Rebuilt 2005 GX470 Project - Back in CO!

Packing day.

Unlike the last two Uhual truck/trailer rentals for this trip, the Penske has cruise control! Also much nicer seats

 

Noted!!

 

I hope you have a safe trip!!

 

That is useful information.

 

Safe trip Scott!
CO will be nicer than TX for sure, hehe....
If it weren't for the cost of living and also kids can't adapt to the mountain heights, I would love to move there....

 

Safe journeys

 

I'm back in CO!! Got everything unloaded and truck returned. Had to get a 10x10' storage locker to store most of my crap. Cousin's basement apartment setup is already fully furnished. Like the third downsize of living space I've done in like 1.5 years lol. But worth it

 

Finally getting the jeep emissions test done. Reg has been expired since October. I didn't want to go through the whole process of getting TX plates on it while I had it down there. Did the M3 yesterday, it was expired since November.

 

Did they question the expiration?

 

Didn't even come up. But it passed! I've got a chronic evap issue that triggers the check engine light. Trick is to fill the gas tank up and clear the codes, it usually doesn't come back until the tank is around half empty.

 

Nice! Some might question the gap, but in your case it was more so justified that you were on the move anyway.....
You got out in good time, it is getting hot now....

 

There were a few morning the last two weeks in Dallas in the 70s but with 80% humidity. Bleh.

 

Yea, the temp doesn't worry me, it is when blended with humidity that makes one want to kill....

 

Dog Park today and then mountain cruise in the M3

 

A lot more GX470's in Denver being parted out. Going to look at a few tomorrow to grab some bits

 

Got the rear quarter panel vent, a cap and another plastic piece for the qp. $20 at a junk yard

 

Lol light came back on at 3/4 tank

 

Is it a lose or bad gascap?

 

No, I've replaced the gas cap multiple times, even with genuine Mopar. And a new evap canister seal. I didn't know at first, but it's coming from one of the lines that connects from the gas tank into the engine bay, to another evap part (forget the name). But when I installed the dual battery tray, that part lost it's mounting point and was just kinda floating there. It dipped down enough to melt a hole in the line on the exhaust manifold. I tried cutting and hacking it back together, but still leaks.

Been putting off the fix cause....gotta drop the gas tank to replace the line.

 

GAS TANK DROP!!!! GAAAAAAAAAS TAAAAAAANK DROOOOOOOOOOP!!!!

GAAAAA

 

Dropped the M3 off at a shop called The Garage (bmw certified repair shop) in Englewood. Assuming the starter is dying. I've had to push start it a few times when out doing errands the last couple of months. Just random no starts. Battery is brand new yellow top Optima.

Also having them fix the myriad of oil leaks.

Hopefully all covered under the Warranty Solutions by Wells Fargo, lifetime warranty. That warranty has paid for itself multiple times over since I got it from the dealer I bought the M3 through. Paid $4500 for it. The last repair done under it was replacing the SMG Hydraulic pump. $6900 bill, i paid $100. At one point they even paid to replace the OEM muffler with a new one, shipped from Germany. Very surprised how good it's been. Especially on a 20 year old vehicle.

 

Good to be back in the mountains! First trip to the "cabin" in the GX. Dumont, CO

 

Shop called about the M3. Said he was very impressed with the ease of dealing with the warranty company. They were able to replicate the starter issue, and had ho push back on replacing it. Should get it back in a few days.

The oil leaks, however...he said they'd need to deal with the top side leaks first. And those are all self inflicted wounds lol. So he didn't want to push the luck with the warranty just yet. Said it looks like it's coming from the intake manifold and the oil cooler line. So I did both of those last year. But i used the wrong sized crush washers on the oil cooler line (just some i grabbed from auto zone), and there's a broken stud on the top right corner of the intake manifold. Which I also did by torquing it down too much.. They quoted $570 for that work. But also said it wasn't "life or death" fix. So I'll tackle that work AGAIN lol. And if still noticing a bottom side leak, will bring back to them.

 

And damn it! Was on FB marketplace and there's a hardtop for sale with stand and cover, that appear to be in better condition than the one I bought in Dallas. Of course there is now that I bought one

 

Amazing