Keith Browning

Do you slice it up and roll it or just put it in a pipe? Sorry, I couldn't resist. My contribution to the family dinner was requested: Macaroni & Cheese. I am using 4 kinds of cheese this time. I hope that your day is quiet and pleasant and dinner is delicious. Will you be playing with your Grandson?

You put the coolant back into the truck and send them on their way. They get EXACTLY what they want. Then you document what the coolant condition was, what was recommended to the customer and that the service was declined. Done. Let's not stray away from the scenario here. We are talking about a "failed HPFP" that has nothing to do with the cooling system. Had we been discussing something like a failed oil cooler, or an EGR cooler where the coolant has been contaminated it's a whole different scenario and Ford will have to replace the coolant as part of the repair. Let's say you have to remove a cab, the coolant is drained and the AC has to be evacuated. Do you charge Ford for new refrigerant? No. You re-claim it. Same goes for the coolant. It's a simple concept. At that point, coolant condition is still subject to maintenance guidelines. I have re-used coolant many times.

Precisely. However not all fluids are easily reclaimable. Coolant however is the easiest. Now, depending on the vehicle mileage and service history it would be prudent to take a coolant test strip and dip it in the coolant to verify it's condition. Takes only a minute or two and depending on the results you can sell the customer a coolant flush service with brandy-dandy new coolant. In my shop that would add about 2 hours to the repair order, Ford is happy, the customer should be happy and you earn more time. I have read many forum posts about reusing coolant and customer's perceptions. Testing it and offering a service tells them that A, you know what you are doing, B, you are not just throwing the "old used up" coolant back in and C, involving the customer. They like that.

Well that is my point. Why should your dealer be held responsible for something you cannot test for?

Sweet! I have always wanted to see a shuttle launch in person but it looks like that will never happen. I understand it is an amazing experience, the sight, the sound and the feel of the launch affects you physically and for many, emotionally. I do plan on going to the Intrepid Air and Space museum after they receive their shuttle. Enjoy your trip... I am green with envy!

Okay, I can see the "water" as there usually is evidence of rust on the fuel line fittings which "we" should be able to see but scoring? How are we supposed to know? Seriously!

What accessories were installed? Was it still in the shop when this condition began? What is your ICP VOLTAGE?

You mean what I used to access for free I now have to pay for?

Ah, I can't get in... I have no clue what my surname or password is or even what email I used to register. I stopped going to that site years ago. It even lost it's entertainment value. Screw it. Maybe I saved my info at home.

My girls and most kids in NJ have this week off from school for spring break. So I took a personal day and we took off to Manhattan to the American Museum of Natural History on Central Park West. We joined my Mother, my sister and some cousins early. Holy cow it was packed which kinda made it suck a little. Normally I hear it is never as crowded as it was today. Lucky us. But it was still a good trip. The day ended with a show at the Hayden Planetarium which is always awesome to see! It has been greatly updated since I was a kid. We even got to touch a meteorite. The last time I went there I was in grammar school... then there was that time in high school I went to see Laser Floyd there. That was a totally different "experience." For the kids I think the best part of the trip was going through the Lincoln Tunnel "under the Hudson River." I almost want to go again in hopes of much lighter crowds.

I didn't want to be the first to put that out there. To mine you can add Barbie and anything princess related.

Generally I listen to political/news talk radio in the afternoon. In the early hours I have my Rhapsody account through the Internet piped into a receiver and speakers.

That is green technology for sure.

That is why I suggested a boroscope. I found every one I have dropped and they usually end up in an odd place but I was able to get a magnet to it. Well, glad to hear you got it.

I would document the fuel leaks in detail on the repair order and have the service adviser tell him it needs to be towed and not driven. Make him sign the repair order or receipt with the documentation. I am not sure if we have any legal obligation to report someone knowingly driving a vehicle that is unsafe and dumping fuel like that. I suppose every state is different.

I would not assume it made it's way into the pan. I have dropped maybe 4 or 5 now and retrieved every single one. You WILL need a horoscope and a flexible magnet. There are a few places back there that will provide a perch for that bolt. It's just too close to the gear train to even consider chancing it. Are you SURE where it is/went?

Ya mean this one?

Ohhhh man I forgot about those!

You mean this socket for the inlet pipes? I know we discussed this some time ago, nobody was impressed as I recall. I bought one and have used it with no problems. Maybe there was a defective batch? I'll tell you that I have had some of those bolts break though. Now I get them red with a torch before wrenching.

I have been meaning to do the same. Off the top of your head what flash drive memory size does Ford recommend?

This is nothing to be worried about provided you have nothing to hide and I doubt anyone is actually followed or scrutinized. In such instances Ford Motor Company would be "crossing a line" regardless of the venue. Any information I request is to verify who you claim to be to base my decision on whether your registration is accepted or denied. The DTS website and forums are a unique technical resource and opportunity for everyone involved in repairing and servicing Ford trucks with diesel engines (Cat, Cummins, Ford or International design and manufacture) and is not a "pro" Ford nor a Ford "bashing" website. We are free to do to all of this without the annoyance of the general public, without corporate bias or censorship. I don't think that many members really understand the opportunity and value this website provides us. I will persevere. Now, let me refresh you with the first half of the registration form: THE DTS FORUMS ARE NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC While the web site is open to the general public, the forums are restricted to the use of Ford and International service technicians, dealer personnel and manufacturing employees array(Ford Motor Company or International and their suppliers) All Forum registrations are screened and are subject to approval before any account is active. You may be contacted for additional information or clarification. Yes, we are serious. If you cannot be responsible enough to provide this simple information that is required to validate who you are your registration cannot be verified and it will be declined. We don't think that it is too much to ask. To become a DTS member you must agree to perform four easy steps: I have filled out the registration form as completely as I can paying special attention to: [*]My first and last name because there is no reason to hide my identity [*]Entering a valid email address because if I don't I cannot be approved [*]My Occupation or job title knowing that I must comply with the statement above [*]The name of my dealership or company I work for [*]My work telephone number so that you can call me if needed to verify my registration [*]My geographic location indicating my location (state and country if not in the USA) And so forth and so on. I hope this clarifies things for you, let's get back to the topic...

For me I would have to say it's quite low - under 1%. Maybe 3 modules? I am talking about replacing them because something went awry, not modules that were bad when the truck came in.

I noticed in the past year that a representative from Ford Motor Company is actively participating in public forums like The Diesel Stop for example. Look for user FordCustomerService and observe. It is no secret that Ford has monitored websites and forums for a long time... yes, even this website. I just think it is odd that after all this time of ignoring consumers and even techs in public venues this is happening and it always starts with a canned response. Maybe it will do some good? It has been my observation that Customer Service can do little more than smooth over a consumer that has a problem, usually self inflicted. Occasionally it's because a dealer screwed up royally. I am not sure I have anywhere to go with this, just thought I would share my observation. My take on this is a position of indifference but I don't matter.

Personally I love the concept of adding additional "monitors" to detect things going out of spec before they go out of order. I much prefer making repairs to an engine over having to remove and replace an engine. But that's just me.

Hey, I am an idiot? (lower lip starts to quiver)