Stupid Things I Have Done

[WinterDeere]

I did something today that's worthy of resurrecting this thread. Out running some errands today, I stopped and picked up a few hundred pounds of solar salt, for our water softener system. We also use it for our pool (salt water chlorinator), so I actually grabbed a few extra bags, with pool opening being relatively near.

I got a call from one of my business vendors asking me to stop by, so after a quick pit-stop at home, I ran right back out to their address. On my way, I happen to pass a car wash, and noticing how dirty the truck was, I figured I'd make a quick swing through the automated wash.

Arriving at the vendor's shop, all happy in my nice clean truck, I happen to notice the several hundred pounds of now-soapy bags of solar salt sitting in the bed of my truck. Doh!

The bags are porous, and surely meant to withstand some rain and weather, but I'm not sure they were ever intended to handle that nasty soapy recycled car wash water.

 

[kenmbz]

ouch

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

I'd see what counteracts salt...I think vinegar does so if it's a nice truck I'd use that, lots of Dawn dish soap and plenty of water.

 

[Jstpssng]

I'd see what counteracts salt...I think vinegar does so if it's a nice truck I'd use that, lots of Dawn dish soap and plenty of water.

I'm not sure that he will be using it in his water purifier though.

 

[WinterDeere]

I'm not sure that he will be using it in his water purifier though.

Knowing me, I'll stew about it for a day or two, and then just dump it into the softener system anyway.

 

[BravoXray]

Maybe use it just a little at a time until you see if there are any problems.

 

[WinterDeere]

I actually opened a bag tonight, and it seemed all dry and clean inside, to my surprise. I guess those plastic bags are more impervious than their textured appearance had me assuming.

In any case, I ended up opening four bags and putting them in the brine tank. This brine is only used for reconditioning the softener media bed, and should be completely rinsed out of the system before it goes back into operation, anyway. So, I'm taking my chances it should be fine!

 

[Jstpssng]

If you start growing a third eye you will know it was a mistake.

 

[masseyrider]

If you start growing a third eye you will know it was a mistake.

He'll become a new movie superhero and make millions.
Super Cyclops to rescue the world.

 

[jacric2005]

As long as no people, animals, vehicles or structures were harmed, I count it a win. My most stupid/dangerous thing was trying to pull a metal rod out with the bucket. It was summer and the clay was like concrete. I chained it to the bucket and pulled and pulled. It actually started to lift one the tractor since the rod was not budging, and I quickly released the bucket. The stupid thing - this was one of the few times I had not put the seat belt on.

 

[Jstpssng]

As long as no people, animals, vehicles or structures were harmed, I count it a win. My most stupid/dangerous thing was trying to pull a metal rod out with the bucket. It was summer and the clay was like concrete. I chained it to the bucket and pulled and pulled. It actually started to lift one the tractor since the rod was not budging, and I quickly released the bucket. The stupid thing - this was one of the few times I had not put the seat belt on.

Many of us have similar experiences. In my case I was standing next to the tractor. When the rears came up the tractor leaned toward me... because my left hand was running the control I lifted the bucket more, rather than dropping it.

 

[masseyrider]

Many of us have similar experiences. In my case I was standing next to the tractor. When the rears came up the tractor leaned toward me... because my left hand was running the control I lifted the bucket more, rather than dropping it.

Exactly what I did doing the same thing.
Reacted quick enough to reverse the process.
As long as it stays a learning experience all is good.

 

[WinterDeere]

... because my left hand was running the control I lifted the bucket more, rather than dropping it.

Glad I'm not the only one who does that. It's amazing how bad my otherwise-reasonably intelligent brain is at translating simple loader controls from right hand to left, especially when things go wrong real quickly.

 

[jjeff]

So after spending an hr+ last night eventually getting what my state considers vintage snowmobiles running. Spent over an hr on a old skidoo 500 with a shady tree backwoods 136" track conversion. Anyways couldn't get that thing running, checked spark, good to go, so fuel problem, ended up changing out primer, replacing spark plugs anyway, half the fuel lines with new tygon ones,
, about to remove carbs and do a compression test when I finally realized I shut off the fuel valve last year turned it on, and voila runs like a 29 yr old snowmobile should. Figure that's definitely a stupid thread worthy revival.

 

[Jstpssng]

So after spending an hr+ last night eventually getting what my state considers vintage snowmobiles running. Spent over an hr on a old skidoo 500 with a shady tree backwoods 136" track conversion. Anyways couldn't get that thing running, checked spark, good to go, so fuel problem, ended up changing out primer, replacing spark plugs anyway, half the fuel lines with new tygon ones,
, about to remove carbs and do a compression test when I finally realized I shut off the fuel valve last year turned it on, and voila runs like a 29 yr old snowmobile should. Figure that's definitely a stupid thread worthy revival.

Last year I went to start my 2020 Arctic Cat. Turned the key but nothing happened. I kicked myself for not keeping it charged because it was a brand new battery, then started taking it out so that I could charge it. I was almost done when my BIL came up to see if I needed help. After watching a few moments he said "Didn't you disconnect it last spring?"
Doi!

 

[jjeff]

Newer efi, dfi, snowmobiles don't have or need fuel shut off valves especially when trailering Probably have enough somewhat reliable junk if I remember what I do to them for off season storage. I need to make lists and tape them somewhere on machines when I winterize or summarize stuff. I'm thankful that old 500 has working electric start with a battery maintainer or I'd be feeling it this morning.

 

[Oaktree]

So after spending an hr+ last night eventually getting what my state considers vintage snowmobiles running. Spent over an hr on a old skidoo 500 with a shady tree backwoods 136" track conversion. Anyways couldn't get that thing running, checked spark, good to go, so fuel problem, ended up changing out primer, replacing spark plugs anyway, half the fuel lines with new tygon ones,
, about to remove carbs and do a compression test when I finally realized I shut off the fuel valve last year turned it on, and voila runs like a 29 yr old snowmobile should. Figure that's definitely a stupid thread worthy revival.

Had the same thing happen to me a couple years ago, dicked around with it for an hour or so before I discovered that I'd accidentally bumped the emergency shutoff button. Didn't occur since I rarely touch it.

Even the alleged pros screw up. Same snowmobile, had brought it into the dealer to get something done on it. Got it home, and the temp gauge would show it overheating after only a few minutes of riding. Much troubleshooting showed up nothing, infared thermometer right on thermostat housing showed proper temperature (~185°). Replaced sender, no luck. Finally discovered that when they'd disconnected the battery, they'd only re-connected one of the two ground wires!! Hooked 2nd one up, all better.

 

[airbiscuit]

Anyone ever had a hard time starting an ATV or snowmobile, changed sparkplugs, etc, only to discover the kill switch had been accidentally engaged.

 

[grsthegreat]

So after spending an hr+ last night eventually getting what my state considers vintage snowmobiles running. Spent over an hr on a old skidoo 500 with a shady tree backwoods 136" track conversion. Anyways couldn't get that thing running, checked spark, good to go, so fuel problem, ended up changing out primer, replacing spark plugs anyway, half the fuel lines with new tygon ones,
, about to remove carbs and do a compression test when I finally realized I shut off the fuel valve last year turned it on, and voila runs like a 29 yr old snowmobile should. Figure that's definitely a stupid thread worthy revival.

Cant criticize you about this. I did the same thing last year on my walk behind snowblower. Spent about an hour cursing this blasted thing, checking everything. Finally pulled spark tester off of service rig, no spark.

Sat there scratching whats left of my hair, been a good part of a year since i messed with it. Looked it all over, found small kill switch that was turned off. Forgot it was even there. The symbols next to switch made no sense, so i just turned it other way. Fired right up.

Dont ya love getting older.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

My 42yo neighbor has a '71 Nova...wouldn't start one day & he calls me. Had him crank & I said it's not getting any fire. "What's that?".
Previous owner put HEI distributor in, should be points that year. So I put a new module in & fired right up.
Down the road I said "nail it!". He said "What's that?". "Slam your right foot through the firewall!!!".
I thought Elsie the cow was in the back seat.
"Moooooooo....".
I made lots of suggestions but may as well have been speaking Mandarin Chinese.
He's a dentist. "What do I owe you?". "Two root canals and a wisdom tooth extraction" I replied.
We hear him every day home from work. It's red and it's LOUD. But he's happy ...("blub-blub-blub-blub").