The End of May Cannot Get Here Quick Enough

"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
03/07/2016 at 20:58 • Filed to: None

As I checked the oil in the Slowrunner this afternoon, I discovered the poor thing is on it’s last legs(at least for continued constant use). It is over a quart down on oil in under a 1000 miles(a new record!), oil is leaking on to the alternator(probably an easy fix), and there is a new rattle or grind every day. I was starting to get second thoughts on buying a replacement and just spend the money I’ve saved for a new car to fix it, because I really do enjoy driving the old thing. But on top of the suspension issues, the need of pretty much everything under the front replaced, the noise in the rear, the iffy transmission, the busted windshield, and things I can’t even think of at the moment, it is safe to say it’s time for the Slowrunner to be retired to the place it was always meant to be, a project and toy. I didn’t plan on it being my daily driver for nearly 5 years, but life and the fact that it has been pretty solid(with the exception of a few things, but it’s 20 years old) for the past 4.5 years has kept me from adding to the fleet. I’m going to miss it’s quirks.

That just means I’ll be able to use it for what it was meant to be a lot more often, and take it places I wouldn’t have taken it before. It’s journey is far from over. It will always be my favorite.

DISCUSSION (19)

Blondude > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/07/2016 at 21:03

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

thebigbossyboss > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/07/2016 at 21:04

Oil leaking onto the alternator? GEEEEE, I WOULDN’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THAT. ITS NOT LIKE MY CAR BROKE DOWN 2.5 HOURS FROM TOWN BECAUSE OIL WAS RUNNING INTO THE ALTERNATOR ON FRIDAY ...this upset me...lol.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Blondude
03/07/2016 at 21:07

It’s not going anywhere! It just doesn’t fit my needs in a daily anymore. I want something that I can drive for more than 50 miles at a time, and the Slowrunner is a few thousand dollars away from that at the moment. I just figure it’s probably better to put that money into a new car.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > thebigbossyboss
03/07/2016 at 21:10

That’s actually exactly what finally put my Dad over the edge on his 300k mile Volvo 240 wagon. After replacing the alternator and valve cover gaskets, it drowned another alternator and he bought a Trailblazer. I just can’t let what happen to the Volvo in the end happen to the Slowrunner.

BJ > thebigbossyboss
03/07/2016 at 21:12

So that’s where you’ve been... I thought you’d gone into hiding.

Sam > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/07/2016 at 21:14

An oil leak? Here is the solution.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Sam
03/07/2016 at 21:18

It’s only barely seeping out, it’s the burning of oil that bothers me. My estimated guess is it’s going through two quarts per 1000 miles.

Sam > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/07/2016 at 21:58

Our 98 Runner has leaky valve cover gaskets, so occasionally you get a strong smell of burning oil. We just kind of put up with it though.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/07/2016 at 22:04

The feels.

thebigbossyboss > BJ
03/07/2016 at 22:07

Hey..I’ve been super busy. I drove all the way to Prince George BC, then started working in Edmonton and commuting for most of last month on the weekends. Now I am going back in two weeks to collect all my stuff and move. I lost my previous job, and got a new job too, so it’s been busy...lol.

thebigbossyboss > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/07/2016 at 22:17

Yeah. I am hoping to keep the cavalier as a city run about...why not.

BJ > thebigbossyboss
03/07/2016 at 22:19

You’ve been busy, alright! Are you seriously commuting Prince George - Edmonton every week? That’s a long run...

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
03/07/2016 at 22:24

I know :( But it won’t be gone, nor will it be forgotten! I have a bigger feel trip planned for it’s retirement though.

thebigbossyboss > BJ
03/07/2016 at 22:27

Yeah just for Feb and half of March. I only have one more trip to go. Didn’t end up making it on friday due to the breakdown lol.

Dru > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/08/2016 at 16:30

All of the feels. I've had two of these in the past at different times. Miserably slow, terrible on fuel, but I do miss them. Bonus points we live in the same state.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Dru
03/08/2016 at 17:12

I’m in the Midlands, where are you?

Dru > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/09/2016 at 08:24

Dirty Myrtle

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Dru
03/09/2016 at 12:27

Ah. I’m actually in Florence as I type this. Do you know of any decent off road parks or trails in the state?

Dru > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
03/09/2016 at 15:50

Not really. I’m not originally from here. I used to live about 45 mins away from Uwharrie. Never wheeled there, just camped once. I currently have an 85 4Runner that runs most of the time. I am in a facebook group for 4Runners and I am somewhat certain there is a collection of people that know of some spots. I think Brunswick county just north of me has some spots, but a lot of the terrain is flat this far east.