304 Jinma – water in fuel

Thanks, Bob.   I got it taken care of.   Unfortunately due to the way it was parked, removing the tank was not an option as the loader was in a position that prevented opening the bonnet.  I flushed the tank a dozen times until it ran clear and purged it with a mix of acetone, methanol and diesel to remove any traces of water.  Mission accomplished – reassembled sediment bowl, fuel line and pumped the primer and cranked it up with the compression release open for a half minute or so.  When I closed the comp release it fired instantly and ran cleanly.   To say I am relieved would be an understatement.  No sign of diesel bugs at all, only tramp water.

As for the health issue, it is what it is.  The new chemo is helping, reducing the new tumors some and easing the pain a bit.  It isn't and won't be a cure, unfortunately, but should buy me a bit more time.  No idea how long, maybe six months, maybe a year. Unlikely it will be more than that, but I am ever hopeful.  In the meantime, I'm getting things in order, as they say, so it won't be as much of a burden for Sally.  No complaints from me, life is uncertain at best and there are never any guarantees it will be long or even pleasant.  Mine has been pleasant for the most part, and always interesting, so I figure I'm ahead of the game.