Purchased a used 97 4runner with 50k miles this year. Not sure on the history, but it has me wondering because those miles are ridiculous and there was a non tamper odometer statement with the Runner. So who knows what else I am in store for, but so far this is my fun thus far...
Exhaust leak, rear wheel bearing click, toasted starter, heater line rupture.
She had some rust on her (New England car) so the exhaust leak and heater line rupture aren't too surprising. The rear wheel bearing and the starter have made me sad! For good measure I am running a synthetic tranny fluid that my local tranny shop approved of. I also replaced the inner seals and a bleeder valve on one of the backing plates while I was digging into the rear wheel bearings.
Today I set out on replacing the starter with a reman. Getting it out wasn't too much fun. I am a weekend warrior mechanic and rely heavily on my father who I would considered a seasoned Vet and my grandfather who just won't let you have fun alone
wave: Move over kids, I got this!)
First step, disconnect battery. Second step take off pass. wheel and rubber flaps in the wheel well. Jack on the control arm and jack stand about where the passenger sits allowing me some space to work. All sorts of tools to tackle the task from my grandfather and fathers collection of craziness/awesomeness.
Long story short, unbolted the motor mount, lifted the engine a few inches, disassembled starter and pulled out the top. (tranny dipstick rusted in so I couldn't go the wheel well route) Jacked up just another inch cautiously and slid the new reman. right down in. While screwing in top bolt from passenger wheel well I bumped the line for the rear heater. Low and behold about 2 feet back a rotted section bursts. Tomorrow I will tackle that, most likely running rubber lines instead of coated ones.
I think my boss might tell me to take a hike after calling out for a second day, but I am more than broke and can't afford to pay a shop to take care of these repairs.
Anyone have any fun experiences with starter repairs???
Exhaust leak, rear wheel bearing click, toasted starter, heater line rupture.
She had some rust on her (New England car) so the exhaust leak and heater line rupture aren't too surprising. The rear wheel bearing and the starter have made me sad! For good measure I am running a synthetic tranny fluid that my local tranny shop approved of. I also replaced the inner seals and a bleeder valve on one of the backing plates while I was digging into the rear wheel bearings.
Today I set out on replacing the starter with a reman. Getting it out wasn't too much fun. I am a weekend warrior mechanic and rely heavily on my father who I would considered a seasoned Vet and my grandfather who just won't let you have fun alone
wave: Move over kids, I got this!) First step, disconnect battery. Second step take off pass. wheel and rubber flaps in the wheel well. Jack on the control arm and jack stand about where the passenger sits allowing me some space to work. All sorts of tools to tackle the task from my grandfather and fathers collection of craziness/awesomeness.
Long story short, unbolted the motor mount, lifted the engine a few inches, disassembled starter and pulled out the top. (tranny dipstick rusted in so I couldn't go the wheel well route) Jacked up just another inch cautiously and slid the new reman. right down in. While screwing in top bolt from passenger wheel well I bumped the line for the rear heater. Low and behold about 2 feet back a rotted section bursts. Tomorrow I will tackle that, most likely running rubber lines instead of coated ones.
I think my boss might tell me to take a hike after calling out for a second day, but I am more than broke and can't afford to pay a shop to take care of these repairs.
Anyone have any fun experiences with starter repairs???
