Yes, often it's the conditions that hurt the worst in maintenance--I once had to replace a radiator (if you've ever done that you know fluid sloshes all over you) in a parking lot in sub-zero temperatures. Now that, if I could've afforded it, I'd have gladly paid someone else to do.

Besides, they make these nice, petroleum-based cleansers that you rub over your hands and wipe or rinse off and then your hands are CLEAN! 'Course, it's not safe to drink the grey water then, but that's another discussion entirely.... <grin> But yes, I definitely agree with Don. There are few mechanics along the Alcan, save what you bring with you, and it's silly to be stuck because of a problem you could've fixed. Whether you or someone else does it, if both are an option, is a really nice decision to be able to make.

Stephen

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Reasons [SMTP:calldon@airmail.net]
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 1999 7:37 AM
To: airstream@airstream.net
Subject: Re: [a/s] Maintenance Schedule

At 08:39 AM 5/5/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Stephen,
> I'll bet that "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" would have
>something to say on the subject. <<grin>>
>
>One of the best reasons for doing your own maintenance where possible is to
>learn how all those
>systems really work. It flat amazes me how totally helpless many (most?)
>folks really are;
>they're waylaid along the road for something that either shouldn't have
>happened at all or is
>very easy to fix. If you understand the systems, you'll often use them
>differently, too.
>

I do some of my work. Last Summer in HOT Dallas, I had to replace the
breaker bridge assembly myself on my converter. The breakers all needed
replacing. When I started to remove them, the whole thing was so fragle
that it fell apart. But it took ONE WEEK (in July) for the ordered part to
arrive. I was withOUT Airconditioning in July in Dallas in a bonded
aluminum trailer.

You are correct about learning how the systems work. I studied for 3 years
before I bought mine. I could not imagine owning one and knowing less than
I know about how everything works.

But I AIN'T sloppin' my hands in no pile o'grease!!! (Unless I have to!)

<gr>

D*