Speedometer cable noisy, cost $20 to buy and 30 minutes to change.
Radiator had small leak, just soldered it
-we live in great lakes rust belt so had it sprayed with oil in fall of 97, 98,99, and 2000. It is rust free with original paint.
-freon would leek out over winter so I converted it to r134a refrigerant. did it myself cost $250 for compressor, dryer, expansion tube, r134A compatible O-rings and freon.
-fan blower motor wore out. I changed it myself in 15 min. Cost $45.
-rear u-joint wore out. changed myself.
-front pitman arm became 50% worn. changed myself, but was difficult.
-small puff of oil smoke when starting cold because valve seals are worn. it's an easy fix, but I have no time.
-starter wore out. I changed myself.
-changed brake pads twice and exhaust once.
-just changed water pump. Did myself ($30)
My previous van was a 1980 Ford econoline van. I drove it for 10 years. It rusted and wore out. I thought it was a very good van. Then I bought this 1986 GMC inn 1994.It has been been driven through almost every province and state in north America. I even drove it down the coast of Mexico. It starts on the first turn and has never broken down once.
-I does not use or leak oil.
-there is no engine or drive train noise.
-checked timing chain while changing water pump and it was only slightly worn.
-I think I can drive this van another 5+ years.
- This van refuses to die.
-I am so impressed with this van I just bought a 1988 chev G20 for $1000. Its in the same condition as my 1985 but has a 350 ci motor to tow my car trailer.
-I would recommend these GM VANS to anyone.
I was wondering if the noisy speedometer cable sounded like a musical shaker, or a washing machine spinning water, like a "shh ch shh ch shh" sound. I have that sound on my '85 vandura, coming from under the dashboard a little to the left of the steering wheel. any input would be greatly, greatly appreciated.
I have that same noise in my -86 Vandura. I´d like to know what I can do for it.
Hey, the cable will sound like "shh, shh, shh". Or like a small bird, stuck under the dash. Usually is disappears for no reason. Just replace it, it's only a few bucks.
Have to change it, if the sound doesn't disappear. I have driven this car few days and the sound is little bit annoying.
A bad speedometer cable makes a noise like one of the old "Mad Magazine" sounds --- shicka shicka shicka shicka. Don't know if you'll have to remove the dashboard. Some cars you do, and some it isn't necessary.
The cable itself is cheap, just $10 or so. You find where it goes into the transmission, where it is driven by a gear. You unbolt the cable housing from the transmission case and pull the cable out from under the car, and the entire cable will like as not slide out, or you may have to pivot forward the instrument cluster to remove a clip in the back of the speedometer housing.
The new cable will probably have to be cut to the same length, since they sell them as "one size fits all". You'll have to crimp the churchkey onto one end and feed it up through the cable housing and make sure it engages and fully seats in the back of the speedometer.
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