He came! The mechanic/machinist from Ezequiel Montes showed up! On time! Well, relatively... There are a number of problems tied in to proper maintenance on the generator. The size of the machine and its fitting in a restricted space for one--no access at all to the carburetor. It was so plugged up that while it ignited at first, pretty soon the gasoline would fail to arrive and instead would get mixed into the oil while also dripping wherever convenient--on machine parts and/or outside on the ground. A no-fail recipe for an eventual fire or explosion. I DID find this to be oh-so-true...
There were a few other reasons for the dirty carburetor. Ever since I'd arrived in Mexico, we've been at an altitude of over 6,000 feet. I had learned that at this altitude, the air-gasoline ratio has to be leaner so an adjustment that should have been made never was. This for lack of encountering a Honda trained or Honda knowledgeable mechanic in my peregrinations and proper access to the part. Another was the difficulty in finding Honda parts and substituting with "equivalent" ones, which does not necessarily mean equal or identical. For a terrific workhorse, it does seem a bit temperamental, doesn't it!
While the mechanic was removing the air filter and its casing to check on the carburetor w...a...y behind, we chatted and I mentioned all of the above. He stopped for a second, looked at me, and said something to the effect that I appeared to know a couple of things about the machine. (You think... after 6 years!) A very good preamble to what I next suggested to him. "...why try to remove the whole machine if only the carburetor needs maintenance? Can you easily remove it?" Another meaningful stare... and a obvious smile of relief. He had come prepared with a truck, a jack, and even a trailer. But alone. No way it could have been done without at least 2 men.
However, by then the sun was way down and there was not enough light to comfortably work in the cubbyhole. Without the generator, not enough power was left in the batteries for a light extension if I wanted to have enough juice for the night. He said he'd be back at around 10 AM mañana, i.e. today. Haven't seen him yet.
A little aside about the law of relativity as it applies to time here in Mexico. Everyone knows that mañana means tomorrow (well... at least technically or linguistically speaking.) Let me disabuse you of this concept. Mañana simply means "not today". As I found out with Los Coyotes and my load of dirt that never made it here. Frustratingly so, it may also mean never. Only in time can one tell.
Yep... patience is a virtue. I fully expect that within a relatively short time by my northern reckoning, I'll become the most virtuous female well practiced in patience between latitudes 19 and 20! At least at this longitude.
2 comments:
nothing is more irritating to me than to have someone not do what they say they will, my virtues are worn thin I guess.
Dixxe, if that is the case, don't ever, well... maybe never consider a move to Mexico. You will spend 99.9% climbing the walls. It is the rule of Mexico. Believe it, for I am a Mexican who has first hand knowledge of this issue.
Suerte, Gigi! BTW, got your note and will get back to you...it is very late now.
Mary Lou
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