Random Thoughts - Part III The Search for Spark (No Politics)

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by spcmafia

As of this moment, Im going to get as many quotes as I can with the central air. Weight our options. There's a lot of variables to consider and we are in no rush to get everything else done. But switching to something more effective than window units and a loud furnace are our main focus.

While getting quotes also request a timeline to start. Maybe it's different in your part of the country but my son just went through having a unit replaced. Took 6 weeks to get the new unit, then the coil failed after 4 weeks and it took another 4 weeks to get a replacement part under warranty.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by spcmafia

I would say it is attainable. Just have to be smart. The amount of feedback I've been getting points out that instead of going with the wants (Paving), we should go with the needs, which is the bathroom, adding central air, and trimming the trees. We have a 50Ft+ Oak tree that is just impossible for me to attempt to cut branches as high as they are. I needs a JLG Lift, and someone experienced enough to maneuver between the power lines and the house, the tree is dangerously close to the house, the house to power lines, if you get where I am going with this. Is about 6 ft away from the front door.



We are building the closets, I don't have the tools, but we can, the in-laws have everything we need. Bathroom, I just don't have the time, nor the desire to paint for a few years, it needs a lot more than what Im willing to do.



As of this moment, Im going to get as many quotes as I can with the central air. Weight our options. There's a lot of variables to consider and we are in no rush to get everything else done. But switching to something more effective than window units and a loud furnace are our main focus.

Don't go nuts with getting quotes. Just 3 for each project is more than enough to get a good idea of what it will cost. Anything much more than that will just confuse the issue and be wasted time.

Get quotes for ALL the projects. Some may be far more or less expensive than you think and the priorities could change based on that info.

Be very aware of your wants vs needs. You may really want that bathroom updated but those trees may need to come out soon.

All in all don't stress over any of it. It is an easy trap to fall into when you look at the big picture and start to get overwhelmed. Just break it down to the individual projects and go from there.

Also don't over reach your resources and abilities. You may think you can do something easier and cheaper than the pros but that sometimes goes sideways fast.

Oh and trust what the people giving you quotes say (unless really shady then send them packing) it may be a huge project in your mind but they do this every day.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

While getting quotes also request a timeline to start. Maybe it's different in your part of the country but my son just went through having a unit replaced. Took 6 weeks to get the new unit, then the coil failed after 4 weeks and it took another 4 weeks to get a replacement part under warranty.

We had the opposite experience this spring.
From discovering our 20 year old furnace was dead when we got up on a Sunday morning to having a fully brand new HVAC system installed only took about 30 hours.
I was impressed!

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

We had the opposite experience this spring.
From discovering our 20 year old furnace was dead when we got up on a Sunday morning to having a fully brand new HVAC system installed only took about 30 hours.
I was impressed!

That is pretty quick. I think I was told 3-4 weeks before they could even look at it. My unit had a rotted out condenser and is really old so I am just yanking it out. Replacement was 12-15k even though the unit itself was only around 5k. I am going the DIY route since it's more practical for me.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Daughter's es350. Going to be either a fresh bank-1 head gasket, or scrap. Ran it without accessory belt for about 10 miles. Took a couple months before it sprang a leak.

Ugh, that sucks. Those 2GR's are really solid engines. I bet it survives.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

Ugh, that sucks. Those 2GR's are really solid engines. I bet it survives.

Fingers crossed. I pulled off a valve cover and almost wept because it was so pristine.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Fingers crossed. I pulled off a valve cover and almost wept because it was so pristine.

10 miles shouldn't have hurt it too bad. I guess you will find out when the head comes off.



My Xterra I ran dry multiple times trying to limp it home. Exhaust was steaming like a chimney for a sold 5 minutes after I shut it down. That was 18 months ago, still starts

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

10 miles shouldn't have hurt it too bad. I guess you will find out when the head comes off.



My Xterra I ran dry multiple times trying to limp it home. Exhaust was steaming like a chimney for a sold 5 minutes after I shut it down. That was 18 months ago, still starts

Yikes! Is that the four, or the six? I can't see through the steam haha...

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Yikes! Is that the four, or the six? I can't see through the steam haha...

Its a 6, VG33. Pretty sure it's going to need to be scrapped, some oil smoke when running so I probably scored the bores a bit. I had to go something like 10+ miles on blown head gasket. I stopped at a auto parts store and bought a bunch of coolant. Took about an hour, hour and a half to get it home lol

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

Its a 6, VG33. Pretty sure it's going to need to be scrapped, some oil smoke when running so I probably scored the bores a bit. I had to go something like 10+ miles on blown head gasket. I stopped at a auto parts store and bought a bunch of coolant. Took about an hour, hour and a half to get it home lol

Poor girl.

[NoHaveMSG]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Poor girl.

Its my beater hunting rig so don't feel too bad, for a while it had 3 different sized tires on it. It's not worth much, will probably drop a junkyard/ebay engine into it, weld the rear diff and keep sending it till it's not roadworthy.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by NoHaveMSG

3 different sized tires

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Nope.

OK, then buy her a new car.

Be a nice dad -

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by humfrz

OK, then buy her a new car.

Be a nice dad -

Are you willing to float me the cash?