Let's visit on the Porch II (vs, cheapest, electric)

[Rickers]

Originally Posted by Threerun

If you love flat you ain't gonna like it.

There are little flats amid the bumps on the west side and there are bumps amid the flat on the east side. Some of the valleys in western Montana's mountains have quite wide flat bottoms. I wouldn't consider Montana to be a state where the east is flat and the west is all mountainous anymore than I would say I would say that all the cloudiness is all on the west side with all the sun on the east side.
It can sure seem that way though.

[Rickers]

I am predicting an early spring this year. I have no idea why as so many said this winter will be long and rough but I have a gut feeling that spring may come early this year. In the last few days a lot of insects have been trying to come out, (or in as the case may be) !
We have seen more spiders, the flies are coming in on warm days, and the longhorn beetles never really went away this year.
Whenever the sun comes out and it warms up a bit they start crawling out of the wood.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_9a8nDInPVGE/TQV3u-gJnoI/AAAAAAAAISQ/GZnb-bTTGwM/s512/IMG_1027-2.JPG (broken link)

[ElkHunter]

Well, let's see if today is any better then yesterday.

Was out of flour, sugar, oil, etc, so figured it was time to run to town. Needed 20 lbs of flour, 20 of sugar and a gallon of oil.

Truck was hard starting. Was about 3 degrees outside but shouldn't have been that bad. Took off for town and the further I went, the slower I got. I've had this happen before and knew that the fuel filter was freezing up on me. It's hard to get fuel to flow through a filter full of ice.

In town I picked up a filter, and the stuff I went after. Coming home, I kept going slower and slower. By the time I got home, I could do 15 mph with both feet flat on the floor. For a while I was wondering how far I was going to have to walk.

I'll put the filter in today just as soon as a friend comes over. Have to bleed the lines and it's hard to crank it over and crack the bleeder up front at the same time.

[janab]

I didn't realize that gas had "moisture" in it? I try to keep my tank at the minimum 1/2 full, that way less condensation builds up and the sticker shock isn't as bad at the filling station :-)

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Originally Posted by Mt-7

Yep I do not miss traffic.
Tell me if I would like living in NW Montana? Hubs is looking at a job

Of course you would! Somewhat warmer (in a relative sort of way), and gorgeous scenery! Just look at Rickers' pics!

[montygarlic]

Originally Posted by Mt-7

Tell me if I would like living in NW Montana? Hubs is looking at a job

Howdy there, 7.

It is a bit cloudier in the valleys of the West side than where you are, especially in the winter months. But, then, that is part of the reason for the average winter temps being so much 'milder' on the West side.

I prefer the views here, (mountains, lakes, rivers) to the East side - not everyone would agree however - a very personal choice. This is still a Big Sky, especially on a clear night where there's no Earth-shine to ruin the viewing.

There's plenty of opportunity for whatever outdoors recreation you enjoy on this side of this great State.

Good luck in researching and making your decision, neighbor!


mg

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by janab

I didn't realize that gas had "moisture" in it? I try to keep my tank at the minimum 1/2 full, that way less condensation builds up and the sticker shock isn't as bad at the filling station :-)

Yes, gas will collect moisture. More importantly, gas will collect moisture from sweat in the tank at the local gas station and then you'll pump in into your car.

However, my truck is diesel. Diesel fuel collects moisture to the point that I've seen moss growing in a diesel tank.

Sticker shock? My pickup holds 147 gallons of fuel. Right now, diesel is $3.35 a gallon.

[Reziac]

That's why some folks pour a can or two of "Heet" into each tank of gas during the winter. It's supposed to prevent gas-line freeze and it sure does make 'em run better.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by Reziac

That's why some folks pour a can or two of "Heet" into each tank of gas during the winter. It's supposed to prevent gas-line freeze and it sure does make 'em run better.

I use "Power Service" in my diesel. It is supposed to do the same thing as Heet. For the most part it does a great job. #2 Diesel is only good down to about -5 and then will Gel up on you. I run straight #2 with a bottle of power service and I have to problems down at -25 or so.

But, filters being what they are, mine did exactly what it was designed for. Filter. haha It plugged gradually, but you don't notice it until there's not enough reservoiur in your fuel line to maintain speed. A week ago, if I'd tried to go 80, I probably would have noticed that it wouldn't do 80. But because I didn't go 80, I didn't notice the fuel reservoir was not up to capacity.

BTW, new filter, she will more then do 80. I know, I tried it out just before lunch.

This morning, we were talking about "Heet". We used to see big sales in it every fall. Sometimes would get down to $ .49 a can. But we haven't seen it in the little cans, or on sale in several years. Tall red plastic bottles on the shelf now and not big sales. 10-12 bottles on the shelf at any given time. They used to put them at the end of the isle, or up front, or as you came in the door. Not any more.

[Threerun]

Originally Posted by rickers

There are little flats amid the bumps on the west side and there are bumps amid the flat on the east side. Some of the valleys in western Montana's mountains have quite wide flat bottoms. I wouldn't consider Montana to be a state where the east is flat and the west is all mountainous anymore than I would say I would say that all the cloudiness is all on the west side with all the sun on the east side.
It can sure seem that way though.

I dunno.. when I was pheasant hunting in Westby it sure was pretty darned flat! Plentywood was flat, Glasgow pretty flat, Havre pretty flat (no wait- there was a speedbump in town )

Heck, Helena valley is flat. We're surrounded by hills, but it's the flattest town I've ever lived in for sure!