Folks,

First major taking for me ... I have changed Rad's before on all sorts of cars. But this was different. Let me introduce roughly my project. Rad is leaking... so ok, shop for a new one, land one at a good price - $310 (Canadian). Then when I start undoing everything... shroud - fan etc. Notice that the timing chain cover is leaking the green stuff ! So off to the races. Remove the A/C compressor, the alternator, remove the belt, (discover the idle pulley is shot), remove the water pump, and lower pulley with Dampner, then remove the timing chain cover ... removed also the timing chain (I mean i was there anyways) ... re-assmbled the whole thing .... 1st time I went this far .... I somehow feel closer and more connected to my SUV now !
then I changed the oil.......

thought I would share with you guys !

 

It is always nice when you are able to do your own work. I would never take my Dak to someone else to do the work if I didn't have to. Other people view your vehicle as a job; you view it as an investment. This is the difference that always worries me about other people working on something I own. Congratulations.

 

Thanks Virused [8D].... the thing is that the beast has 231,500KM's on it so these things are expected. I bought it from my brother in law who also lent me a hand in the repairs - so it's even a family thing. But you are right, I take pride in knowing what I did, how I did it and knowing it works ... plus it helps when you save a sh_t load on repairs !!