I hope I didn't offend you with my comment, Tony. If so, I apologize. Shane didn't even do a full tour of duty. Due to circumstances that he claimed weren't true, he was in and out within a 6 month time frame. He said it was because of some BS medical thing they came up with, but he'd never look you in the eye when he told that story. He was a rather large dude and I suspect it was because of his size that he may have had heart or health issues they didn't want to deal with.

 

No offense taken, Rube. I just wanted to assure everyone that the Marines, like the rest of the services, are very particular about maintenance practices. We carry people, and they don't have a choice on whether they ride with us or not. So we do the absolute best we can. Helicopters, trucks, amtracs, all the same. I do enjoy your input, and would never discourage your down to earth analysis of issues that show up here. Keep them coming!

 

Thank you for the words of wisdom and more for your service to the greatest nation in the world. If I was ex-military, I'd salute you. One of my favorite uncles was in WWII in the Marine Corps. He was one tough son of a gun.

 

The head is back together with new seals and valves. The difficult part is installing the keepers on the 6mm stems. I did half yesterday and gave up. Today the other set went together in less than an hour. Sometimes walking away is the best decision.

 

Congrats, Andy! I agree with walking away. When I was a young man, I'd cuss and throw tools and then have to go find them. As I got older and after my father passed on, I'd just lay my tools down, go grab a beverage of choice, sit down and ask, "Okay Dad, what would YOU do here?" And usually within a half hour or so, an idea would pop into my head and I'd get it done. My Dad was an excellent mechanic and he could pretty much fix anything from watches to appliances. He was a tv/radio repairman before he decided he'd make more money working construction.

 

Assembled Kermit this weekend around rain storms. Test drove it tonight, tomorrow it will get 60 miles on my commute. The Cobalt is occupying the shop and hoist so this was a driveway job under a popup. Did I mention that I am looking at retiring after August? I turn 70 in August.

 

Wow! You and I are almost the same age, Andy. I'll be 69 on August 28th.