Bernie

When you begin to lose air in aluminum wheels it's usually corrosion between the tire and rim or at the valve stem. Cleaning this corrosion, replacing the valve stem and then painting the cleaned surface will solve the problem.

Have had to back wheel nuts a couple threads then drive the vehicle in the parking lot making turns until the wheel lets go. Steel rims you can add heat to loosen.

Good morning Lew. What has happened to you is a very common issue. Glad you were able to get the wheel off without a whole lot of difficulty. Generally I clean the rust off of the hub and then apply some thick grease or anti seize to help prevent further corrosion. They say not to apply any lube to the studs either, but I do anyway. I believe that the rust on the studs when retorquing is more of an issue than the lube.

Winter has arrived here too Dave. It was -22C here last night just south of North Bay. It warmed up a little today. The lakes are froze over, not sure about the main body of Nipissing though. O ya, we also have over a foot of snow to go with it.

Always liked this one.

This one goes way back. I have a lot of old pics such as these.

Around 1978. Honda 400 4 cylinder.

My little brother and I, early 1960's.

This was taken in the very early 1950's on Nipissing. One from my dads slides collection.

Thanks Joey. My girls riding some old sleds I had fixed up for them. Was trying to figure how long ago this was. O my, it has to be about 20 to 25 years. Yep, time does actually fly.

How about an old boat pic? Me and my old Chris Craft.

Unfastened patio stones are a possible killer in the event of even a minor collision. The sand bags I seen in the cab of a pickup got there in a sudden stop at less than 20 kmph. Lucky she wasn't hit by them.

I put a set of Sailun Ice Blazers on my 4x4 Ranger last November. Priced very well and also work very well. Although they are somewhat of a new brand to me and the long term wear factor is unknown. I have heard they do last well however. Brian, make sure whatever weight you add that it cannot move in the event of a sudden stop. I have seen frozen bags of sand end up in the cab of pickup trucks through the rear window.

Good topic Lew. I'd bet a large percentage couldn't get their spare out of the storage if they are under the vehicle. The mechanisms tend to seize, mostly due to salt and dirt getting into it.You are wise to lubricate it. Also it is important to get the torque on the wheel nuts close to where it is called for. Too tight can damage the stud, wheel and nuts. Too loose is obvious.

The camp itself is very good. Full time DeBeers employees get an inside dorm equipped with cable TV, internet, desk/chair and a double bed. A bathroom/shower is shared with your nieghbor. Contractors get a comfortable room in portables outside the main building sharing bathrooms/showers down a hall not far. There is a full size gym, a workout room fully equipped, a couple large screen TV rooms with pool tables and a sauna. Only thing missing I'd like is a pool Food is good restaurant quality with something different served each night with two or three different main courses. Prime rib, pork roasts, hams, chicken/turkey, fish, and even a seafood night is the norm. Breakfasts are equally as good for variety. Sandwiches/desserts/muffins are always available. It's difficult not to heap your plate, but unless you want to get fat you had better learn. The only thing that I spent any money on was a couple bags of potato chips. No money is deducted for meals or lodging. There is a small tuck shop where you can buy some stuff but it isn't very busy. Found myself getting up at 4 am to get rolling for the 6am start. small breakfast, multiple cups of coffee and conversation at the cafeteria. After finishing for the day, having supper, shower, chat on the puter with the wife it's time to hit the sack.

Jimmer, I wanted to go. An adventure of sorts, something new to learn, see some new country, meet new people, and yes, pad the retirement fund. Been wanting to do this for several years but son wasn't ready to take it over.

Thanks for the support guys On the way up I was put on the "Coastal Flight". It included stops in Moosonee, Kasetchawan and Attawapiskat. So I got to see a little bit more of the territory. Interesting to see. Can't take photos at the mine though, security rules, this I can understand. Wireless internet is everywhere on the site so I'll stay somewhat connected. Likely check in at least once a day.

Hope it gets done soon Wayne.... My heart goes out to Jen.

Joeytier, I hold 2 licences, Automotive and Heavy Truck/Bus. Also hold several more certificates relating to those fields. My official title is light duty tech, but they had me working on everything, which is cool by me, this old dog likes to learn new tricks Davey, the 2 and 2 will be just right. 12 hr shifts (or more) as well, but they allow you to stay up to a week longer at time and a half if you want it. Just may do that a couple times in the winter.

I see Randy's adventures on FB. He's well respected in his community. Except by those that let there cats run free. Ha!

Over the last few years I had become somewhat restless at my work. When it gets to the point when you hate to go to work, it's time to change things up. A former colleague went to work for DeBeers Victor Mine in the Attiwapiskat area about 5 years ago and is really enjoying it. He told me of an opportunity and put in a resume for a mechanic position. (Thanks for the help on that Headhunter ) Well danged if I did get the job. Two weeks in, two weeks home is the cycle. It's a dry camp, thankfully, and they do random alcohol and drug tests. Suits me fine, I wouldn't go otherwise. Started out on October 1st driving to Timmins in the very early morning. They fly us out from there up to the mine aboard Dash 8 aircraft. The mine itself is isolated from the reserve accessible only by air or ice road. On the flight in I stared out the window the whole way. The air was clear after a few minutes north of Timmins so it made observation really good. The terrain is composed of hundreds of miles of scrub spruce, tamarak, rivers and marsh....lots of marsh. By comparison, think of the everglades. There is very little high and dry land. Where there is drainage, the larger trees flourish, mostly along river banks. Had a full week of training to do, the safety factor is very high on the minds of everyone there. Had to keep from nodding off more than once during this time. Once into doing what I was hired to do, the time flew by. Great guys to work with, everyone is helpful and friendly. The repair shop is huge to accommodate the large equipment. The floor is heated so it maintains and recovers heat quickly when shop doors are opened, an important thing that far north. One thing noticed is many of us are of the older, experienced bunch. This is most likely due to the isolation and work rotation. A younger person may find it too long to be away from family. There is a road about 4 k long that leads to the Attiwapiskat river. We took a drive down to it during our site drivers test. It was a beautiful spot! Wide expanse of river with islands in the center made me want to stay. But unfortunately, we are not allowed to hunt or fish during our stay. The mine itself is open pit. It's rather deep too, can't see the bottom from the observation platform. I have been to the bottom a couple times now in a 100 ton dump truck and in a Dodge pickup. Because the final product is diamonds they don't need to use any chemicals in the mining process. Just crushing mostly. The process I really don't know exactly, they don't say in detail. My son has taken over the shop in Powassan and has taken a very good interest in it. He will do well, he's a smart young fellow, personable and trustworthy. He's already made some changes. I figure 5 years and I'll be able to retire in some comfort. The company provides some very good benefits along with substantial wages. Nothing to pay for when up there. Meals and accommodations are very good as well. So far I'm pleased with the changes, time will tell.

Time to get that one checked out Joeytier. Often it's just in need of new gaskets behind the screws, but check for fishing line in front of the propeller. At least get the lower unit pressure tested.

Nice looking ride Brian !

I am interested in seeing the results of this experiment. No time to do it right now.

Every year we get three or four boats in with cracked something from those that did not properly store. Expensive repairs.