OT- My first encounter with an anti-and she's my customer!

[Ruby]

Bad situation all around Ruby, but don't even worry about the car, we'll get you fixed up one way or the other. I'm what, third or fourth in line to offer my help at this point? I have a very messy but fairly well-equipped shop available. Torque wrenches, air tools, jackstands galore. I usually don't end up with extra bits left over after a procedure either. Usually.

ETA: Of course that would mean schlepping the car to Whidbey. But worst-case scenario I have a flatbed trailer too.

Metalhead, thank you! If I need to bring it over to Whidbey, I will. I want to see how it behaves this next week, if it develops any more leaks and have the mechanic do some more diagnostic work to see if he can pinpoint the problem. You guys don't know how much it means to me to have you all offer to help. I have no family here, or anyone else willing to help, so it means a great deal to me. I now have a case of the "warm fuzzies!" Thanks to all for caring!

 

[Metalhead47]

Metalhead, thank you! If I need to bring it over to Whidbey, I will. I want to see how it behaves this next week, if it develops any more leaks and have the mechanic do some more diagnostic work to see if he can pinpoint the problem. You guys don't know how much it means to me to have you all offer to help. I have no family here, or anyone else willing to help, so it means a great deal to me. I now have a case of the "warm fuzzies!" Thanks to all for caring!

What kind of car we talking bout here?

 

[Deleted_User]

I can't tell you all how touched I am by all the suggestions, caring, and support. We really ARE family on here and we really do care about each other. You all have made me feel better about all this and have brightened up my evening! I stand behind all of you as well. Thank you for being there and encouraging me, my friends.

Ruby, we are behind you as well. I'm Pming our phone ##. If you're ever down this way, stop in ANYTIME. We'd love to have you.

 

[jt59]

Symptoms

Ruby,

You may have less of a problem than you think, or at worst the head gasket is possibly ruptured.

You indicate oil in your water, but not vice versa....the water cools the engine and keeps the temp in the range it needs to be based on the thermostat that is installed, usually around 175-190 degrees. Anti Freeze does just that, it lower the freezing temp of the water, but doesn't do much for cooling charecteristics.

I didn't see what kind of car you had posted, but there are a couple of tells to look for that one of us can help with before anyone goes tearing into the engine.

First, is there any indication of water in the OIL? Pull the dipstick and see if it's milky or any thing but oil...this can also be done, carefully by unscrewing the oil bung on the oil pan and letting just a little amount of fluid creep out the threads, Oil sits on top of any water and so it should be on the bottom of your pan and flow out....upon an Oil change, look inside the oil filter for evidence of water (or milky, frothy oil).

Second, on acceleration, do you see a LOT of "white" smoke that comes out the tail pipe or excessive water dripping out the tailpipe?

Third, (and you may need a little help with this) remove the spark plugs, one by one. If you have any that are really, really clean looking compared to the others, that is an indication of where the breach in the headgasket is. In conjunction with this, is to do a compression check of each cylinder, also a best indication of a potential problem

Forth, do you have a temp guage or an idiot light? With a gauge you can better tell if the engine is having cooling issues due to overheating.

Fifth, Your mechanic should have done a "leak down" on the radiator system, it will also tell you a lot...the fact that he didn't do this would make me start looking for a second opinion (IMHO).

The big issue with the surviveability of the engine is more around the issue if you have water in your OIL more than if you have oil in the coolant.

A loss of water in the radiator enough to notice over a couple of weeks that needs to be replaced (like a quart or two), would be very visible through your exhaust (CLOUDS of white smoke) and if your not actually getting water into the oiling system, I'd start looking for simple leaks in the cooling system. Think of it this way...both systems (oiling and cooling) are independent closed loops systems....if your losing water or oil, it HAS to go somewhere....your oil level goes down (if the car is burning oil), because it is blowing past the rings and ends up going out the exhaust (dark to black smoke)....the water loss in the cooling system (due to a blown HG) either has to go into the oil or into the cylinders...in the latter case, it goes out the exhaust and causes damage to the cylinder walls, pistons, etc....but comes out as white smoke (very white).

Adding some kind of "fix-it" to the water to the oil, hoping it will seek out the leak and seal it is generally a low end shot at a repair, and I wouldn't recommend doing this until you really know what is going on.

It is important to get it properly diagnosed to the issue and then look to address that, and I can help with some simple diagnostics

Depending on the type of car, access to the head gasket (I have to pull the engine to do the head gaskets on mine), it may be relatively easy ( 1/2 day and less expensive),vs more of a challenge....for my car, I have to spend 9 hours just pulling junk off, apart and out of the way, before I can actually pull the engine to get it on a stand.

If the car is of low value, you may be able to run it for longish time while you save up....I have a friend that I may be able to get access to a car from auction at wholesale.

anyway...let me know how I can help.

PS: I was OC'g while posting this...to keep the topic relavent to OC

 

[amlevin]

Back to your "Anti" Customer for a moment

I tried to explain that it was just an emergency piece of equipment, like a spare tire or fire extinquisher. She said she understood but people didn't use those things to kill people.

People may not use the spare tire to kill with but I've personally seen a person's head after they were killed with a fire extinguisher. Likewise with car jack and tire iron.

Your customer has OD'd on the Kool-Aid that the anti gun crowd is pushing and is unwilling to accept that people who are inclined to kill people will do so with anything available. Surprised she allows you to use all those "caustic" chemicals that are found in many housecleaning products. After all, people are killed with them too.

BTW, if you post the type of car and the engine size it may help with suggestions as to what your problem is. Many vehicles have known problems associated with them. For example, some toyota engines have a frequent tendency to blow head gaskets. Same for the Ford 3.8L that is found in the Windstar. Mysterious loss of coolant with no puddles is often a sign of a bad head gasket. It can also be as simple as a bad Radiator cap that does not hold pressure, thus allowing the water to escape while driving at highway speed. Again, What Car? What Engine?

 

[Ruby]

Thanks for the information, JT, I appreciate it. The car is a 1996 Mercury Cougar XR7. A friend found it for me when I was desperate for a vehicle after someone rear ended me and my Ford Taurus last year-which was also a money pit.

I have not noticed any huge amount of smoke, white or black coming from the tail pipe. I had the oil changed about a month ago and my mechanic would have noticed any water in the oil and told me about it. This mechanic (not my regular one) also said that one of the radiator hoses was greatly enlarged, more than it should be. He said that pressure was good in one part of the system, botton part I think he said, but not in the top part. I am going to take it to my regular mechanic and see what he has to say. I definitely want more than one opinion.

When I do replace this vehicle I want a truck again. I had a Chevy S10 that I drove many many years with minimal problems; plus I just like the handiness of having a truck. I have never bought a vehicle at auction, but I have heard that some people do get pretty good deals.

Thanks so much for offering to help. I truly feel blessed to know so many people that care and are willing to help. Thank you all so much. I will know more in a week or so (after Thanksgiving) and will post here what I find out. I have lived long enough to know that there is a solution to most problems, just takes patience. Sometimes it's not the solution you were looking for, but things are always resolved, one way or another.

 

[sudden valley gunner]

Shrug it off Ruby we can't win them all. You are a good great asset to OC and our rights, the fact she didn't fire you says a lot about you, your work ethic and that she actually likes you. Maybe through time or circumstances she may come to the light side, sometimes setting a good example (actions) speak a lot louder than words.

 

[Iopencarry]

You left two potentially dangerous items sitting unsecured in an employers house, with children, and you are surprised by her reaction? Especially after you didn't request her permission to bring those items with you onto her property as part of your employment contract with her?

While the full reasoning behind her decision is flawed in my view, she had every right to ask you to leave your gun, mag and knife in your car as you had just shown to her that you may not be able to be trusted to keep those items secure. Is she to assume that you will never do anything like that again, or perhaps, as a stretch, that you wont leave your firearm sitting about next time?

Trust is earned, and you didn't earn it in this situation. You failed in your responsibility as a guest/employee in someones home to keep your personal protective items secured.

You have no-one to blame but yourself in my opinion. As an alternative for next time, try securing your items in a purse, a backpack or other personal, close-able item that you wont forget to take with you when you leave.

my .02 cents

+1

 

[Ruby]

+1

The children we are talking about here are 16 and 13 years old. They never touch anything that doesn't belong to them. The items I left on the window ledge are secured on my person all the time (which I explained in my original post) except when I am cleaning the shower, the reason for which should be self explanatory. My gun is ALWAYS secured in my purse when I am working and not visible to anyone. Yes, I made an unintentional mistake because I am human, like everyone else. Yes, I learned something from it, which is the most important part of this event. This lady already trusts me or I wouldn't be working in her home, so the trust was already earned. I have cleaned there when no one is home and when they are on vacation. I will continue to clean for her, minus any weapons as I respect the fact that it is her home and her rules apply. My orignal post was to point out the anti attitude in general. I thank you for expressing your opinion, which I find harsher than necessary, but you are certainly entitled to it. I have acknowledged my mistake and will not discuss it further as there is no point in doing so. Moving on.

 

[amlevin]

Ruby-

If you have the Standard engine in your car it is the notorious Ford 3.8L (the optional engine was a 4.6L) that is well known for having headgasket issues. You can slow down the loss of water by using some of the "last ditch" methods like "Blue Devil" block and gasket sealer.
http://www.usasealants.com/products/blue-devil-head-gasket-sealant/

You can find it at O'Reilly Auto Parts stores (old Schucks) and others.


You have to follow the directions exactly but for about $60 you can stop the water leaking at the headgasket long enough to sell it. While working part time in a "retirement job" I sold lots of this to Ford Owners with the 3.8L enging. Otherwise it takes a complete headgasket replacement. At least the engine is easier to work on than when they installed it in a van (like my daughter's).

 

[since9]

Let's condense things down to their essentials. But first, I wanted to share with you that the lady who cleaned our house when I was a child was named Ruby, and she was such a God-fearing sweetheart that I'll give your post my utmost attention, out of respect for her!

And you.

I CC most of the time. I also carry a folding knife in my left pocket and an extra mag in my right pocket.

...

Yesterday afternoon I cleaned for a customer who has been with me for about a year and a half and has 2 children, a boy 16, and a girl, 13.

A year and a half is more than long enough to establish the longevity of a client-contractor relationship.

She said they really liked my work, but didn't want me bringing my gun or knife in the house.

...

She called my knife a "switchblade" when it's a 4" folding knife. Then she said somewhat aghast that I was alone with her children from time to time, as if having my gun with me was a threat to them.

I am dumbfounded this is coming out now, after a year and a half of, what - monthly interaction? Something's not adding up, here...

I was sitting there almost with my mouth open I was so taken aback; the remark about her kids really hurt. Sorry to make this so long, but I have been upset about this for most of the day.

If you were to write her at all, I'd begin with how hurt you felt about her remarks with respect to her children. I would not embellish or try to justify your hurt, as that usually only serves to give others more ammunition. If you were hurt by her remarks, you were hurt by her remarks. Let her fill in the gaps - if she fills them in correctly and comes to a good conclusion, all the better. If not, then she's not singing on the same sheet of music and it's time to get that out in the open.

What reasonable thinking person would refuse to protect their own lives?!?

None. Then again, with teens in the house, there could be other things going on, as well, including "cutting," an all-too-prevalent practice these days among teens.

Just to show you how anti weapons she is, she couldn't even hand me my knife and mag, she put them in a little paper bag and handed that to me!

It's people's right to dislike weapons as much as it's our right to choose to use them properly.

Going on her attitude, I would be willing to bet that there is NO self defense plan in place to protect the family if someone broke in.

Probably not, but that her and her husband's choice, and all choices, be they good or bad, have consequences.

I will be looking for another customer to replace her in time.

Unless she does a 180 in thought, and soon, that's probably the best choice. Should you choose to write a departing letter, I'd keep it short, simple, to the point, and most importantly, non-accusatory, as a bad revue goes much further around the block than a good review. Something simple, like:

"I regret to inform you I will no longer be able to clean your house. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with you and your family over the past year and a half, and hope you have found my work of sufficient quality to recommend me to another household requiring my services."​

You shouldn't mention OC/2A rights in closing. She'll know why, and since she's already let you know that they "really like your work," you'll be putting the matter back in her court, and without having to mention a thing. If she capitulates, you're back in their employ. If not, at the very least you won't have ticked her off and she may at least be willing to help you find another customer.

If she doesn't respond at all, smile bravely, hold your head high, and carry on.

 

[Ruby]

Let's condense things down to their essentials. But first, I wanted to share with you that the lady who cleaned our house when I was a child was named Ruby, and she was such a God-fearing sweetheart that I'll give your post my utmost attention, out of respect for her!

And you.



A year and a half is more than long enough to establish the longevity of a client-contractor relationship.



I am dumbfounded this is coming out now, after a year and a half of, what - monthly interaction? Something's not adding up, here...



If you were to write her at all, I'd begin with how hurt you felt about her remarks with respect to her children. I would not embellish or try to justify your hurt, as that usually only serves to give others more ammunition. If you were hurt by her remarks, you were hurt by her remarks. Let her fill in the gaps - if she fills them in correctly and comes to a good conclusion, all the better. If not, then she's not singing on the same sheet of music and it's time to get that out in the open.



None. Then again, with teens in the house, there could be other things going on, as well, including "cutting," an all-too-prevalent practice these days among teens.



It's people's right to dislike weapons as much as it's our right to choose to use them properly.



Probably not, but that her and her husband's choice, and all choices, be they good or bad, have consequences.



Unless she does a 180 in thought, and soon, that's probably the best choice. Should you choose to write a departing letter, I'd keep it short, simple, to the point, and most importantly, non-accusatory, as a bad revue goes much further around the block than a good review. Something simple, like:

"I regret to inform you I will no longer be able to clean your house. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with you and your family over the past year and a half, and hope you have found my work of sufficient quality to recommend me to another household requiring my services."
​

You shouldn't mention OC/2A rights in closing. She'll know why, and since she's already let you know that they "really like your work," you'll be putting the matter back in her court, and without having to mention a thing. If she capitulates, you're back in their employ. If not, at the very least you won't have ticked her off and she may at least be willing to help you find another customer.

If she doesn't respond at all, smile bravely, hold your head high, and carry on.

It is coming out now because I left the knife and mag on the window ledge unintentionally. Prior to that, neither she nor her family knew I carried. Due to the anti attitude in this area, I cannot be open about carrying a firearm or I would have very little work. I have to be descrete or be unemployed. I guess it's a form of "don't ask, don't tell". It's the best compromise so that I can earn a living and still protect myself. I'm sure there are others on this forum who do not inform their employers that they carry; I am hardly the only one.

Please read my previous posts, I am going to continue to work for her under her rules, it is her house and I respect that. If any of my other customers asked me to do the same, I would, it is their home after all. I have the same right in my own home. I was given the choice to either leave my weapons in my vehicle or no longer clean for her. Not much of a choice given the current economic situation.

 

[Ruby]

Ruby-

If you have the Standard engine in your car it is the notorious Ford 3.8L (the optional engine was a 4.6L) that is well known for having headgasket issues. You can slow down the loss of water by using some of the "last ditch" methods like "Blue Devil" block and gasket sealer.
http://www.usasealants.com/products/blue-devil-head-gasket-sealant/

You can find it at O'Reilly Auto Parts stores (old Schucks) and others.


You have to follow the directions exactly but for about $60 you can stop the water leaking at the headgasket long enough to sell it. While working part time in a "retirement job" I sold lots of this to Ford Owners with the 3.8L enging. Otherwise it takes a complete headgasket replacement. At least the engine is easier to work on than when they installed it in a van (like my daughter's).

Thank you for the information and suggestion. I am going to get more diagnostics done on it before I decide on a plan of action. This is the second Ford that I have had serious problems with, hence my reluctance to ever buy another one.

 

[Ruby]

Shrug it off Ruby we can't win them all. You are a good great asset to OC and our rights, the fact she didn't fire you says a lot about you, your work ethic and that she actually likes you. Maybe through time or circumstances she may come to the light side, sometimes setting a good example (actions) speak a lot louder than words.

Thank you for your kind words, SVG, they are much appreciated.

 

[amlevin]

Thank you for the information and suggestion. I am going to get more diagnostics done on it before I decide on a plan of action. This is the second Ford that I have had serious problems with, hence my reluctance to ever buy another one.

Just remember that ALL cars can have problems. You could have one of those Toyota's that "get a mind of their own" or a GM product that has the paint fall off in sheets (like leprosy). They ALL have problems at one time or another.

Just weigh and measure the price of repairs versus buying new. Every month one drives a "Paid For" car they save $300-$600 on that car payment. That can buy a lot of repairs.

 

[Ruby]

Just remember that ALL cars can have problems. You could have one of those Toyota's that "get a mind of their own" or a GM product that has the paint fall off in sheets (like leprosy). They ALL have problems at one time or another.

Just weigh and measure the price of repairs versus buying new. Every month one drives a "Paid For" car they save $300-$600 on that car payment. That can buy a lot of repairs.

Very true. I do not have the money to buy a new car anyway. The car has other problems, most not major. The module that controls the windshield wipers has to be replaced-they only work if I leave the right turn signal on; now, in addition to that, I have to have the lights on high beam. LOL The front rotors have been turned once, they need to be replaced soon. Every day is an adventure with this car!:lol: I am grateful that I have a vehicle to drive, some people do not. It does pretty well for being 14 years old, and I like the car. The older they get though the more repairs. But you are right, you will pay to drive either with car payments or repairs. I had a problem with the transmission earlier this year, it was making a noise. Took it to the transmission place here and he changed out the fluid and put in a new filter and said he thought we had caught it in time. Not sure about the condition of it. So, lots of things going on with it. I am not hard on vehicles, I drove my little 1989 Chevy S10 (manual transmission) for 14-15 years; it had a little over 232,000 miles when it was totaled. I faithfully changed the oil in it every 5,000 miles and kept up with repairs. I have also kept up repairs on this car as well. This new wrinkle was totally unexpected though.

I will know more about the car once my regular mechanic takes a look at it.

 

[gogodawgs]

Shrug it off Ruby we can't win them all. You are a good great asset to OC and our rights, the fact she didn't fire you says a lot about you, your work ethic and that she actually likes you. Maybe through time or circumstances she may come to the light side, sometimes setting a good example (actions) speak a lot louder than words.

I agree with SVG...shrug it off, we can't win them all.

I also carry a folding knife in my left pocket and an extra mag in my right pocket. When I have to clean a shower, I remove them from my pockets and put them on a window ledge or other convenient place until I'm done, then put them back in my pockets.

I have pondered this for some time and still can't visualize or rationalize why you would need to remove items from your pockets when cleaning a shower?

 

[Ruby]

I agree with SVG...shrug it off, we can't win them all.



I have pondered this for some time and still can't visualize or rationalize why you would need to remove items from your pockets when cleaning a shower?

Because sometimes I have gotten wet or my clothes have gotten wet; doesn't happen often, but I don't particularly want my knife and mag wet. When I clean the shower, obviously I have to rinse it and every shower is different so there are different ways of rinsing it, depending on whether they have a hand held shower head or not.

 

[gogodawgs]

Because sometimes I have gotten wet or my clothes have gotten wet; doesn't happen often, but I don't particularly want my knife and mag wet. When I clean the shower, obviously I have to rinse it and every shower is different so there are different ways of rinsing it, depending on whether they have a hand held shower head or not.

ok, thanks... that makes it clearer...

I tend not to carry an extra mag very often, I do have one in a belt clip in my car if I feel inclined.... perhaps you should eliminate the extra mag...
I do not carry a knife...again I do have one in the glove box... I do have a small util-key on my keychain for when I need a knife....

I guess I am more in fear that your car will be broken into and that beautiful DW will be stolen.

Just trying to offer suggestions on your set up and try to help. Sometimes we do not see the flaws in our own setups.

 

[Ruby]

ok, thanks... that makes it clearer...

I tend not to carry an extra mag very often, I do have one in a belt clip in my car if I feel inclined.... perhaps you should eliminate the extra mag...
I do not carry a knife...again I do have one in the glove box... I do have a small util-key on my keychain for when I need a knife....

I guess I am more in fear that your car will be broken into and that beautiful DW will be stolen.

Just trying to offer suggestions on your set up and try to help. Sometimes we do not see the flaws in our own setups.

Thank you for the suggestions, Gogo, you are absolutely right in that we don't see the flaws in how we do things or how they could be done better. I am planning on putting the knife and extra mag in my purse when not in her house. I just have gotten in the habit of carrying them in my pockets; should I ever need them, I want them immediately available. When I go to clean for her, I will carry my 9 instead of the DW; that's what I did when I went to the Seattle Police Citizens Academy because I couldn't have a gun there either. If my car were ever broken into, I would much rather they got the 9 than the DW. Depending on cash flow and what vehicle I end up driving, I want to eventually have a gun safe installed. I would much rather have that than locking it in the glove box like I am now. When I am at this lady's house my gun, extra mag, and knife will be locked in the car. I have also been thinking of removing the NRA stickers; I have nothing against the NRA, it's just that people may think that there might be a gun in the vehicle. Gotta try to think like the criminal thinks to outwit them!