2nd Catchup

I began the trek to Phoenix (150 miles) and noticed my temp gauge climbing. I pulled into a truck stop, let it cool, poured in a half-gallon of water, and started off again. Climbing again. Turned on the heat and the fan on high to dissipate some of the heat under the hood (it was about 110 out) (and I blistered my toes). Didn't help. Stopped to let it cool off again. Started out and it really started climbing and running the heater didn't help. Saw an overpass ahead and pulled into the shade it made. Got out and could see all the water running out from the radiator. Didn't see any busted hoses.

So it's noon on Wednesday in the desert. I called my Emergency Roadside Service provider and told them the problem. The guy said it's probably just a hose; I say I think it's the radiator itself.

Then we played "where are you?" I gave them the GPS coordinates of my location and the mileage since my last fillup in Ehrenberg, about 53 miles. The guy keeps saying "what can you see?" I keep saying "nothing." He: "You can't see any landmarks of any kind?" "NO" I say. "What's the overpass?" "I don't know but it isn't a freeway entrance in any direction so it may not even be a road; it could be a train crossing."

Anyhow, they call back to say a mechanic is on the way. Sure enough, about an hour later, Rodger Cunningham of Mechanics Inc. shows up in his extra large pickup. And of course, it is the radiator itself. Seems the transmission oil cooler was installed backwards and the bolts (which are supposed to be on the outside) rubbed against the radiator and created a weak spot. He is very happy it isn't one of the new plastic radiators. After taking it out and fixing the oil cooler so it won't rub it anymore, he proceeds to whip out his handy-dandy sautering kit to fix the radiator. He also notices the alternator bracket is broken but it's an old break and isn't a critical issue.

In about two hours, he gets everything fixed and back together. Tests the radiator and it's holding pressure, so all is good to go. And I can now run the AC!!! He only had water to fill up with so will have to get some antifreeze soon, but that's a minor detail. He doesn't charge for his travel time so I only owe for two hours of work ($250) -- and he came all the way from Mesa. Good deal, eh? He says he'll be happy to come to Picacho Peak to do the alternator bracket and the antifreeze, and that's on his own time so he only charges $75 an hour. Nice offer but I bet I can get it done cheaper after I get settled.

I really enjoyed the guy, despite a few prejudices that poked their nasty heads out. He's 49, ex-Army Ranger (he says), and I get the impression he might just have a few "anger management issues." But he was funny, and he's a really good mechanic, and he likes cats (whipped out his cellphone to show me a picture). As usual with men, he told me all about himself and displayed no interest in me or my life. And he left me with a wave and a few fleas from his cat.

Finally, about 5.30 I start off toward Phoenix and get to the Flying J there about 8 or 8.30. It's still really hot, no breeze, and kind of muggy. I hate Phoenix. I hung out in the restaurant as much as I could, ate fruit salad, drank lemonade, had some ice cream. Got an hour or so of sleep because it was so hot.