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Speaking of not knowing what might break next…
My Camaro left me stranded twice. Once, during one of those balmy summer evening trips (but in ’89), the passenger side ball joint broke :(. Then in the summer of ’90 the trans blew. I was able to limp home which, thankfully at the time, was right around the corner. Paid $750.00 (in ’90) to have the trans rebuilt, but I felt it was money well spent. 🙂
I will share, in a future post, the demise of my Camaro as it is a strange and sad story (and I don’t want to ruin the nostalgic feel of this thread)! Also, will try to find some photos (taken with the old 110 camera, remember those?) to post.
P.S. During my early years of Camaro ownership, my Dad had taught me the basics about performance issues/maintenance (tune-up items) but we hadn’t gotten to suspension and trans discussions by the time these “strandings” occurred. I am definitely more in-tune to the more major things now, though.
Thanks for reading.
I miss my 1978 Chevy Camaro (my first car)…
My favorite memories of driving are those trips taken on balmy summer nights in ’88, windows rolled down (no AC), cassette player blasting Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin tunes…I was young and I was free (well, except for the midnite curfew, LOL!) 🙂
There definitely was a certain connected-ness, if I may, that I felt while driving my Camaro. I think that is why it was (and still is) my favorite vehicle. It takes me back to my youth, ya know? I have never driven a car that has given me quite that same sentimental feeling.
In more recent years, the car that evoked a similar feeling was my 2001 Saturn SC2 (timing chain broke at 235,000 mi. I recently replaced it with a ’97 SC2). Although I loved my ’01 for it’s sporty appearance and reliability, I believe I am more connected with the ’97 because of the work I have been doing on it…I guess it depends on one’s relationship or connected-ness with one’s car?
So I guess I have a dual theme going on here…a connected-ness with the road and a connected-ness with a car…very interesting. :huh:
I miss my 1978 Chevy Camaro (my first car)…
My favorite memories of driving are those trips taken on balmy summer nights in ’88, windows rolled down (no AC), cassette player blasting Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin tunes…I was young and I was free (well, except for the midnite curfew, LOL!) 🙂
There definitely was a certain connected-ness, if I may, that I felt while driving my Camaro. I think that is why it was (and still is) my favorite vehicle. It takes me back to my youth, ya know? I have never driven a car that has given me quite that same sentimental feeling.
In more recent years, the car that evoked a similar feeling was my 2001 Saturn SC2 (timing chain broke at 235,000 mi. I recently replaced it with a ’97 SC2). Although I loved my ’01 for it’s sporty appearance and reliability, I believe I am more connected with the ’97 because of the work I have been doing on it…I guess it depends on one’s relationship or connected-ness with one’s car?
So I guess I have a dual theme going on here…a connected-ness with the road and a connected-ness with a car…very interesting. :huh:
Just a note before I dive in. I am a very optimistic person, by nature.
Retirement, through Social Security, as we have traditionally known it (and as stated by one of the ETCG members) is nonexistant for the post baby boomer generations. We have only to rely on our own resources (and if you’re lucky enough to have matching contribution programs through your employer) to get us through to the end, so to speak.
My plan, now, is to pay off all my debt (house, school loans, small credit card, always drive used cars so no car loans) and then save nearly everything I make and use a good chunk of it for investing (setting up a diversified portfolio) for my retirement. Now along the way, I plan to “pay it forward” by helping the community organizations that have helped me during my rough patches. I also plan to remain close with my three daughters (if you don’t have your family, what have you got?) both geographically and emotionally…probably stay in my current house (been here since 1998, gee how time flies!). I realize that plans can change daily so I have to be flexible, but this is the plan for now.
As for my career: I went to college later in life than most but I should have 20 years invested in my field (if I can get back into the workforce soon) by the time I hit 65. Then I will probably teach. Could be that I end up going into teaching now…who knows!
Everyone-don’t forget to live at least a small piece of your dream (i.e.beaches, the ones in Australia are to die for!, just saying) now because we don’t know what tomorrow holds.
Thanks for this opportunity to share.
Just a note before I dive in. I am a very optimistic person, by nature.
Retirement, through Social Security, as we have traditionally known it (and as stated by one of the ETCG members) is nonexistant for the post baby boomer generations. We have only to rely on our own resources (and if you’re lucky enough to have matching contribution programs through your employer) to get us through to the end, so to speak.
My plan, now, is to pay off all my debt (house, school loans, small credit card, always drive used cars so no car loans) and then save nearly everything I make and use a good chunk of it for investing (setting up a diversified portfolio) for my retirement. Now along the way, I plan to “pay it forward” by helping the community organizations that have helped me during my rough patches. I also plan to remain close with my three daughters (if you don’t have your family, what have you got?) both geographically and emotionally…probably stay in my current house (been here since 1998, gee how time flies!). I realize that plans can change daily so I have to be flexible, but this is the plan for now.
As for my career: I went to college later in life than most but I should have 20 years invested in my field (if I can get back into the workforce soon) by the time I hit 65. Then I will probably teach. Could be that I end up going into teaching now…who knows!
Everyone-don’t forget to live at least a small piece of your dream (i.e.beaches, the ones in Australia are to die for!, just saying) now because we don’t know what tomorrow holds.
Thanks for this opportunity to share.
Currently own:
1997 Saturn SC2 188,000 mi. (my project/learning car)
2002 Saturn LW300 120,000 mi.
2000 Honda Civic VP, 170,000 mi. (heard I might be able to get another 150,000 mi. out of it!)
2003 Suzuki GZ250 10,000 mi. (approx.)I had a 2001 Saturn SC2 that I bought used in 2002 with 14,000 mi. on the odometer. Timing chain broke at 235,000 mi. in 2011. 🙁 Wish I’d known then what I know now…I’d probably still have it!
Currently own:
1997 Saturn SC2 188,000 mi. (my project/learning car)
2002 Saturn LW300 120,000 mi.
2000 Honda Civic VP, 170,000 mi. (heard I might be able to get another 150,000 mi. out of it!)
2003 Suzuki GZ250 10,000 mi. (approx.)I had a 2001 Saturn SC2 that I bought used in 2002 with 14,000 mi. on the odometer. Timing chain broke at 235,000 mi. in 2011. 🙁 Wish I’d known then what I know now…I’d probably still have it!
I have been diagnosing a malfunctioning cooling fan on my 1997 Saturn SC2. It is not overheating, per se, but is running hotter than it should (and the fan does not turn on). I began by inspecting the cooling fan fuse and it is good. I had a worn/leaking upper radiator hose so I replaced it. Test drove it (10+ minutes), checked the upper hose temperature and it was hot so the thermostat is working properly. My next approach was to check the cooling fan motor by connecting test leads to the fan connector and then to the battery. However, the connector is difficult to access from the top and I can’t see/feel the disconnect tab. Is there a trick to it? Is it like the O2 sensor connector?
After I test the fan motor (assuming it tests fine), I will check the coolant temperature sensor and finally the fan relay. I don’t have a great technique (no Power Probe)for testing the fan relay (visually fine, not burned or melted) as of yet but will research it again.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
P.S. I haven’t tried to access it (fan connector) from underneath yet…thinking I should just move on to testing the coolant temp sensor.I have been diagnosing a malfunctioning cooling fan on my 1997 Saturn SC2. It is not overheating, per se, but is running hotter than it should (and the fan does not turn on). I began by inspecting the cooling fan fuse and it is good. I had a worn/leaking upper radiator hose so I replaced it. Test drove it (10+ minutes), checked the upper hose temperature and it was hot so the thermostat is working properly. My next approach was to check the cooling fan motor by connecting test leads to the fan connector and then to the battery. However, the connector is difficult to access from the top and I can’t see/feel the disconnect tab. Is there a trick to it? Is it like the O2 sensor connector?
After I test the fan motor (assuming it tests fine), I will check the coolant temperature sensor and finally the fan relay. I don’t have a great technique (no Power Probe)for testing the fan relay (visually fine, not burned or melted) as of yet but will research it again.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
P.S. I haven’t tried to access it (fan connector) from underneath yet…thinking I should just move on to testing the coolant temp sensor.Excellant idea to cannibalize a wreck…it’s kind of like recycling for cars. However, the chipping in idea is good too! I know I would be one of one thousand to chip in $10.00! Loved your ideas for the Fairmont, Eric. Will it be at your shop during the Meet-Up event? It will be interesting to see how things turn out.
Excellant idea to cannibalize a wreck…it’s kind of like recycling for cars. However, the chipping in idea is good too! I know I would be one of one thousand to chip in $10.00! Loved your ideas for the Fairmont, Eric. Will it be at your shop during the Meet-Up event? It will be interesting to see how things turn out.
Hey Trish! My screen name is lar1969, but my first name is Lee Ann. I am a single mom (currently unemployed)of 3 girls and have found it necessary to start fixing my own cars. I have a red 1997 Saturn SC2 which is my current project car. I have enjoyed diagnosing/improving the performance of this vehicle but it is the Saturn LW 300 that I own which has caused me to start doing my own repairs (so I dont have to shell out $500.00 every time it needs something 🙁 ) I also am considering a career in Automotive Technology because I am having so much fun wrenching on my own cars!
My dad helped lay my foundation at an early age for mechanics but Eric, through his videos, has taught me tons since I have begun this journey.
Good luck to you. Hope to hear from you.Hey Trish! My screen name is lar1969, but my first name is Lee Ann. I am a single mom (currently unemployed)of 3 girls and have found it necessary to start fixing my own cars. I have a red 1997 Saturn SC2 which is my current project car. I have enjoyed diagnosing/improving the performance of this vehicle but it is the Saturn LW 300 that I own which has caused me to start doing my own repairs (so I dont have to shell out $500.00 every time it needs something 🙁 ) I also am considering a career in Automotive Technology because I am having so much fun wrenching on my own cars!
My dad helped lay my foundation at an early age for mechanics but Eric, through his videos, has taught me tons since I have begun this journey.
Good luck to you. Hope to hear from you.