Recent content by SwiftRunner

I used to sell used cars so I know something about them. Everyone in the repair business thinks they are an expert in this when in fact they don't actually look at the situation. First of all, take the time you spend to shop for a vehicle. How much is your time worth? Second, you aren't...

Big Bucks Today I paid my repair bill and took the SUV away from the shop. It cost me $3,854.75 for a rebuild of the engine. They replaced the head gasket, had the head machined elsewhere, put in a new timing belt and belt wheel, replaced the starter and rear main seal, and it runs great...

First of all, the way you proceed will depend on a major decision. I have been advised since my last post by a Mechanic friend not to do the job myself partly because it requires specialty tools. Spending more on a vehicle than it's blue book value can be a hard pill to swallow, but I have...

Head Gasket First of all, I am in the same situation. I have been reading and posting on this forum for a year now and mulling over the decision. I know the passenger side head gasket leaks and has been getting worse. I think that the driver's side leaks as well, but the passenger side...

I worked for Jeep when AMC owned them. That's a great job you did. How about rebuilding my engine?

Interesting thread Great thread, Cap'n. Keep up the good work, you must have done something like this before. I'll have to google earth Manitowoc, WI., but I was wondering if you or your dad every worked in the Jeep factory.

First of all I did that same kind of tow using a chain with a Pontiac Sunbird that had seen a timing belt failure. It is considered illegal in Mass., though. Luckily we didn't go far i.e. the nearest garage and didn't encounter a cop. Second, I found this sentence in the Chilton manual...

So you enjoy the skinned knuckles, lack of sunshine, filthy conditions and the company of uneducated morons?

Funny. Actually, if I had my 4runner when I did most of my back country travelling I would have had a lot more fun but less of an adventure. Since we sold the airplane, I have a hanger and two car garage fillled with three vehicles to break my back on. Luckily, I don't have to venture far...

Oh, Ya? What?

Just a question. Do you guys ever make it out of the garage?

Actually, I suspected and verified that all the 3.4 5VZFE is would be a 3VZE bored out. A rebuild can be time consuming and depends a lot on what has to be done. Even the guys down at the Jiffy Lube can remove an engine and replace it in a short time. I'm not dissatisfied with the power in my...

It's an Iron Block. I recommend swapping it out for the 3.4. It's not as difficult a job as a rebuild, but you have to co-ordinate the delivery and mechanical work.

STP Stop Leak The two bottles of STP Stop Leak which I added to the oil has helped. I notice an obvious slowing of the leaks. It is still dripping so today I may crawl under the vehicle and wash it off again. Nevertheless, the dip stick shows a full engine and has been giving a steady reading.

This is not a perfect world. First of all, resorting to personal insults really does not attract intelligent readers. Second, your 18 year old engine will leak oil if it has seen any use. There's a practical side to using it for it's expressed purpose i.e. going somewhere and doing that...