This is a story of pure joy, anguish and resolution.
The Joy
I bought my first Jeep (1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ) about 2 months ago. I've never owned a Jeep before but have always wanted one. It just never seemed logical to go after as a single mom with 3 kids. Well kids are all grown and having kids of their own now. The opportunity presented itself and I jumped when my friend offered to sell his Jeep to me. I've own many a beaters in my days but never have screamed with excitement the first time I drove away in it.
My enthusiasm for my Jeep was obvious. I had several projects in the works to fix a few minor issues, build a storage rack for hard top, and a winch to lift the top. My husband was supportive of what ever I wanted to do as long as it didn't require too much time or money.
There were a few issues immediately after buying my Jeep. It sat for almost a year before I owned it. My son (a mechanic) and his friend (go to Jeep guy) both looked it over before I bought it and said it was a solid purchase.
The Anguish
Driving home after a few errands the check engine light comes on and it begins to stall as if it's not getting enough fuel. I barely make it home just as it dies. Drove it to work the next day and no stalling seemed fine. Heard a very faint knocking and parked it and called my son to take a look. He came over and first thought upon hearing it was a spun bearing. Disconnected exhaust, removed starter, drained oil and lowered oil pan. Soooo much fuel in oil and oil is black when just 2 months ago it was gold. Panic ensues. Pacing. Reassurance it's going to be ok. NOOOO not my baby! Almost in tears by this point. I'm a woman.. it's what we do.
Changed the oil and put it all back together. Compression test is needed. Either way... it's not looking good. On start up knocking is down to a tick. I have to stay vigilant about checking oil and changing it immediately if it smells like fuel and very black. My son says "sell it". I haven't even put 500 miles on it. My husband says "do what you want". My son then says either rebuild or replace motor and if replacing replace with 6cyl.
The Resolution
I'm not ready to give up on my Jeep. I'm keeping it. I'm going to nurse this engine until I can find a 6cyl and rebuild it and swap out engines. It's been a decade or more since I've rebuilt a motor but with my son's help I know I can do it. It's going to take time and money and most likely a few busted knuckles and choice words. I can do it!
And to my chauvinist neighbor...."you can kindly fuck off today and next sunday for assuming it's my husbands jeep or his problem. This isn't 1930. I have a job. I make my own money. I have my own tools and can work on my own vehicle. In fact.. I prefer it. So next time you want to borrow my wrenches you can return them to me and thank me. You insignificant insecure man child!"
So that's it. It's going to be a pain in the ass. It won't be easy but anything you truly enjoy very seldom is.
I'll be looking to you fine folks for your collected wealth of knowledge and experience.
Thank you much!
The Joy
I bought my first Jeep (1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ) about 2 months ago. I've never owned a Jeep before but have always wanted one. It just never seemed logical to go after as a single mom with 3 kids. Well kids are all grown and having kids of their own now. The opportunity presented itself and I jumped when my friend offered to sell his Jeep to me. I've own many a beaters in my days but never have screamed with excitement the first time I drove away in it.
My enthusiasm for my Jeep was obvious. I had several projects in the works to fix a few minor issues, build a storage rack for hard top, and a winch to lift the top. My husband was supportive of what ever I wanted to do as long as it didn't require too much time or money.
There were a few issues immediately after buying my Jeep. It sat for almost a year before I owned it. My son (a mechanic) and his friend (go to Jeep guy) both looked it over before I bought it and said it was a solid purchase.
The Anguish
Driving home after a few errands the check engine light comes on and it begins to stall as if it's not getting enough fuel. I barely make it home just as it dies. Drove it to work the next day and no stalling seemed fine. Heard a very faint knocking and parked it and called my son to take a look. He came over and first thought upon hearing it was a spun bearing. Disconnected exhaust, removed starter, drained oil and lowered oil pan. Soooo much fuel in oil and oil is black when just 2 months ago it was gold. Panic ensues. Pacing. Reassurance it's going to be ok. NOOOO not my baby! Almost in tears by this point. I'm a woman.. it's what we do.
Changed the oil and put it all back together. Compression test is needed. Either way... it's not looking good. On start up knocking is down to a tick. I have to stay vigilant about checking oil and changing it immediately if it smells like fuel and very black. My son says "sell it". I haven't even put 500 miles on it. My husband says "do what you want". My son then says either rebuild or replace motor and if replacing replace with 6cyl.
The Resolution
I'm not ready to give up on my Jeep. I'm keeping it. I'm going to nurse this engine until I can find a 6cyl and rebuild it and swap out engines. It's been a decade or more since I've rebuilt a motor but with my son's help I know I can do it. It's going to take time and money and most likely a few busted knuckles and choice words. I can do it!
And to my chauvinist neighbor...."you can kindly fuck off today and next sunday for assuming it's my husbands jeep or his problem. This isn't 1930. I have a job. I make my own money. I have my own tools and can work on my own vehicle. In fact.. I prefer it. So next time you want to borrow my wrenches you can return them to me and thank me. You insignificant insecure man child!"
So that's it. It's going to be a pain in the ass. It won't be easy but anything you truly enjoy very seldom is.
I'll be looking to you fine folks for your collected wealth of knowledge and experience.
Thank you much!
