speaking of cars

[Gravdigr]

Originally Posted by sad_winslow

...motorized vehicles, i have decided, are stupid.

Since 1982 anyway...

[tw]

Originally Posted by sad_winslow

i guess the idler arms are wearing out in the steering, and i may need to replace the belt tensioner on the serpentine.

What vehicle in 30 years still has an idler arm? That was obsoletely even by a 1972 Ford Pinto.

BTW, an idler arm is easy to change (but only if you also can change your own oil).

[Undertoad]

99 GMC Safari

[tw]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

99 GMC Safari

At 44 horsepower per liter engine - the lowest performance engine in America in 1999. Even worse than a Land Rover. It probably uses throttle body fuel injection.

According to Consumer Reports, the least reliable of all 11 vans (tied with a Chevy van). Consumer Reports lists that 1999 model as a used car to avoid every year after 1999. And also lists it as a repeat offender - 22 vehicles that are routinely much worse than average.

A classic example of 1960s technology - obsolete - dumped into the market to maximize GM profits. Highest failures involve body, electrical, brakes, suspension, and transmission.

HP/liter number and reliability explains why an idler arm and worm gear steering would exist. Even early 1990 Buicks did not have that obsolete technology.

To keep this vehicle from wandering, steering also can be restored by adjusting that worm gear about every 10,000 or 20,000 miles.

[sad_winslow]

It probably tied with a chevy van because it *is* a chevy van. The GMC Safari and the Chevy Astro are the same bag o' bolts.

It may not rate the best vehicle in the world, but for better or worse (hopefully better) it's more or less what I was handed, and it's what I'll roll with for now. It has a bit of go to it, can carry or tow a buttload, isn't horrifically uncomfortable to cruise in, eats gas and requires some maintenance.

I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, but I can change my own oil. Usually I end up paying someone else for it, though, just out of pure convenience - it doesn't save that much money given the hassle. Though actually, with this beast now big enough for me to actually slide under - unlike my old car that I had to drive up on blocks or similar - it could be easier to do a bit of work on it myself. The only other car work I've done is (besides changing a tire) replacing the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor in my old car once. And I know enough not to fall for the old "this here is your air filter, want us to change it for only $40" trick.

I need to get the complete service guide/chilton's or similar for this so that I know how to even begin working on it. The downside is that the hood being so short it looks like a bit of a PITA to get in without disemboweling a whole handful of ancilliary systems on the way in. The upside is that I've learned a good bit about it.

I also actually found an independent mechanic's shop that I think I trust, unlike the gross chain I was going to. I get the impression that I may not have even needed to replace my old car if I'd been taking it to them first. Slightly more expensive hourly (and out here, that's saying something, hello California), but after a couple conversations with the actual shop owner I was impressed as hell.

[tw]

Originally Posted by sad_winslow

I need to get the complete service guide/chilton's or similar for this so that I know how to even begin working on it.

Chilton manual is often GM's manual with most of GM's information 'abridged' out. Consider purchasing GM's better shop manual, I believe, through Helms in Michigan. That will also provide useful wiring diagrams.

Or try seeking that manual at http://free-pdf-ebook.com. Sometimes one gets lucky with older vehicles.

[Gravdigr]

The only really bad thing I've heard repeatedly is that these vans tend to cook engines. I personally don't know anyone with this problem, but, I hear it a lot.

[Gravdigr]

Originally Posted by sad_winslow

...I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination...I know enough not to fall for the old "this here is your air filter, want us to change it for only $40" trick...

Have you checked the blinker fluid?

[plthijinx]

Originally Posted by Gravdigr

Have you checked the blinker fluid?

ahem. yeah i lol'ed! course i'm prolly setting my self up for failure. changing out my transmission in my truck later today or early next week. DIY cuz money's tight!

[sad_winslow]

Originally Posted by Gravdigr

Have you checked the blinker fluid?

Well, I would have, but I couldn't find my T-square to make sure it's been levelled off proper.

Thankfully the mechanic offered to take care of the problem. They said it normally costs like $200 but gave me a real sweet deal at $60!

wwwaaaaiiit a miinnuutteee...

[Gravdigr]

Have him check your Throckmorton valve while you're at it...

I used to joke with "muffler bearings" too, but a friend at NAPA says that certain BMWs actually have something called a muffler bearing in their catalog.

[sad_winslow]

FWIW, I took the beast for a decently long road trip, about 250 miles roundtrip in terrible weather up and down hills. The gas mileage is fairly atrocious, but it handled quite well. I'm getting used to driving this thing