long to do list

Where to begin?

1. Overdue timing belt change. I have just over 60K on this one. I've read it can go a little longer.

2. Valve cover gaskets and the sleeves around the spark plugs. I'm dripping oil, it smells, and soon I'll have an engine fire if I don't get the leaks stopped. What parts do I need? What am I forgetting?

Any suggestions or DIY pages greatly appreciated.

Happy Thanksgiving. I have to drive the family in it today, and they'll complain about the burning oil stench!

Happy Thanksgiving to all.


I have the same burning oil stench and major leaking and this is after installing new valve cover gaskets. The head gaskets must be shot because I've inspected both valve cover gaskets and they are sealed perfectly.

I only notice the smell after stopping and getting out of the car.

It is embarassing but I've found a solution-

Run away quickly!

Seriously, here is a thread about changing the gaskets, the job is a PITA, but you'll be glad you did it.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=312598

There are probably other threads about the subject as well.

I have not replaced my timing belt, it looks brand new.


Good luck,
Dale

Surferfletch - I remember months back, having a discussion about the timing belts.

I have the same truck and had asked about it, seeing as I'm now sitting at 70K on the 2nd timing belt, water pump, tensioner.

I've felt safe, for now, for holding it off for 80K miles, possibly, in regards to what I've heard here as well as the fact that it's not an interference engine. Also, my 1st belt looked brandnew at 60K.

To be honest, I'm more leary about a water pump issue then the timing belt. They were all replaced at 60K, but I now have 130K.

In regards to the valve covers, I had mine done at 90K miles, due in part, I believe to BIG O Tire having put an extra qt in the pan, and age. They may have been on their way out anyway.

It took my mechanic twice to get mine seated correctly. He did a fantastic job on the passenger side, but the driver's side didn't want to co-operate. Haven't had issues since.

95.5 Rodeo - How many miles you got on your timing belt & water pump?

Thanks for the info! I'm shooting for next weekend.

Surferfletch,

What vehicle do you have?

Mike
:smokin:

95.5 Rodeo - How many miles you got on your timing belt & water pump?

I really don't know as I bought the Rodeo used when it had 127,000 miles. It now has 134,174 on the odometer, so I've put about 7,000 miles on the truck in the 20 months I've owned it.

I inspected the timing belt last summer and it looked brand new.

This weekend, I am going to install new brake pads on the front axle, turn the rotors (which are warped) and do a wheel bearing service.

After this project is done, the next big thing to do is replace the head gaskets, the oil leaking / burning is excessive. While the heads are off, I'll have them reconditioned. This will include checking them for cracks, new valve guide seals (they leak) and rocker shafts. I am not happy about having to do this service, but it is necessary.

I am not sure when this will happen, I'll need plenty of time.

My goal is to get the Rodeo to a point where I can trust it on a long vacation trip.


Dale

I really don't know as I bought the Rodeo used when it had 127,000 miles. It now has 134,174 on the odometer, so I've put about 7,000 miles on the truck in the 20 months I've owned it.

My goal is to get the Rodeo to a point where I can trust it on a long vacation trip.


Dale

That's right, I'd remembered you bought it used, just couldn't remember how long you've had it.

7K miles in 20 mnths, wow that's little, it's obvious you don't trust it at this point. That's too bad that who ever had it before didn't take very good care of it - as I've always felt mine to be a very reliable vehicle for long trips. In fact, I'd trust it before anything with lower mileage for going across country.

Let us know how the progress goes - don't know if I've heard of anyone having to recondition the heads yet on the 95.5-97 model years.

I have the '97 Rodeo LS with the 3.2L V6, 2WD. I have had it to CT and back to FL the last 3 (maybe 4) summers.