NOTES FROM SLIM: Yes, the repair receipt didn't add up. Turns out when I read it on camera, the top of the page was folded over. I missed "ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING: $137". Another note: The plugs were pre-gapped for my specific make and model so I did not need to adjust them. Thanks!
In the future when u change plugs put anti seize on plugs. the aluminum heads tend to stick to plugs after a while and i stripped threads and needed Heli coil to repair. I bought a 200 dollar scanner because my Silverado has given me a pain with anti-lock sensors on wheel bearings and saved me a ton on repair bills.
Cheap coils are usually a bad idea! Buy brand names from rock auto. I'm a lifetime shadetree mechanic (and retired engineer) and I watch lots of mechanic videos and they all recommend buying OE ignition parts or high quality replacements. If you know what company makes their OE parts, buy from them for some savings such as Denso and Delphi.
Auto builders design their vehicles their own way. My fav mechanic was often frustrated with some models. He said if mechanics designed the engine they would be easier to fix.
Mr. Slim. As I was watching your video today, I was thinking of a way to tell you how much I really enjoy your handiness. Don’t get me wrong you’re an environmentalist, an outdoorsman, naturalist and photographer. I would never take that away from you. But my personal favorite part of any video that you do is watching you troubleshoot and come up with genius and cost-effective solutions to everyday problems. I’m sorry the truck took you so long to fix but thank you for including it on this video
As someone who has done many roadside/campsite repairs while traveling the country in my Ford E150... the greatest advice I give to anyone and everyone is to buy a cheap Bluetooth OBDII reader! Paired with a free app on your phone, It has saved me many many times when it comes to diagnosing a misfire or vacuum leak etc!
Yep. With the cars of today, it is pretty much a requirement so you know whats going on with codes and don't get taken down the garden path by a place that thinks they can pull one over on yah.
We travel a lot pulling a tear drop and on the advise of my son, who is very mechanical, I purchased an $99 Code Scanner from Tractor Supply. Before each trip, I connect it to run a general diagnostic and to refresh my memory on how to use the darn thing.
Hi Slim. I would be reluctant to do any major engine repair while at a campsite. My fear would be that I would do something wrong or break something that needed a garage with a professional mechanic to repair. Here's what happened to me when I had an "engine Misfire" code issue on my 2007 Ford Ranger. At around 170,000 miles it developed a slight miss on one of the cylinders. Like you, I replaced all of the spark plugs and all of the ignition wires. I fought the problem for about a year. I finally gave up throwing parts at the problem and took it to the Ford Dealership. I was informed that the valve seats in the head had sunken in over time. It was a common problem in that year's 3.0 engine. The only fix was to have the heads removed and new seats installed to the tune of $2,000.00. Now for the funny part. I had the repair work scheduled for a particular Monday. But on the Saturday before, two unlicensed teenagers stole my truck and totaled it while trying to outrun a Highway Patrol officer. The good news is that my insurance paid for a much newer truck for me. The new truck has all the features I wanted but didn't have in the old truck. Those kids actually did me a favor.
You probably got screwed , and its not uncommon. I suggest buying a OBD2 scanner . They're inexpensive & they can tell you what issues you have .. A heads up may save you $$$ and usually a y/t er has a video that shows you how to repair.. I have a friend who has been a G.M. technician for 25 yrs and I rely on him .. His advice over the years has saved me a small fortune .. Often times its something I can fix myself.. Good luck in your travels S.P.
Yup. I did this due to error codes on my Ford Transit RV related to the PCV. I ordered the parts and replaced them myself saving a lot of money. Essentially it is a poorly engineered design that allows atomized oil to mess up the PCV.
Not sure how expensive, but - just from viewing Scotty Kilmer videos - maybe an OBD2 Scanner with the option to delete error codes might be worth considering - clearing the errors may sometimes be necessary to avoid the dashboard error lights returning after the problem has been fixed.
Reading some of your responses to comments, it seems like someone struck a nerve or youre having a bad day. Cheer up Slim, we all come here bc we love your content and your adventures. The day is young, have a beer, sit back and take it all in while were all stuck at work. Many of us live through you wishing we could embark on the same journeys. Safe travels and everything is temporary, it'll get better
Actually, this is pretty usual. I stick around for a couple of hours when I release a video to respond to any questions or dispel any misunderstandings.
I love that you took the initiative to give the repair a go yourself. And I applaud and appreciate the honesty about the level of difficulty. Mostly I love that you keep it real and share all the ups and downs. 👌👌❤️
I am amazed that after all of these years one of the Industry cable channels have not signed you to a contract. You are a natural at it all…plus the voice is made for television.
I am glad for you, slim, that your truck is of an age (hand window cranks and all), that you are able to reach the sparkplugs without hoisting the engine out of the engine-compartment! Most trucks nowadays are built so compact that even reaching the spark plug cables needs some acrobatic work... Keep up the good work and happy camping/boondocking.
Full timer, same truck, same color, just did my plugs and wires as well. Too many coincidences, I’ll probably bump into you out in the desert some day. Keep up the good content.
18:42 hahaha, when i was a teen my first car squealed when i hit 90mph and i thought it was a speed alarm of some sort! 😂 You just reminded me of that!
Hey Slim, I took my Mercedees into the dealership last week for a free mandatory recall that was required for this years registration. I only have about 35K miles on the SUV - but it is 7 years old. I knew I would get ‘the call’ at some point during the day, and they recommended spark plug replacement for $1,100 USD, and air filters (yes more than one) for $600. No way. I have a good mechanic who isn’t inexpensive, but this was crazy!
I've had a lot of Mercedes over the years. Most of the usual stuff like spark plugs and air filters are pretty easy to do yourself and aren't any different than other brands. They always charge a lot for the air filters though. I usually order them online. And depending on the vehicle and engine, like the ML350, have 2 air filters and a cabin filter. The ones prior to 2012 were a lot easier to work on. The newer ones have too much computer stuff and it's hard to anything.
Dude been watching you for three years now 1st time commenting. Love your take on travel. Helped me in buying my RV. Had a Minnie Winnie towable, upgraded to a quantum class C. I know too much camper for you but it fits me and everyone should do what makes them happy.
Your absolutely correct with regards to engine design Slim, there's no way the level of difficulty to do basic maintenance hasn't been purposely baked in by the maunfacturer.
Fabulous photography and editing Slim , i really enjoyed that location i have never been in a desert like that , and it's very interesting scenery . I'm glad you sorted the truck engine issue out and the rattles . Take care and happy travels good wishes from Thailand
I am surprised at the low cost of the coils. I checked and OEM coils for your truck from GM cost about $125 from GM. I know of people who were seriously burned by getting cheap coils off of Amazon. They ended up costing more damage to the very expensive ECM due to improper current draw and all were very unreliable. Some failing at only 1000 miles. You have to be careful what parts you put in modern vehicles. Getting six or eight for the cost of one OEM should be a warning sign..
Enjoyed the video Slim. You’ve got more courage than me changing out the plugs & wires in the boonies. Knowing my skill level & being on a first name basis with Murphy I’d gone to a parking lot/rest area in town. Safe & Enjoyable Travels.
I couldn't help but think.. if I were repairing MY truck.. I would have parked it a tad closer to civilization... just in case. 😅 Glad it all worked out... aches and all.
Good job on that fix, the only thing I would have done differently was not do it in the middle of nowhere. I would have waited until the camper and truck were parked in town. Don't forget to keep a few of those spare wires and spark plugs as spares. Heaven knows what a tow would cost back into town,
@@SlimPotatohead After many decades of turning wrenches, i've found i can't trust so-called OEM parts any more than a reasonably priced counter part brand.
@@NoName-zq6ic Yep, I've been in the business for almost 30 years. Getting good parts has become a real problem. Even OEM is not what it used to be but if given the choice I still use them rather than a lot of the aftermarket brands.
Yep, I'd do that myself in the driveway. In the middle of nowhere? That broken-off plug that cracked, or worse something fell into the cylinder, becomes exponentially worse. Too many things can get broken wrenching on all sides of the motor.
I drive old trucks, 1974 IH right now, mechanics don't mind working on them because you can reach every part, so much room under the hood. Glad you got it all fixed.
Love the new sandals! Beautiful video footage of the “Midnight Winter Moon” adventure. Buy yourself a Blacklight Flashlight 🔦 Scorpions 🦂 have a unique glow. And Slim! Check your shoes before putting them on when they’re left outside. I know it probably goes without saying. We worry about our favorite RU-vidr
Hey Slim! I stayed in Ironwood National Monument, 129,000 acres of free camping, it was amazing!!! There's a gas station right there that had propane and let us get free water. There was petroglyphes and a glider airport nearby, so got some quiet entertainment😂 I drive a 2007 fj cruiser as my tow vehicle, and not a lick of trouble, and we have gone 30,000 miles! Oh, an alternator, my bad. That was in BC and good old Canadian tire fixed it next day(sunday)($450), and was so quick that I forgot! 😅 currently in Lake Havasu blm and its lovely here! Headed thru Nevada next!
Had to replace touch screen in a gmc canyon ,dealership 1200 plus labour plus download plus tax ,so approximately 1500$ ,Amazon touch screen 75 $ plus 5 connections,18 screws,take out put back (you tube) ,works great!
I enjoy videos that show me nature in places I will probably never go. Your videos do that well. I don't like the deserts and I have never been to Alaska so I seek out those kind of videos. It was a beautiful night that you filmed.😊
Slim you have interesting adventures and picked a perfect spot to camp in Arizona, those cactus are amazing. You also earned a few beers for sure enjoy.
No conspiracy. Car designers almost NEVER take into account the fact that repairs eventually become necessary. Ease of access or repair is at the bottom of their priority list!
On the positive side regarding that 700C$ you spent, you got a free diagnosis on the spark plugs problem that you would have not known. There’s a reason why Toyota is a very popular brand. My friend mechanic told me it’s the easiest, most easily accessible brand to repair, and of course, the most stolen as well. Thanks to its accessibility, easy for the thieves to chop, chop it😅
@@spencers4121 precisely. I get my oil change at the dealership with a discount coupon and they will come up with suggested repair or maintenance where I will take to my mechanic friend to do. The dealership has the computer to easily diagnose on what’s wrong. I will convey my car concern and they’ll check it for me.
Thanks for the desert scene video we were supposed to go out west last summer but family sickness got in the way! You now have earned another nickname in my book and it’s Shim ,Shim Potato Head!!
When the light for my speedometer for my '89 Taurus went out the dashboard had to be removed, which took all day for the mechanic. It came to close to $200 for labor and $2 for the light bulb. The shop said they didn't have the heart to charge me more than half of the labor cost.
Yeah, those plugs were toast. I saw a comment, which I see quite often these days, saying "you're paying for years of knowledge and training and blah, blah, blah. No! You're supposed to be paying for the LABOR!!!! I say this as a retired mechanic and certified welder. When I had my business my motto was "I'm trying to make a living, not a killing."
You can train a monkey to turn a wrench I want a mechanic with the knowledge and smarts to diagnose the problem and turn the correct nuts and bolts to fix the problem
WOW... That plug was REALLY bad... it should make a difference in gas mileage.... The Tucson Mountain Park is free with tons of GREAT trails, and beautiful cactus... and adjacent to the Saguaro West National Park... I love the Tucson area... makes for a soothing break to a Manitoba winter... 🙂
It's always better (and cheaper) to do it yourself, sometimes relaxing,when it goes your way and sometimes frustrating but you get to know your vehicle better and that is an advantage later on. It's always a relief when the ute starts up again, you might even get better fuel economy! Not much into deserts but still stunning scenery. Thanks for sharing your journey.
I'd pick up a code reader from Amazon on your next purchase if I were you. I've got a couple Autels that have been invaluable In diagnosing issues. The BT 808 is awesome for the price.
Wow, very interesting we love flea markets. We have several around Florida around Jupiter area north, Palm Beach area etc. that one you were at look like I had a few things we would like we keep our eyes open for them as we do a little traveling. Excellent video again, looking for the next one.
Hey Slim, one thing I got for my truck after buying it was a three step ladder from Home Depot. I usually keep it in the bed of my truck. I don’t have a topper so I use that ladder to reach over the end of the bed and I also use it for doing things under the hood of my truck. Don’t be like me and leave it. Sit out and run it over and have to go buy a new one lol safe travels.
Dude! You were practically camping in my back yard. I live in Vail. And I try to make it a point to frequent the Tanque Verde Swap Meet about once a month. If I'd known you were in the area, I would've tossed you another beer. Welcome.
Oh slim, you did that ALL WRONG!! Everyone knows you use a scrub daddy sponge for rattles! 😂 keep up the fun content Slim and if you’re ever in the NJ/DE area and need a place to sleep, I live on the lake and my driveway is always open to you!
I changed my first spark plug around age 5. My brothers were working on a huge 1955ish Olds, and the spark plug next to the firewall was in a space that was far too tight for their hands. They carefully explained what they needed, gave me the socket wrench and lifted me up onto the engine. I changed the plug and our Mom had a fit because they'd gotten my clothes greasy. I was born a tomboy and by that time she'd given up on getting me to be a little lady, so she didn't complain about me changing a spark plug, only that my brothers hadn't thought to tell her so she could change my clothes first.
"GO, GO SLIM GADGET" and new flying shoes too. The whistling (like the guy below said) because it didn't know the words. ALL it need was a tune up😁 thank you stay safe and away from bad jokes!
I Told My Husband What You Said About The Plugs And Wires And Your Conspiracy, He Said No Kidding, We Had A 2001 Ford Explorer And He Needed A Lift Just To Get To The Plugs, Great Job Slim And Happy To See All Your Repairs Are Done!? Thank You For Sharing The Desert At Night It Was Awesome!
Blame the engineers for making cars hard to work on...mechanic is another work for someone who fixes engineer's mistakes :) BTW Google/youtube removed you from my subscriptions! Very unhappy about that. I have, of course, resubscribed. Take care mate
Nissan dealership wanted $400 for programming a new key fob. They claimed it was for labor hours. It took me less than 30 seconds to do it myself. What a scam.
Thanks for another entertaining and informative video, Slim! Just one or two observations from this peanut -- 1) engine designers are graduates of the YT comments section and 2) for the occasional mechanic, confidence to proceed can be gained indirectly by cutting a hole in the driver side floorboard (enabling Flintstone mode). And bonus points for the universal confidence-booster -- absence of skinned knuckles!
dang Slim, I'm gonna have to go back to work, lol.. just got the 3m tape, the sandals and the OBII reader.. love learning things from your vids.. and I'm just kidding you.. as a single female traveler I need all the free advice I can get.. thanks pal... oh I also installed the back up camera you suggested and can't wait to try it out.. you're such a good information source...
I was watching you picture in picture as I was working and had to stop and view full screen the shots of the desert on the full moon night - so beautiful!
On the inside of the door panel are some clips.Those clips break you can bomb at O'reilly's autozone or any auto parts place.I don't have to get the panel off.First go down and find the right clips and then snap new clips on and reclip it to the door
The desert is like the antithesis of the sea and some of us need a fix of both every so often after tasting them just once. Love the cactus and also love free but I will say that Saguaro National Park, even at $25 bucks a night may be worth it for those who love that kind of environment. Another possible super-bloom this year. Anza Borrego and Joshua Tree National park are spring bloom destinations but can get crowded - even in the desert. Repair bill does seem high but sometimes it takes a lot of time to get at simple fixes. They're buried deep. And mechanics charge by the hour to get at them. Been there. But lots of crooks in business these days too. Not just in auto repair. Home repair as well. While away, plumbers attempted to scam my wife out of twelve hundred dollars for unneeded repairs. I got back home in time and fixed the problem for less than twenty bucks, (valve seat replace), They told her the wall needed to be torn open and the valves replaced and charged her three hundred to replace valve handles. They took advantage of an older lady that didn't know. 😡So it certainly happens. Might want to invest in one of those little car-code readers that plug-in and tells you what your warning lights really mean? Just a thought. Another good one here. Cheers. 👍
Beautiful scenery, love the winter moon shots!you’re brave glad you could change the spark plugs and wires. I was worried the last shot the truck would not start😮. mechanic say it’s idiots that designed the layout of the motors.
We travelled the Deming and Las Cruces area about the same time as you and Tuscan prior to that. I have to say, I think you missed out on not throwing out the $25 for the Saguaro Natl Park. It is definitely worth the day pass. As a retired engineer, I can tell you there is a reason for everything, though you may not find it convenient. If you want a compact affordable truck with good gas mileage, some things need to be sacrificed. They may have been reusing parts from previous designs so as to not retool for their manufacture, but at the cost of a tight installation. You can't have cheap, roomy and perfect. Safe travels.
Hi vehicle plugs.....don't know but not buying name brand from auto shop may bite you...too many stories about junk plugs doing carbon tracing and failures. Own a GMC that light was likely a throttle body issue that you could have fixed. It's a design failure.
Oh yes the gas mileage should improve with nub spark plugs like that the more with gaps like that the better the chance for fuel economy! Slim my guess 5-10% better MPH! Knee pads in work like that are not a waste of money :) I hate changing plugs on my ford f-250 so darn awkward! Safe travels
I'm in Tucson and stayed out east 40 miles for 2 months ending today. I will be in Tucson now for another 2 months at least. The weather is mild generally speaking. Cool in mornings sometimes but warming up fast.
Hello slim I just wanted to tell you that I have been a mechanic for 45 years seriously I have lol I think you did the right thing changing plugs and wires and that plug you showed was extremely wore down.
On that door weather strip that's apparent. By the glass, you can there's a way to take it off and rebend it to where it clips back on butter and then you wouldn't have to worry about it, rattling and a piece of cardboard in it all the time. Once you get it all squeeze it with a pair of butterflies. I don't even think you have to take it off. Just find you a flat what they call a flat plier and squeeze it down the side and it will fix that molding.
