Need to Vent

[luv2offroad]

Ok, so I definitely need to learn how to fix my own jeep. I love my XJ and wouldn't get rid of it for the world, but I've spent over $2k to a local auto shop for repairs in the last year. First it was the power steering, then the clutch assembly, now it's in for the catalytic converter and a new slave cylinder. Not to mention that the mechanic reminds me every time that I still have an oil o-ring adapter that needs to be replaced. And I keep telling him I'll just keep adding oil. He, also, doesn't hesitate to remind me that I am driving a jeep and that I do take it off-roading, it's going to need repairs. Yea, but I'd rather be feeding my family instead of his.

Ok, I feel better now. I'm sure once I write the check this afternoon I'll need to vent again.

[ROOK1]

I hear Geepfreak is pretty good with a wrench on Jeeps.

[Brad M.]

Your frustration is easily understandable. The great thing about this group is that there are plenty of guys that are willing to help out with stuff like that, just ask around. Also being a member, there are some places that offer a discount for services. You can check the list in the sticky section above the new posts in the IC forum. I believe DaveW posted it. Anyways, good luck with the current sit-y-ation and in the future come here first and give these guys a chance to show their genious and ingenuity... and stuff. :laugh3:

[Geepfreak]

I hear Geepfreak is pretty good with a wrench on Jeeps.


And cheaper..:D

While I was at the Jeep dealership yesterday, overheard and saw a copy of this guys invoice for having "work" done his 2K XJ.

Oil change/greased up everything, rotated tires, checked this diff fluids, did not add. checked tranny fluid levels, inspected brakes, inspected cooling system,

690.00 bucks.

Wish i could charge like that..:D

[Brad M.]

I believe DaveW posted it.

Ok so I was wrong, it was actually posted originally by XJEEPER :)

[luv2offroad]

I've done the actual dealership thing before. I took it in for a problem on my abs brakes and when they called me back with a very long list of "other issues" I promptly told them to leave my jeep alone and went and picked it up. Haven't been back.

As I was married before to a very jealous guy, I just always took the jeep to his preferred mechanic to get fixed. I actually don't mind the mechanic and my ex still complains about how I get better service there then he does. Hmmm, wonder why? ANYWAY, now that I'm free and single, I'll start checking with you guys first.

[Geepfreak]

I'll start checking with you guys first.


Good call..:thumbup:

We might be a bunch'a web-wheelers, but I think DaveW works on his own junk..:D
Speaking of working on our own XJ's, I do need to get that rear axle re-installed...
:smoker:

[jmaxj]

We might be a bunch'a web-wheelers
speak for yourself i just got back from goin out on greenday:laugh3:

[EricT]

I remember back east we would have install parties at JnJ's house for the weekend about once a month. People would come over and we would do everything from routine maintenance to SYE installs, bumper builds and such. If was always a good time. The out of towners (like me and a few others) would spend the night and go about finishing up (or recovering from drinking all night) or go wheeling the next day.

Now you just reminded me I need to do some stuff to the xj myself today.

[DaveW]

Good call..:thumbup:

We might be a bunch'a web-wheelers, but I think DaveW works on his own junk..:D
Speaking of working on our own XJ's, I do need to get that rear axle re-installed...
:smoker:

If you can turn a wrench these guys can help you get it done.
One of the main reason to do work yourself is so you can do repairs on the trail.
Even if you start with the simple stuff it helps give you some peice of mind.
And if you hang around enough the mechanics can't give you a snow job.:D

[JEEPZZ]

speak for yourself i just got back from goin out on greenday:laugh3:
Greenday is over rated. Chickens Corner rules! :D

[DaveW]

I remember back east we would have install parties at JnJ's house for the weekend about once a month. People would come over and we would do everything from routine maintenance to SYE installs, bumper builds and such. If was always a good time. The out of towners (like me and a few others) would spend the night and go about finishing up (or recovering from drinking all night) or go wheeling the next day.

Now you just reminded me I need to do some stuff to the xj myself today.

We have had wrenching parties. Just not that scheduled.
It is usually when someone asks for help.
The last one big I remember was ROOK1 with a lift install. There were at least 6 people wrenching. I think it was mostly done by about 3:00 PM.

I know the Lehi sub-chapter meets for work parties more often. But they have a unofficial shop.:D

There is never a get together where you don't here about someone help someone else.

We have had the shop days (http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=79888) with Jerry that are scheduled as Adult continuing education. I have not made those but everyone involved has great things to say about it.

[DaveW]

Greenday is over rated. Chickens Corner rules! :D
What you don't like white washing rocks:D

[stewie]

I remember back east we would have install parties at JnJ's house for the weekend about once a month. People would come over and we would do everything from routine maintenance to SYE installs, bumper builds and such. If was always a good time. The out of towners (like me and a few others) would spend the night and go about finishing up (or recovering from drinking all night) or go wheeling the next day.

Now you just reminded me I need to do some stuff to the xj myself today.

Good call..:thumbup:

Speaking of working on our own XJ's, I do need to get that rear axle re-installed...
:smoker:

yah, i need to get arround to doin my axle swap (35 to 8.25+ disable ABS light) before the fall fling.

but SERIOUSLY, we need a chapter wrenching party. it would benifit a ton of us. it would be a weath of techical knowledge for those of us (like me) that may need it, and a great oportunity those of us who are shy to get to know some more.

[Geepfreak]

but SERIOUSLY, we need a chapter wrenching party. it would benifit a ton of us. it would be a weath of techical knowledge for those of us (like me) that may need it, and a great oportunity those of us who are shy to get to know some more.


I'll sponser one, next weekend works out great.(Ryan:D):roflmao: Shop should be empty, Air conditioning turned on(or heater if it's cold) And Wendy's is just down the street.....

[DaveW]

I'll sponser one, next weekend works out great.(Ryan:D):roflmao: Shop should be empty, Air conditioning turned on(or heater if it's cold) And Wendy's is just down the street.....

I'm up for it. My todo list for Fall Fling it still to long
Maybe I can get (some) of these done next weekend.
1) install AMC 20 in XJ
5) install ACOS in front
6) get D30 regeared to 4.56
7) install axle shaft with 760 ujoints in D30
9) install new xfercase skid plate

[stewie]

if im to show, then we better get Ryans done in a day.

[Geepfreak]

I'm up for it. My todo list for Fall Fling it still to long
Maybe I can get (some) of these done next weekend.
1) install AMC 20 in XJ
5) install ACOS in front
6) get D30 regeared to 4.56
7) install axle shaft with 760 ujoints in D30
9) install new xfercase skid plate

Dave, thats like a 45 minute job....:twak:

:D

[SCW]

If there will be a wrenching party, I'm in terrible need for an alignment since the lift last week.

[EricT]

I would have to work that weekend

wait, it's that the same weekend as Dr. Moab's roof install?

[Geepfreak]

wait, it's that the same weekend as Dr. Moab's roof install?

:D:D

(sorry LUV2OFFROAD, seems I have highjacked your thread)

[luv2offroad]

Eric's right, it is the same weekend as Dr. Moab's roof thing. I was skipping out on that one as I don't exactly do well flinging a hammer. I'd do more damage than good.

[luv2offroad]

(sorry LUV2OFFROAD, seems I have highjacked your thread)

No problem. I think I'm up for a shop assist day, if you guys don't mind a girl getting dirty with you. ;) ha-ha (I'm talking about grease by the way.)

[Geepfreak]

Eric's right, it is the same weekend as Dr. Moab's roof thing. I was skipping out on that one as I don't exactly do well flinging a hammer. I'd do more damage than good.
You can still offer moral support to those on the roof..:laugh3:


It is the same weekend.. I was trying to play with Ryan and the Mrs.Dr.Moab.. my bad..

So, the offer is up, you wanna come play on your Heep before the fall fling and don't want to dirty your driveway, call or PM me, free air to the first 10 callers..:D

[EricT]

Eric's right, it is the same weekend as Dr. Moab's roof thing. I was skipping out on that one as I don't exactly do well flinging a hammer. I'd do more damage than good.


Otherwise I would have come to help Dr. Moab. I have a roof to replace on my garage out back...hint

[jmaxj]

I'll sponser one, next weekend works out great.(Ryan:D):roflmao: Shop should be empty, Air conditioning turned on(or heater if it's cold) And Wendy's is just down the street.....
don't forget jeremy your shop isn't gonna be completely empty...:D

[Geepfreak]

don't forget jeremy your shop isn't gonna be completely empty...:D


I am guessing a LONG ARM KIT that needs to be installed?

[DrMoab]

If you guys don't bag on my roof I will help do what I can to fix all your jeeps.

Too many people have taken time off to help me with my roof that weekend. I can't change those plans.

[EricT]

If you guys don't bag on my roof I will help do what I can to fix all your jeeps.

Too many people have taken time off to help me with my roof that weekend. I can't change those plans.

that is why i mentioned it. Now, the following weekend, I don't have to work, but there may some heavy drinking involved since my b-day happens around that time

[DrMoab]

Eric's right, it is the same weekend as Dr. Moab's roof thing. I was skipping out on that one as I don't exactly do well flinging a hammer. I'd do more damage than good.
Can you flip steaks? We are going to have lots of steaks to cook.

I am an equal opportunity beggar.

[luv2offroad]

Yummm, steaks! Since I just doled out $500 to get the jeep out of the repair shop, I certainly don't have money for steaks. So you win!!! I'll flip steaks. :flame: Now you have to tell me what time and where.

[EricT]

Yummm, steaks! Since I just doled out $500 to get the jeep out of the repair shop, ...

That must suck. I see you paying much less in the future.

[jmaxj]

Yummm, steaks! Since I just doled out $500 to get the jeep out of the repair shop,
that's why i used to love working at shops got payed good for easy work.

[luv2offroad]

Ok guys, now it's having trouble starting. I cleaned the battery posts and cables over the weekend but it's still having trouble starting. How do I tell if it's the starter or the alternator?

[Geepfreak]

Ok guys, now it's having trouble starting. I cleaned the battery posts and cables over the weekend but it's still having trouble starting. How do I tell if it's the starter or the alternator?


Does it sound "weak" when turning over, or is it not wanting to start(cranking for a long time before fire-up)?

[luv2offroad]

It sounds weak when trying to start it. That's why I thought it was the battery posts. And it's worse today than it has been.

[slider]

It sounds weak when trying to start it. That's why I thought it was the battery posts. And it's worse today than it has been.


how old is the battery?? and what brand of battery??

[Geepfreak]

It is possible that the starter is on it's way out, But I would have the battery tested and charged first.

[slider]

It is possible that the starter is on it's way out, But I would have the battery tested and charged first.

I agree, the battery is a cause more often than people think. I would also recommend not using a wal mart battery. (you get what you pay for)

[luv2offroad]

I believe the battery is two years old. I will have to check my paperwork tonight when I get home. I'll swing by AutoZone and have them check it out as well. It was purchased from AutoZone and I believe has a lifetime warranty. Thanks guys!

[Geepfreak]

I would also recommend not using a wal mart battery. (you get what you pay for)


OR C A L Ranch batteries,(made by Exide) price was too good to pass on, but 3 years and 4 batteries later it was time to change brands...

[luv2offroad]

Good thing I never go anywhere without my jump starter system. Best investment I ever made. Even made sure my daughter has one in her car. I've seen plenty of tow trucks that carry them now too.

[DaveW]

It sounds weak when trying to start it. That's why I thought it was the battery posts. And it's worse today than it has been.
Clean the connections on the started and the ground to the engine too.

Had the same thing happen on the way down to Moab for the spring run. When I left no problems starting. I had to make a few stops and each time it was a bit harder to start. Almost did not start at the rest area by Crescent Junction.

Thought the trip was going to start out costing me a new part. But when I got to Moab, I went to CarQuest and had them test the battery and alt. Both were good. So a can of electrical cleaner and cleaned all battery started and engine ground connections. Works great to this day.

[luv2offroad]

Ok, so Autozone says the alternator and battery are good just the battery isn't charged. Since I've heard that from them before, I'll go home and charge it tonight and pray that it works. But I'm not going to hold my breath.

[Geepfreak]

But I'm not going to hold my breath.


With those guys, I would'nt hold my breath either.

Good Luck! hope that takes care of it, but sounds like something, if alternator and battery are good, then why the discgarge..hhmmmmm

[stewie]

my turn to vent.

put some tj flares on the back of my jeep last night. ran out of time to do the front. went to do the front today. i got the drivers side all layed out to trim again and low and behold someone stoled my angle grinder out of the back seat of my jeep :bawl: . one of my doors dont like to lock all the time.

i had to run to lowes and bought a new cheapie one. now i just have to make sure that frieking door is locked. now if if find the SOB tard, i will be sure to chop off his nuts.:nono:

[luv2offroad]

I had the same problem -- went home to plug the Jeep in to the battery charger and looks like the ex walked off with it. So I ran it for 30 minutes thinking that might help charge the battery but no such luck. BTW it's having trouble starting with the jump start unit too. GRRRR!! So I will run to get a new battery charger tonight to see if that works. If not, I'm SOL. The lights all work and radio works, just doesn't start well. The battery light stays on the whole time I'm trying to start it and then once I finally get it going, the light goes off. This is my only vehicle so it has to stay running.

[slider]

I had the same problem -- went home to plug the Jeep in to the battery charger and looks like the ex walked off with it. So I ran it for 30 minutes thinking that might help charge the battery but no such luck. BTW it's having trouble starting with the jump start unit too. GRRRR!! So I will run to get a new battery charger tonight to see if that works. If not, I'm SOL. The lights all work and radio works, just doesn't start well. The battery light stays on the whole time I'm trying to start it and then once I finally get it going, the light goes off. This is my only vehicle so it has to stay running.

I have had very bad luck with our autozone up here. (Evanston) you said it had a lifetime warranty. of course there going to say it is a good battery so they don't have to replace it. I would say your best bet is to go get an interstate or optima. Like i said you get what you pay for. also when your battery light goes out after it starts that tells you the alternator is working. to bad you live so far away or i'd test the batt and charging system for ya.

[luv2offroad]

Yea, I was a little ticked when my ex bought the AutoZone battery. The first one we got didn't work either and we had to fight to get them to exchange it. It has a 3 year full replacement warranty (that's up on 10/11/06) and a lifetime replacement less what they think it is worth. ha-ha. I have always had good luck with Sears batteries so I'm thinking about heading over there too.

[slider]

Yea, I was a little ticked when my ex bought the AutoZone battery. The first one we got didn't work either and we had to fight to get them to exchange it. It has a 3 year full replacement warranty (that's up on 10/11/06) and a lifetime replacement less what they think it is worth. ha-ha. I have always had good luck with Sears batteries so I'm thinking about heading over there too.

sears batteries have been good also. generaly you just want to stay away from the really cheap batteries.

[luv2offroad]

I'm just tired of spending money I don't have. The divorce drained my finances completely and then some. And the jeep seems to feel no mercy for my empty pocketbook.

[Geepfreak]

And the jeep seems to feel no mercy for my empty pocketbook.


Thats what they're there for.. I'm about to go spend 400 on Tube to try and finish the roll cage(don't tell the wife) :D

[slider]

I'm just tired of spending money I don't have. The divorce drained my finances completely and then some. And the jeep seems to feel no mercy for my empty pocketbook.


J JUST

E EMPTY

E EVERY

P POCKET

THAT IS REALY WHAT JEEP STANDS FOR!!:gonnablow :gonnablow :gonnablow

[luv2offroad]

Yes, I'm very well aware of that. My pockets are empty and then some. :pirateflag: I've been raped and pillaged.

[luv2offroad]

Now I'm really ticked!! I bought a battery charger on the way home today and hooked it up. In 15 minutes it tells me the battery is full. Go to check the alternator and I can't even start the blasted thing. Try to jump it, nothing. Drained my jumper unit though. Unhook the cables, rehook them up, still nothing. Hook up the charger and it still says the battery is full. I've got lights, radio, etc., but no response in my attempts to start. Guess I'll be walking to light rail tomorrow. :(

[SCW]

Now I'm really ticked!! I bought a battery charger on the way home today and hooked it up. In 15 minutes it tells me the battery is full. Go to check the alternator and I can't even start the blasted thing. Try to jump it, nothing. Drained my jumper unit though. Unhook the cables, rehook them up, still nothing. Hook up the charger and it still says the battery is full. I've got lights, radio, etc., but no response in my attempts to start. Guess I'll be walking to light rail tomorrow. :(

I got you beat tonight then- I managed to peice it back together in time for work in the morning, which is good since light rail won't take me to Davis county yet. That would really be a long walk.

Good luck!

[soarhead25]

Are your battery cables swelling up right at the battery terminal?
You may have corrosion inside the cable that you cannot see. Slice it lengthwise about an inch at the terminal to open it up and take a peek. copper is good. corrosion is bad.

[crazy4moab]

How did they test your battery at Autozone? Did they disconnect the cables? Also, the best way to test an alternator is to remove it and bench test it. By doing the bench test, the alternator can be put under a load manually. If they tested the alternator with the engine running you will usually only get the battery voltage. A good alternator will put out between 13.8 and 14.2 volts.

I experienced the same problem with my '90. Just kept getting harder and harder to start until it eventually didn't start, just like yours, at home. Even put in a new battery. Yes it was a Walmart battery and did quite well until a couple of deer came along. Anyway, it ended up being the starter.

And yes, that is, or should I say was, my XJ as my avitar. Now you know what I meant by a couple of deer came along.

[luv2offroad]

The battery test at AutoZone was the standard, hook up their unit to the battery/cables and run it for a few minutes. Then they hook up the attachement that tests the alternator (but isn't hooked to the alternator at all) and you run you jeep for a few minutes and they say it is good. I know, I don't rely too heavily on the tests except to tell me whether my battery is dead or not.

I cleaned the cables pretty good this weekend. There was some corrosion at the top of the cables where the plastic coating starts but I think I got it pretty cleaned. I've had this problem before but it's ended up being different fixes each time. New cables, new battery, new relay switch. And since I'm not overly mechanically inclined, I'm at the mercy of the repair shop.

[EricT]

I had this problem with my optima once. It would test good, but sometimes it would fail to start or it would cut off while I was driving :eek: Turned out I had a dead cell in the battery, got it replaced for free.

There should be some peeps by you that can help you out though, so you are not at the mercy of the repair shop.

[luv2offroad]

Yea, Jeremy (soarhead25) and Jeremy (geepfreak) have both offered to come look at it. Thanks.

I'm thinking it's probably the starter, but we'll see.

[EricT]

yeah, the starter is pretty easy to replace

[Geepfreak]

My turn now?

Lower Tranny line started leaking:smsoap:
Just when I thought all I had to do was build the cage, vaccuum and find something to make that "smell" go away before the Fall Fling..

It just hit me, I have the Woody to steal parts off of..:D

[luv2offroad]

At least you have a spare to steal from. I've thought about it but don't have anywhere to put it. Neighborhood frowns on junk cars hanging around in your driveway. :(

[jmaxj]

It just hit me, I have the Woody to steal parts off of..:D
that would be sweet to come back to a gutted woody..........Do it:D

[Geepfreak]

Ok, drivers front tire is "chirping", does it while turning(that would be fine) but it also does it while driving straight, 2mph or 25mph.

I know that I need new steering components, and the Ball joint's could stand a change after last week:D.. But this is a new one. It's not the front locker, wondering if the ball joint and TRE's are causing the wheel to quickly get outta "straight", but I am not getting any death wobble..:dunno:

I need a 609..(or even a 309) :D....end of story..

[Brad M.]

I need a 609..(or even a 309) :D....end of story..

I hear 409's are real fine :D :D