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I've been traveling a lot lately due to visit ill parents and most recently, a funeral. 1400 mile trip last week, with a one-day turn around to a 1200 miler. Now I'm looking at the 1400 mile trip again in a week. (round trip numbers)
The 855T is not holding up well. Leaving out the headliner that needs replacing, I'm now facing the following with little time for DIY and no desire to pay for the repairs.
Starter failing, (grinds on after starting)
Control arms, (ball joints shot)
Struts, mounts, seats, etc.
Dashboard mounts broken,
AC compressor died (might be fuse? Hope so)
Smoking during prolonged idling. (Just passed inspection too)
The smoking became very noticeable during a long 11 mile backup on I-40 for an accident. Creeping along I noticed a cloud of oil smoke in the mirror that cleared up once underway. Also had a burned oil smell in the cabin. Did not overheat.
The AC wasn't working well during a trip this week so I recharged with a couple of cans of R134. They had the "stop leak" stuff in them so the system could be plugged. ??
The car has 183,000 miles on it and frankly, isn't worth what a shop would charge for all the above work. I can DIY but don't have the time. Still looks good, drives great, but might be time to unload it and go for a mini-van since we're now 3 adults, one with a new hip and our two 5'11" kids.
I might have to make time for overnight repair sessions before finances allow for a replacement vehicle.
For traveling I see the control arms, oil smoke and AC as mandatory. I'm in I'm in the south. Opinions please.
Erwin
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