replaced NGK BPR6ES 7131 spark plug with an identical new one.
Total $2.09
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Engine manual
Located online from manufacturer's website:
http://www.honda-engines.com/Engines_owners_manuals/ownersmanuals/37Z5F602.pdf
http://www.honda-engines.com/Engines_owners_manuals/ownersmanuals/37Z5F602.pdf
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Making the machine safer
When I bought the boom lift the seller warned me to be extra careful to make minute moves with the levers because the thing can swing wildly, and dangerously. He was right about that. I found it difficult to control the movements, and I was very nervous about using it.
I started to look for ways to slow the motion down. I considered buying valves that would restrict the flow of the hydraulics, but couldn't find any, and I can't say for sure whether it would work. Well, one day it occurred to me to slow down the motor itself. So I throttled down the Honda motor to a high idle, and the machine has been a pleasure to use ever since. When I push the controls all the way, the boom moves at a slow, safe speed. It's also much easier to fine-tune the position of the bucket now that it doesn't go flying with every touch of a lever.
I emailed an engineer friend to brag about my simple solution (The previous owner never thought of this, so I was feeling proud of myself.) This started a series of emails from him explaining why this would never work. That's engineers for you. It's working fine all the while he's telling me it can't work.
As long as the engine remains in good working order, and can run at high idle under a load, I'm good.
I started to look for ways to slow the motion down. I considered buying valves that would restrict the flow of the hydraulics, but couldn't find any, and I can't say for sure whether it would work. Well, one day it occurred to me to slow down the motor itself. So I throttled down the Honda motor to a high idle, and the machine has been a pleasure to use ever since. When I push the controls all the way, the boom moves at a slow, safe speed. It's also much easier to fine-tune the position of the bucket now that it doesn't go flying with every touch of a lever.
I emailed an engineer friend to brag about my simple solution (The previous owner never thought of this, so I was feeling proud of myself.) This started a series of emails from him explaining why this would never work. That's engineers for you. It's working fine all the while he's telling me it can't work.
As long as the engine remains in good working order, and can run at high idle under a load, I'm good.
Ordered new controls -- fixed gas tank leak
The gas tank on the Honda motor started leaking recently, making the machine too dangerous to use. It was the plastic nipple that screws into the bottom of the tank, and attaches to the fuel line. Well, it was actually the surface that the nipple seals against. It had rusted, preventing a good seal. Removed, cleaned, replaced. Fixed.
Then I ordered the controls that operate the machine from the bucket. The old ones are crumbling. New ones were cheaper than expected, at $34.33 each (including shipping!). I bought three for $102.99. One of the three old ones is still unbroken. I'll keep it as a spare.
Parts were purchased from Baum Hydraulics. Part no E206301 SKU 00113650.
Total maintenance cost to date $540.72. I had to buy some closed-end wrenches to remove a stubborn nut, but I don't count the price of tool purchases if the tool is intended for general use, since I'd probably buy it for other purposes at some point anyway.
Since my last post I've washed and painted nearly the entire house using the boom lift. I've made many repairs, glazed windows, and re-hung shutters. The lift has more than paid for itself, as I'm into it for $6540.72, and a professional painter (if you can FIND one!) would have charged $25,000 or more for the job.
Then I ordered the controls that operate the machine from the bucket. The old ones are crumbling. New ones were cheaper than expected, at $34.33 each (including shipping!). I bought three for $102.99. One of the three old ones is still unbroken. I'll keep it as a spare.
Parts were purchased from Baum Hydraulics. Part no E206301 SKU 00113650.
Total maintenance cost to date $540.72. I had to buy some closed-end wrenches to remove a stubborn nut, but I don't count the price of tool purchases if the tool is intended for general use, since I'd probably buy it for other purposes at some point anyway.
Since my last post I've washed and painted nearly the entire house using the boom lift. I've made many repairs, glazed windows, and re-hung shutters. The lift has more than paid for itself, as I'm into it for $6540.72, and a professional painter (if you can FIND one!) would have charged $25,000 or more for the job.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Finally ready to work
Latest repairs:
Second cylinder is installed.
I replaced two more hoses that had deteriorating skin. These seem to be the last of the bad hoses. I pumped out all of the old hydraulic oil I could, and replaced it. I used a five-gallon can of oil, plus what was left of the gallon I previously bought. It now has about six gallons of oil, and seems to need a little more, so we'll call it a seven-gallon system. The old oil looked like it was emulsified (mixed with water).
Bought two new hoses from Voorhies ($38.12 plus tax= $41.36)
Bought a five gallon container of "Tractor" hydraulic oil from NAPA ($31.49 plus tax = $34.17)
Total maintenance cost to date $437.73
Second cylinder is installed.
I replaced two more hoses that had deteriorating skin. These seem to be the last of the bad hoses. I pumped out all of the old hydraulic oil I could, and replaced it. I used a five-gallon can of oil, plus what was left of the gallon I previously bought. It now has about six gallons of oil, and seems to need a little more, so we'll call it a seven-gallon system. The old oil looked like it was emulsified (mixed with water).
Bought two new hoses from Voorhies ($38.12 plus tax= $41.36)
Bought a five gallon container of "Tractor" hydraulic oil from NAPA ($31.49 plus tax = $34.17)
Total maintenance cost to date $437.73
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