Oh oh, Ranger home, but got a ride with someone. I know this is not going to be good when I finally hear about it. In he comes liek everything is normal, I have to wait. Finally, must ask? - Where is the truck?? "DON'T EVEN ask...." Ok I won't. wait, wait, wait. "Do you want to give me a ride up there, I gotta get the truck home." Sure, what's wrong with it. It won't start. OK, lets go.
Now I have been through a couple of scenearios like this before, so while the man is getting food and ready, I take the time to surreptitously throw my adapter, that changes my lighter into a electrical plug, and a couple of drop lights. Also my tool box, a blanket, snacks, all flashlights that can be found into my trunk.
After due time, he is ready to go. On the way up I am told the starter won't turn over. Everything else is OK. So, he just want to try to cross the wires on the solenoid, see if it'll start so we can get it home. Fine with me, good idea. Luckily its not too cold.
Alas, we get there......what a pain it is to reach the starter these days. He's got to crawl under the truck on the ground (last time I worked on a starter, you could just reach in the hood and get a hold of it). All sorts of horrible crap rains down on him. Mud, caked junk, undercoating. My job it to stand silently nearby and fetch what is required. This goes on for a while. I have managed to find a hammer, very small wrecking bar, ratchet all by myself. Whoops, need metric - well, I just happen to carry metric tools as my car is a subbie. Whew. Starter is off, but can't pull wires because need too many hands to hold starter steady and work plug. I suggest I can come under and help hold. After much thought, that idea is approved. Under truck I go. More crap rains down on us.
While working on wires, we get another load of stuff falling off the underside. Now we have actual large black items in eyes. We must both get out from under the truck. My damage is minimal, but Ranger can't really open eyes. Get the matches out. Thanks god for books of matches, pull one off and dig out the junk. After a few minutes we get all the chunks out. back under truck we og.
Starter off, wires disconnected. Tools all picked up. Extensions, lights packed. Old starter thrown in floor. Get a rebuilt one tomorrow.
Its 2:30 am when we get home. Pretty well worked up from the strain and stress of the job. Take a minute to unwind, then get a little sleep before kiddies need to be gotten up.