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General ChatChat about all things Blazer (and related vehicles). Off-topic stuff should be in the lounge, and all mechanical problems should be posted in the proper forum.
OK, so here's an update on my disappointing encounter with my local shop.
I finally got around to sending an email directly to the owner last Sunday evening. By 9:00 am Monday morning, the owner emailed me back saying that this would was concerning to him and that he wanted me to be happy. He also said he'd be contacting the manager. By about 9:30 I had a phone call from the manager asking when I could bring the truck back in. We set it up for the next day, Tuesday. It was pretty good that they tried to get me in since this is the time of year when they slammed with people changing over their tires to snow tires.
Well, the manager took the car and drove it in and then show me how they tested for any looseness in the front end. They used what looked like about a 4' long pry-bar with about a 1/2" diameter rod welded across it about 4" from the end where the flat part was. This rod was used as a pivot point for the prybar when trying to lift the front tire when the lower control arm is supported by a floor jack. He noticed the small amount of free-play, that I had confirmed was within spec. He also noticed that there was no free-play with the steering linkage and saw that my idler arm was new.
He then was able to get a guy to check the alignment. It came back just fine and there was no charge.
I suspect that their tech was being sloppy, assuming that any free-play with the ball joints is bad. However, I am still having a hard time imagining how he could have come up with the need for a new idler arm.
The manager did right by me so I'm happy. I have no idea what they told the tech.
Good the manager took care of you. I doubt they told the tech anything though.
Today I did an oil and filter change. Also replaced the muffler since the old one was finally rusted through on the bottom front edge. Luckily easy to replace. Took maybe 20 minutes.
Look at that thing! WOW!
Last edited by BlazerDog97S10; Dec 24, 2024 at 11:24 PM.
I finished installing a new fuel pump. Boy what a chore. If it had been the summer I would have taken the opportunity to do some other work while under there since with the tank out, there is a lot more room. As it is, I need her back on the road for the snow.
One tip I'll pass on, if you can't get the big filler hose off the of the tank, try removing it from the end of the metal filler tube instead.
Today I replaced my fuel filter and drained and refilled the transfer case. Both were due to be done on my regular maintenance.
For the latter I learned it helps to have the front end jacked up to drain it, but the rear should be jacked up to fill it with the amout called for. If I had left it level, I only would have gotten in 2.0 to 2.1 L instead of the 2.3 L called for.
I was relieved to find the fluid to be in good shape. I was concerned because last week I thought I smelled a burning smell after driving in Auto4wd.
I later realized that the smell was the same as the ACDelco gas tank cleaner I used when I replaced the fuel pump and what I smelled was it being burned up and coming out the exhsust.
I ran my ozone machine in the truck for about 3 - 1 hour sessions. Trying to get rid of the musty smell from my junkyard acquired carpet and headliner. Smells much better now, then I added some little tree air fresheners as well as one of those scent fogger bombs. The interior is quite pleasant now. Hopefully it stays that way.
I finished installing a new fuel pump. Boy what a chore. If it had been the summer I would have taken the opportunity to do some other work while under there since with the tank out, there is a lot more room. As it is, I need her back on the road for the snow.
One tip I'll pass on, if you can't get the big filler hose off the of the tank, try removing it from the end of the metal filler tube instead.
The fuel pumps are annoying to get to on these Blazers. I really want to install an access hatch for it on my 2-door. But I just replaced it with a good fuel pump this time so hopefully it'll last longer than two years.
I ran my ozone machine in the truck for about 3 - 1 hour sessions. Trying to get rid of the musty smell from my junkyard acquired carpet and headliner. Smells much better now, then I added some little tree air fresheners as well as one of those scent fogger bombs. The interior is quite pleasant now. Hopefully it stays that way.
That's good!
A couple summers ago I gutted the entire interior of my 2-door blazer to clean the carpet and add a ton of sound dampening, heat barrier and so on. I power-washed and steamed the carpeting and it was pretty much brand new. Still like new to this day.
I let the Blazer idle for a little while to warm him up and doing system checks. He's been wrapped up for the winter, and there's 3 inches of ice layered on top. Also checked over for rodent damage and nests. I use odor repellents and spray peppermint oil all around him to keep them away. Has worked for years and still does. Shoveled the snow around the sides of the Blazer to not create a shelter under him for animals to hang out. Was a good day.
I have the driver's seat out for a rebuild of the foam, adding some fabric to fix foam cracks and add some rigidity, got that done and the Wet Okole seat cover on. Still need to vacuum the area under the seat and put it back in. I got the passenger seat down a few days ago.
The fuel pumps are annoying to get to on these Blazers. I really want to install an access hatch for it on my 2-door. But I just replaced it with a good fuel pump this time so hopefully it'll last longer than two years.
Right? I was tempted do try to cut an access hatch. But since I was able to get an AC Delco pump, I went ahead and lowered the tank. I also did a wash of it using AC Delco fuel tank detergent. The tank was super clean but like you said, it's a job you don't want to do more than once! LOL
The cleaner did make the exhaust smell funny for day.
