O-Ta~
I have been aware, for the last month and a half, that I am in-need of a timing cover gasket replacement; However, I have not had the available money, to commit, to have it fixed; As, I had spent $5,000+, in parts and labor, to have my vehicle repaired and refurbished, after purchasing it, from a Carmax location, in Dallas.
Since, purchasing the vehicle, having it repaired and refurbished, and leaving Texas; I have driven, around the outer-perimeter of the USA - The entire thing. For reference; I am, currently, at the state line of Virginia and North Carolina, as I write this; Bound to return, to Texas. After I had left Texas; I had to replace all three timing coils, plus all of my spark plugs, as-well as my valve cover gasket. That was an additional $2,000 of expenses. The coils and spark plugs were changed, in Flagstaff, AZ; While the valve cover gasket was fixed, in Medford, OR. In Seattle; I discovered, that my timing cover gasket was leaking, but was advised, not to worry, as it was a very slow leak, and would go many miles, before needing repairs.
When I reached the state line of North Dakota and Minneapolis; I was beginning to show signs of additional engine trouble -- Shaking and vibrations. No repair action was taken, as not enough money was available, to issue a work order; However, I did have referral to a mechanic, by the name of "Brady", who advised me to, again, not worry -- It was a slow leak, and would go 100K, before needing a repair -- "Just, chew-up oil, until then.". I continued-on, and pit-stopped, outside of Detroit, where I had an oil change done, and was able to inspect the gasket. Again -- A slow leak; However, it is coating the engine. A quick spray cleared the gunk.
I continued-on, through the North Atlantic and New England. No problems. I descended NYC and New Jersey. Still, good; But, shaking. Radiator fans working, as normal -- No additional activations; No signs of overheating. After dealing, with the kamikaze drivers and road rage of Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, DC; I find myself, at the state line of Virginia and North Carolina. My engine is, still, shaking -- Seemingly, as-if, I am misfiring; But, with no audible sounds, or violent shakes -- Just, minor shakes, from time to time, intermittently. I can induce some of the shaking, if I rock my vehicle, from the inside, with my body weight.
I possess a digital copy of the Smart 451 maintenance manual; And, I am able to see, that my engine contains a timing chain, and not a tooth belt -- The chain, lending credence, to a long-lasting part, that will not incur enough abuse, as to warrant changing, any time, soon -- The life of the engine? My radiator continues to operate, as normal; And, my engine continues to function. I can, however, smell the fragrance of burning oil and dirt; And, if I am mistaken; Either, the condition of virginia roads is simulating engine misfires, while I am driving; Or, I am encountering minor misfires. This concern was short-lived, and visible, around 58-61 MP/h -- It simulated a quick and hard gear shift of an automatic transmission; Despite me, having an automated manual. This may have been an effect of the roads, here.
I have 1,236 miles, until I reach Dallas -- Twelve days of travel, at my current pace. I am curious -- If any of the more-knowledgeable mechanics know -- Whether I am, still, good to go, until I reach town; Or, whether I should set-down, here. I am replacing burnt oil, as-needed -- I check oil levels, 2-3 times a day -- Every 150 miles, plus in the morning and the evening. I am not low, on oil. I am at proper levels, as-far as my dipstick indicates. My instrumentation cluster is not indicating low levels, either.
If my engine wants to fail, when I reach town, then I will not complain. I am pulling the entire drive train, in-order to convert this vehicle, into a four-wheeled trailer and portable living pod, so that I can export it, when I leave america. To clarify -- I am living, out of my vehicle, while I travel -- A Homeless Nomad.
Should there be any reason, to be concerned? I know, that a leaking timing cover gasket can incur the induction of dirt and other particulates, into the engine compartments; And, cause total failure. However -- Again; I am gutting the drive train, in time -- Replacing it, with a battery and generator combination. As of the Detroit Damage Control Check; My engine mounts were in good shape. I am suspecting worn spark plugs, though; Since, I run my engine... All of the time, to power my laptop and provide heat. There's an AutoZone, 3.1 miles, from here.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Until then~
I have been aware, for the last month and a half, that I am in-need of a timing cover gasket replacement; However, I have not had the available money, to commit, to have it fixed; As, I had spent $5,000+, in parts and labor, to have my vehicle repaired and refurbished, after purchasing it, from a Carmax location, in Dallas.
Since, purchasing the vehicle, having it repaired and refurbished, and leaving Texas; I have driven, around the outer-perimeter of the USA - The entire thing. For reference; I am, currently, at the state line of Virginia and North Carolina, as I write this; Bound to return, to Texas. After I had left Texas; I had to replace all three timing coils, plus all of my spark plugs, as-well as my valve cover gasket. That was an additional $2,000 of expenses. The coils and spark plugs were changed, in Flagstaff, AZ; While the valve cover gasket was fixed, in Medford, OR. In Seattle; I discovered, that my timing cover gasket was leaking, but was advised, not to worry, as it was a very slow leak, and would go many miles, before needing repairs.
When I reached the state line of North Dakota and Minneapolis; I was beginning to show signs of additional engine trouble -- Shaking and vibrations. No repair action was taken, as not enough money was available, to issue a work order; However, I did have referral to a mechanic, by the name of "Brady", who advised me to, again, not worry -- It was a slow leak, and would go 100K, before needing a repair -- "Just, chew-up oil, until then.". I continued-on, and pit-stopped, outside of Detroit, where I had an oil change done, and was able to inspect the gasket. Again -- A slow leak; However, it is coating the engine. A quick spray cleared the gunk.
I continued-on, through the North Atlantic and New England. No problems. I descended NYC and New Jersey. Still, good; But, shaking. Radiator fans working, as normal -- No additional activations; No signs of overheating. After dealing, with the kamikaze drivers and road rage of Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, DC; I find myself, at the state line of Virginia and North Carolina. My engine is, still, shaking -- Seemingly, as-if, I am misfiring; But, with no audible sounds, or violent shakes -- Just, minor shakes, from time to time, intermittently. I can induce some of the shaking, if I rock my vehicle, from the inside, with my body weight.
I possess a digital copy of the Smart 451 maintenance manual; And, I am able to see, that my engine contains a timing chain, and not a tooth belt -- The chain, lending credence, to a long-lasting part, that will not incur enough abuse, as to warrant changing, any time, soon -- The life of the engine? My radiator continues to operate, as normal; And, my engine continues to function. I can, however, smell the fragrance of burning oil and dirt; And, if I am mistaken; Either, the condition of virginia roads is simulating engine misfires, while I am driving; Or, I am encountering minor misfires. This concern was short-lived, and visible, around 58-61 MP/h -- It simulated a quick and hard gear shift of an automatic transmission; Despite me, having an automated manual. This may have been an effect of the roads, here.
I have 1,236 miles, until I reach Dallas -- Twelve days of travel, at my current pace. I am curious -- If any of the more-knowledgeable mechanics know -- Whether I am, still, good to go, until I reach town; Or, whether I should set-down, here. I am replacing burnt oil, as-needed -- I check oil levels, 2-3 times a day -- Every 150 miles, plus in the morning and the evening. I am not low, on oil. I am at proper levels, as-far as my dipstick indicates. My instrumentation cluster is not indicating low levels, either.
If my engine wants to fail, when I reach town, then I will not complain. I am pulling the entire drive train, in-order to convert this vehicle, into a four-wheeled trailer and portable living pod, so that I can export it, when I leave america. To clarify -- I am living, out of my vehicle, while I travel -- A Homeless Nomad.
Should there be any reason, to be concerned? I know, that a leaking timing cover gasket can incur the induction of dirt and other particulates, into the engine compartments; And, cause total failure. However -- Again; I am gutting the drive train, in time -- Replacing it, with a battery and generator combination. As of the Detroit Damage Control Check; My engine mounts were in good shape. I am suspecting worn spark plugs, though; Since, I run my engine... All of the time, to power my laptop and provide heat. There's an AutoZone, 3.1 miles, from here.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Until then~
