Don't shoot the Messenger

(Using this Blip to teach the Germans some English expressions, hence the links)

Seeing the light of day for the first time since 1965, the upper block of my John Deere 310 motor. this was the part the garage started on yesterday and once freed of the oil, the truth came to light.

This morning an early call from Albert who was given the job of "messenger of bad news". As I am the lowest ranking person in our household, I didn't even have the chance to "Kick the Cat".

No other choice than work my way back along the chain and called poor Max who had to make the decision or at least explain what options were available. Basically, the garage had seen that at least one part was very badly damaged (I think the part highlighted in the thumbnail), it is a part one can't exchange. I guess it could be possible to re-bore the entire engine and replace everything but the cost would be enormous. Max added that he had also taken a look at the crankcase on the lower block and it looked like it would not last much longer.

So in a nutshell, time to say adieu after 51 years of hard work, of which around 15 have been additionally misuse and the last two or so of excess use of starter spray. A word of warning from Max - don't use starter spray - sort out the underlying problem.

Max though thinks he has a solution. Someone he knows has a John Deere motor which ought to fit. It's has considerably more horsepower (48 instead of 32) and that would suit me fine as I have some equipment that really ought to be used with a minimum of 45hp. Next step will be to check out the gearbox parts, and if they are OK, check the engine would fit and then try to do a deal on the price!. Both Max and Albert are 100% convinced I am better off doing this than simply trying to sell it off for spare parts and buy an untried, unknown 2nd hand tractor from somewhere which could well turn out to have even more problems. Better the devil......The Germans have the same expression but also a related one I quite like "Better an end with terror than terror without an end".

So will see how things pan out. Max a bit tied up probably over the weekend too but perhaps next week he will give me a call and we can look at the gearbox end.

Went over to the VW dealer to pick up the parts - much more than in the Blip but they hadn't started on cleaning them having seen there was little hope. The young mechanic, Andreas, tried to pleasantly explain the problem and console me - he helped carry the earthly remains to the car, patted me on the back and said there was no charge to pay.

Interesting experience to see the workshop and meet the very pleasant Andreas who can be seen on a photo on the dealer's website showing their motor repair services.  I have never used the dealership, have looked at their used VW/Audi/Skoda offers from time to time but had no personal contact. I know they have a good reputation in general, especially in matters service. Not even sure if they have new cars on display (several demonstrators) but with some 20 employees and always lots of activity in front of the workshops, they seem to be successful. All those I had contact with, were very friendly.

The weather was like my spirits today. Simply can't believe we are having such a dreadful wet cold run. Tomorrow should get a bit better and even by Sunday in the high 20's BUT Monday forecast rain and max 10°C!!!!! We are in May now, not April.