So, I went camping this weekend, and wouldn't you know it! One of the hottest days of the year and the 8 year old battery in the Stratus decides it no longer wants to work.
I got it jump started and drove it to Bumper-to-Bumper and picked up another one. $80 later and the Stratus coupe is up and running like a champ.
I can't complain about the Stratus at all, in the last seven years, I have put front brakes on twice, replaced the front rotors, two sets of tires, and oxygen sensor, and the routine maintenance like oil changes and air filters. It has been a fun car to drive!
It's been a couple of expensive weeks, with the fuel pump in the Bravada going out. I did however save myself a CONSIDERABLE amount of money by doing the work.
No matter what! God is GOD!
Later all!
"I CAN" Man!
Replacing the Bravada fuel pump
The fuel pump had been going out for a while, I knew that, so I started looking for a new one. Here in town they wanted $277 for the most reasonable priced one, I'm unemployed, so that wasn't good enough! I found the pump on E-bay for $64, I ordered it, and it arrived quickly.
When I removed the gas tank from the Bravada, I knew I had a problem! The wiring connectors didn't match at all! After getting NO help from the seller, I started asking questions around here. As it turns out, you need to cut the old pigtail off and splice a new included pigtail into your wiring. OK, easy enough!
When I went to install the new fuel pump into the gas tank, I found yet another issue, the fuel pump lock collar was rusted badly, so bad, I had to destroy it to remove it from the tank. I ordered the part in town, and received the wrong part! NOBODY in town had the correct lock collar. Once again, I turned to E-bay, and found the correct part, four days later, it was at my doorstep!
Over all, it was a PAIN to get done, and I would MUCH rather do factory ball joints than install a new fuel pump in another SUV/ Truck. The dealer would have been around $1500, my cost including all the parts was $80! But it was some major work putting it back together! You can do it, it's just a major pain, and it required some patience and some mechanical skills.
On a scale of 1-10, I'd rate this one a 7. Removing the gas tank isn't too bad, wiring the new pig tail, installing the pump in the tank, getting it all back together? That is another story. I bent up the scatter shield while reinstalling the gas tank without even trying....It makes a major racket when it hits the U-joint next to it! LOL!
Expect about five hours to complete, have the new pump, the new pump lock collar, and a few new clamps BEFORE you start this project!
Have a great one!
"I CAN" Man!
When I removed the gas tank from the Bravada, I knew I had a problem! The wiring connectors didn't match at all! After getting NO help from the seller, I started asking questions around here. As it turns out, you need to cut the old pigtail off and splice a new included pigtail into your wiring. OK, easy enough!
When I went to install the new fuel pump into the gas tank, I found yet another issue, the fuel pump lock collar was rusted badly, so bad, I had to destroy it to remove it from the tank. I ordered the part in town, and received the wrong part! NOBODY in town had the correct lock collar. Once again, I turned to E-bay, and found the correct part, four days later, it was at my doorstep!
Over all, it was a PAIN to get done, and I would MUCH rather do factory ball joints than install a new fuel pump in another SUV/ Truck. The dealer would have been around $1500, my cost including all the parts was $80! But it was some major work putting it back together! You can do it, it's just a major pain, and it required some patience and some mechanical skills.
On a scale of 1-10, I'd rate this one a 7. Removing the gas tank isn't too bad, wiring the new pig tail, installing the pump in the tank, getting it all back together? That is another story. I bent up the scatter shield while reinstalling the gas tank without even trying....It makes a major racket when it hits the U-joint next to it! LOL!
Expect about five hours to complete, have the new pump, the new pump lock collar, and a few new clamps BEFORE you start this project!
Have a great one!
"I CAN" Man!
Bravada fuel pump
The fuel pump went out on my '99 Bravada, I picked a new one up for $64 on line. No major issues for now, other than the retainer needing replaced, that will be in tomorrow. The job overall has been a pain in the butt! I'd rather do wheel bearings or ball joint than a fuel pump! YEESH! I'll post more when done, and let you in on any tips I can give.
Later all!
Me!
Later all!
Me!
Dell Inspiron 1000 repair
The new fan kicked right in as expected, and there were no issues with the CPU upgrade either.
The Arctic Silver 5 states that it can lower the internal temp by as much as 52 degrees Fahrenheit, I believe it! I've changed out the factory thermal paste for AS5 on three of my machines, and I can see (Hear) the difference.
Another project coming this was as soon as the new CPU arrives, another Acer 5251 CPU upgrade, from a AMD V120 to a AMD P920, nearly a 400% improvement in performance, and it was only $80!
The fan replacement and upgrade was EASY! pull the button cover off, two screws that hold the keyboard, then the metal panel underneath. About 20 minutes into the whole process, not bad at all!
Later all!
"I CAN" Man!
*Update*
As it turns out, there was another underlying issue with the Dell. The video cable had a short in it that caused the computer screen to go dark, and force a restart. Once again, it was E-bay to the rescue! $4 later, and the laptop is running like a champ!
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