97 Yukon… she lives!!

[CaRs_4x4]

Slowly, so so slowly, getting my old 97 Yukon up and running again. About 8 years ago, right after dropping a rebuilt transmission in her our mechanic told us something in the steering column (or something steering related) had gone bad and it wasn’t safe to drive. The fix was going to be about $3000 which was not possible for us then. So we parked her

Over the years we have worked on as much of the interior as possible, but life and a couple of human damage from accidents really sidelined her progress.


A couple months ago we finally had an opportunity to get her back into the shop (apparently very few places here will even look at someone of her advanced age ). Right after we dropped her off the shop was bought out by a national company. So now I have questions.


For one I know I went over how long she sat (8years) and asked what needed to be done to get the engine running. We pick up and the oil hasn’t been changed; right back to have it done. Now (and after that I should have checked) we find out they broke the hood latch, I get the age but please just let me know, the oil stick is not changed and there is barley any coolant in the tank. And somehow the steering thing is supposedly no longer an issue?

My question is what would you do to an engine that sat for 8 years? What would you change? Look for? I had worked with this shop for 15 years and several cars so I just took for granted that they would tell me what wood need to be done. After the buyout I have noticed most of the guys I knew are gone and stupid things are being done like not replacing the oil stickers or putting the wrong mileage on them. Kinda questioning my trust in them, but pretty happy that they got her running!! Is it weird that the tires didn’t need to be replaced? They don’t seem to have any flat spots or signs of dry rot.

What was listed as replaced battery, fuel pump, filter, and relay; cleaned gas tank, and replaced fuel lines.

Thanks!!!
Jenny

 

[OBSandaNNBS]

Slowly, so so slowly, getting my old 97 Yukon up and running again. About 8 years ago, right after dropping a rebuilt transmission in her our mechanic told us something in the steering column (or something steering related) had gone bad and it wasn’t safe to drive. The fix was going to be about $3000 which was not possible for us then. So we parked her

Over the years we have worked on as much of the interior as possible, but life and a couple of human damage from accidents really sidelined her progress.


A couple months ago we finally had an opportunity to get her back into the shop (apparently very few places here will even look at someone of her advanced age ). Right after we dropped her off the shop was bought out by a national company. So now I have questions.


For one I know I went over how long she sat (8years) and asked what needed to be done to get the engine running. We pick up and the oil hasn’t been changed; right back to have it done. Now (and after that I should have checked) we find out they broke the hood latch, I get the age but please just let me know, the oil stick is not changed and there is barley any coolant in the tank. And somehow the steering thing is supposedly no longer an issue?

My question is what would you do to an engine that sat for 8 years? What would you change? Look for? I had worked with this shop for 15 years and several cars so I just took for granted that they would tell me what wood need to be done. After the buyout I have noticed most of the guys I knew are gone and stupid things are being done like not replacing the oil stickers or putting the wrong mileage on them. Kinda questioning my trust in them, but pretty happy that they got her running!! Is it weird that the tires didn’t need to be replaced? They don’t seem to have any flat spots or signs of dry rot.

View attachment 461953

What was listed as replaced battery, fuel pump, filter, and relay; cleaned gas tank, and replaced fuel lines.

Thanks!!!
Jenny

Fuel system definitely comes to mind, but that sounds like you're set there.
Check out anything rubber...coolant hoses, engine belts, etc.
Not sure if rodents are a problem in your area but check wiring for visible damage, but if it's running then your probably OK.

What's the mileage? It sat in the garage?
Nice truck and best OBS color imo. Nice petina too.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I loved my 1997, and I ran it until it was no longer financially feasible to continue. I still miss her.

I would suggest that you continue bringing her back and up to par, as recommended by the folks above.

Your steering issue (if it comes back again) is a simple fix, and GM made a delete kit for their EVO steering assist package, which was a total engineering failure.

 

[exp500]

Regarding the steering issue.... Were Ball Joints or Steering box mentioned?
Is the truck currently running? If not running, remove spark plugs squirt in oil and penetrant, let sit for a day. Try to crank over with starter.Plugs Removed, If it spins over great. If not squirt again and repeat. Report back findings in this thread.

 

[OBSandaNNBS]

I loved my 1997, and I ran it until it was no longer financially feasible to continue. I still miss her.

I would suggest that you continue bringing her back and up to par, as recommended by the folks above.

Your steering issue (if it comes back again) is a simple fix, and GM made a delete kit for their EVO steering assist package, which was a total engineering failure.

97? I knew you had good taste, sir!