Let's see...I've got a 2000 Blazer 4.3 v6 4x4 LS. Currently has 200100 miles on it. I purchased it from a friend for 1,000 (at 196k) with one catch - help him pay off his title loan. My ford explorer blew it's gaskets, converter was shot, etc - it was bad. Needed a car that day or else I and my girlfriend would lose my job, so I jumped on it.

It runs pretty good, idles a bit rough (has error code p0440) but nothing drastic. However, it does need work, and a lot is just recently creeping up on me. I've got 1,400 left to pay on it, and it's mine. Here's what I'm looking at...


Replace intake manifold gaskets (leaking coolant/air) - 470.50 quote @ shop
Replace valve covers - 135 quote @ shop
Replace oil cooler lines (both) - 400 quote @ shop
Replace thermostat (has been overheating, haven't got a quote)
Rear main seal leaks a bit
Has some rust (originally from michigan)

I'm already looking at well over 1,000 dollars. I've got about 5-6 grand to either dump into it, or get a new car. My logic at this point is basically in the 5-6 grand area, most used cars are getting ready to run into these sort of repairs (nearly everything in my price range is around 120k and up) so I'm kind of at a loss. I dunno if I should keep the vehicle, or return it to my friend.

Thoughts?

 

If your mechanical at all, these fixes can be done for a few hundred on a weekend rear main can wait a while. maybe also the valve covers. Whats wrong with them?

 

Dunno, they just suggested to do so while doing the gasket. Know how to change fluids, tires, filters etc - knowledge stops at that point. Could probably figure it out with some videos and the book, but I lack the tools, time, and a place to even work on it.

I met a guy who was a former mechanic (shade tree, these days) and he showed me a few videos of 350 small blocks he installed, what he was working on, etc. Looked good, but as I'm mechanically clueless, who knows how skilled he is - not to mention he quoted me on plugs, wires, gasket and thermostat for 150 bucks (including parts..) got me skeptical.

I know the main can wait if I keep the fluid topped, but I mean...if it's going to wait, it's going to wait a very, very long time. Won't exactly have the money to pull the transmission, at least any time soon. So I'm basically stuck relying on local mechanic shops.

 

Understand

 

where do you live donny? i live in northern indiana. if live close i could help you

 

Looks like all you NEED is intake gasket, valve cover gaskets?, cooling lines and thermostat. If you have a buddy with tools and a garage/carport get a Chilton or Haynes and I'm sure you could do it all yourself. Pulling the intake can get tricky, just requires some time and patience. If you have to take it to a shop ask why each thing needs to be fixed/replaced and try not to get taken to the cleaners. =)