Please don’t miss the point...........getting lost is the object........you only find your way once you become unlost.......and if you ever travel with me always remember this......I always know where I am but I might not know where I am at.......PK
Hey PA guy looking for trails
- Thread starter Shelby/Dakota
- Start date
Enthusiast III
I'll try again to get the tstat in, so I can see if that will do anything, but the coolant is going somewhere...and it's not cooling in any case, so I have to get this sorted out so I don't end up with a big red lawn ornament.
Heater core? If the h2o pump is ok, you can bypass the heater core to be sure flow is ok too. Is the head gasket the correct one? And installed the right side up with the front at the front? Could have a coolant flow hole blocked off. I don't want to make it sound like you don't know what you're doing. I'm just offering possibilities. Also, when I gain confidence in the YJ, I'll join you on those skinny trails instead of taking the Tundra. I need to install front frame stubs before going off road crazy with it. I didn't do those when I had tore apart this past winter.
Enthusiast III
Oh, don't worry: I don't know what I'm doing. There are some things I can do, and some things I know, but after I accidentally destroyed the electrical system in a K5 Blazer I was trying to do stuff with, I outsource anything that I don't know, and don't feel bad about it.
I had the head done by someone reliable and they had the head decked by someone that builds engines for Stateline. I had all the right parts, even new head bolts. Where as before I saw some coolant weep or leak around the heads, I see none of that. Doesn't mean it's not possible, but I'm not seeing it right now.
After finally getting some chatter from Daihatsu boards, it seems like this tstat comes with the right gasket....that is always stretched out. A smaller gasket (by a millimeter or so) that just fits around it and then, supposedly, it fits right in. That's today's job: finding one of those at Autozone/Advance/Cargo. One of them is bound to have it. If that doesn't work, Napa is on the other side of town...and I could try J-town if need be, too. Hoping to get this guy back on this afternoon and seeing what we can see.
I had the head done by someone reliable and they had the head decked by someone that builds engines for Stateline. I had all the right parts, even new head bolts. Where as before I saw some coolant weep or leak around the heads, I see none of that. Doesn't mean it's not possible, but I'm not seeing it right now.
After finally getting some chatter from Daihatsu boards, it seems like this tstat comes with the right gasket....that is always stretched out. A smaller gasket (by a millimeter or so) that just fits around it and then, supposedly, it fits right in. That's today's job: finding one of those at Autozone/Advance/Cargo. One of them is bound to have it. If that doesn't work, Napa is on the other side of town...and I could try J-town if need be, too. Hoping to get this guy back on this afternoon and seeing what we can see.
Hay there.....I am starting to plan a trip up into Lycoming and Sullivan county......Just one over night Saturday night we would be camping out.....If any one is interested contact me and i would be happy to give you specifics on where I am planning to run. Nice trip for the weekend and should be fun......yes we will be lost but for only a short time.
Enthusiast III
No fun. Headgasket shouldn't be too difficult to fix? If it went out that quick after someone supposedly decked and replaced it for you I'd be a little suspect.
Enthusiast III
OK, so here's what we have.
No contamination in the oil. I have videos of the coolant; I thought it was oil bubbling up, but the coolant is completely clear and clean; someone used stop leak or some such in there in the past. Previous owner shenanigans.
However, bogs badly when it runs. When the head was done, I had all exhaust valves changed (two were badly cracked) and the timing belt done. This weekend, I'll pull the spark plugs and try my first ever compression test. No weep from water pump, so I assume the coolant is going out one of the cylinders. None of this is good, of course, but it's what it is.
So, now we have to decide if I throw more money down a hole for a new engine (Daihatsu) or throw yet more money down a different hole getting amusing with a swapped engine. A bad cylinder means she'll be parked for the summer at this point. I don't know how severe the work would be to get it rolling.
No contamination in the oil. I have videos of the coolant; I thought it was oil bubbling up, but the coolant is completely clear and clean; someone used stop leak or some such in there in the past. Previous owner shenanigans.
However, bogs badly when it runs. When the head was done, I had all exhaust valves changed (two were badly cracked) and the timing belt done. This weekend, I'll pull the spark plugs and try my first ever compression test. No weep from water pump, so I assume the coolant is going out one of the cylinders. None of this is good, of course, but it's what it is.
So, now we have to decide if I throw more money down a hole for a new engine (Daihatsu) or throw yet more money down a different hole getting amusing with a swapped engine. A bad cylinder means she'll be parked for the summer at this point. I don't know how severe the work would be to get it rolling.
Time for an LS swap. 
If it makes you feel better I went to do a burnout in my driveway last night in my mustang and broke the clutch (apparently after 2 years of 4500 RPM 2 step launches it had enough).
If it makes you feel better I went to do a burnout in my driveway last night in my mustang and broke the clutch (apparently after 2 years of 4500 RPM 2 step launches it had enough).
Enthusiast III
I'm sorry to hear that: that doesn't make me feel better at all, but at least you didn't have to get towed home. Ask me how fun that is.
I'm hoping to get the compression test done this weekend, but all signs point to being taken off the road long-term until we can start really making a mess and swapping stuff out.
I'm hoping to get the compression test done this weekend, but all signs point to being taken off the road long-term until we can start really making a mess and swapping stuff out.
Traveler III
If you're looking to up your skills, the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area here in east-central PA has classes and 7500 acres of land to drive on, but you'll need to bring a buddy.
www.aoaatrails.com
If you head this way (or into the Bald Eagle State Forest) shoot me a message. The State Forest has a ton of gravel roads with hiking trails off of them that are great for gravel riding and mountain biking. They also have a ton of camp sites that are free; you just need to apply for a permit before you go.
HOME | AOAA | Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area
AOAA is your ultimate destination for adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures! Nestled in the heart of nature, our park offers a thrilling off-roading experience for all skill levels.
www.aoaatrails.com
If you head this way (or into the Bald Eagle State Forest) shoot me a message. The State Forest has a ton of gravel roads with hiking trails off of them that are great for gravel riding and mountain biking. They also have a ton of camp sites that are free; you just need to apply for a permit before you go.
There is also Michaux State Forest in South Central PA. Some trails and dirt roads.
We did Ridge Road today and had a good time and there are some beautiful vistas. Are there others you recommend? The maps on this site were helpful: Maps - JamesDowning's TrailBlazer
Not so much at Michaux as I have only been there once or twice. Bald Eagle State Forest has multiple trails that are great for a beginner or someone travelling alone. I've been there several times and really enjoyed it. If you want I can give you multiple trip plans that are fairly easy to follow, see below. Highlighted trails are "high clearance" Jeep trails.
Probably the best of the best is BESF.. every state park has something to offer. But nothing as far as what BESF has.
Overall most people travel to BESF for the same reasons you expressed above.
@PennStateTaco
Rothrock is connected to it and offers the same. It only has 8 motorized campsites.
Moshannon State forest has motorized campsites and the same type of terrain...although not as much overgrowth.
Elk has alot to see. Of course the pine creek area...pa grand canyon has plenty to offer too.
I am working on making a circle around Central Pa off pavement as much as possible.
www.overlandbound.com
www.overlandbound.com
www.overlandbound.com
www.overlandbound.com
www.overlandbound.com
www.overlandbound.com
Here is a shot of central PA that has off pavement travel and camping.
Rothrock is connected to it and offers the same. It only has 8 motorized campsites.
Moshannon State forest has motorized campsites and the same type of terrain...although not as much overgrowth.
Elk has alot to see. Of course the pine creek area...pa grand canyon has plenty to offer too.
I am working on making a circle around Central Pa off pavement as much as possible.
Rothrock to Bald Eagle connection
This will be the trip planning for a extended trip with overnight stays and daily exploring that will be an attempt to off pavement travel from the begining of one to the end of the other. Looks like it is possible according to the maps I have. Will need to get some tires in the mud to see for...
Moshannan State Forest in a RAM or 2
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Moshannon/Pages/default.aspx So, got the email sent to receive info about motorized camping here. This will also be on the list to explore. More info to come...if anyone has experience here please post.
Rothrock State Forest in a RAM or 2
So, before I have been able to make my first planned trip, I got a curveball. So another member was asking how to connect BESF with Rothrock. Then i realized, hey, I could do this and incorporate one of my favorite state park campground, Trough Creek. Just emailed for the public uuse and...
Members with information/experience/interest in Pennsylvania State Forests for off pavement travel/dispersed camping
I have been keeping track of people who have helped with or shown interest in my ramblings and in the Pennsylvania State Forests in genral. The 4 most popular Forests seem to be Bald Eagle Michaux Moshannan Rothrock The Allegheny National Forest is also popular...being in the Susquehannok...
Pine Creek Purple Lizard Map...
I spent some time plotting a course with the Pine Creek map by purple lizard. Anyone not familiar with the area the map covers...it is the area that includes the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It is from Interstste 80 North to New York. As I was looking at it I noticed quite a few areas if...
Gathering information/thoughts/ experiences/unique, must see things for a planned trip around Central Pennsylvania(all of PA and surrounding states)
I have a few threads already for trip planning. I started with a plan to see one of the most popular in PA (Bald Eagle) which grew to include an adjoining one (Rothrock). After researching Rothrock I realized that I have spent much time in State Forests in PA, but wasn't seeing the Forest for...
Here is a shot of central PA that has off pavement travel and camping.
I have contacted all the state forests and got their day use maps and motorized camping maps. Then I just head off.
The purple lizard maps are alot easier to use though.
The purple lizard maps are alot easier to use though.
Delete@PennStateTaco
Rothrock is connected to it and offers the same. It only has 8 motorized campsites.
Moshannon State forest has motorized campsites and the same type of terrain...although not as much overgrowth.
Elk has alot to see. Of course the pine creek area...pa grand canyon has plenty to offer too.
I am working on making a circle around Central Pa off pavement as much as possible.
Rothrock to Bald Eagle connection
This will be the trip planning for a extended trip with overnight stays and daily exploring that will be an attempt to off pavement travel from the begining of one to the end of the other. Looks like it is possible according to the maps I have. Will need to get some tires in the mud to see for...
Moshannan State Forest in a RAM or 2
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Moshannon/Pages/default.aspx So, got the email sent to receive info about motorized camping here. This will also be on the list to explore. More info to come...if anyone has experience here please post.
Rothrock State Forest in a RAM or 2
So, before I have been able to make my first planned trip, I got a curveball. So another member was asking how to connect BESF with Rothrock. Then i realized, hey, I could do this and incorporate one of my favorite state park campground, Trough Creek. Just emailed for the public uuse and...
Members with information/experience/interest in Pennsylvania State Forests for off pavement travel/dispersed camping
I have been keeping track of people who have helped with or shown interest in my ramblings and in the Pennsylvania State Forests in genral. The 4 most popular Forests seem to be Bald Eagle Michaux Moshannan Rothrock The Allegheny National Forest is also popular...being in the Susquehannok...
Pine Creek Purple Lizard Map...
I spent some time plotting a course with the Pine Creek map by purple lizard. Anyone not familiar with the area the map covers...it is the area that includes the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It is from Interstste 80 North to New York. As I was looking at it I noticed quite a few areas if...
View attachment 172862Gathering information/thoughts/ experiences/unique, must see things for a planned trip around Central Pennsylvania(all of PA and surrounding states)
I have a few threads already for trip planning. I started with a plan to see one of the most popular in PA (Bald Eagle) which grew to include an adjoining one (Rothrock). After researching Rothrock I realized that I have spent much time in State Forests in PA, but wasn't seeing the Forest for...
Here is a shot of central PA that has off pavement travel and camping.
Last edited:
