third down, one to go

My thanks to this website for helping me understand, in simple terms, how my clutch works. Howstuffinmycarworks not only provides an in-depth explanation of operational systems in mechanized vehicles, but also provides instructions and videos for you to do the work, should you decide to do so.
Best of all, the people explaining the operations are women.
That's right - women.
Hooray! The site has only been in operation since late 2006, but, now that I know it is there, I plan to share it with all the women I know. No longer should unscrupulous auto mechanics be able to prey upon those of the fairer sex!
I've been pretty savvy about basic car repairs since 1983. I had bought a POS Chevy Monza when a guy I worked with - big mistake - and it seemed to always need repairs. I did the oil changes, changed the spark plugs, set the timing, flushed the radiator, and even replaced the water pump. (That last one is how I injured my lower back...but that tale will keep for another day.) Of course, I was thirty-two years younger then, and could easily get under the car, if need be.
My next car was a 1983 Subaru. What a great car! Sadly, the spark plugs in the cramped little engine required a special tool to get to them, so I started leaving the grunt work for the professionals. One time, I had taken Surefoot to get an oil change and the guy behind the desk told me I needed a new timing chain. Oh, really? How could I need a new one when my car did not have a timing chain? What a scam artist, trying to steal money from fake repairs!
So...why am I revisiting the clutch in my car?
Well, on Tuesday, I had returned to Dixie Motors for the third replacement of the master cylinder. When I had taken it in last Thursday, again for clicking, they decided to try another source for the part. This master cylinder had been ordered from a different manufacturer than the first two.
Still, it came in a box, so we know what that means.
(smile)
I know you are wondering why I seem to be happy about all this. Honestly, it is because I know they have become a little embarrassed about my frequent trips back to them for the same repair. I have heard only good things about them from anyone I have told this tale to, so I trust them. If Tim and Mark say they are going to make it right, then I can take them at their word.
Plus, none of this has cost me another dime. They have absorbed the labor cost these two other times and are set to absorb yet more.
You see, this third master cylinder started losing its capability yesterday. No clicking sound this time, so that was good. But the problem was worse: my clutch was riding the floor and shifting, especially into first gear, had become an iffy proposition.
Yikes!
Tim, the mechanic who is now in charge of my car, had come to meet me when I drove up this morning. Frankly, he was amazed to see me! He had been sure the problem had been resolved. He verified that I had almost no clutch positioning and told me another master cylinder would have to be ordered. In the meanwhile, he would do what he could to adjust the clutch play so I could still drive.
And so he did.
I shall return on Tuesday for the fourth replacement.
I wonder what movies I'll see that day?
You see, that's another reason I haven't been too hard on them about all these extra trips to the shop. They are located near several restaurants, a Home Depot, a Target, and... a cinema! Frank Theatres offers "Tightwad Tuesdays", with all movies only $6 all day long!
Also, their medium popcorn is only $2.50 that day! So, I have deliberately been coming for the repairs on Tuesdays. I get to see two movies on the cheap and I even get a munchie treat!
So far, I have seen "Hitman: Agent 47" and "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." as a Tuesday doubleheader. (Excellent, but I think seeing the first one with "American Ultra" would have made for a better comparison and contrast discussion.) Good thing I saw that one about Ilya and Napoleon - I finally understand their relationship in the television series!
This week, I had another Tuesday doubleheader, featuring "Hotel Transylvania 2" and "The Perfect Guy". Totally different movies, but both new to me! This duo let me hear Mel Brooks again and gave me good dating tips, too. (Listen up: If your new catch doesn't introduce you to his chums, you should cut him loose and keep fishing.)
Plus, on my Thursday outings to Dixie, I have seen "Paper Towns" (actually seen with my first niece), "War Room", and "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials". Quite a mixed bag, but good to have seen.
What will I see this next Tuesday? Most likely "The Martian" and "Everest", as they have just begun their run here in the cinemas and I have not yet seen them.
I'll have to let you know.
(smile)