Not as dramatic, but this IS a real story because it was my car and my date.
After getting my TR4A (first one, 1985, about a bazillion miles on it) I
spent about 2 weeks doing general maintenance (tuneup, brakes, etc.) which
included replacing the heater hoses, which were cracking. This occurred in
Utah in October. Being unwise in the ways of Triumph, I didn't pay close
attention to the replacement hoses and thus didn't notice that they are two
different sizes (one is 1/2" and the other is 5/8"). I used 5/8" for both
hoses. Since no coolant flows until you open the heater valve, it looked
to be just fine.
There was a tall blonde that I desperately wanted to impress. So when I
was reasonably sure the car was reliable, I spent a cold Saturday washing
and waxing then picked her up at 7. Being quite solicitous of her comfort
(and proud of my new chariot) I offered to turn on the heat. "Yes,
please." Fifteen seconds later hot coolant started dripping onto her white
pants.
I was mortally embarassed. She was actually quite amused by the whole
incident. And unlike Mr. Oil Gauge, she went out with me several times
after that.
|