toddlnrd
My first diesel!
I removed the CDR and cleaned it with the recommended Autozone engine degreaser (thanks GMCTD).
Changed the oil and filter.
Changed the fuel filter (be careful how you seat the new filter, you could damage the gasket and have diesel fuel leak everywhere. Ask me how I know!!)
Checked the coolant tank for leaks (didn't find any). I have a small leak somewhere. It smells like it is coming from that area, but not enough to show any coolant on the driveway.
Cleaned the oil cooler, tranny cooler, and AC condenser. I finally figured out how to remove the front grill. Much easier to get to the tabs when you remove the turn signal lenses. I used the aforementioned Autozone engine degreaser with a light setting on the power washer. Seemed to be very affective.
Now for the part that I thought was going to be the most difficult, I changed the thermostats. Yes, I did spend the $68 for the AC Delco t-stats. My biggest concern was getting to that 4th bolt hidden under the t-stat housing. I was able to feel my way to it with a deep socket 15mm and a 3-inch extension. Once the 4 bolts were out, a little wiggle of the housing and off she came. Much easier than I thought!!
The thermostats that were in there did not look like the t-stats that I just bought. The AC Delcos have a rubber "jacket" around the spring area. (This must be what Turbine Doc was talking about, the bypass block?) The existing t-stats did not have this extra rubber (exposed spring). Worked that 4th bolt back in place and drove her hard.
Prior to Saturday, my truck would easily see 200 - 206 degrees F. Last summer, I drove thru the NC mountains and had to turn off the AC when the temp reached 212 degrees F. Now, the "big girl" will not go above 191 degrees F.
I will be taking her across country from NC to South Dakota next week. With the wife and 4 kids and all our stuff, this should be a good work out. I will let you know how cool she stays when I get back.
Todd
Changed the oil and filter.
Changed the fuel filter (be careful how you seat the new filter, you could damage the gasket and have diesel fuel leak everywhere. Ask me how I know!!)
Checked the coolant tank for leaks (didn't find any). I have a small leak somewhere. It smells like it is coming from that area, but not enough to show any coolant on the driveway.
Cleaned the oil cooler, tranny cooler, and AC condenser. I finally figured out how to remove the front grill. Much easier to get to the tabs when you remove the turn signal lenses. I used the aforementioned Autozone engine degreaser with a light setting on the power washer. Seemed to be very affective.
Now for the part that I thought was going to be the most difficult, I changed the thermostats. Yes, I did spend the $68 for the AC Delco t-stats. My biggest concern was getting to that 4th bolt hidden under the t-stat housing. I was able to feel my way to it with a deep socket 15mm and a 3-inch extension. Once the 4 bolts were out, a little wiggle of the housing and off she came. Much easier than I thought!!
The thermostats that were in there did not look like the t-stats that I just bought. The AC Delcos have a rubber "jacket" around the spring area. (This must be what Turbine Doc was talking about, the bypass block?) The existing t-stats did not have this extra rubber (exposed spring). Worked that 4th bolt back in place and drove her hard.
Prior to Saturday, my truck would easily see 200 - 206 degrees F. Last summer, I drove thru the NC mountains and had to turn off the AC when the temp reached 212 degrees F. Now, the "big girl" will not go above 191 degrees F.
I will be taking her across country from NC to South Dakota next week. With the wife and 4 kids and all our stuff, this should be a good work out. I will let you know how cool she stays when I get back.
Todd
