Last week we turned in 35902 for a PM (Preventive Maintenence). I wrote up that we had a slow coolant leak and an occasional low battery warning. The mechanic wrote up that he had a devil of a time replacing some contacts & bolts, and had to drill to install a new starter. (?) New starter, eh? Anyway, he also replaced a lower radiator pipe. That's it. We left Ohio with confidence because 35902 had been reliable as had the mechanics at Seville. All fluids were at proper levels.
The next day, I stop in Amarillo TX at midnight to fuel. Dutifully, I open the hood to check fluids. WTFO?! No coolant!? I look for a leak under the truck and see none. I plunk down $9.99 for a gallon and pour it in, followed by a gallon of water to bring the level up. Then I put in 126 gallons of #2 diesel, update my log book, fill my T/A mug with fully caffienated coffee, and continue west on I-40.
I make it to Santa Rosa NM. Lori took over driving and I went to sleep. When I woke up many hours later, Lori said the engine was suddenly and sporadically losing power up the hills. She wasn't going much slower than the other trucks, so I encouraged her to continue on to Phoenix (wouldn't want a late delivery now). Once at the consignee there, we popped the hood & took a look. Wow. Coolant was once again low, but was still "within spec" as the company likes to say. But there was now visible wetness under the overflow tank on the left side of the engine... and down in the wiring harnesses.
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