I write this from a hotel in NorCal, with a Toyota 4runner sitting outside. This was not my intended situation for my bay area visit.

My original truck problem (hesitation followed by black smoke) was a suspected EGR problem (common on the 6.0s). After replacement of basically the entire EGR system, the problem continued to persist, now with a check engine light for a faulty Ignition Control Pressure sensor. After that was replaced, the problem.. still continued to persist. ($3500 worth of work, though most of it covered under the powertrain warranty.. thank god)

As I had already overstayed my welcome in Malibu (30 day max), I had to put the Airstream into storage and rent a car to get me and Mr. Magic up to NorCal. The truck is in the parking garage at work, as I figured it was pointless to take it back to the same dealer, and I had to get on the road. I’ll be back down there in a week, to start the fight again.

This is an interesting situation — I’ve never been so dependent on my vehicle. If things broke in the past, there was always a car to borrow, and timeframes never really mattered. It always worked out, because there were no deadlines. The whole 30-day-max-stay in Malibu makes things a little touchy here. (Also, Malibu went to their summer rates, which is going to make this a very expensive month..) Anyway, we’ll see how things go next week. New mechanic.

It’s days like this that I wish I had the old bulletproof 7.3L diesel. Or a Toyota. (Ok, maybe not a toyota, as they only have short beds on their big trucks. And no diesels.)

Posted in: Travel Hell