Shade Tree Mechanic

[TOXIC]

Had to channel my inner mechanic yesterday.  The engine temp on my truck was running up to operating temp which is around 207, then it was dropping down to around 185, then it would climb back up. Yo-yoing constantly while driving.  Both are within operating parameters but it's not normal for my truck and the thermostat is a common failure so I ordered a new original GM off Amazon at 1/2 the price from the dealer.  Wanted to get it installed before the cold and rain settle in this week.  I last seriously wrenched on the jeep, my days of laying on the ground and wrenching are long over.  I did a clutch, throw out bearing, pressure plate, U joints, 4wd actuator, alternator, shocks, steering assist and a host of other small things.  At the time funds were a major consideration, not so much nowadays. I've done some things on my truck/boat/trailer but use a trusted shop for a lot of my work just because time and cost were worth it.  Plugs, wires, transmission service, radiator flush, front and rear differential service, transfer case service, induction cleaning, etc, were all done at the shop.  Sure, I could have done some of that myself but chose not to.  On the truck I’ve personally done Powerstop brakes and slotted rotors, rear Bilstein shocks but I still take it in for oil changes and tire rotations. Watched some YouTube vids and the tstat looked like an easy change so i decided to tackle it myself.  Easy peasy 1,2,3, job right?  Nope.  First, the plastic clips that hold the intake shroud are a pain to hold in and pull off.  As a matter of fact, there's gouges  on the shroud where the shop had a problem getting them off for past work.  There's 2 of them and of course they are different.  One collapses from the top the other from the bottom.  2 other large tubes were good old fashioned screw type hose clamps.  Final 2 clamps after I removed the shroud were radiator squeeze clamps on the thermostat assembly itself.  They have never been removed so squeezing them and moving them up the hose to allow to remove, wasn't possible.  The vids sure as **** didn't show that.  Little ingenuity and some vice grips got that solved.  The 3, 10mm bolts holding the tstat on were the easiest part of the whole job.   Done.  No leaks, test drove, ran up to temp and held.  Best of all.....no bloodshed.  Didn't even bust a knuckle.  There’s a sense of accomplishment you get working on your own gear but at my age, I’m limiting myself to simple tasks above ground level. 

[Scott F]

New cars make even replacing the battery difficult. 

[TOXIC]

4 hours ago, Scott F said:

New cars make even replacing the battery difficult. 

With all of the new sensors, codes and procedures like having to put your brakes into “service mode” in order to put new brake pads on, remind me for the most part, my wrenching days are over.  

[A-Jay]

Nice Job and congrats on getting that squared away.

My rigs are always under warranty.

So a radio knob falls off, GM's got my back.

(and I know I'm paying for it in the long run).

btw-there's also a sense of satisfaction knowing the job is done

by a trained professional, and not me.

#wingit

A-Jay

[Jigfishn10]

You’re a better person than I. Put me in a building and I can repair/build pretty much anything. Open the hood up to a vehicle and I’m scrolling thru my contact list looking for my mechanics phone number to make an appointment  

[Rockhopper]

I love wrenching.  Carry on.