Moab May 9-12

[Jim]

IIRC there is an open group site at Dewey Bridge Skip that - now not available.

[Ol Blue]

If you guys want another option check out Willow Springs Designated Camping in Utahraptor State Park. Its 15 min north of town and has dumpsters and porta-potties. I stayed here last September with no reservation and they had tons of spots open all weekend. Also room for trailers at most sites. It is $15 a night.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wi...np1s?entry=ttu

https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/utahraptor/park-fees/

[hiimmike]

You guys will be good for camping in Sand Flats in a first come first served site on a Thursday.

I hope you all have a fun and safe trip! Can't wait to see the pictures!

[Jim]

Temps are looking nice!

[FINOCJ]

Just another option....but when we where there last month, we were able to get camping just out the kane creek road a short distance at kings bottom campground....it's small and with busy season approaching, it may not be available. But it's super convenient.....Jen and I usually camp at up the creek campground in Moab (tent camping only, reservable and with showers, no trailer parking on property). If you have a tow rig etc, we usually find it easy to park the truck and trailer on the street on the surrounding block, and then just use the jeep to get around for the week.

[Jim]

Nothing like "last minute repairs"...

I noticed the lower starter motor mounting bolt was missing a few days back. It had been on my mind - yes I _should_ tend this issue before the trip - but that bolt has likely been missing for quite some time. The starter's just fine with one bolt holding it in - yes?! I was fairly certain the course of action would be a heli-coil kit for it as I recalled the last tighten it wasn't perfect. Well - today's the day - 6pm before packing for a trip where I leave early in the morning. Off to the hardware store for a couple bolts - 5/16" & 3/8" (3/8" is the ticket). One parts store didn't have the kit for my size so off to north Loveland where it's in stock. I was nervous I would not have a straight alignment with the drill for the hole but it had enough room to be perfect. The rest of the process went as expected (though this is perhaps the second heli-coil I've ever installed)

The assurance is that if the heli-coil repair didn't work - heck - wing it with one bolt keeping the show rolling. Bottom line - it worked PERFECTLY! I do feel better knowing the starter's properly fastened. I tested a couple engine starts - all is operating as normal.

While I was at it - engine oil changed as well.

The clock just struck 10pm - now to get packing in earnest!

[FINOCJ]

The starter mount is into aluminum bellhousing?

[Jim]

The bottom bolt is.

From the photos you can see a ?steel? plate with the large hole for the starter gear to extend into the bell housing.

The top starter mounting bolt comes in from the rear, passes through the aluminum of the bell housing, through the thin ?steel? plate, and threads into the starter motor assembly.

The bottom starter mounting bolt comes in from the front, passes through the starter motor frame, passes through the thin steel plate, and threads into the aluminum of the bell housing. This was (originally) not a through hole. When I drilled I drilled and it is partially a through hole (not that it matters). The heli-coil is in the aluminum of the bell housing.

[FINOCJ]

Jim previously posted:

[Jim]

I considered it but one side is a bit 'into' /close to the bell housing. If I were to go that route I'd likely have to use a small (1/8"?) dia bolt so that the nut would be small.


I'm up to finish packing. I hope to be on the road by 8:45 and on I-25 by 9a.

[Tom]

Hope you all have a great time!!! Lots of pics/vids please.