Drove the 89' Wagoneer today

[89wagoneerowner]

Well after a month of not driving it because the guages and radio and all accessories quit working. Then it got too cold here in Norther Minnesota to work on it. Well today was the day and got it started and took it to work where i could work on it inside. Figured out that the negative cable was lose and couldnt tighten it any more so I replaced it and the small grown wire that was grounded to the fender was coroted and broke off as soon as I touched it. So i replaced it with a new one and everything seems to be working fine. I was close to putting it up for sale as i have been having that problem for a while.

[Smiff]

Good work! Glad it wasn't something more complicated. Electrical gremlins can be the worst.

[89wagoneerowner]

Ya now if I could get the exhaust leaking manifolds fixed. My shade tree mechanic wont tackle it and I bouth new plugs and wires and cap and roter and he doesnt want to tackle that either so I am taking it in for the tune up but need to figure out what to do with the manifolds. I hear it can be a nightmare of a job.

[Smiff]

Is your smog equipment still installed? That compounds the job a bit, having to move those components out of the way (and hope none of it breaks in the process.) Aside from that, getting the manifold off is really just a matter of having the right sockets and extensions, and hopefully none of the bolts are seized.

[89wagoneerowner]

ya all smog stuff is still on i just wish i had someone local that was reasonable to help me with that part of it.

[Brizio]

Cool! Above all because you will keep it!

[Smiff]

Originally Posted by 89wagoneerowner

ya all smog stuff is still on i just wish i had someone local that was reasonable to help me with that part of it.

Post up a thread to set up a wrench-a-thon for guys in your area. Most everyone on here is willing to lend a hand and some know-how for minor donations of food and drink.

[89wagoneerowner]

oh? good idea what section should i post that in? that would be awesome if someone actually stepped up and offered.

[fulsizjeep]

Congrats on the fix. It is amazing what fixed ground connections can do for an old sad FSJ.

[FSJ Guy]

Exhaust manifolds are very labor intensive. Other than that, it's not too terribly hard. Just a PITA.

You'll need to soak your bolts (including the "bottom" ones connecting the Y pipe) in PB Blaster for a few days to help prevent broken bolts. Wear leather gloves so you don't slice your fingers and hands open when the bolt finally breaks free and your hand goes flying directly into some sheetmetal or screw.

You'll learn to get real intimate with your Jeep while changing exhaust gaskets.