Sad news

[CaptSquid]

My primary beast of burden, a 1993 Suburban K1500, aka, Gertrude, has developed a VERY bad oil leak. Seems the rear main seal has decided to go on vacation. I've put in 5 quarts(!) of oil in the last three days. Naturally, this is not inexpensive. So, I've called the local stealership and another local (good rep) auto repair facility. The local quotes $650 and, yes, Virginia, it's an all day affair. The stealership, brace yourself, wants $1400! Guess which one I'll be using!

The sad part is, M-W-F, I have to travel 20 miles to undergo dialysis.

[INanMT-Bus]

Time to trade that Suburban for a Subaru.

[CaptSquid]

Sorry, but a mini anything won't handle the 500 lb scooter and lift on the back end.

[INanMT-Bus]

Yeah that might be a bit much for a hatchback, lol. I've given up on Chevy though. My family has always had a Suburban for mountain adventures, and the newer ones are just too car-like and no longer built with quality...all in Mexico now I think. Dad has one with chronic AC and exhaust manifold problems currently. Repair bills or car payments, take your pick.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by CaptSquid

Sorry, but a mini anything won't handle the 500 lb scooter and lift on the back end.

My Sube will.
But I do hate Subaru with a passion.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by INanMT-Bus

Yeah that might be a bit much for a hatchback, lol. I've given up on Chevy though. My family has always had a Suburban for mountain adventures, and the newer ones are just too car-like and no longer built with quality...all in Mexico now I think. Dad has one with chronic AC and exhaust manifold problems currently. Repair bills or car payments, take your pick.

A buddy of mine just bought a brand new z71 pickup. OVER 50 grand and not even many options checked off...
Its got the worst seats I've ever sat in besides my subaru. Its also already been back to the dealer two or three times for fixes.

[CaptSquid]

That scooter & lift tore out the back of my Astro. Just too heavy for the subframe to handle. This suburban can handle the weight.

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

A buddy of mine just bought a brand new z71 pickup. OVER 50 grand and not even many options checked off...
Its got the worst seats I've ever sat in besides my subaru. Its also already been back to the dealer two or three times for fixes.

I just ditched my Silverado because of the seats.. the 99-06 had the BEST SEATS of any vehicle ever produced.. the 07-13 were downhill.. my 15 had TERRIBLE seats.. not to mention the A/C is total Crap in the newer silverados

I have a Ram Hemi now and the seats are much better and the A/C makes it cold inside quick. but the STEALERSHIP Juked me on the Navi!.

only time I really ever drive it though is when I cant the fit the Bus!

get an OLDER Subaru.. those rocked.. the 90s to early 00s. were good ones... the new stuff.. junk.

-Christopher

[jazty]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

get an OLDER Subaru.. those rocked.. the 90s to early 00s. were good ones... the new stuff.. junk.

Yes indeed.. Even better if you can get one with the 2.2l instead of the 2.5l. The 2.2l is bulletproof.

My '98 Legacy AWD with the 2.2l is almost at 400000km (250000 miles) and ticking away smoothly. It's only recently showing signs of rust on the rear wheel wells. I just need to replace that egg shaped tire in the rear...

On that note, don't buy Kelly tires. They're made by Goodyear, but are crap.

[CaptSquid]

Just got a call from the auto repair shop. Even WORSE news. Seems that the rear main seal is but the tip of the iceberg. There are leaks ALL OVER. Total: about $3500! Seems that I bought a pig-in-a-poke. The oil cooler lines were the apparent worse, followed closely by the the oil filter adapter. I'll be paying for this mistake for quite some time.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by CaptSquid

Just got a call from the auto repair shop. Even WORSE news. Seems that the rear main seal is but the tip of the iceberg. There are leaks ALL OVER. Total: about $3500! Seems that I bought a pig-in-a-poke. The oil cooler lines were the apparent worse, followed closely by the the oil filter adapter. I'll be paying for this mistake for quite some time.

That doesn't sound right to me. Only spot I have had a trans leak was front and rear seal, pan gasket and dip tube. I think they got you in the door with low bid, only to pull the bump-up in price. Better be a full bench rebuild by real trans shop for that dough.

93? is it that clean? $3500 --That's some serious dough.

Best of luck.

[CaptSquid]

Rusty, this shop has been in business for quite some time. They aren't blowing smoke up my kilt. You should see the wiring nightmare under my hood. The previous owner cut off the ends of the factory cables and added those bolt-on ends that allow all kinds of corrosion to creep up the cables. Then, there's all sorts of add-on wiring (besides the ones for my scooter lift) that lead somewhere mysterious. I guess I'll tackle the leaks one at a time. I may just be able to conquer them sometime while I'm still kicking.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by CaptSquid

Just got a call from the auto repair shop. Even WORSE news. Seems that the rear main seal is but the tip of the iceberg. There are leaks ALL OVER. Total: about $3500! Seems that I bought a pig-in-a-poke. The oil cooler lines were the apparent worse, followed closely by the the oil filter adapter. I'll be paying for this mistake for quite some time.

Man- you get charged SO MUCH for stuff!

[Booyah45828]

You weren't had. I've replaced the cooler lines and adapter gaskets on many of the early 90's gm products. I think they were standard with the towing and hd package. Anyways, they leak, and when they do they usually dump oil. Not sure about the 3000 dollar increase on it though, must have been more to it then what meets the eye. I'd replace the cooler lines and adapter and see where that gets you as far as leaks go.

[CaptSquid]

Engine Oil Cooler Gasket Set
Engine Timing Set
T-Stat
Power Steering Pressure Hose Assy
Axle Shaft Seal Front Inner
Engine Intake Manifold Gasket Set
Oil Pan Gasket Set
Engine Crankshaft Rear Seal
Oil Filter Adapter Gasket
Valve Cover Gasket

Parts: $570.04
Labor: $2615.95

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by CaptSquid

Engine Oil Cooler Gasket Set
Engine Timing Set
T-Stat
Power Steering Pressure Hose Assy
Axle Shaft Seal Front Inner
Engine Intake Manifold Gasket Set
Oil Pan Gasket Set
Engine Crankshaft Rear Seal
Oil Filter Adapter Gasket
Valve Cover Gasket

Parts: $570.04
Labor: $2615.95

We didn't realize it was a whole bunch of work being done, sounded just like new trans seal , at first. You will have a dependable truck, once finished.

[CaptSquid]

All of that has NOT been done. I'm POOR!

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by CaptSquid

Engine Oil Cooler Gasket Set
Engine Timing Set
T-Stat
Power Steering Pressure Hose Assy
Axle Shaft Seal Front Inner
Engine Intake Manifold Gasket Set
Oil Pan Gasket Set
Engine Crankshaft Rear Seal
Oil Filter Adapter Gasket
Valve Cover Gasket

Parts: $570.04
Labor: $2615.95

T-stat- that's quick and easy to do yourself.
Power steering hose is super easy, I just did one.
Intake manifold gasket is little more involved, but certainly not a difficult job, I did one on my 98 gmc a couple years back.
Oil pan isn't too bad in a pickup usually. Messy but not a tough job.
Rear main is easy, once the transmission is out. Longer job but will save the most money of all probably.
Oil filter adapter gasket sounds like a simple job.
Valve cover gaskets are a quick easy fix.

Have them do the hardest jobs and take care of the rest on a sunday.

[BowserJournal]

You can buy a refurbished small block for cheaper than that!

[CaptSquid]

Yeah, but all those items are NOT included in a small block. You still have to replace them,

ECCB - I'm disabled and the vehicle is a K1500 - a four-wheel drive, complete with skit plates.