When the pump failed, I knew I had to change it before I left for work. If I left the house before changing the cistern pump, my family would be without water for the day. Unless they hand bucketed it from the cistern. This was an early morning emergency that turned out well considering. Behind … Continue reading Cistern Pump Quick Change
How-to, Repairs
Snowplow Success!
This is my final post on the snowplow this year. It has been a battle with the carburetor, battery and electrical system, as well as a replacement of the entire pump and motor assembly. I am happy to say the snowplow truck functioned the entire season without a major break down unlike the 1st and … Continue reading Snowplow Success!
A broken Christmas present becomes a learning tool for both my son and me.
It was the second day after Christmas, and it was quiet all through the house as my son was watching his new Brady Bunch Season 1 DVD while Ma and Pa sipped coffee from the couch. Then rose a bang and an “Oh, no!” with such a clatter as the DVD player slipped to the … Continue reading A broken Christmas present becomes a learning tool for both my son and me.
Life issues today, solve problems of tomorrow
Have I got a deal for you? A cheap snowplow truck that is aged, but still looks good. The engine runs, the plow blade lifts and turns. Reality Check: The plow truck cannot go into first gear. The mechanic during the transmission build discovered the flywheel is the wrong size and causes a shudder throughout … Continue reading Life issues today, solve problems of tomorrow
Old Farm Truck New Radiator Warning!
For years, I have done most of my own mechanical work on my vehicles. Since I moved to N. Idaho and the shop/garage keeps getting put off for other priorities, I have taken my vehicles to the mechanic in town. However, when it came to the old farm truck radiator, I couldn't justify seeing a … Continue reading Old Farm Truck New Radiator Warning!
The Helpful Woodshed … know how many cords of wood all season.
Collecting firewood is a hard task to do each year. It may be a sustainable source of heat, but it is not sustainable work for the human body. When I built our woodshed, I designed it to easily keep track of how much wood we have stored, and how much we are using throughout the … Continue reading The Helpful Woodshed … know how many cords of wood all season.
How to start a generator when the pull rope breaks
Earlier this year, our generator pull start rope broke as well as the spring with the starter recoil assembly. We were left in a terrible position, but had enough power to ration until the new part arrived. The new part broke in the 1st pull. If not for the advice of a few subscribers, we … Continue reading How to start a generator when the pull rope breaks
A simple trick to improve gear shaft and axle performance: Snow Thrower Maintenance
Thank you for joining us at Living a Sustainable Dream, I hope this post will assist you if you have a snow thrower. If you have no interest in ever owning one, let alone have a snowy enough climate to justify its purchase, that's okay. If there is one thing everyone can take from this … Continue reading A simple trick to improve gear shaft and axle performance: Snow Thrower Maintenance
Spring is upon us / Oil Change: Snow Thrower Maintenance
Spring is finally upon us in Northern Idaho. The snow is melting away, giving way to mud season. Now that I have a few moments, I can share some snow thrower maintenance videos. If you have a snow thrower, put these in your archives. If you don't ever have snow, then these videos should be … Continue reading Spring is upon us / Oil Change: Snow Thrower Maintenance
Easy to Fix Snow Blower Part 2
Here is the second half of the snow blower auger assembly repair. In this YouTube video, I demonstrate how to replace the auger shaft, worm gear, augers, and v-belt. At the time I purchased this snow blower, I had no idea how they were set up and put together. I wanted a well rated snow … Continue reading Easy to Fix Snow Blower Part 2
Living a Sustainable Dream 