Rocinante was a real sport this weekend. Threw the power steering belt somewhere between Phoenix and San Bernardino, ran low on coolant (no leaks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> ) on the way home, but aside from puking power steering fluid all over the place (backpressure?), he managed 18mpg at 70-75mph the whole way with the temp gauge only getting as high as normal operating temperature if I sat in line at the gas pumps more than a minute or two. Even managed to tackle the hills outside Coachella and Palm Springs with aplomb. Solid.

So, quick question. I have the vent tube for the PS fluid reservoir vented into an empty beer can strapped to the lower radiator hose. It's full and I've got drips and spills everywhere. I'm actually enjoying driving without PS at this point (better road feels), so I wonder what's the best way to "delete" power steering on the truck? Is there a way to stop the fluid being pushed back out?

And here's a couple pictures of Rocinante at the rally.

We were in Ridgecrest, about 100 miles SW of Death Valley. Took us about 90 minutes to get to the far side of the mountains and begin our climb into the trees.


Lining up at the intersection of Kelso Valley and Piute Mountain roads to drive out to our road block positions.


Other side for a little flex.


I must have waved down a dozen people on dirt bikes Saturday. Had a couple hang out with me while the race cars went by, too. Good people... even if they do fly past you at 60 on the rear wheel like they own the place sometimes.


I pretty much spent the whole day parked at that spot. My tactical call sign was "Pinecone Bravo." I moved into some better shade after a bit.


Picture taken from the road. This is how far I was from rally cars doing 60mph in the middle of a R5 < 50 kink into L3 ! NC, fence outside. (Translation: Right 5th gear corner opens 50 meters kink into left third gear corner - caution - no cut, fence outside.)


As I was busy reporting each vehicle as it passed my location over the radio, I didn't have time to snap pictures of the race cars, but I had to get one of my buddy Dan, who got the honor of driving the 0 car at this event. For those who don't know, this is how we run traffic down rally stages:

00 - "double zero" is usually the organizer or such, drives casually to make sure road blocks are all setup and everyone is ready. The road is closed behind him.
0 - "zero car" leaves the start at speed once 00 has cleared the course and is comfortable with security/safety. Keep in mind, this is a volunteer in a street car with a ham radio driving as fast as he's comfortable down the officially closed road.
# Once 0 is far enough down the stage to not be caught by rally cars (sometimes it's a guy in a daily driver Subaru, others it's a guy in a non-competing rally car), the competitors are sent down the road on 1 or 2 minute intervals.
SWEEP - after the last competitor leaves, sweep leaves. This tends to be a truck or SUV, but for HDT, it was Carlos, the Adventure Celica (Dukar on this board).
EMTS - the EMTs generally drive right behind SWEEP. In other words, if there's a serious crash, we can stop the stage and have EMTs on location in a matter of minutes.
Heavy Sweep - Sweep might nudge someone stuck on a berm, but if sweep passes, you're out. If Heavy Sweep has to pull you back over onto your wheels or drag you out of a ditch, you're also out.

Anyway, here's Dan in his Impreza.


Coming back down Piute Mountain after my block was decommissioned. This is looking east (hotel and Death Valley are on the other side of those mountains on the horizon). That dirt road down in the valley by the river and greenery is the road I'm on in this picture.


If you like fast cars and driving out into the boonies, you should really google around a bit and find the nearest rally. Chances are very good they could use the volunteers and you'll have a great time.

I like the paint! Looks like a good time. How long is the course?

Thanks mate.

Total competitive miles for HDT this year came to 127, if I recall. Technically, it was more miles of racing than and 1/3 the cost of the big really America event the same weekend. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I've got some Gen 1 Power steering parts if you change your mind and want to fix the PS. Otherwise get a manual steering gearbox off of a mighty max.

That was the only time I saw you up there, as I went zipping by in the Celica. Not bad gas mileage at all, for driving such a brick on 31" tall tires. If we can't race, volunteering is always a great option, and a good way to see the action at rallies. Right now, I can't imagine trying to driving my Mits. that far, even if it was running.

-Jon

I have a complete, ready to go Gen 1 power steering pump/reservoir for you, DR, for the low, low price of nothing if you come get it.

John B.

Thanks guys.

Fixing the PS is as simple as replacing the belt. I'm just curious about the risks associated with driving a PS truck without the PS pump in action, and if not, how to stem the tide of PS fluid going everywhere.

Jon, these trucks are great on the road. Probably similar to rolling with Carlos the Adventure Celica. Windows down, headphones, good times.

Thanks again, guys.

I was at the Rally too ... Had to deal with some of the race cars I prep.. I tryed to say Hi to you but you looked at me as if I had two heads ..? .. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />.. And I had to get to some tuning on a WRX so I could not say Hi...

The power steering will piss oil if the belt is not on ... You sure you want man steering...? .. You will have a hard time on driving in 4x4 with man steering...

Like that time in Crown King, Brian was standing next to you and i said "Brian, you know David right?" and he looked all confused for a full minute before he figured it out. Then the lights came on "Oh! RIGHT! bla bla bla bla rally stuff bla bla bla" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Thanks, Dave. When/where did we cross paths at HDT? Parc Expose? I was still a bit dazed from the drive in. And, considering the old friends I hung out with all weekend, I might have actually seen two heads on you if this was in town. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sorry to leave you hanging. I can picture you in my mind's eye, mate. Not sure WTF was wrong with me.