Juanita the '93 Club Wagon

[B and C]

Got to pull a freeze plug to get everything out of the block, via gravity alone, at least on my dodge

My '77 Dodge van 318 had a NPT plug (may not be correct size) at the bottom of the water jacket on each side (just above the pan between the second and third cylinder on each side).  It is at the bottom of the slanted part of the engine just above the vertical walls where the pan bolts on.I removed those bolts to drain my water jacket and then replaced the bolt with brass petcocks meant for radiators.  Yours will probably have a good layer of rust that you will have to break through once the bolt is out.  There is not much room between the outer wall on inner wall here so don't go drilling into the oil gallery.  Made changing the coolant a lot easier and cleaner especially if you got the petcocks that had a Short tube (check fitment) on the outside that you could slip a hose on.  I believe that every modern engine with coolant has a drain in the bottom of the water jacket.  Newer vehicles have things like knock sensors screwed into them now. 

Dang, that's a memory from a long, long time ago.

[sternwake]

I was not able to get that NPT fitting out last time I tried, with a 24 inch breaker bar, hanging my 220 lbs off of it and yanking. Makes me think the rebuilders never removed it either No need i guess when replacing all the freeze plugs anyway with engine on a stand.


I was getting some leaks through the bolts holding timing chain cover and water pump to the block via the water jacket. The rtv I used, and 24 hours to cure before refilling it, did not work.. the gingerroot bars leak tabs slowed it but did not stop it. Coolant showed up on a used oil analysis.

I removed each bolt one at a time, wirebrushed its threads free of the failed crusty rtv and used permatex aviation form a gasket on teh threads and retorqued them. No more leaks from the bolts in 3 years.

[Texjbird]

IN THE CARGO AREA OF JUANITA DID YOU PULL HER SKIN OFF AND REMOVE HER STUFFING YOURELF OR WAS THAT DONE BY HER PREVIOUS OWNER  I'VE BEEN TRYING TO REMEMBER AND CAN'T EEVEN RECALL IF YOU EVR SAID OR NOT.

TJB + Q.

[AbuelaLoca]

I have stripped her bare inside! I still have to get the rear a/c unit removed to be able to put in a floor, but I have a carpet remnant that's 10' X 4' for comfort.

My SUV needs the wheel bearings replaced on both sides, so I'm going to have to work more than I planned to be able to work on Juanita now :-(

[Roadtripp]

Best wishes getting Juanita road ready this year. That sure has been testing your patience and fortitude. 
 It took me 9 months to diagnose and fix my transmission so I have some idea. I had a van with cooling system quirks so have some idea how trying that can be. Have you found a spot to work on it?

[AbuelaLoca]

Best wishes getting Juanita road ready this year. That sure has been testing your patience and fortitude. 
 It took me 9 months to diagnose and fix my transmission so I have some idea. I had a van with cooling system quirks so have some idea how trying that can be. Have you found a spot to work on it?

Son-in-law says he'll do it in the driveway!! More pressing matters have come up with my daily driver that will probably put this on hold once again. I cannot catch a break.

[AbuelaLoca]

AbuelaLoca Wrote: Wrote:
I need to keep better track of what this is costing me, so I'm going to start with this post and add to it as I go!

Van - $900
State inspection - $12
License & tags - $122.61
Small tools - $21.57
Rags & cleaning stuff - $8.60
Seat belt sockets & plate screws - $30.25
Door cable repair kit - $24.95
Reflectix for windows - $16.09
Geocel for high top leak - $25.82
Bed - $104.17
Mattress - $98.95

Total so far: $1365
AbuelaLoca Wrote: Wrote:
No-see-um fabric - $15.54
Window tint - $38.88
Bungee cords - $12.02
Shop work on A/C and removing handicap strips - $188.12

Total so far: $1619.56

I should be able to get someone to take me to the shop to pick her up today... let the fun begin!!!
Striker plates and other misc from junk yard - $50
Sikaflex - $23.70
IR Thermometer - $10.97
Luci lights - $19.59
Screwdrivers - $3.76
5 gal bucket, cup holders, etc. - $8.00
Glues and tapes - $9.40
Tail lamp assy - $32.78
Back door latch cables - $41.16
Small dresser - $32
Ceramic insulating paint - $128
Total so far: $1978.92

I had to dig deep for this post since it's been a while...

Solar thingy - $25 
Rebuilt tranny and new "computer" and inspection - $2203.14
Renew tags - $46.00

New Total as of August 24, 2018: $4,253.06

Replaced hose to thermostat, don't have amount on hand but the receipt is somewhere.

New battery: $100
New radiator, clamps, propane torch, coolant: $180

New approximate total 9/9/2020 $4533.06

There's some mold inside from sitting for two years, besides bleach, what's my best option for removing?

I'll be able to drive her around more now and open windows and air her out... Nothing has been built inside so the few pieces I have in there can be removed and cleaned or replaced! I'm praying that the major work is done and it's smooth sailing from here! Well, after new tires!

[Queen]

I’ve used a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, it stinks too but dissipates fairly quickly.

[GotSmart]

I’ve used a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, it stinks too but dissipates fairly quickly.

If you use red wine vinegar and a little olive oil you will attract a Italian mechanic. 

[rvpopeye]

Activated charcoal