Saturday, March 29, 2008

wow - should it look like that???

Today I got Randi up on ramps to replace the lower radiator hose and do an oil change. The hose went on okay after I trimmed about 1/2 inch from the radiator end, so I filled the radiator with water to see if there were any leaks from the bottom... after everything had dried off, there was a slow but steady drip - I'm guessing that there's a small crack where the neck meets the radiator. It's a pain but easily fixed.

Next, I grabbed the oil-change pan and a 9/16 socket and started draining the oil... which seemed to have the consistency of pancake batter (ugh). I guess sitting for two years is not good for the viscosity (heh). After about an hour there was still sludge dripping from the drain hole, so I plugged it back up. I am going to get a oil pan gasket, pull the pan, scoop the remaining sludge and clean the pan properly... this will also allow me to inspect the bottom of the engine while I am there. It also has made me rethink postponing the changing of the differential, transmission and transfer case fluids - who knows what kind of goop those have turned into in the last two years?

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Maintenance, Round 1

I started working on the Jeep in earnest on Saturday... first, I put two of the new wheel/tire assemblies on the rear axle and got her off of the jackstands. The original tires are P235/75R15, so I know they will fit and look good when I buy the BFG All-Terrain T/A's but it does look odd to have the smaller tires on the back and the larger tires on the front (heh). Then I replaced the fuel filter, PCV valve and air filter, followed by a good dose of B-12 Chemtool spray on the carb to remove some of the varnish - eventually, I'll need to remove it and give it a proper cleaning, but this will do for now.


Next, I tackled the upper radiator hose and thermostat. It went smoothly, and I noticed that the block still had a lot of coolant mix inside (especially when I dumped most of it on me by removing the bottom hose at the radiator!), so the block didn't crack. By this time it was fairly dark and I decided to postpone replacing the bottom hose, since there wasn't a lot of room for my huge mitts to get a driver on the clamp screw.... I may have to remove the fan (bleah). 


Another thing that I have noticed is that the vacuum lines are in various states of decay; the 258 I-6 has a rather Byzantine vacuum tree, and I'm not really looking forward to redoing the whole thing, but if I must... I certainly want this engine to run as good as it can!


Before I do anything, though, I am going to move it from it's current resting place and put it where I can work a little easier- then I will change the oil/filter and do the bottom radiator hose.


Once that is done and I've flushed the block / radiator and replaced the coolant mix it will be time to check the plugs, wires, cap and rotor, and see if she'll start! I'm hoping to her running by mid-April, but we will see. There is a lot to do!

Friday, March 21, 2008

Randi's Bio Sheet - wave to the crowd!

1990 Jeep Wrangler (4/90, Brampton ON)
  • AMC 258 cid (4.2l) I-6 ("T" engine code)
  • 2 bbl Carter carburetor
  • 5 spd. Aisin AX-15 manual transmission
  • NP231 transfer case (2.72 low)
  • Dana 30 Front axle (reverse-cut) (3.07)
  • Dana 35c Rear axle (3.07)
  • P235/75R15 (28.8") on stock rims (15x6)
  • Pioneer CD player / Jensen Sound Bar
  • Red / Spice Soft Top
  • Custom 2x6 rear bumper :)

New Shoes and other parts

Last night, Dawn and I went to Oak Hill to pick up some new wheels & tires... I found a guy on Craigslist, Jay, that had four wheels with tires (mounted) and one new tire (unmounted) for $75... I couldn't pass that up :) This will allow me to get Randi rolling, and I can put BFG's on the original rims later. The tires are in good shape, and have plenty of tread for inspection.

I am heading over to the parts store this afternoon to pick up the first batch of goodies, and plan to work on the Jeep this weekend. I should have updates and pics then.

** UPDATE**

Parts for this weekend's activities:
  • Steering wheel cover
  • Oil + Filter
  • Fuel Filter
  • Air Filter
  • PCV Valve
  • Radiator Hoses/Clamps
  • Thermostat
  • Coolant
  • Wiper Blades
  • B-12 Chemtool (spray & liquid)

The goal is to get the engine running and the tires changed out... depending on the condition / level of the differentials, transfer case and transmission, Randi may even move a bit :)

The Saga Begins....

Our story thus far:

Earlier in March (or was it February?), I rehydrated the battery and put a charge on it... I am quite sure that I will have to replace the battery, but if it will last long enough to get it running, good enough. I have also determined that:
  • All the hoses / belts need replaced
  • All the fluids (oil, coolant, differentials, transfer case) need replaced
  • The front tires and spare are holding air, but the rear tires are flat... don't know if that's from valve stem leakage or something more serious yet.
  • The steering wheel will need a cover, and possibly replaced. 
  • The front seats, ditto. 
  • The top will be replaced, but in the short term a Bikini Top will do nicely (c'mon, she's a JEEP). 
  • The fender-flares are cracked and need replacing as well.
  • I plan to put a square-tube bumper on the rear.
I am planning for BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/As, in LT235/75R15 - this will give a 1" lift over the stock p205/75R15, without requiring a body-lift. They will also not overload the axles, so I should have fairly close to stock performance without having to change gears.

The first priority will be performing all the routine maintenance checks / tasks to get her running after two years of rest, then any safety-related maintenance... once she has been inspected and ready to roll, then I can worry about cosmetics and toys :)

Spring Project 2008 is born!


It's been four years since my last Spring Project, so I am due for a new one... and, fortunately, I have one in my front yard! Dawn's 1990 Jeep Wrangler, Randi,  has been sitting for two years waiting for some TLC, and I'm just the guy to do it... it's been a while since I got to exercise my shade-tree mechanic skills, so let's get started! :)

As usual, I will post updates on my progress, as well as photos that will document the transformation from lawn ornament to mud-slingin', rock-hoppin' beast!