To spend or not to spend.....that is the question......

[mrbonk]

Hi all,
Just had the oil/filters changed in my '89 GQ Patrol today and the mob that did it reckon they've found some things that need attention. Apparently I'm looking at a fair amount of expense, but I'm wondering if I'm flogging a dead horse.

It's got 419,000kms on it (NA TD42) and they reckon the injector pump is leaking and needs to be reco'd. They also reckon the injectors need doing, the water pump is about to explode, it's got a rattle they 'think' might be tappets but they're not sure, the rear sway bar links are shot and it pulls to the left. With that many kms on the engine, am I likely to be throwing good money after bad if I spend the $$ on the pumps and injectors??

[oldmate]

i think you would be better off keep on driving it untill it dies. then buy another one.

The things you mentioned don't really sound serious.

If it still runs and makes ok power the pump and injectors will last a while yet. leaking diesel will eat the road surface. that's about as nasty as it gets. If anything it's a bonus rust protection, and it removes the years of grime and crud built up on the underside.

maybe get the water pump replaced.

just remove the sway bar. they are for girly girls anyway. You'll get more flex with out it.

noisy tappets are usually out of adjustment. A simple job if it's the screw adjust type ones. If they are hydraulic a good engine flush and thicker oil will quiet them down.

most solid axle trucks pull to the left due to the camber of the road. Unless it's tiring to hold the wheel alittle to the right forget about it.

[ledgend80]

ok from your list i would do the water pump get the tappets adjusted if it is screw type real easy to do. and maybe get the sway bar bushes done.
unless your fuel economy is shot or low on power i would leave the pump and injectors. .

[MyGQ]

The TD42 uses Pushrod and screw adjustment Rockers they aren't hydrolic.

Do the water pump also as that will cause problems if you don't, they are a piece of piss to replace, did mine about 4 months ago.

Injectors will set u back $560 for a set of 6 for the GQ and are easy to replace also if you want to go down that road, as the the pump, $1500 exchange for a reco pump, that will get you out of trouble on that one

[nerida67]

so u have a mechanic that "thinks"the tappets are noisey
does he "think"also that the rest u mention are buggered
or does he "think"he is guessing
maybe he "thinks"he mite rip u off
get a second opinion ,maybe someone else will no wat the problems are and not "think"wat they are
just my 2 bobs worth

[mkpatrol]

so u have a mechanic that "thinks"the tappets are noisey
does he "think"also that the rest u mention are buggered
or does he "think"he is guessing
maybe he "thinks"he mite rip u off
get a second opinion ,maybe someone else will no wat the problems are and not "think"wat they are
just my 2 bobs worth

[mkpatrol]

Hi all,
Just had the oil/filters changed in my '89 GQ Patrol today and the mob that did it reckon they've found some things that need attention. Apparently I'm looking at a fair amount of expense, but I'm wondering if I'm flogging a dead horse.

It's got 419,000kms on it (NA TD42) and they reckon the injector pump is leaking and needs to be reco'd. They also reckon the injectors need doing, the water pump is about to explode, it's got a rattle they 'think' might be tappets but they're not sure, the rear sway bar links are shot and it pulls to the left. With that many kms on the engine, am I likely to be throwing good money after bad if I spend the $$ on the pumps and injectors??

OK, does it use any oil? If not keep it unless you WANT a new one because they go forever.

Injector pump: They leak, quite often & its a common problem. Quite often its just an o ring that can be replaced easily without removing it from the car. It has happend on mine a couple of times & is an easy fix. The mechanic probably want to reco it because of warranty issues & age but if there is no noticeable loss in power it may last a little while longer.

Injectors: if they have never been done & its blowing smoke under load then its time.

Valve clearances: are easy & cheap job. About an hours labour & a rocker cover gasket.

Swaybar link bushes: again are cheap, either replace them yourself or remove tha bar altogether. In has never had one.

Pulling left may be the rear leating arm bushes, they go soft with age. Mine are shagges & are about to get the flick.

Investigate these options first & you might not be up for as much as you think.

BTW, mine has 415,000km.

[toaddog]

Do the water pump, do the sway bar linkage and keep driving it.