Limited September Fire Series Race For Mister B.

Mister B Racing

0
Pro Racer
Nov 6, 2013
341
10
18
11
I know that we haven't raced the August Fire Race yet, but I just wanted to let everyone know that in September I will only be sending two cars to race. A BASX and a Eliminator car with BSA Razor wheels for the challenge between myself, QT, Cycrunner, and BlewBYu.

I have a hefty repair bill coming later this week on my pickup truck that is going to use up most of my PWD cash I have stashed away. My 2001 Ford Ranger pickup has an engine rear main seal that is leaking and needs to be replaced. I don't have a firm quote yet but its going to be $500 plus at least.

So I have stashed away enough cash to enter a couple of cars for the September race.

Steve - Mister B
 
Before you pay for that repair try using Lucas Oil Stop Leak. I know that most of that stuff doesn't work but I used this on our van and it did stop the leak. It's worth the oil change and $12.99 to give it a try. The mechanics here are cringing right now but it really did work.
 
Funny you should mention that. I've known about the leak for almost two years and the owner of the repair shop suggested that we put some seal softener in the oil but did say it probably would not hold forever. But you are right! It did stop the leak for awhile! I will ask about the seal softener again on Wednesday morning when I take the truck in.
 
Certainly is a band-aid. It's just putting off the inevitable and if it doesn't work, you're out the cost of the product plus the repair. A seal can harden to the point that it actually wears the metal sealing surface and installing a new seal will only be temporary. There are sleeves that can be purchased to "renew" the sealing surface for a like new seal. If money is tight, I understand, but what will a new engine cost if the seal decides to take a dump? More than the estimate you have now. Like the old Fram filter ad, pay me now or pay later.
 
Mister B, I don't know what size engine is in your Ranger but if it would happen to be a 4.0 SOHC I would have them check or just replace the jackshaft plug at the rear of the block while the transmission is out. It sits right above the rear main on the SOHC motor and if it's leaking it will look a lot like a bad rear main.
 
My Ranger has a 3.0 liter engine. You are right that the seal softener is a bandaid fix and it's time to have the seal replaced. No, money isn't particularly tight right now, but just like any other big repair or replacement item, the bill gets put on a credit card and stresses the budget for a while.

Don't worry guys I'll have a full complement of cars for the October race, and if I dig deep into the depths of the cup holders of my truck where everyone drops coins as they are out and about, I might enter another car in September. Maybe a SS.