So far this truck averages about 27 mpg. To date I have changed alternator, thermostat, install CD player, ignition rotor and cap.
EFI engine for trouble free operation and better fuel mileage than carburetor engine.
December 2010, one day driving home out of nowhere the engine started running very rough. After a tow, and 2h of diagnostic time, it was determine the ECU was at fault. The capacitor leaks chemicals over time and corroded the circuit board. Two of the fuel injectors weren't firing. After a two weeks ordeal being the holiday season and shipping delay, total cost about $600.
As of August 2011, odometer reading is at 270K miles and running strong.
March 19, 2012 as I arrived at work, the engine all the sudden starting running very rough. After work I was checking out the truck, the engine was vibrating and white smoke was coming out of the tail pipe. I just happened to look under the truck and saw coolant leaking out under the truck by the catalytic converter. I immediately shut off the engine and figure the worst. Blown engine ? Broken heater core ? Head gasket ?
It turned out I had a blown head gasket with a crack head. The coolant was leaking into cylinder #1. Took about 2 weeks from the time this happened, to the time I got the truck back. I end up getting a re-manufactured head to replace my old one. Total damage, around $1300. I was debating weather to fix it of dump it. I have grew attach to this truck already and besides, Still cannot get a decent vehicle for this amount of money.
As of today 4-5-2012, the truck has over 282K miles and I planned to keep driving this for as long as I possibly can.
November 8. 2012
Obama just won re-election. Truck has 294K+ on the clock, approaching the magical 300K mark.
December 31, 2012
Slowly but surely approaching the 300K milestone. Happy New Year everyone !
January 17 2012
Check engine light came on about 1 week ago. Upon reading up online there are two scenarios. For vehicles manufactured for outside California, it is just a service reminder light that comes on regular intervals. It can be switch off by flipping a jump switch under the driver side dash. I looked under and didn't see anything close to it.
Since I live in CA, there is no jumper switch for the light. Instead there is a green 1 pin terminal on the passenger side engine bay just in front of the fuel pump. Ground it to the neg battery terminal and turn key on to ON without starting and read the flashes on the check engine light.
To Be Continue.
