Tuesday, March 24, 2020
When we arrived at the Natchez Trace RV Park in Shannon, MS we had planned on staying a week on Sunday we decided to leave a day early. The internet signal at this park is poor at best and inconsistent. With everything going on in our country right now because of the Coronavirus we felt the need to be in a place were we could get the latest news and keep up to date. Fortunately, we did have cellphone service, along with the ability to text and messenger was working. Sunday we were able to secure a place in Hanna Indiana for two weeks so our goal was to take three days and arrive on Friday.
It was cloudy and wet when we took off early this morning. For about fifty-five miles things went really well. Then we saw the Mississippi Welcome Center and stopped to eat breakfast around 9:30.
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| A nice perk for RVer's we noticed a place to get water and on the way out a Dump Station. |
For the first ten miles we were on the Natchez Trace. The plan is to come back this way in the future and next time we plan on checking out the entire 444 miles. Between the weather and so many things being closed this was not the time to do it.
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| Top Left: The Bridge we are about to go over. Top Right: Looking back at where we spent the last six days as we drove over the bridge. The trees are starting to bud and the fields are filled with golden wildflowers. |
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| Merging on to US-45 we noticed three things. First there is not as much traffic. |
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| Secondly, the semis are definitely still out there. The third thing was that several of the rivers have gone over their banks. |
Back to what happened after about sixty miles. We pulled out of the Mississippi Welcome center and as we merged into the traffic we could hear a distinct whistling sound coming from the engine. Tom pulled off at the weigh station, While he got out to check things out I did a search for a nearby diesel repair shop.
When I stepped out to see what he had found a Patrol person from the weigh station came over close and personal to see if we had an issue and could he help. So much for social distancing. Not being able to see any issues and there was no smoke Tom decided to start back up while the young man watched to see if he could see anything unusual. Still no smoke and while we were not moving no unusual noises so we slowly took off.
Merging into traffic he immediately knew there was definitely something wrong. I pulled up the directions to the diesel shop, we took the next exit, and headed back three miles to the repair place. The closer we got the more he noticed we were losing power.
We pulled in and the two gentleman immediately said it sounds like there is an issue with your turbo. We unhooked the Jeep and they got us pulled into their garage where they could take a better look. After checking things out they showed Tom with their Snake Camera just how bad it was. A hose had disconnected and something, probably gravel, had gotten inside and all the blades on our Turbo were "chewed up". It sounds like we were lucky to have gotten there and this is going to be one of our more expensive weeks.
The New Turbo is on its way and should be here Wednesday and they will be replacing our air filter. He showed Tom the air filter and his guess is the shop that has been doing out servicing has not changed the air filter ever. Tom will be addressing that issue with the diesel shop when we get home.
That was our morning. We are presently at a Quality Inn in Corinth, MS and the Stinger "B" is in a garage at Pro-Fleet Truck & Trailer Repair. The estimate is two to three days before we are back on the road.
If it is true things happen in threes we should be good. The refrigerator, then the fan belt and tightener, now the Turbo.
FYI: "a Whistling Stop" that was the sound, a loud whistling sound the Turbo was making.
We are glad you stopped by!
If you have time to leave a comment we would enjoy hearing from hearing you.
Too bad about the turbo, but thankfully you were close enough to a repair place that you were able to make it there on your own.
ReplyDeleteKim
Being close to a shop and being able to get there was something to be thankful for.
DeleteYup - I’ve heard people say that’s the turbo. Sorry you are having these troubles but at least you found a close shop and a place to stay. Being resilient is a plus. Me - I’d be freaking out!!!!! Lol
ReplyDeleteHonestly, there was a little freaking out on my part...LOL Then you realize you need to breath, calmly figure out what to do...and put off the rest of the freaking out until later...LOL
DeleteSorry you're having trouble but glad you were able to find a place to fix it close by. Hope this is the last problem and your trip goes smoothly from here forward.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Doug. We are hoping the same thing and this is the last of it and things go smoothly going forward.
DeleteWell I really pray this is your third event and once it is fixed you can be on your way to somewhere safe.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the prayer.
DeleteOh my. Between you guys and us, we've covered enough things going wrong for a few years for a few people!
ReplyDeleteAt least it is working out for us and your sign of the day is bang on.
I would agree enough problems for a few years at least. Fingers crossed and praying this is it for quite awhile.
DeleteI'm hoping none of the schrapnel and rocks made it into the engine!! Watch for oil burning and excess smoke after it is fixed.
ReplyDeleteDon in Okla.
Thank you, for the advice. We will pay attention.
DeleteWe dealt with a turbo hose coming off on our way home also, even though in was not as serious as yours, it still isn't fun. Hopefully, and fingers crossed, that they can get it fixed with no damage to the engine and you are soon on your way. Stay healthy and safe travels.
ReplyDeleteLuckily you caught the turbo hose right away. They are going over the engine and we are hoping and praying there is no more damage.
DeleteThank you, Bill. You and Patsy stay healthy, also.
Glad you are safe but I'd be curious just how that Hose came off and gravel got into the Turbo.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your temporary Staycation. Hoping it's not too $$$$.
It's about time.
Thank you, so far it looks like $$$ hopefully the fourth one does not get added in. There is no way of saying for sure how the hose came off. There is the guess it was not correctly re-attached but there is no way to say one way or another. He said, he could see road debris on the frame and once the hose disconnected whatever debris that was on the road would probably get blown into the line. He showed Tom the damage inside the turbo after the motorhome was in their garage and before they took it off. Tom said you could see how badly the inside was chewed up.
DeleteWe know where you folks are, we've been to Corinth, MS a few times. Hope all goes well and you get to Hanna safe, sound and healthy very soon. Hopefully the bill isn't too big!
ReplyDeleteWe are going to take a ride and check out the area this afternoon. I am thinking under other circumstances not a bad area. Fingers crossed about the bill. Thank you for the good wishes.
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