Today is the day. My mechanic friend, Daniel, was on the boat by 0830 and with great difficulty he removed the injector pump.

As I’ve mentioned, a diesel engine is simpler than a gasoline engine because there’s no spark plug needed, so all of that electrical mess is unnecessary. On the other hand, the point in the cycle at which the high pressure squirt of diesel fuel is injected into the combustion chamber is critical, so “injector timing”, as it’s called, must be preserved when the pump is removed from the engine. According to the literature that I have, there should have been several alignment marks on various parts of the engine and injector pump that allowed the alignment to be maintained when the pump is removed: we found none. Damn! We did the best that we could, and I hope that we have enough. Time will tell.

We removed the pump and drove it over to the Bosch shop, reputedly the only injector shop in French Polynesia, so a rare and fortunate occurrence. As I’ve said, fixing this problem would have been impossible anywhere else but here, New Zealand, or Australia. The pump is at the shop and the injector pump guy is supposed to look at it this afternoon. Whether he just fixes the problem, assuming that he can, or rebuilds the pump, well, that decision is one of price and timing. I’d love to get the pump completely rebuilt and start out with one more new part, but does he have the parts? Can he complete the task before we need to leave? Can we pay for it? As usual, we have considerably more questions than answers. As we learn about it, I’ll write.

We celebrated July 4 (Monday night) here in French Polynesia in a Conni and Bill way. We took our usual afternoon walk and ended up at the Champion grocery store. Baguettes? Yes. Beer? Yes. Steak and fries? Hey, great idea! Conni took control after our sundowners, and pan friend the steaks and baked the fries. As usual, she did a superb job and we enjoyed a good American 4th celebration. Gently rocking along in Papeete, Tahiti. We’ve certainly enjoyed the place.

I completed a few chores yesterday, but we’re completely focused on getting the engine running, and other tasks are going by the way.

Tonight, we decided to visit the roulettes, or diners on wheels, that move into the large open area head of the bay each evening. Several guidebooks say that the best and best priced meals can be had there. We grabbed our stuff and strolled down. We arrived early since most locals eat a bit later, but that gave us a chance to see the roulettes drive in and construct their little dining and cooking areas. We walked around and found a roulette that served suitable Chinese-based food and had a seat. We had a made a great choice since the meals were excellent and generous.

It’s a fascination sight. These trucks drive to some obviously pre-arranged location, and then unfold and unpack to become small restaurants with many tables and chairs, full kitchens, and lots of lighting and help. As we were awaiting our meal, a family-owned business rolled up behind us and was able to see the entire process. There were wide metal-panel sides hinged at the top of the truck, and these were raised on telescoping poles. The panel covering the back of the truck had a folding illuminated sign, folded so that when the panel was raised properly, the sign was glowing vertically on its top. A light switch completed the transformation and they were up and running, using large propane tanks to fire woks and grills.

All of these are family-owned because of the rigorous French labor laws that dictate wages, hours off, firing procedures, and such. It’s if’s your kid, you simply lay down the rules.

In no time at all, there were twenty of these truck/businesses in place, lights shining, and grills wafting delicious smells of Chinese, Polynesian, and Italian foods. One, “Le Boule Rouge” specialized in hamburgers, and reportedly did them well. There’s no power provided so everyone ran on batteries or generators, and cooked on propane. These families were professional and their restaurant businesses were the main income.

We hope to hear from SOPOM tomorrow. I’ll keep your apprised.