derekmac Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 I'm looking at an 05 Rubi with 160,000 on it. Read below for the latest on it. Just got back from taking the Rubi for a drive, and looking it over. The good: It drives great, engine sounds good, has been undercoated yearly, clutch is very strong, frame is in great shape, body is good for the most part. Most work has been done at APJ's, and all fluids have been recently changed. The bad: The rust on the fenders isn't horrible, and I would like to replace with flat fenders anyways. The windshield frame seems bad to me though. The water pump was done not long ago, but I could smell coolant when driving, and the temp was running a bit high. I know nothing about the 4.0's, so not sure what would cause this. Here's the temp it's running at: Here's both sides of the windshield frame: Some underneath pics: What do you think could be the cause of the running hot, and could it be something major enough to not consider buying it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SQRLPWR Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 nice...there seems to be plenty of steel left Don't all of them go at the windshield...maybe an easy fix ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted February 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 It seems like a very common problem with them. I haven't started to read about fixes, but my thought was to fiberglass it, since it's strong, and won't rust. I'll have to read into it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eastcoastcam Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 Like Scott said, that is normal running temp... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted February 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 18 minutes ago, Eastcoastcam said: Like Scott said, that is normal running temp... That makes me feel way better. Now just to figure out the coolant smell... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SQRLPWR Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 Might have just spilled coolant everywhere when they did the water pump...might be some sat in a gully or valley on the engine somewhere, maybe. Or was the carpet wet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 Coolant can be a heater leak as Jay mentions, don't know about a TJ but that is not a reason to not buy it. Relatively easy repair. Sounds like you did a good inspection! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted February 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 When I was checking the floor on the passenger side, it was wet. I checked before driving it, so didn't think to smell it. I figured it was just melted snow, which I guess it could be. They also have just recently had the fluids changed, and were told there was too much coolant in it. Also said the rad cap was replaced. I crawled underneath it, and poked all around the frame with a key, and checked all that I could lying on the ground with it being -11, lol. I have strict instructions from from my wife not to buy a junker, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SQRLPWR Posted February 13, 2016 Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 6 minutes ago, derekmac said: I have strict instructions from from my wife not to buy a junker, lol. no pressure then LOL From the photos, it doesn't look like a junker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted February 13, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2016 No, it really doesn't seem to be at all. The fender rust doesn't bother me as I'd likely replace them with aftermarket flat fenders. My my budget is $10k, so as long as I come in under that after buying it, and fixing what needs fixing, we'll be happy. Then in I just need to sell the Grand.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted February 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 I asked about the temp on a couple of other sites, and here are a couple of their responses: "100°C is 212°F, so normal operating temp should be right at or slightly to the left of the 100 mark. Your pic shows what looks to be about 105°C which works out to 221°F, a bit on the warm side but not terrible if you were flogging the hell out of it on a hot day or towing a heavy load -- which I'm guessing it's safe to say neither of which are applicable in this case. I'd echo the opinion the cooling system is in need of work." "It is running a little hot, should run 98º centigrade +/- a degree or so. The outside temperature there is hovering around zero, l would make sure that the water pump was not replaced, because they ran it out of coolant with the result being a cracked head or?. The coolant you smell could be a leaking heater core, but could also be the result of combustion gases helping to raise the pressure in the cooling system and causing the radiator cap to release fluid into the overflow tank, thus the apparent overfilled reservoir." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SQRLPWR Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Damn, it's a tough call especially when you find something you want, that may or may-not have a hidden issue. So what's the worst case scenario on these? lets say the motor turns out to be no good, are they plentiful and within skills/budget to fix/swap out? (I know that's probably not a good start to ownership...and the potential for ear-ache is high too) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 I think, but not having experienced such an issue, a head gasket leak should be quite apparent. Take the rad cover off and start the engine. If there is a head gasket leak I suspect you will see compression quickly forcing the coolant out! But more readily, you should smell coolant in the exhaust, and the exhaust should be full of coolant droplets. You know when you're driving behind a car with a bad head gasket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Again, I've never had a cooling issue that wasn't solvable. Flush the rad, flush the engine, flush the heater core, a working water pump. Without putting in a bigger engine and having an undersized rad, rock crawling in 110 degree F weather, what can the problem be? There's billions and billions of cars on the road! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
82Yota Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 Have you considered checking the western provinces? With this recession in full swing A LOT of people are selling making this a buyers market and they don't use salt on the roads which means you dont get any of the junk like we have on the road down here. Also, I bet there are quite a few seat sales from westjet considering migrant oil field workers were a huge part of their business Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted February 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 I did do a quick search, but didn't look too deeply. I will tonight to see if there's anything. The downfall would be getting it home. I don't have any vacation until April, so driving would be out, and not sure how much it would cost to ship... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
82Yota Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 I know a guy who ships his fullsize welding rig back and fourth and he said its like $2k via train. Wouldnt want to ship it though in my opinion without seeing it first. A lot can happen between here and there. Its only a few days drive if you drive straight through and don't get distracted by debauchery aka Montreal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e36m3 Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 Derek, did you look into the LJ Scott had at his shop? He's asking 12 K but its a hell of a rig! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted February 15, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 I also don't know if I'd trust a vehicle that I don't really know on a cross Canada drive, lol. Yep, I know about it, but I'm firm with not going over $10k for a price, and I do really want a standard. I have full full intentions on getting the one I'm looking at now, so long as the bank gets us in before someone else buys it. It's in good shape, and well under budget. That means I can fix what needs fixing, and have a good rig for a good price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sar4x4 Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 Driving an unknown vehicle across Canada in the warm weather is one thing. Need I say the rest! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomWood Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 2 hours ago, derekmac said: I did do a quick search, but didn't look too deeply. I will tonight to see if there's anything. The downfall would be getting it home. I don't have any vacation until April, so driving would be out, and not sure how much it would cost to ship... I have some free time and am cheap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted February 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2016 Well she took it to the shop today, as she wanted to make sure nothing was wrong with it. Turns out that the new water pump is leaking, so it's going to be replaced on Monday under warranty. She's also said she's going to try and get them to put a new safety on it too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SQRLPWR Posted February 20, 2016 Report Share Posted February 20, 2016 Well that sounds promising, now you know the probable source of the smell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derekmac Posted February 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2016 Yep, I imagine that was the cause (fingers crossed). I didn't even know she was taking it to get looked at either. It's really nice to see someone selling something that actually cares!! I'm bummed I couldn't get it tonight, but happy in the end. It's only a few more days I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eastcoastcam Posted February 20, 2016 Report Share Posted February 20, 2016 So I guess I can welcome you to the Dark Side... Tom did it, and loves it... You will too ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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