Automotive Update Deux

I didn't have to push my car to Tulsa.

Upon taking the car from the local dealership my initial plan was to arrange for a tow truck, but the a/c bearings grew quiet on the way home and it occurred to me that I might be able to save money by at least getting part of the way to Tulsa. It would probably break down somewhere in between, but the farther I got the more potential savings.

So with my son trailing me in his car, and with many prayers, we headed out. No problems. No squealing. No shuddering engine at the four stoplights/signs en route (gotta love those Pike Passes). I give full credit to Jesus, however, and the intercession of his earthly dad, Saint Joseph, the patron saint of husbands and men who seek to do good work. Considering that the car would barely run 24 hours earlier, getting it to Tulsa was truly a miracle.

Automotive Update

Automotive Update:

Went to the service department of the dealership to get the car, pay my "diagnostic fee" of about $80, and met with the mechanic. The "diagnosis" consisted of shining a flashlight at the innards of the engine to see that the compressor shaft bearings are distended (pushing away from their normal placement much as the caldera in Yellowstone is rising).

Gonna be a bad one, the mechanic told me. Gonna have to replace everything and look at all that crap that's gonna hafta be yanked outta the way first! And gonna have to flush the entire damn system cause metal filings have contaminated the whole shebang!

And the worst part is that he sees no way to remedy the way the car is running, which is just barely. Unfortunately, that's the part of his report that I actually believe.

I thanked him for his analysis and drove home where I did my own research. I can buy a brand new Motorcraft compressor, clutch, bearings and all, for $390. Called my favorite mechanic back "home" in Tulsa who told me he might be able to replace the clutch and bearings alone, but even if we redid the whole system it would be less than $1,000, including a small profit for himself.

I don't care if I have to push the car all the way to Tulsa. I'm not paying $1,541.09 to an outfit that charges me $80 for use of a flashlight.

Or am I just being cranky?