Hello.

I've just got 2001 CL, which has 110k on it, to drive to Alaska in this summer from Illinois. It is about 7k miles to return. My question is what I should do with my CL. Can you guys give me a list of what CL will be needed for the trip? I will leave on August 1st.

Thanks.

 

you cant take a plane? i would hate putting that many miles on my car.

 

I want to go with my car. That's why I bought this car instead of Civic.

 

make sure all fluids are in good conditions and ready for the Alaskan weather, check tires, change oil, if u havent done yet, flush and bleed brake fluid. and have lots of cd handy

 

First of all, I think the timing belt should be replaced right?

 

My dad drove a Harley ultra from NJ to Alaska and back 2 years ago..
If a 55 year old man can do it on a harley you can deff do it!

 

Oh yea, the topic (gotta stay on topic, morgan)

Yea, replace your timing belt, water pump, tensioner, coolant, oil (before you leave and when you get there). Replace your tranny fluid if you feel up to it.

Definately inspect/replace brake pads, rotors, brake fluid, tires.

 

the car can do, but why put so many miles on it in one trip?

 

you havent done your 105k yet? oh man, your gonna need to do all that before you go, which is about 800 bucks.

then do a oil change when you get there and a oil change when you get back, assuming its 7k miles one way. do a 3x3 drain and refill for your tranny. inspect brakes. everything else should be good cause it should have been done by your 105k.

 

About $800... No way...

 

pay it now or pay more when the belt snaps, should be replaced every 7 years or 105k miles

 

i've heard people get deals for under 500. but some got quotes from dealerships for over 1200. depends if you want valve adjustment too i think.

 

I suggest the valve adjustment at the same time as the timing belt. It saves money, restores performance and gives you better gas mileage.

 

i will be doing mine at the same time.

 

What is the valve adjustment? I haven't heard about the job. What kinds of parts does it need for the valve adjustment? Also anyone know where the online service/repair manual is?

Thanks.

 

Shouldn't have.

The trans is a time bomb. You will never know if it will go or won't.

No way I'd trust a 110K mile auto CL for a 7K mile road trip. Especially to somewhere like Alaska.

But as others said you need to do all the maintenance. Timing belt etc. However this brings up another potential problem. You better hope the mechanic knows what he is doing. Last thing you want is to get it replaced then have it fail due to a mistake on the shops part while on your trip. Figure 3 weeks till you want to go, if you get everything done now you'll have like 1 week of "testing"
before you leave.

 

I heard the transmission recall.

 

Rent a 4x4 for that trip.........

 

I payed around $700 for water pump and timming belt at a local shop..
You might be able to find someone to do the work for $500 w/o parts and I belive parts are around $200... Thats w/o a valve adjustment..
BUT THE TIMMING BELT needs to be done our cars have a inteference engine so if the belt snaps say bye bye to the engine u will bend some valves!

 

Have you guys see DIY for the valve adjustment? I would like to do it by myself.

Thanks.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/valve-adjustment-diy-progress-643700/

Valve adjusment..
There are many more just search!

 

just rent a car? It would be detrimental in multiple ways to your CL...and get the 105k service done when you're comfortable enough to do so (but please get it done as soon as possible)

 

x2 on the rental. I wouldnt even drive my car to LA and thats like 6-7 hours only. I was thinking of a rental for that. I would say go get a rental.

 

does the trans really just go out of no where???? u gotta be abusing it to some degree!.. or it's gotta be like 40degress C out!...

He's gonna cruise up there and the FURTHER YOU GO, THE COLDER IT GETS... which is great news for the transmission.

My only recomendations is change the oil when you get to alaska... IE bring a JACK so you can do it in a garage... out possibly outside.

It's not INSANELY COLD there right now... mind you I am a canuck... Cold to me is once you get into the negatives. it should be around 10 give or take 5 degrees up there. Depending on how far north you're going into the beast.

the way i see it the CL IS A ROAD TRIP car. Don't kick it's ass all the way up there and you should B just fine. Especially if you get all the maintenance done now prior to TAKE OFF

Enjoy!

 

I found the timing belt DIY for TL but there wasn't for CL. What is the difference between TL and CL? Based on the wiki, they are identical. I will follow the TL's DIY, it they are the same engine.

Thanks.

 

They are the same. Take it slow and dont rush anything.

 

Yeah the auto does. It's been proven again & again. Some are ok some are not. You won't know till it breaks. Driving style, granny, or abusive driving makes no difference.

 

for the OP, make sure your battery is good to go too. Your going to be taking it from a hot summer in illinois to cooler weather and back. You dont want to have it die on you and you want the AC and heater to work too.

 

Did it from L.A. in a VW Beetle in 1975. The roads are much better now. Sister drove it last year and roads are all paved now. After you get the car squared away you need to get this; http://milepost.com/
It is a mile by mile guide to every highway in Alaska.

 

I read the timing belt DIY couple times, but I don't know how to align the cams at the very first step. Also where can I get the online repair/service manual?Thanks.

 

www.helminc.com

 

Bring a good rifle. I'd suggest 308 so when your tranny blows and you're in the middle of nowhere you can at least go hunting.

 

Rifle... What a great advice is...

Thanks.

 

You should also bring a revolver too... at least 357 caliber. The rifle is of no use when you're in and around your car or if you are taken by surprise either by a person or a bear. Might want to look into the Ruger Alaskan in the short barrel. That's what I would pack if I were going up there.

More dangers from wildlife than people although on the isolated roads it's tough to say.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Alaskan

 

Taking a gun to Alaska? Give Canadian Customs a call to find out what is required to transport the gun through Canada.

http://www.consular.canada.usembassy...nto_canada.asp

 

a sweater...