The Zuk has bit the dust...

[Mark_88]

Had a problem with my water pump seal...thought it was fixed...but it still leaked...after I cooked it a few times I replaced the water pump and figured that would do it...

In the process before replacing the water pump, I was on my way into town about two weeks ago when the engine started running rough...temp gauge was normal...thought it was just a vac line off...pulled over and found it was overheating (forgot to top it up) ...waited till it cooled down and threw some water in...drove into town and she cooked again...found water coming out of the exhaust port side...not a good thing...the head was cracked.

Was thinking about putting on another head, but it I'd already spent $200 fixing the water pump and replacing the fluids...still considering it, but need to focus on only one vehicle...have most of it stripped and maybe can sell off the parts that I've recently put in...

Not a sales ad, just a list of what I've done...and what it cost me just for the parts...

new alternator ($300), water pump ($75), starter ($100), front rotors and pads ($250), replaced most of the exhaust ($100), rear brakes and new brake line ($75)...Drive Clean didn't pass the first try so they charged me $140 for an inspection...

I put all that in myself except for the starter, so I saved about $1500 on labour charges...

Good little trucks those Sidekicks...would buy another one if I could find one without rust and the 16 valve engines...

 

[red85]

Sell it before you throw more money at it! There comes a time when you have to weigh how much it will take to keep it running. I retired the 94 after going through 4 or 5 paycheques just to keep it running. Put the parts on Kijiji and get what you can out of it. Just keep your eyes peeled for another good reliable vehicle. I don't mean to sound callous about it, but it sounds like it's been a steady drain on your pocketbook.

 

[Mark_88]

That's about what I've settled on, thanks.

I have a guy coming on the weekend to get the windshield...and I will post the parts that I've salvaged...hopefully someone needs them so I can clean up my outdoor garage (unheated, eh~)...

 

[red85]

I know it sucks to say goodbye to vehicles with a lot of time in them. My 85 is gone and my 94 will leave on Saturday. At least I'll have more space now.

 

[strvger]

my 1990 tracker runs great, but like yours, rust is getting the better of it. i'm looking for a good body so i can just swap motors if needed. no luck as i'm deep in the rust belt here in northern Minnesota.

 

[Mark_88]

The body on mine was pretty good up till about two years ago...and I didn't get it oiled like I should have...over all I'd say it was a pretty good vehicle...but try changing a starter on those things...I just figured it out today how to get at the top bolt...when I removed it to resell...what a tight fit!