Friday, January 10, 2025

I have not done any real engineering so here is the latest story

The joys of owning a dingo, a small skid steer loader that's as feisty as a cranky Australian kookaburra! This little beast has been a great asset, hauling heavy loads, digging holes, and tilling the garden with ease. But, of course, all good things must come to an end – or at least, require a good dose of TLC. The trouble started when the engine began to rattle like a tin can in a washing machine. I switched it off, thinking, "Ah, no worries, mate!" But little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey that would rival the epic quests of the great Australian outback. First, I tried to extract the dipstick, but it was stuck fast – like a snake that had fought a crankshaft and lost. I rummaged through my toolbox, grabbed some wire, and crafted a makeshift lever to coax the stick out. I put my shoulder into it, and with a loud "Yeehaw!" the wire snapped like a twig. The stick was loose, but still refused to budge. Undeterred, I decided to take a deep dive (pun intended) into the belly of the beast. I set out to dismantle the whole shebang – hydrolic hoses, engine mounts, you name it. It took me two days to get everything apart, and when I finally managed to extract the sump, I let out a triumphant whoop. And that's when I found it: the mangled remains of the dipstick. It was twisted and bent, like a pretzel that had been sat on by an elephant. The bolt cutters came out to play, and with a few snips, I managed to free the stick from its prison in the crankcase. It was a hissy fit of metal that shot out like a cobra from a snake charmer's basket. But wait, there's more! As I was digging deeper (yes, deeper), I discovered that the engine mounts were welded solid – no wonder the engine was rattling like a maraca! And the hydraulic tank? Cracked and leaking oil like a sieve. It was like the whole machine was crying out for a good ol' fashioned tune-up! Now, I'm not one to shy away from a challenge (or a DIY project gone wrong), but this little dingo's got me stumped. Stay tuned for further updates on our epic battle against rust, worn-out parts, and sheer mechanical mayhem!