so. it took three days and three people to work on the jeep. but now the ol’ girl has new hoses, a new water pump, new serpentine belt, and a new thermostat. oh, and an air filter too. BOOSH. no leaks!

my father-in-law did most of the work.

mr. fleegan helped.

i started the whole thing but was not strong enough to do some things like, loosen some bolts which, apparently, Vulcan, God of The Forge, had installed. i have a Haynes auto repair manuel for the jeep, and it is a handy thing to own, especially if you’re like me and think, “hey, lots of people work on their cars. it can’t be too hard.” and really, it’s not. as long as you remember how to put it all back together.

and bonus? we had no leftover screws/bolts/washers/etc.

there is something amazingly satisfying about fixing something. and also it’s cheaper.

oh! but the best part was when i found a dirt dauber’s nest (some folks call it a mud dauber) on part of the motor. John, i thought of you and your theory of the wasps hatching out of the engine and causing all the leaks in the first place.

i’m sure my father-in-law thought i was crazy when i said, “wait! i have to get a picture of this!” but come on, it was perfect. of COURSE there’s a wasp nest in my jeep. those triflin’ bugs, hitchin’ free rides from me.

Tags: ,

2 Comments