1997 2WD XE - Rebuilding Dads Truck PII

[Project510]

Originally Posted by jp2code

Crawl under the truck and see if you can wiggle the heat shield on the catalytic converter. That's my first guess.

If not, check the heat shield for the exhaust manifold.

Found the rattle. It was a the Ac hose that runs behind the engine right along the firewall. My wife said "that truck has had that rattle since I was a kid."

So, tightened it up and gone. But now the truck is leaking oil. I knew I should not have used the gasket on the oil pan

[jp2code]

Originally Posted by Project510

Found the rattle. It was a the Ac hose that runs behind the engine right along the firewall. My wife said "that truck has had that rattle since I was a kid."

So, tightened it up and gone. But now the truck is leaking oil. I knew I should not have used the gasket on the oil pan

I have bad luck sealing oil pans, too.

[Project510]

Found the leak, or should I say leaks...



Cant be sure yet but the gasket I replaced on the oil pump may be leaking also.



Ditching the cork and will clean things up and take it for a few drives and recheck to see if we do have more than one leak. Truck is smogged, registered and ready to drive essentially.

Anyone have a recent update on the best ball joints and where to source? Ill probably gather those parts, along with upper control arm bushings then add the drop spindles and leafs after summer.

[jp2code]

Yeah, it looks like the cork gasket is leaking. I guess RTV is the way to go.

Try asking alabama_lowlife about good quality ball joints. I typically go with MOOG, but he's been saying they aren't that good anymore.

[Project510]

Confirmed the oil pump IS leaking. Also oil pan is still leaking even after removing cork gasket and going only with Ultra Grey.

I wonder if I didn't bend the oil pan trying to get it out. It was so stuck I did my best to be gentle but there were a few bangs here and there that could have dented it but I cant imagine anything bad enough to cause a forever leak. Ordered a new oil pan so I guess we will find out.

For the oil pump, is it possible to drop this and keep the shaft still installed so that a new gasket can be installed and the timing does not get screwed up? I really don't want to have to do that process all over again..

Besides that, its a very small small leak so I've been still using the truck. Great to have it back. I want to park it outside now, but am too scared of it getting stolen. It was parked in front of my dads house for 18 years without any issues besides a busted window, but I dunno.. Just overly attached I guess haha.

[jp2code]

Originally Posted by Project510

For the oil pump, is it possible to drop this and keep the shaft still installed so that a new gasket can be installed and the timing does not get screwed up? I really don't want to have to do that process all over again..

Besides that, its a very small small leak so I've been still using the truck. Great to have it back. I want to park it outside now, but am too scared of it getting stolen. It was parked in front of my dads house for 18 years without any issues besides a busted window, but I dunno.. Just overly attached I guess haha.

I can't help with the oil pump. I've never replaced one.

But on my Hardbody, I keep full coverage on it with a $500 deductible. It's only $230 every 6 months.

[Project510]

Originally Posted by jp2code

I can't help with the oil pump. I've never replaced one.

But on my Hardbody, I keep full coverage on it with a $500 deductible. It's only $230 every 6 months.

Ill have to give the old scam artist insurance company a call tomorrow, see what they offer. Good idea, thank you.

[Project510]

Added full coverage to the truck, and it only cost an additional $9 a month. Works for me.

Also, have to take the truck back to the mechanic as he missed a few things. Most importantly, I do not think he used a new gasket when readjusting oil pump hence the leak.

Also had this cool poster made of the boy driving his truck with me in the passenger seat haha. Will be a fun picture to frame and put in his room. Also, now I really want to lower the truck...

[jp2code]

Grandpa's D21. Cool plates.

I also noticed you updated your avatar photo with another version.

How old is your son? Mine is about to turn 15. He is studying the online driving course to get his Learner's Permit on his birthday in August. He prefers to drive my Xterra because it has an automatic, but I still stuff him behind the wheel of my truck from time to time. Knowing how to drive a vehicle with a manual isn't as important as it used to be, but I'll still see that he knows how to do it.

[Project510]

Originally Posted by jp2code

Grandpa's D21. Cool plates.

I also noticed you updated your avatar photo with another version.

How old is your son? Mine is about to turn 15. He is studying the online driving course to get his Learner's Permit on his birthday in August. He prefers to drive my Xterra because it has an automatic, but I still stuff him behind the wheel of my truck from time to time. Knowing how to drive a vehicle with a manual isn't as important as it used to be, but I'll still see that he knows how to do it.

Thanks, I like the plates also! My son is turning 6 in September. My niece/god daughter is 18 and is leaving for college. Going to teach her how to drive manual before she leaves in August hopefully. And on her breaks from school.

Everyone should at least know how to drive manual. You just never know. Its a free skill to learn essentially.