If it wasn’t for bad luck

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pittsburghracer

pittsburghracer

FABO Gold Member
FABO Gold Member
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Location
Freeport, PA.
I wouldn’t have any luck at all. Not to complain to much because I’ve been blessed during my 47 years of racing. A flat tire here and there and only needing towed once breaking down while towing has always been in back of my mind. Especially now without a son to call for a quick ride or tow. Well I took off for my 180 mile trip to Dragway 42 for the big Ace Race. Not far from home my Trailer Toad went into a “Death Wobble”. Not sure what was going on I drove home. Well two steering shock were found to be broke. So I put my tickets up for sale to see if I can recover my deposit. Head up, look forward.
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I saw your post about it on Facebook. I sure am sorry. It'll work out though.
 
Yes I could have happened 50 miles from home. Letting this stuff sit idle last year is taking its toll. I recovered half my 200.00 entry as I sold it to a now Facebook friend on Facebook. I’ll unlock the race car trailer from the motorhome probably tomorrow and see what I have to order.
 
I know the feeling John. We bought a 2011 Itasca Sunova Class A in late March. Getting ready to head over to Lebanon Valley in April got in the MH an upon starting the engine it had a horrible knock from the passenger side of the engine. The afternoon before when I hooked up the trailer it was purring like a kitten. Anyway, long story short, it's undergoing an engine swap at the dealership we bought it from, and they were gracious enough to let us use a brand new Class C motorhome for a trip we had scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Glad the issue happened at home instead of 200 miles away...
 
Well I called the company that’s makes the Trailer Toad yesterday afternoon to see if I could order two shocks. He called me today, from the race track and told me the Monroe steering stabilizer part number (Jeep) and I ordered two from Amazon. They cost 54.00 for both and will be here Tuesday. These will be a regular maintenance item probably every three years like I do with the tires one it.
 
I posted once "Worse luck/experiences at the track." I've had my share. And a few shared their stories of humility. Worst I heard was someone ran over a big piece component that took his oil pan out and other underneath damage. After yelling at the track workers he got his car home. And learned his starter was missing. Yup. It rattled loose and ran over his own starter. Ouch!
 
Sorry for your bad luck but now you will have time to go to Walmart this weekend and get some more pictures :lol:
 
qkcuda said:
Sorry for your bad luck but now you will have time to go to Walmart this weekend and get some more pictures :lol:
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Parts are ordered and the truck is hooked up to the race car trailer. Hmmmm. Quaker City starts time trials at 12:00 tomorrow. Decisions decisions.
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Get that truck & car headed west and enjoy a great track! That's where I started most of my racing days back in about 1980!!
 
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oldkimmer said:
Sorry to hear of your bad luck. Glad u or your vehicals made it home safe. Maybe this next race can make up for it. Kim
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I’m the blame totally for most of these issues. Being sick last year I should know that it’s terrible for stuff to sit unused. My motorhome sat from October 2020 till last week because I tow locally with my truck. Parts are supposed to be here Tuesday so after the predicted couple day rain I’ll jump on it as we have a two day race the next two weekends so it will be needed.
 
Les Gibson said:
I know the feeling John. We bought a 2011 Itasca Sunova Class A in late March. Getting ready to head over to Lebanon Valley in April got in the MH an upon starting the engine it had a horrible knock from the passenger side of the engine. The afternoon before when I hooked up the trailer it was purring like a kitten. Anyway, long story short, it's undergoing an engine swap at the dealership we bought it from, and they were gracious enough to let us use a brand new Class C motorhome for a trip we had scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Glad the issue happened at home instead of 200 miles away...
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Finally found out what was causing the engine 'knock'.... number 10 cylinder piston apparently broke which seems to have caused the rod to break right at the top of the crank journal end. No idea why this happened. It wasn't an oiling issue as the rod bearing actually looked pretty good. No signs of overheating due to lack of oiling. I'm thinking it may have dropped a valve or valve seat on startup which took out the piston which jammed everything up and snapped the rod. Crazy!
 
Les Gibson said:
Finally found out what was causing the engine 'knock'.... number 10 cylinder piston apparently broke which seems to have caused the rod to break right at the top of the crank journal end. No idea why this happened. It wasn't an oiling issue as the rod bearing actually looked pretty good. No signs of overheating due to lack of oiling. I'm thinking it may have dropped a valve or valve seat on startup which took out the piston which jammed everything up and snapped the rod. Crazy!
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That’s a real bummer there. My buddy had to rebuild the Diesel engine in his motorhome. No thanks.
 
pittsburghracer said:
That’s a real bummer there. My buddy had to rebuild the Diesel engine in his motorhome. No thanks.
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The dealership is doing right by me and treating it as a warranty issue. They even gave us one of their brand new 2022 Class C motorhomes to use over memorial weekend, all I had to do is put gas in it. So, I can't really complain.
 
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