…There is an element of fun.”
So said Mary Poppins in, er, well, would you believe it – Mary Poppins. And by and large, I agree with her. It’s just that, sometimes, the fun takes a bit more finding than at other times. Take, for instance, the job I had to do last week-end: on Saturday evening, while a short distance from home, I had briefly parked my car, and, returning to it, I noticed a puddle, and the characteristic aroma of ethylene glycol. Fortunately, I made it home with the engine temperature only a little higher than usual. Investigation next day confirmed what I suspected – a failed hose. And no ordinary hose at that. Have a look here:
Yes, that’s right – the one in the middle, low down. It’s got five ends. And, no, that’s not a mathematical impossibility, because it has moulded joints in it.
Anyway, the first little game is called ‘See if you can disconnect the lowest point without getting coolant up your sleeve.’ I won, because I managed not to. Well, not much.
Next comes ‘See if you can disconnect the other four ends without taking everything else to pieces.’ A bit harder, but I won again. (In the end.) Phil 2, Mondeo 0.
Monday saw the fitting of a replacement, an engine flush, and a refill with new coolant – and here was the real delight; observing a vivid fluorescent pink-orange colour of new premium anti-freeze; that, and a certain sense of accomplishment. Especially as there were no leaks. A hat-trick. The fun was there, just a little more elusive than usual…
And just remember, whether you drive a car or look after a child – or both, for that matter: if the temperature goes up, you’ve almost certainly got a problem.
Prompted by:
