trip; or will I just be baiting that hut for the next group of people? What would a good chum concoction be; I have a bunch of frozen salted minnows in the freezer. We use to mix them with the worm feed; you buy at crappy or dry oatmeal and make a kind of paste; then freeze it into baseball sided balls. Chum in the morning, chum in the Evening or both? (Almost sounds like a song title. LOL) I still have my chum funnel that I made years ago; I used it when we had our own fish hut out all season; it sure seemed to bring the pike in; along with the mudpuppies; that wasn’t so good. Thanks for any replies. Dan.

One thing that hasn’t been mentioned yet; before you attempt power loading the boat, is check with the ramp operator/owner. Most don’t care; but I know of a few places, that if you try power loading; they’ll tear a strip off you that will not be forgotten. I’m speaking from experience; my ears are still ringing from an incident, in Port Stanley. All I did was give the throttle a good short shot after I was lined up and he acted like; I hit the trailer at full throttle, man was he pissed. They all have their reasons, for not allowing power loading; some are crap, some have merit; but it is their place and I guess: if we want to use it, we should follow their rules. Dan.

Both ways are a good piece of maintenance but fogging on a 4 stroke is about the only way you’re going to get oil on the valve guides and stems. A 2 stroke’s valuing already has oil on them via the fuel mix. Just remember liquids do NOT compress; so be careful not to spray too much of anything at once; it’s amazing what 1500rpm and a hydrostatic lock can break or bend. LOL Dan.

What I’ve done in an attempt to keep my batteries in good condition or not let them degrade any faster then necessary. I've installed a battery maintainer; that I’ve hardwired into the boat’s electrical system. It’s self regulating; it will turn on and off whenever the voltage drops below or goes above a certain voltage value. The first one I had was a solar panel style, when I had to store the boat outside. The one I have now is a plug-in type; I have easy access to electricity now and the boat is inside a heated warehouse (No sun, much like last summer LOL). Plug the maintainer in, after a day out on the water or in the fall when I store the boat for the season. Turn the battery select switch to both batteries and forget about them. In the spring or the next time I go out, both batteries are fully charged and ready to go. I also have one here in the shop, to keep my inventory of batteries fully charged. No more soft batteries; when I go too install one in a customer’s vehicle. Man, I sound like an infomercial. LOL Not to steal the thread; but most lead acid batteries are now factory filled with acid; which I think is the dumbest thing ever. As soon as they’re wet down their life’s time clock starts ticking. I guess what I’m saying is always check the date code on the shipping stamp, on the battery case; because when you’re buying a new battery; it’s actually only new to you. Dan

When a lead acid battery becomes discharged; chemically the acid in the battery turns back into (for the lack of better word) water. Any lead acid battery (even new) that is allowed to become low (dead) in charge; sit out in below zero weather will freeze solid and usually ruin the battery, from the plates becoming crushed. Dan.

I had this happen with my Honda; and no I can’t say for sure this is what has happened to yours; but when Mother Nature wants to play games; she’ll get in there and have her way. Again with mine it was sitting outside like you explained; raining and then a fast drop in temperature. I believe that the starter solenoid/relay plunger, pivoting linkage or the drive itself became frozen and held still? The solenoid is/was not strong enough to pull in the plunger through the frost, moving the drive out to engage the flywheel or making the contact of the main battery terminals inside the solenoid. Preventing the started motor from being energized; all the solenoid could do was click. The starter drive on the Honda is easily accessed, once the hood is off. I then used a screwdriver to move the drive through the frost a few times until the return spring could pull the drive back on its own; hit the key and the engine cranked normally. Since then I’ve lubricated the solenoid’s moving parts with an automotive silicone spray to repel the water and haven’t had another issue? Here a diagram of a generic starter motor; the red arrows show the directions the plunger and starter drive should move and the blue is where I believe the frost got a hold of things. Sorry for being so long winded; didn’t know how else to explain what happened to mine. Dan.

Google Silver Wheels insurance and I think you’ll find some of the info you’re looking for. Or try here http://www.lant-ins.ca/ There’s a link on that page, to a section called Custom Wheels and here’s a quote from the description of what this company offers. • Plan is available for Modified, Street Rod & Custom vehicles used for hobby and/or collector car activities, and not used for regular transportation, which are 15 years old or older Dan.

I know that you have already agreed on a settlement with this and probably just want to try and forget it. But I still think you’re getting the short end of the stick here. Now I don’t know if there is any type of insurance that a rental company could purchase; to cover this type of issue? But I sure do know that if it were covered; the insurance company wouldn’t be buying him a brand new cowl. Not without the marina owner paying a good chunk of betterment towards it. It was a used cover and that’s all he’s entitled too get; loose/broken latch and all. I see this happening all the time to my customers; for things that are out of their control, like vandalism on their vehicle. Tires are a good example; the vehicle shows up here with slashed tires; the first thing the insurance adjuster wants to know, is the depth of the remaining tread. If the tread is only 4/32 remaining and new is 11/32 that’s 75% of the tire that’s worn away. The insurance is only paying for 25% of the new replacement tire; they’re not going to improve the vehicle; only pay for what it was. I would call him back and tell him you’re willing to pay half, for a used cowl. Some of the other replies from the people here make it sound like used cowls are out there to be had; even if you had to pay shipping; you’ll likely be money ahead. With all that being said and the new cowl is already installed; I’d make sure that it actually was and have my own decal to stick on the thing. SPONSORED BY SYN!!!!!!!!!! Dan.