The Garage - Friday 20th March 2015

Solar Eclipse as seen from Conwy

Today was a very special day at the garage, due largely to the number of natural phenomenon occurring.  We had a total Solar Eclipse, which also coincided with the Vernal Equinox and, from an astrological perspective, also saw the last of seven squares between Pluto and Uranus (which first began back in 2012 and usually mirror and reflect times of deep unrest and trouble).  Moments and events now finally passing!

Green Eclipse

Viewing the Eclipse
AA Automotive Style!

AA Automotive did not pass the moment by either, as we all momentarily paused and downed tools and kettles at 0930 hrs to observe the event using a Welders Helmet accordingly.  Absolutely "brilliant" does not cover it!  This is the first one I have had the privilege to witness directly and it shall never be forgotten.

Master Tech on
the Welder

With Celestial events fading is was back to work.  First job for me was an exhaust removal and replacement on a Ford Car Transporter (no images due to full engrossment with task to hand)!  I required considerable assistance as it was "stubborn" to say the least!  Two of the bolts required removal via use of an angle grinder, where I got to feel the sensation of singeing hair and overalls for the first time!  I did one bolt just for the experience, for which I am most appreciative.  Once the middle section was replaced it was over to Jim for a bit of welding on another section, prior to satisfactory job completion.

Fire & Rescue Team
Required for Extraction (lol)!

We had a brief break for lunch, as work load suddenly picked up just as we were settling into our deck chairs ready for another mission on Boom Beach.  I managed to get my tub of salad down first though!  In came a Smart Car with a disconnected windscreen wiper mechanism.  This is the first time I had seen a Smart Car up close and personal, and to be honest, looking at the working space available, it appeared to be the equivalent of working through a letter box!  With a new part finally connected, Andy Kirby was duly coated in Vaseline and inserted into the "car" in order to test the mechanism for serviceability.  It was at this point I saw a humorous opportunity for a photo which I duly attach accordingly!  Andy re-gained the situation by asking me to top up the washer bottle, at the point of which he activated the washers unexpectedly - very refreshing!!

My final experience of the day was the observation of the undertaking of an Oil Pressure Test.  No ordinary car was this either!  A 1963 Ford Zodiac, pride and joy of Graham the Body Repair Shop man.  This was a task I previously had only theoretical knowledge of, so it was great to see it undertaken in "real time".

Beauty!!

Oil Pressure Tester

The oil warning light had previously illuminated and the oil pressure was duly required to be checked accordingly.  I checked the engine oil level which was perfectly OK.  Graham then proceeded to remove the Oil Pressure sensor and then insert the correct size adapter, onto which then connects the pressure test hose and gauge.  I struggled to find any information regarding sensor specifications, however I did obtain a positive reading with a Multimeter set to Ohms.  Andy and Graham then had to depart on a mission and left me to monitor the pressure gauge accordingly.  There was initially approximately 50 PSI Pressure which gradually settled at

Tester connected to Sensor Point

25 PSI.  Graham later ascertained from a phone call to a specialist that there should be at least 10 PSI per 1000 RPM, so the reading at idle was satisfactory, and a faulty sensor or connection was probably at fault.  Providing the pressure raised when the throttle was applied, and settled accordingly within the parameters previously described, all was well - with much relief to Graham!



With the time at 1610 hrs it was then time to depart for my evening location.  A very enjoyable and magical day - Thanks guys! - Happy Ecliptical, Equinoxial and Seventh Squared Friday to you!!!!