Hosed

I'd noticed some time ago that the power steering pressure hose was leaking a bit. I'd ordered a replacement from Rock and figured I'd better git it put in today. The new hose works OK but it is a very different shape from the original. I had to chisel the old tubing at the fitting to get the fittings off, they were on so tight. I am quite sure that was the original hose from the factory. Topped off with fresh fluid and all is well. No leaks so far.

Wash and Wax

Took Helen to the car wash today. Lakeside, of course. Got her all cleaned up and even a foamy wax. But the foamy wax isn't great and she was looking a bit dull so I Simonized her at home. I took the opportunity to change out the trunklid lock cover, which had a lot of fogging on the plastic insert. The new one is pretty clean. Not NOS but well protected, apparently. She's happy.

[78300] 100 miles since replacing the carb and Helen sure drives smooth with the new one. Starts up nicely, choke pull off works perfectly. Cold driving and the transition as the choke backs off have no impact on the EGR as far as stumbling or anything... very nice! I wish I had done this earlier. I'd have to say this carb works the best of any I have ever had rebuilt. RECARBCO.COM.

Carburetor and Fan Clutch

[78200] I changed out both the carb and the fan clutch today. I had ordered the carb from a place called ReCarbCo on the Web. The OEM number of the original carb was 17056240. The replacement was a different number but was a perfect fit. Best of all, she fired right up and runs nice. No test drive yet. I'll do that tomorrow. [Test drove just beautifully!]

Smog

Tyerman got the car to pass smog ($450 later) by replacing plugs, wires, cap, rotor, carb base gasket, and general mussing. The car not only passed smog, but generally seems to run better, except for at idle. It shook like a scared puppy at idle. I think I have that resolved by making the choke stay partly closed... the system has been running way lean anyway. I think a fresh carb is in order eventually.

Smog

Helen failed her smog test today. Too much NO, which means that stinking EGR valve problem I had, or what I thought was an EGR valve problem, is rearing it's head again. I'm taking it to Tyerman's tomorrow to let them figure it out.

Removed the Satellite radio and the HD radio from the glove box. Added a Bluetooth interface for the iPhone so I can play iPod or Pandora/Internet radio and take calls through the stereo.