cruiser54
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Prescott, Az
Speaking of Bimmer's I want an e30....
I wouldn't own one. Heard the O2 sensors are a bitch to change and you need special tools. Steer clear of it.
Speaking of Bimmer's I want an e30....
Recommended reading for bimmer:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1077336&highlight=repair+hardest
This thread needs a stake driven through its heart.
Eco, that's a great thread. It really drove home a major theme of this entire thread. If you're going to dare work on an XJ, don't even think about not owning these 5 professional mechanic tools: Air compressor, welder, angle grinder/dremel, bench vice, and various blowtorches. Without them, you're really not equipped to do this level of mechanics. It's better to learn that sooner than later. I had a bad feeling I was getting in over my head the day I bought the XJ, and it's only been confirmed with each project. Right from day one, even removing the battery cables was a project. The bolts were rusted solid, and I had to hammer off the posts. That was the warning sign to pick another car, or seriously overhaul my understanding of mechanic's tools.
For now, I do need to decide to either punt the XJ to someone who has the garage resources to work on it, or have my storage garage permanently wired for electricity, and acquire those 5 tools and training to use them. Either way, I have decided that I will not be doing anything more on this XJ without those 5 things added to my starter toolkit.
88trailcrawler made a great point. XJ's probably were realistic cars to learn on when they were newer, but a 14 year old XJ is going to be a different beast. Maybe I will look into an LK or JK, as you advised. I have no interest in modding, just basic maintenance, so the trick will be to find one that is new enough to be easy to work on, but old enough to need repairs. I am not going to bother working on a $20,000 Jeep that only has 20k miles on it, and is barely broken in.
For the rest of that thread, it's actually interesting to see someone admit it took 4-5 hours to replace the CPS. Most people seem to say it's 2 bolts and an extension bar, and it takes 10 mins on the side of the road. Others talk about removing tranny cross members, whatever that is. I don't know what the whole "dropping the bolt into the bell housing" means, but apparently, it's a nightmare that involves hand cranking the engine to get it out. That's all I need to know to never attempt that one.
Same guy also said exhaust manifold takes a full weekend. A refreshing change from people saying they've done it in on their lunch break in the Autozone parking lot.
Heater core is the only one that is consistently represented as a real pain. If it takes forum braggarts to admit it takes 8 hours, I can't even imagine what it takes for a beginner. I bet 20 hours, at a minimum. Rear main seal also seems to get an honest depiction. Haven't seen anyone say you can do it in 20 mins. with a screwdriver.
OFA o-rings got an honorable mention. That was actually doable if you can fabricate your tool. No blowtorches needed. Just an angle grinder.
Anyway, I'm done with this O2 sensor debacle. Thanks to the posters who offered constructive ideas and suggestions.
I am not lying in the snow to do a CPS replacement video for a troll. Nope :looney:
That being said, it is a 5-10 minute job unless you are clumsy or unlucky. 1 11mm socket, 1 3/8 ujoint, about 2-3 feet of 3/8 extensions, a 3/8 ratchet, a 10mm deep socket or 10mm box wrench. That's all you need.
. This is why XJ's are for experts only. All the Chilton reading in the world isn't going to make rusted bolt come out.
only two sockets or wrenches - the 10mm deep socket or 10mm box wrench is for undoing the nut that holds the cable clamp to the fuel injector supply rail mounting bolt. I am not sure if it is the same size or even present on a RENIX but it's important, if you don't clamp the cable where it's supposed to be clamped it can fall onto the #6 exhaust runner, which noticeably diminishes the CPS signal when it melts through the insulation.
The socket for the CPS bolts themselves is 11mm, that I remember for sure.
Eco, that tool looks like one of those tools you need once a year, but when you need it, you'd be willing to pay $300 for it to end your misery. Do you remember the times you needed it?
Amazon sells it for $27 shipped. Walmart for $22.
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-89-962-8-Inch-Rotator-Ratchet/dp/B000HEKV1W
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-Rotator-Ratchet-3-8/14146071
I've also used a $5 thumb wheel ratchet for times where you don't need the torque of the 3/8" handle.