Any mechanics?

[Mugz]

I don't plan to have the truck too much longer. I am basically patching what I need to in order to keep it on the road. Hope to have it for another month or two. I am just trying to avoid the big ticket fixes.
The dealer replaced the U joint on the driveshaft yesterday.....

I am also going to check the library to see if they have a set of those manuals....(can't remember the last time I went there)...DUH.

When I do the water pump I plan on doing a radiator flush as well. lots of coolant.
Thanks for the tips. I'm saving myself about $250 doing it myself.

[beamie]

Mugz,

Look at it this way. Like you I have an old truck... '91 Dakota....spending 500 to 700 on ocassion to keep it going reliable.

The way I look at it, it is allot cheaper than a new truck loan payment at $400 a month.

[taJon]

You can just buy the coolant premixed, same price too. A little easier that way. The manuals are $20 and the info in them will save you lots of cake. My manual has kept my Jeep going and extra year already and I don't see it being replaced too soon.

[Mugz]

Job is done.......wasn't as bad as I thought.......BUT.......
I took everything apart so I could get to the water pump. Inspected it and there wasn't a leak around it (like the dude at the dealer warned!!). He told me that since it's leaking the spindle on the inside was trashed..........NOT THE CASE. The thing spun fine!!!
I called the dealer and couldn't get the service manager, they said he wasn't there. I'll give him an earful tomorrow. They tried bilking me on $700 for something that wasn't broke???!!!!!! I have some mechanical sense so I'm not a fool.
Replaced the thermostat, serpentine belt and flushed the radiator. All back together and running fine....
Thanks for the tips.

[JohnR]

Was there any wetness / run off marks around the hole where the pump shaft goes through the housing? Coolant can leak past the bearing once worn. Usually first sign of impending doom...

[Squid kids Dad]

When the water pump leaks it leaks out the vent hole,,When you you take it out its not visible..(ie a crack) Only visible when a pressure check is made...

[Mugz]

I did some research about this and they actually had a Manual (unwrapped) at the auto parts store that I looked at. Talked about the "weap hole"...NOT A LEAK, NO WATER or SIGNS OF Leakage!!!

Bearing was fine inside. I have some experience with bearings and this was fine. The guy was Bullsh!ting me.......