Feeling Accomplished

[orange57]

I know many others do their own work as well. But I'm feeling rather accomplished from the work done on my Limited. The truck has 206k on it, original engine and transmission. It had been sitting due to an oil leak at the front end of the pan. I was having trouble getting it to seal. Well, the leak is now gone, it is fixed.

While I had things apart, I also put in a new high flow oil pump, new water pump, thermostat, hoses, idler pulley, tensioner, timing chain kit and CPS. After sitting for probably about 6 months, once all the fluids were in, it fired right up without hesitation.

The engine seems to be more responsive, but maybe it's just placebo from how stretched the old timing chain was. It's nice to have it all back together and able to drive.

Next project, complete suspension refresh. The front end bushings, ball joints, etc are all in pretty bad shape and need updating. May start using this as the daily driver again.

 

[Jason in DLH]

Many great things come after doing ones own work. I avoid mechanics at all costs. Especially the dealership! Great job!

 

[orange57]

Yeah, I do too. I almost took it to the shop to get the oil leak sorted. But, the quote I got back for a pan gasket seemed way high. And I wouldn't have had that other stuff replaced. Spent way less on parts than the shop was quoting for just labor.

But I too try to avoid the dealers/mechanic shops. If my 03 Saab sells soon, I'll daily this while I replace the steering rack on my 2010 Saab.

 

[Jason in DLH]

How much did they quote you to do the pan gasket?

 

[orange57]

How much did they quote you to do the pan gasket?

$700 plus parts.

 

[Jason in DLH]

Whew!

 

[Jason in DLH]

Some days I think I should be a mechanic.

 

[wjburken]

I know many others do their own work as well. But I'm feeling rather accomplished from the work done on my Limited. The truck has 206k on it, original engine and transmission. It had been sitting due to an oil leak at the front end of the pan. I was having trouble getting it to seal. Well, the leak is now gone, it is fixed.

While I had things apart, I also put in a new high flow oil pump, new water pump, thermostat, hoses, idler pulley, tensioner, timing chain kit and CPS. After sitting for probably about 6 months, once all the fluids were in, it fired right up without hesitation.

The engine seems to be more responsive, but maybe it's just placebo from how stretched the old timing chain was. It's nice to have it all back together and able to drive.

Next project, complete suspension refresh. The front end bushings, ball joints, etc are all in pretty bad shape and need updating. May start using this as the daily driver again. View attachment 262500

Glad to here you got in there and tackled these things. I have found that I can save quite a bit if money by doing things in my garage versus paying someone to do it.

On top of saving money there is a visceral satisfaction that you get from taking something apart and putting back together in a better condition.

Keep it up and be sure to post up your accomplishments. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Lots of folks here that are willing to share from their experiences. As you can, might offer up some advice based on what you have done and learned as well. That’s what makes this forum such a great source of knowledge.

 

[Jason in DLH]

I find working on my truck therapeutic (most of the time). Just me, the truck, and my music. I’ll even take those bloodied knuckled jobs over paying someone else to do it. The satisfaction is priceless.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Great work! As you work on your own truck, you save money and increase your own personal knowledge base.

That's a Win-Win.

And, if you ever get stuck and need advice/recommendations on any issues, folks here are glad to assist you.

 

[Tbruz]

Congrats!
I also use planned car repair projects as therapy; you get a great sense of accomplishment and you can leverage off of your successes and failures too. Next time try something harder or outside of your immediate comfort zone.
My favorite line to use when considering doing a job myself or not is
"....these guys aren't smarter than I am, they just have experience.
My secret is that they aren't smarter than me with this whole Forum standing behind me!
Tbruz

 

[orange57]

Oh yeah. I have been working on my cars for over 20 years now. This one was just a huge accomplishment more so due to other activities. I have a garage full of tools I have used once or twice, and justified purchasing them based on how much I was saving not going to the shop.

Most of the time it is a relaxing hobby. But with all of the other stress going on lately it hasn't been as therapeutic. Hoping it gets back to that some day.

 

[Squirrelsmith]

don't use energy suspension polyurithane when you rebuild the front end. i made that mistake

 

[rchurch5945]

Squirrelsmith - why do you say not to use Energy Suspension poly bushings? I just rebuilt my front suspension and used them. I hope I didn't mess up! I used plenty of lube and have about 2000 miles on it and so far so good.

 

[orange57]

Looking at Rock Auto they have some kits. But I'll probably end up going with mostly Moog parts. Have used a lot of their stuff and always find it to be good quality.

 

[Tbruz]

Orange57 is your Tahoe 4WD?
Did you need to jack up the engine to get out the oil pan for the gasket replacement or is there enough room to drop the pan.
Staring at a oil pan gasket replacement myself and I'm not 100% sure I personally want to tackle it.
Thanks
Tbruz

 

[orange57]

Mine is RWD. I still had to jack the engine a couple inches to get the pan out. Was pretty easy to do. The bolts for the motor mounts came out easily and lifted it to slide things in and out.

I hear it is more involved for 4wd. It's not the worst job, but I feel is still a pretty big one compared to other oil pans I have done.

 

[Tbruz]

Thanks Orange. Mine is 4WD and I'm not feeling the desire to do this one myself.
Tbruz

EDIT: my mechanic charged me 5 hours labor to do this; I had the oil cooler lines replaced at the same time so that may have added an extra .5 hour. I found this pretty reasonable.