Older S-10's - READ ONLY

304 messages, Last post on Jul 16, 2002 at 3:24 AM

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#295 of 304 TOM and ALL by sonjaab Jun 12, 2002 (10:56 pm)
Just had my walkin cooler lines repaired. It was a r-12 system. The refrige repair guy used something called "hot shot". Its a r-12 substitute ! Cooler works fine ! Not sure of the mfr. tho......geo
#296 of 304 no conversion afterall by ntaylor Jun 24, 2002 (10:20 am)
When I was in for my annual "state inspection" last week I asked about the A/C and was told that it is still using R-12 (i.e. no conversion was ever made), and that it is likely that all I'd need is a pound or two of R-12, totaling ~$100. So, I'm taking it in tomorrow while the boss is out. If they tell me that its a bad evaporator core or a leak near the core, I'm going to live with it (just too darn hard to do work under the dash). ntaylor
#297 of 304 If your dealer is lying to you.... by PAman Jun 26, 2002 (6:26 am)
If your dealer first told you they HAD to convert it to 134a (which they don't) then you found out there was no conversion done, and now they want to get you in telling you it may only need a pound or two, when you know it will likely need other repairs, sounds like you need a new dealer! If they lied to you once, and it sounds like they are about to pull the ol' bait-and-switch once your truck is in their service bay, why use them? Find a good independent shop you can BELIEVE! There's enough liars and used car salesmen posing as service writers in this business without giving them more of your money. If you DO go somewhere else, be sure and call the former shop and tell the manager why you took your business somewhere else. By the way, I just had a leak fixed in my 2000 S-10. It was the O-ring going into the accumulator. If they claim a component is leaking, ask them to check or replace the O-rings first unless they are sure it is a hard part that has failed. O-rings are cheap to replace when compared to hard parts. If you can get into the shop and have the technician show you the leak, notice if his freon detector goes off when he is around a hard part, or if it goes off when it is near a connector. If the connection is leaking, you may only need a new seal or O-ring. Joe
#298 of 304 A/C results by ntaylor Jun 26, 2002 (7:57 am)
Well, as painful as it is, here is how it stands today. I found an independent shop that I HOPE I can trust to perform the A/C service. They called me and informed me that the system had a grand total of 4-1/2 oz. of R-12 in it and that it needed 19 oz. They said that they were not able to detect any leaks, but they did put the dye so I could monitor things over the next weeks/months. They tried to convince me to convert to R-134A ($275). I thought about it and felt that since I really never did have A/C after the engine replacement that the dealership simply must not have replaced the R-12 at all. I'm guessing that they either did not collect it properly or that they did not put it back. I guess I could go back to the dealership and complain, but I don't think they wouldn't do a thing about it at this point (2 years after they put in the new engine). So, in either case I might just try to use this incident as an opportunity for them to earn back my business when that time comes (I've got $2500 in gmcard $ and have been in the market for a new truck for a while). The main problem with this idea is that the only connection between the service and the sales departments is the owner. Who knows how far my gripes about service problems are going to go with a sales person. I guess I can try to get them to throw in all the extra warranty stuff. Then simply let them know that I think that other dealerships might be more interested in my business. Duped or just stupid? Right now I feel a little of both. I may regret not converting. If things go wrong w/ the A/C I will probably just let it go. Afterall, its going to be my kids' car in a couple of years, and I'm sure that any wheels, A/C or not, will be more than acceptable to them. (The '62 Buick Special I drove in H.S. had 460 A/C - - 4 windows down and go 60 mph) My next job is stripping and painting the hood. Anyone recommend a good paint stripper? I plan to do this in my garage on top of plastic/tarp. Have a good day! ntaylor
#299 of 304 Re: AC results by tommc Jun 26, 2002 (2:05 pm)
Usually when replacing an engine the mech will take every effort to not disconnect an R12 system. Unbolt the compressor and lay it aside. I'd suspect the system was low to start with and maybe pulling on the hoses lost some more, and some since has leaked. Todays AC shops use an ultrasonic leak check that takes about 2 minutes to pinpoint a leak, near 100 percent accurate unless it is a high pressure leak. If I were keeping the truck for any length of time I would certainly convert to R134a HFC. Real simple to shoot in a can every couple years. If done right the cooling capacity would be nearly the same, you wouldn't notice any difference. I'd use chemical strip on the hood. Zip Strip or Bix. Messy but you get a real smooth finish to paint over.
#300 of 304 tommc by ntaylor Jun 26, 2002 (3:47 pm)
Thanks, tommc. The A/C system may have been low to begin with, but when I took it in for the work it was as cold as it was the day I bought it. I'm going to call and ask what they do w/ the A/C when they replace an engine. Really, its history now. Also thanks for the tip on the chemical strip. I definitely wasn't going to sand, but I really didn't have any idea of what stripper to go with. Can you tell me if these are generally available? (The cracking paint is actually the result of another mediocre warranty job way back when. I am much more impressed with the factory paint and finish jobs I'm seeing nowadays) ntaylor
#301 of 304 88 s15 performance review by jgaines1 Jun 28, 2002 (10:08 am)
My truck has turned 240,000 miles, (4.3, 4x4, automatic),the last three years plowing snow in the winter, pulling a boat in the summer. Its got some rust, but no mechanical problems until this year. Consumer reports should have rate this model tops! I will need another 4.3 before it hits 260,000, but I would say that should be expected.
#302 of 304 jgaines1 by tsjay Jun 28, 2002 (5:26 pm)
VERY impressive! These little trucks are the greatest, ain't they? My S10 rolled over on 149K on a short business trip yesterday, and I got 27.9 MPG for the trip! I was driving 70 to 75 MPH with the AC on too. I have the 2.8 V6 and a five speed in an '89 S10 SWB two wheel drive pickup. Gotta love 'em. Tom
#303 of 304 150K Club by tsjay Jul 10, 2002 (3:18 pm)
As I pulled into my driveway after work, the odometer rolled over onto 150,000 miles. I know there are many S10's out there with far more miles on them than that, but I feel like I have reached a milestone. I think the 150K milestone is just the threshold of what should be considered "exceptional" service on a vehicle. So, at least I have made it that far. The little truck is running like a new one, and there is no indication that it won't go another 150K! Wouldn't that be something? Realistically, I think I can count on seeing 200K with no problems other than routine wear items needing replacement or accessories going out. What a great little truck! Tom
#304 of 304 One year with my S 10 by tsjay Jul 16, 2002 (3:24 am)
It was one year ago today that I bought that little S 10. It was the best purchase I ever made as far as value received vs. money spent. The truck had 134,502 miles on it when I bought it, and it now has slightly over 150,000. I have put almost 16K on it, and all it has needed are things that you would expect to have to replace on a truck with that many miles on it. The engine is running like a new one, and it uses only a little more than half a quart of oil between changes. Happy Birthday, S 10! Tom