Speaking too soon.

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So, I said that Brick seemed happy. Yeah? Well, Brick decided Brick wasn’t happy. Fortunately, Kathryn gave him a virtual talking to and he made it to Work and back, although I’d not describe the ride as ‘smooth’.

The engine would run for a bit then lose power, and then suddenly kick back in. Pulling the choke out all the way more or less made this dealable with – smoothing it out – but we lacked power. Then it suddenly cured itself and I got to work just fine. I wondered if the piece of crap I suspected of blocking the fuel feed (specifically the main jet) had disintegrated and been sucked through… Especially since no amount of encouragement seemed to make the problem come back.

But when I came out from a *long* day at work (you know, I was so keen to do my drugs assessment, now I spend my entire bloody day giving drugs) and the problem reasserted itself with vigour. And then disappeared part way down the M25. I encouraged myself to go to Halfords and got a new fuel filter for the car (“The Viva doesn’t list a fuel filter” *sigh* “Yes, I know, what I’m after is just a generic fuel filter that I can slap inline” “Well, here’s our range, but I don’t know if any of them are ‘inline'” [opens box. Oh, look, an inline filter. Buys it. Is reminded how crap Halfrauds is]) and despite every bone, muscle and tendon in my body demanding sleep I dragged myself outside and stripped the carb down. Inside the main jet was what I will call a HUGE LUMP OF CRAP. I am astounded the car got me home and didn’t up and die on the motorway. Kudos to the Brick.

Having blown it out, I reassembled the carb – and I *think* things are better. The new fuel filter will hopefully present that reoccurring. I’ve left some tools in the boot though, in preparation for the long trip coming up tomorrow.

I then came in and watched LoM, and that last episode, fucking *fantastic*. Unexpected, twisty, tricksy little writers they are. I shan’t say anymore ‘cos I don’t want to spoil anyone elses viewing experience, but seriously, Life On Mars has got to be one of the best written modern tv series in the history of television. It’s such a clever concept implemented so well, written so well. I love it unreservedly. It’s only a shame I didn’t get any of my cars to feature in it :-)
Unfortunately, while I settled down to watch LoM something became apparent, my amplifier which has served me since about 13 years ago (apart from a break when…this fault occurred before about 12 years ago – it’s never been quite right since) is sick. From what was replaced last time I recall that it’s the power transistors and some other smaller ones which failed. I don’t think I’ll get it repaired this time though. I love it, but it can’t come to Canada, and I’ve been wanting one with a smoother range – mine is 200 Watts per channel (alledgedly) and does not do “quiet”. My problem is I’ll have to source a pre-amp for my record deck now – and a new amp, I guess, although the ex-kitchen Denon one can do temporary service in the lounge for a while. Not sure what I’ll do about a new amp, it’s not something I can remotely afford at the moment :(

KateWE

Kate's a human mostly built out of spite and overcoming transphobia-racism-and-other-bullshit. Although increasingly right-wing bigots would say otherwise. So she's either a human or a lizard in disguise sent to destroy all of humanity. Either way, it's all good.