Engine-uity

Weasel’s latest car, a 1997 Mazda Miata – his third car this year, by the way – now has engine trouble. We got it for cheap, so I can’t complaint too much.

He has been working with Hubs and Grapo and has changed the water pump and timing belt, installed a new radiator, etc. Turns out, the thing now needs a new engine, which could cost upwards of $3,000! Ugh!

Well, Weasel surprised me and actually wanted the challenge of installing the engine himself. Now you have to understand a little about Weasel. He doesn’t ask for much. He doesn’t do much. He pretty much just tries to disappear under the radar, and is generally successful at it. So for him to even ask for this… well, it was HUGE!

How could I not give him the chance? He is a very smart, mechanically-minded guy. I made sure he had plenty of resources to reference during this entire task. And all I could think of was the pure sense of accomplishment he would feel if that new engine started when he turned the key. I can’t even think about if it doesn’t start!

So I bought a replacement engine for $800. Already, this path is saving me money! Weasel is going to do this installation primarily on his own, with Hubs and Grapo available if he gets stuck.

Cross your fingers that he has the diligence and perseverance to complete this daunting task. Like Hubs said, it’s like throwing him in the deep end of the pool after he learned how to put his flippers on. But if he is successful, it would surely increase his confidence exponentially!

I know you can do it, Weasel. I mean, really? How hard could it be?

Famous last words, eh? I’ll keep you posted!