It's cold, about to snow tonight, the roads are coated in liquid salt. I was driving on the shoulder to avoid the liquid salt. I was out running a few errands and thought I should drive the SL to test my tightening of the heater core hose connection (which seems to be holding... man does this car have a lot of hose clamps that need tightening!). I stopped into two boutique stores for some gifts for my wife in the swanky part of town. The low black and chrome SL was looking good int eh dark. After about probably 20-25 minutes of shopping I get in the car forgetting about the vapor lock conditions. I turn the key, and the car shakes like an old jalopy. There's a lady with her ~4 year old kid that looks over the walkway railing just above and in front of my car, and says, "Do you need help?" I shook my head and gave her a thumbs up with the facial expression of "Oh nah. I'm fine." So I turn the key a few more times in hopes of building some fuel pressure in the fuel lines I just completely drained with my last attempt to start the car. Then as the lady and her kid are walking away, I try to start the car again. Same jumpy no go. The lady and her kid are looking back at me and stop walking (obviously to make sure I'm going to be OK). I finally get the car past the jumpy part, with steam coming out the exhaust, and finally start driving away slowly.
As I turn the wheel bearing that desperately needs replacing let's out an incredibly loud grinding sound.
I avoided the salt the rest of the way to the gas station where I topped off to see what kind of gas mileage I've gotten over the 19.5 miles since I last filled up. 4.1 gallons, a little over $12. At least I'm under a buck a mile! (Well, there has been a lot of idling in the driveway while trying to make sure I find the coolant leak.) Get back in the car, avoid the liquid salt, and park the car back in the garage until at least Monday when my mechanic is back and might be able to replace the wheel bearing (or both fronts while at it).
I'm getting there. On the bright side, I knew why my car wasn't starting, and knew I'd get through it with patience... and I think I may have fixed my coolant leak, and my front rubber has all been replaced (no knocks when I turn anymore). The car is street legal, and I know it's going to be fun to drive it on the highway after:
- The front wheel bearings are replaced
- The rear shocks are installed
Is that it? After that, am I really down to just waterproofing the car?
- Seal the dryed out top.
- Install the new trunk seal I bought.
- Maybe work on the couple of surface rust spots I have.
Oh, maybe go vacuum leak hunting, and charge up the AC with Freeze12 (or convert to r134).
... and if I ever get the lights I paid for from another BW member, I'll install those too. (fogs, heads, tails).
Oh... detailing... I have yet to do anything other than vacuum. So here's a question: Any suggestions on how to get the grime/dirt out of the deep groves in the MBTex or Naugahyde (dash, consoles, etc)? Just get some cleaner and a scrub brush?
As I turn the wheel bearing that desperately needs replacing let's out an incredibly loud grinding sound.
I avoided the salt the rest of the way to the gas station where I topped off to see what kind of gas mileage I've gotten over the 19.5 miles since I last filled up. 4.1 gallons, a little over $12. At least I'm under a buck a mile! (Well, there has been a lot of idling in the driveway while trying to make sure I find the coolant leak.) Get back in the car, avoid the liquid salt, and park the car back in the garage until at least Monday when my mechanic is back and might be able to replace the wheel bearing (or both fronts while at it).
I'm getting there. On the bright side, I knew why my car wasn't starting, and knew I'd get through it with patience... and I think I may have fixed my coolant leak, and my front rubber has all been replaced (no knocks when I turn anymore). The car is street legal, and I know it's going to be fun to drive it on the highway after:
- The front wheel bearings are replaced
- The rear shocks are installed
Is that it? After that, am I really down to just waterproofing the car?
- Seal the dryed out top.
- Install the new trunk seal I bought.
- Maybe work on the couple of surface rust spots I have.
Oh, maybe go vacuum leak hunting, and charge up the AC with Freeze12 (or convert to r134).
... and if I ever get the lights I paid for from another BW member, I'll install those too. (fogs, heads, tails).
Oh... detailing... I have yet to do anything other than vacuum. So here's a question: Any suggestions on how to get the grime/dirt out of the deep groves in the MBTex or Naugahyde (dash, consoles, etc)? Just get some cleaner and a scrub brush?