4.4.09

Well I have finally decided to tear into the Willys to try and find the source of the binding in the engine. I have to say I really enjoy having a vehicle that is so easy to work on. Since I needed to tear into the engine pretty far, I decided I better take off some of the body panels. After about an hour or so my truck looked like this.

So as you can tell from the pictures, I removed quite a bit. The following items have been removed so far: hood, both fenders, grill, radiator, intake and exhaust manifold, exhaust, alternator support, and fan. At the moment I am in the process of opening up the front of the engine to inspect the front gearing. I think the binding is either in the gears, or the crankshaft end play. Also while I have the front apart I am going to fix the steering. But in the process of trying to take the steering arm off the steering box, my brand new puller broke. Apparently a 60 year old steering arm just doesn't want to come off. So I am using PB Blaster (a very good penetrating oil) on it to see if that will help. I hope to have this thing put back together and running great by summer.

Also I have starting swimming laps as part of my training for the triathlons I am going to do this summer. On the first day I started to swim, that I was not very happy with my current shape. But I am amazed at how quickly I am getting back into swimming shape. I am now up to a 1500 yard swim twice a week. I am trying not to push myself too hard just yet. My energy levels have increased alot since I have started to swim. I forgot how much more energy you get when you are working out alot. I am now finding myself getting very antsy at work now. So when I get home I have alot more energy to bike, run, work on my cars and house. I have not started to run again as my knees are still giving me a bit of trouble. I am hoping to get my strength in my legs up by swimming and biking before I get back into running. Hopefully this will help my knees when I run if they are better supported.

One other thing that I have come to the realization lately is that whoever thought a five day work work was a good idea, was a complete idiot. After working my four ten hour shifts for over a month now, I have to say it is the way to go. Yes, working ten hours is decently long. But it is only a couple more hours than a normal shift. And most people who are suppose to work an eight hour shift are really working 9-10 hours anyway. But now I have a three day weekend every weekend. I have gotten SO much more done. Normally the two day weekend is just enough to recover from the work week. But now I have more than enough time to get things done, while still having plenty of relaxing time. I have to say I will be sad when I have to go back to a five day work week. But I will fully take advantage of this situation while I have it.

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