Poor
People Have Poor Ways
Robert
T. “Bob” White
1921
– 1985
Most vehicles with rubber timing belts
should have the belts replaced as a precaution. Engines are either “interference”
(most common) or non interference. Break a timing belt on any interference engine running above an idle and you are facing a $2,500+ repair bill. Much cheaper to spend
$500 or so and replace it at 60,000 miles. Do the tensioner and water pump at the same time. The parts
aren’t expensive, the labor is, and everything exposed and accessible.
The Mighty Max was getting there, mileage
wise, and summer trips are planned. What is a cheapskate to do? Buy a belt for
$16 and pay an eager 17 year old to install it, with my supervision, $35.
A few years ago I would have done the
work. At age 72, I don’t want the hassle. I’m literally losing my grip and the
constant dropping of tools and bolts get frustrating. Then there is the pain of
repeatedly bending and twisting. In the end, the frustration can only be
soothed by an adult beverage. It is so much easier to “supervise” and then go
to the adult beverage stage.
Should I have replaced other components?
Maybe I will come to regret it. Nice to keep the funds in the credit union instead
of earning reward points at O”Reillys Auto Parts.
And this is the reason you change one.
Note the exposed metal reinforcement. One of the, “not if, but when,”
situations.
Note the battery. $30 at the local
salvage yard with a 30 day exchange. That one has been in the truck for 18
months. At the time, no used batteries of the correct height were available. A
little improvising was required.
I’m not impoverished, just a cheap prick that is damn careful with my money.
