No problem getting to the shop this morning.  The tech who will do the work was filled in by the service manager/tech that did the diagnostic test on Wed and everyone is cautiously optomistic… at any rate, I have confidence in this place and the tech assigned to do the work. 

Another shop…BUT my tech, Paul, VERY professional and competent but friendly and he loved Karl.  You can see his tool bench is very neat and organized.    He went right to work – we chatted a bit waiting for his computer to sync to the motorhome computer but otherwise he was all business which was a nice contrast to Wed.  In the photo above he is on the far right accessing the Allison computer.  Anyway, it is an internal solenoid gone bad – shorted so sticking and only problem is they didn’t have the right one so it is on it’s way “overnight” but since it’s Friday, that means Monday.  However, since they know for sure the problem, they were able to tell me ok to drive back and forth from Jim n Mary’s – worse case is it (transmission) will decide it only likes one gear – probably 3rd, but definitely not reverse. 

So… we are back at Jim n Mary’s until Monday.  I was paid through Monday and that should let the fire weather calm down a bit.  Monday we don’t have to be at the shop until 10:30 and they think they will have me on the road home 3ish – I’ll be happy with 5ish…anything earlier will be a bonus.

The parts cost is minimal… is it is the 4 hours of labor on Wed, 1.5 today and probably 4 on Monday that is the $$$.  Well, it’s only money and as said before – better here in Missoula, close to home and with an Allison shop – than somewhere without the service options.  The motorhome across from me came in “on the hook” per Paul – broken rear axle – now there is heartbreak!