Project 7.3

[Bduck]

Been getting an engine code for a while now but procrastinated its repair since my truck hasn't seen much duty for a couple of months. The code didn't trigger a check engine light but indicated with a code reader in the start circuit pointing directly to glow plug circuit (diesel engine). When warm weather was about start was ok but would give off a slight blue smoke and clear up immediately. One of the first items to change is a start relay to the glow plugs which I had one to go south before. This relay is also recommended to replace whenever glow plugs are to be replaced. I've had the glow plugs replaced before but its been over 100K miles since, I had a shop to do it which labor charges dug deep into the pocket combined with other work at that time performed. I avoided doing glow plugs knowingly they were under the valve covers as with the fuel injectors. Now, labor alone to replace G-plugs is $500. Since colder outside temps have set in the truck has become harder to start. Once started it would buck kicking out a heavy blue smoke until all cylinders would clear up idling correctly. I decided to take on the task as a 2-day project parking my boat outside and garaging the truck. G-Plugs $130 for 8ea, valve cover gaskets with internal harnesses for injectors & G-Plug connectors $60ea, truck mileage is over 207K. It is by recommendation the harness be replaced as it breaks down over time and getting disturbed during removal process. The harness is either sold separately from valve cover gasket or mounted on the gasket. As I did the project, I found that it wasn't as bad as my thoughts indicated. The only issue I had was stepping up on a step ladder to reach over on all of the work and kneeling on top of radiator to reach far back of the engine. I have terrible knees which enduring the pain afterwards wasn't pleasant. Starting issues resolved, no more bucking or blue smoke.
I have 2 other projects I'm lining up adding to my to do list. One is resealing the oil pan dipstick holder mounted in the side of oil pan (leaking) and the other is the low oil pressure pump (LPOP) behind the harmonic balancer. The LPOP I can purchase either the common stock part for $100 or an upgrade which increases volume flow for over $500 which I've elected to do the upgrade. I don't have plans to buy a newer truck as this is my last one and wanting to further the longevity.

[wiperhunter2]

You have done well, keeping that beast going for over 200K and doing all the work yourself must be tough but with the high cost to repair them at the shop, I don't blame you for doing as much as possible yourself. It almost makes you wonder if buying that car repair insurance would be worth it. 

[Bduck]

Hey Curt, doing those projects helps saves some money that can be put fwd. into other projects. Sometimes I don't mind doing them but physically it can take its toll nowadays depending what's involve. My wife bought into the home repair insurance about 3yrs ago only to get stung by them. I won't buy auto repair insurance for reasons like the home repair. I also find several times I need to buy an auto part there is 2-3 options offered to extend a warranty mostly when a purchase is online. When there is a local purchase options can be either for a part remanufactured that has a 1yr warranty or pay extra for a new part with a lifetime. I've done the lifetime from NAPA for an alternator which I have used 4 times over the years. Another time was before Checker Auto were still around, I replaced a starter with a 1yr warranty on my old Bronco. Headed to Calif a couple months later and made a stop for gas in Winnemucca, Nv. The vehicle would not start, starter went Kaputs, so I was lucky there was a Checker Auto locally. They had a lifetime on a starter on their shelf, since the starter on my vehicle was still in warranty it was used towards new starter. Those folks at Checker brought me the new starter after making the purchase over the phone with credit card. I always carried tools and was able to replace the starter.

[wiperhunter2]

They really talk those auto insurances up on TV, like they will fix anything that goes wrong but I'm always leery about buying into things like that.