Degsy's big day out

I had to go up to Manchester last weekend. So I thought I would Degsy a good run. The MOT chaps said that he exhaust was blowing so I figured I could get someone to give me a hand with fixing it. I chose to go early on Friday evening. Degsy does not go fast but we still did the journey just over two hours. No dramas but I bit noisy even with the Ipod turned up.

I did the other jobs I went to Manchester for and then set about Degsy. After some faffing about I decided that the engine to exhaust manifold joint was not leaking. However the manifold to exhaust joint was. I had bought a nice new exhaust bracket for the back end of the exhaust. It took more than half an hour to get the old, bent, rusted, mud caked bracket off and ten minutes to put the new one on. With back of the exhaust secured the manifold to exhaust joint was more stable. I managed to get a few turns on the nuts which made a big difference. The joint still leaks a bit but it is hardly noticeable.

Running home the next evening was a delight. Degsy was much quieter and run and bit better. Probably because the air was cold. The main bean spot lights are amazing. I had a chance to stop en route and train the spot lamps to the best focus. I noticed lately that many drivers just don't dip their headlights when approaching one another. Even truckers dipped their headlights when they got the benefit of Degsy main beam.

I had filled Degsy up with petrol before I left home. It was a 180 mile round trip and I used a little over half a tank so I reckon I am getting about 30MPG on a run. I will check my sums again. Sound too good to be true. All that way and Degsy did not miss a beat. However the vents under windscreen are not air tight so I ended up with one freezing hand and a cold knee. Looks like I have found another little thing to fix.

I have been thinking about the lottie. The night have drawn in and I busy at the weekends so I think I will have to have a word with Chairman about my current timetable. I still have five day holidays to use before Christmas so a couple of those will sort the lottie. It has been raining a bit so the ground will be easier to dig. I find myself missing the digging. I think I need to see a doctor!