superbuickguy
Explorer
The news is getting out that the best midsize is a Chevrolet Colorado Diesel. Yes, I get 25 mpg with a 6" lift and 33" tires. My wife has one as well that gets 35 mpg.
That said, all is not amazing because they do require a timing belt service at 150,000 miles. It's an interference motor so erring to the side of caution is a good idea. Mine just about has 100k on it.
The video is extremely helpful but the American trucks are different. I'll try to highlight that as I relate. I'll put notes at the bottom.
drain the coolant
after finally getting the radiator out, I was greeted with this view
a note - taking it out the bottom is quite a bit easier
leave the side supports in place, pull the bolts illustrated at the bottom, then pop the tabs on the top (slide down, then the sides pry out just a bit so you can push the radiator towards the engine.. and drop it down (again, the tabs he refers to in the video are along the bottom of the radiator - horizontal to the ground)
do what I didn't, pull the air intake rubber hose out - it makes getting the various shrouds out a lot easier
belt routing
to get the belt off, you have to pull the tensioner
after finally getting the radiator out and the various air duct/fans out (not fun), this little fun thing popped up... that says "reverse thread".... and it is. thankfully I've experienced in these things so it really wasn't a deal - but if you're not - beware
finally, to the timing cover
just like suggested in the video - time to draw lines
and new belt aligned
last before the cover can go back on, you need to align the pointer to the notch to set proper tension (and it's in the video)
back together - it even runs
1) the engine fan has an electronic engagement that must be removed - pull the red tab out just a bit, stick a pick in the fan side and pry the tab up to release. The metal bit holding the wiring comes apart by just squeezing - use a zip tie to put back together... trust me on this
2) I wondered at why he bothered spinning the motor over before he put it back together.... when you pull the belt, if there's tension on the cam shaft, it'll move. When you put it back together, just use your marks and spin the cam using a 13mm socket and ratchet (and by spin, I mean move a few degrees to get everything to line up)
3) you'll notice mine has a water seep? I simply don't care enough to fix it.
4) I could have made life easier if I'd made room on the passenger side to remove the shroud and fan veins. You really can't get the fan off without pulling all of that (including the radiator).... that said, given the amount of crap on the radiator and trapped at the bottom - I'm glad I did pull it.
That said, all is not amazing because they do require a timing belt service at 150,000 miles. It's an interference motor so erring to the side of caution is a good idea. Mine just about has 100k on it.
The video is extremely helpful but the American trucks are different. I'll try to highlight that as I relate. I'll put notes at the bottom.
drain the coolant
after finally getting the radiator out, I was greeted with this view
a note - taking it out the bottom is quite a bit easier
leave the side supports in place, pull the bolts illustrated at the bottom, then pop the tabs on the top (slide down, then the sides pry out just a bit so you can push the radiator towards the engine.. and drop it down (again, the tabs he refers to in the video are along the bottom of the radiator - horizontal to the ground)
do what I didn't, pull the air intake rubber hose out - it makes getting the various shrouds out a lot easier
belt routing
to get the belt off, you have to pull the tensioner
after finally getting the radiator out and the various air duct/fans out (not fun), this little fun thing popped up... that says "reverse thread".... and it is. thankfully I've experienced in these things so it really wasn't a deal - but if you're not - beware
finally, to the timing cover
just like suggested in the video - time to draw lines
and new belt aligned
last before the cover can go back on, you need to align the pointer to the notch to set proper tension (and it's in the video)
back together - it even runs
1) the engine fan has an electronic engagement that must be removed - pull the red tab out just a bit, stick a pick in the fan side and pry the tab up to release. The metal bit holding the wiring comes apart by just squeezing - use a zip tie to put back together... trust me on this
2) I wondered at why he bothered spinning the motor over before he put it back together.... when you pull the belt, if there's tension on the cam shaft, it'll move. When you put it back together, just use your marks and spin the cam using a 13mm socket and ratchet (and by spin, I mean move a few degrees to get everything to line up)
3) you'll notice mine has a water seep? I simply don't care enough to fix it.
4) I could have made life easier if I'd made room on the passenger side to remove the shroud and fan veins. You really can't get the fan off without pulling all of that (including the radiator).... that said, given the amount of crap on the radiator and trapped at the bottom - I'm glad I did pull it.