I got the Dak back from the dealership night before last. I am still in
shock that they repaired all the items on my list. As I said before, it
turned out the head gasket was not leaking but instead was the coolant from
the thermostat housing running down the seam between the head and the block,
then down the engine so that it looked like the head was leaking. Turned out
the stat housing had a pit in it, so they replaced it. They also replaced
the PCV grommet as it was leaking slightly and several other items.
On the way home from the dealer ship I stopped by Autozone and picked up a
180 stat and a gasket. Total price $3.44. I installed the stat the next
morning when the truck was cool. The new gasket the dealership installed
wasn't baked in place yet so I didn't have to scrape it off, I just reused
it. The truck definitely runs cooler per the gauge on the dash and the power
difference is very noticeable on the highway. This is really kick ass! I
should have done this a long time ago. I don't know what if anything it did
to mileage, but I will know when I get back from vacation in about a week
and a half.
BTW, the clunking in the steering wheel is finally gone. I had a different
service writer this time and I gave him the complete story on intermediate
shafts and how long the rattle had been there. (Since original delivery). I
also told him that I was told a steering column was to be installed on my
previous visit, but the int. shaft was done instead. He swapped the steering
column and the rattle is completely gone. This truck drives tighter than the
day I brought it home. If you are having problems with a rattle in the
steering wheel, and you can feel it moving up and down when you hold the
wheel, see if you can get the steering column replaced. That's what it
finally took after 20 months of trips to the dealership.
John
98 Dak 4X4 CC Sport, 5.2L, Auto, Leach headers, DDBC, no more leaks or
rattles!!!!!
I think the yellow sheen in the blue paint is starting to fade.
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