basic services

This week I did a complete lof on my F250 diesel and I changed the transfer case and transmission fluid.  I also went the the Kenworth assembly plant today and learned a bunch about hybrid trucks.  I learned that they are primarily designed for around town use because they use brake regeneration to help charge the batteries.  Also they work great as a utility service truck because they can run their pto shafts off of electricity alone so there engines aren't sitting there idling all the time.
40 hours this week
238 hours total

I found a good tool

This week I replaced the alternator and both belts on an 89 toyota pickup.  To do this I had to remove part of the air filtration system, the distributer cap and router, the power steering pump, and one of the hoses coming out of the water pump.
The bearings were going out in the alternator so it was making a horrible grinding noise but before I knew this when you opened the hood you would just hear the noise not exactly where it was coming from.  I learned that a stethoscope with the metal end removed is a very handy tool to have.  It allows you to listen in in close areas where you can't stick your head and identify exactly where a noise is coming from. I would recommend that every one has one.
41 hours this week
198 hours total

learning stuff in school

I didn't really do anything super exciting this week but I have been making good progress on learning about hydraulics.  I have almost completed the test bench and have the fitting boxes almost done too.  I am making good progress memorizing all the hydraulic symbols and going through the questions in the back of the book.  The only place where i am having trouble is with the CAT simulator.  I don't know why but I always miss one thing but I will get it in the end.
34 hours this week
157 hours total