It never ends.....Something always happens

So I go to the yard and drop some iron off. I flipped a desk off the back of the truck It bounces off the tailgate and I snapped a tailgate cable. Ok, I can deal with that, so I call an Autozone by me to get the cable. He has them in stock for my truck, okay cool i'll be up in a hour to grab them. I go up get the cables (for both sides), about a half inch short. Take them back and get refund. So I asked the guy what year they are for he says a 2002, okay I said 2000 on the phone, if you didn't have them why am I here, he just looks at me and says nothing. They can't get them, so his manager tells me to call the dealer. Go to Advanced Auto Parts about a 1/4 mile away, they can't get them either. Okay, whatever so I come home get the number for Pep Boys. They can get them but I have to go to the store, pre-pay for them and he has to order them from Indianapolis. Finally getting somewhere.

I get back to the house, do my daily maintenance check, pop the hood checking the oil. So I get done with the oil and I start it up and stick my head in the motor, I hear something grind about every 15-20 seconds. So I shut the truck off check the radiator and I can't see antifreeze. Slide under the truck and sure enough I have a slow drip of coolant. Guess I need a new water pump, so that's what i'll be getting done Monday. That kills any calls I get for the weekend and my Sunday trash run.

Originally Posted by ScrapperNJ26

I get back to the house, do my daily maintenance check, pop the hood checking the oil. So I get done with the oil and I start it up and stick my head in the motor, I hear something grind about every 15-20 seconds. So I shut the truck off check the radiator and I can't see antifreeze. Slide under the truck and sure enough I have a slow drip of coolant. Guess I need a new water pump, so that's what i'll be getting done Monday. That kills any calls I get for the weekend and my Sunday trash run.

I AM IMPRESSED! and while you may miss a few days, it is better than breaking down, paying for a tow and possibly more damage to your truck. I have a 1998 Silverado, with 118xxx. it is my bread and butter and baby. I am constantly checking everything on it, and my trailer.
So, enjoy a little down time and maybe get a few others things done that have been put off. You may actually be saving more than you would have made, had you not done that "daily maintenance check". my 2. BroJer

We've been running my dad's truck hard lately, 2000 Ram 1500 with a 318 5 speed. It's floating around 165,000 miles. 2nd water pump as of this upcoming one. Not bad, but the throw out bearing just went in the clutch about 2 months ago which was done at 120,000 miles. That was $1400 because everything had to be replaced. I have some low-grade boards and 3 monitors to rip down so I guess I'll get that done.

Car troubles make me want to puke I am scrapper not a mechanic. I can take anything apart but putting it back together is a completely different story. Which is why I have two vehicles with under 55,000 miles in my driveway. I can't stand being broke down. I finally had to give up my 02 ford f-150 with 190,000 miles on it 5 months ago because it needed more work then the truch was worth to pass inspection. Sometimes you gotta know when hold em and when to fold em. Nothing better then waking up and knowing your truck is gonna start and get you to point a to point b with no problems in between. Good luck on your problems I hope its not more then a water pump.

I can deal with a $400 water pump. I would do it but I have no place to work on anything where I live. Oh well lol. Comes with the territory.

In over 40 years of driving, I could almost count the times I've let a shop work on my vehicle on one hand, but to count the times I didn't regret it one little finger is more than enough.

um, the bright side, you have a truck. just sayin.

Scrap truck don't last long unless you maintain and don't be afraid to spend money on your silent partner, right hand man. I do all the work on our trucks and trailers. Not really by choice but I just can't get over paying someone $1500 for something I can do on a Sat and Sun with some beers and friends.

Just dropped it off, it'll be done as soon as autopart international shows up with the pump. 2 hours on the pump not bad, so I'll have it back by 6.

I guess in the last 3 years I've replaced the clutch, water pump, radiator, drivers side window, plugs and plug wires on my sons 91 Explorer. Plugs, plug wires and coil for my wifes Windstar and a clutch in my Ranger. I've got a 66 Chevy in my garage that i'm trying to restore but I never seem to have any extra money to spend on it. It is frustrating having to work on these vehicles but I am thankful that I'm able to do it.

Gustavus, Your comment reminded me of something. Had to go to Auto Zone in Memphis to pick up and engine,they have a 24 hour store, two guys had the tranny out of chevy right under the lamp post,This was around 1.00 a.m. there was little groups all over the lot under the lamps working on various rides.

i find auto zone useless i stopped calling them years ago. if its just a slow leak fill a jug or two full of water and keep going man i wouldn't worry about it just keep checking every other hour.

Scrappernj, $1400 for a clutch in a pickup seems extremely high. I've had clutches professionally installed in my international dump truck for less. I know things cost more in the north, but sounds like you need to shop around. I would guess that's a $500 job here. Good luck.