cjrtrio
New member
(actually I'm old/failing too)
A humble hello to you quality people from a newb who has spent a couple of hours searching in this fine forum. Comments and questions below - sorry it's alot.
What a solid machine. I'm humbled. I won't ever forget this machine. Starts smoooooth, no rattles over bumps, won't die...Wisconsin Tourism Federation?!
Well, she's got some issues now - I'm sort of afraid of what lies ahead...so...the question hanging over the proceedings is...can I expect this thing to boogie relatively painlessly into the 250K+ arena? What is the "next disaster" to expect? I may have to retire it to stud if it is going to get permanently gimpy on me.
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Issue 1 - intermittent "choking" (see issue 4 too):
First, I started getting check engine light but it was running well with no issues anywhere in the curve (as much so as can be expected given that I ran for years unknowingly on a mass air flow sensor that was marginal and giving me valve clatter). I replaced the mass air flow sensor then it started "choking" (intermittent/sudden/transient loss of power when accelerating below the 2k rpm and occassionally at highway speeds). It was also idling high or shutting down. Replacing the throttle position sensor (?) fixed the weird idling but it still misfires under low rpm load. Again, starts perfectly and otherwise runs silently/smoothly.
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Issue 2 - timing belt:
I think I need one (gulp)
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Issue 3 - leaking valve cover
Doth stink. Hoping just loose bolts I hear about but I guess gaskets are smart at this point.
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Issue 4 - Plugs/plug wires
I've never replaced them! (Let me just say at this point that I have been an aholian 3g4r owner - I could have addressed every problem straight on but I took advantage of her indestructability - I deserve punishment, I know). Good boy about oil and filters at least.
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Issue 5a - shifing woes - first gear:
Was getting tough to get into first. Combined with above issue, it takes a patient driver to deal with inching traffic type situations. Can't gingerly lug it out from low rpms in 2nd gear and I don't like fanning the clutch in that situation or jamming it into 1st, so I'm a good boy and come to a (frustratingly) complete stop so it goes into first - figure I've only got so much synch left. I'm due for a tran fluid change - I see the gm synchromesh discussion - hoping that'll be a difference maker.
Issue 5b - shifting into 2nd and 4th:
I have to aim or it puts up a fight. I'm given to understand that replacing the tranny shifter seat will fix this prob.
(btw - goes in/out of 4wd fine though sometimes it sticks in 4wd mode and I have to drive a bit before I hear a click and the 4wd light goes off).
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Issue 6: Radiator
My issue is that nobody makes a radiator that lasts a long time...dammit. What's the best replacement unit?
-----
Issue 7: Sagging bootie
I see that this is an issue with the 3g4r. Any good solution other than new springs?
************************
Combined with painting and dent repair, this will cost $7-8billion, right?
Would appreciate the help of sages to point to good posts or just to tell me it's going to be ok. I have the printed factory manual for the body... somewhere...
Peace.
A humble hello to you quality people from a newb who has spent a couple of hours searching in this fine forum. Comments and questions below - sorry it's alot.
What a solid machine. I'm humbled. I won't ever forget this machine. Starts smoooooth, no rattles over bumps, won't die...Wisconsin Tourism Federation?!
Well, she's got some issues now - I'm sort of afraid of what lies ahead...so...the question hanging over the proceedings is...can I expect this thing to boogie relatively painlessly into the 250K+ arena? What is the "next disaster" to expect? I may have to retire it to stud if it is going to get permanently gimpy on me.
-----
Issue 1 - intermittent "choking" (see issue 4 too):
First, I started getting check engine light but it was running well with no issues anywhere in the curve (as much so as can be expected given that I ran for years unknowingly on a mass air flow sensor that was marginal and giving me valve clatter). I replaced the mass air flow sensor then it started "choking" (intermittent/sudden/transient loss of power when accelerating below the 2k rpm and occassionally at highway speeds). It was also idling high or shutting down. Replacing the throttle position sensor (?) fixed the weird idling but it still misfires under low rpm load. Again, starts perfectly and otherwise runs silently/smoothly.
-----
Issue 2 - timing belt:
I think I need one (gulp)
-----
Issue 3 - leaking valve cover
Doth stink. Hoping just loose bolts I hear about but I guess gaskets are smart at this point.
-----
Issue 4 - Plugs/plug wires
I've never replaced them! (Let me just say at this point that I have been an aholian 3g4r owner - I could have addressed every problem straight on but I took advantage of her indestructability - I deserve punishment, I know). Good boy about oil and filters at least.
-----
Issue 5a - shifing woes - first gear:
Was getting tough to get into first. Combined with above issue, it takes a patient driver to deal with inching traffic type situations. Can't gingerly lug it out from low rpms in 2nd gear and I don't like fanning the clutch in that situation or jamming it into 1st, so I'm a good boy and come to a (frustratingly) complete stop so it goes into first - figure I've only got so much synch left. I'm due for a tran fluid change - I see the gm synchromesh discussion - hoping that'll be a difference maker.
Issue 5b - shifting into 2nd and 4th:
I have to aim or it puts up a fight. I'm given to understand that replacing the tranny shifter seat will fix this prob.
(btw - goes in/out of 4wd fine though sometimes it sticks in 4wd mode and I have to drive a bit before I hear a click and the 4wd light goes off).
-----
Issue 6: Radiator
My issue is that nobody makes a radiator that lasts a long time...dammit. What's the best replacement unit?
-----
Issue 7: Sagging bootie
I see that this is an issue with the 3g4r. Any good solution other than new springs?
************************
Combined with painting and dent repair, this will cost $7-8billion, right?
Would appreciate the help of sages to point to good posts or just to tell me it's going to be ok. I have the printed factory manual for the body... somewhere...
Peace.
