Greetings,
The last few days have been less then Paradise experience. While in Key West, car developed a radiator leak. Managed to travel to Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce area.
Found a hotel since I didn't know where any campground locations and car issues. Monday went to the first repair shop to diagnose issue. Mechanic knew there was a leak, couldn't find the leak. Replaced bottom radiator hose and clamps. Picked up tear at hotel and proceed North on I-95. Traveled one interchange when steam stared spewing from under car hood. Pulled over in the construction zone. Called for tow truck.
From a previous experience, learned to have auto insurance arrange tow truck. Lengthy phone conversation on exact location and tear HAD to be towed also. Learned after a looooooong on hold session, that cost of towing teardrop is out of pocket expense, Agreed to pay fee ($77). Automated text message tow truck should arrive in 50 minutes.
Well, after 2 hours of sitting on side of busy I-95 tow truck arrives. Insurance company provided wrong location.
Car is loaded on flat bed and tear hooked up to tow truck, off to a repair shop construction foreman recommended.
I have picture on cell phone of tear hooked to tow truck. First time experience for me and the tow truck operator towing a teardrop.
Goodyear shop hook car to diagnostic computer ($112), tell me the thermostat and water pump need to be replaced. Bad part is finding Subaru parts. Locate parts about 40 miles away, which will be delivered Tuesday around 11 am.
Then the shocker, replacing water pump takes 4.8 hours labor at $99 per hour. Well, OK, what other choice do I have!
Goodyear shop adivsor was really honest showed me the price Subaru charged them for parts and his upcharge of 5 to 7 dollars per part. They even found a pet friendly hotel and one of the employees used company vehicle to play taxi.
So here I sit, have traveled 10 miles in a little over 24 hours, will be leaving a large sum of money at the auto repair shop.
Good news is my parents drove down from Gainesville area to spend the evening and Tuesday with me while waiting for car repairs.
Keeping fingers crossed the correct diagnosis has been made and repairs work! Will know for sure around 5 pm Tuesday.
The Goodyear repair shop was willing to allow the tear to be garaged overnight. I knew if left outside it would most likely be moved to a new unknown location. Thanks to a tree trimmer arriving, and letting me know I didn't have to move tear, I was able to help the mechanics push tear into garage bay before leaving.
Sorry to say no supper meeting near Ocala Tuesday! Wednesday begins with a geocaching event at 7 am to celebrate Springs arrival. Goal is to leave for home Thursday morning.
