Thursday, July 31, 2008

I have a 99chevy blazer that runs for about ten minutes then stops running


Question:

I have a 90 chevy blazer that runs for about ten minutes then stops running it has trouble starting unless I let it sit for an hour or so.


ANSWER:

The most common reason for this to occur would be due to an ignition module failure. Replace it and the issue should be gone.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Is ok to reuse Gasket which was just install ?

QUESTION:
I have a 1963 Pontiac lemans 185. I just finish rebuilding motor small four cylinder. After putting the engine together I thought I made a mistake. Which caused me remove again the head, intake manifold, and valley pan. I was very upset that I push back to disassy as I worked so hard to product good product. I used copper top on both gaskets, head and intake. The push to disassy was bad choice as discover that my head gasket was install correctly. My question is ok that I reused the gaskets as they were never ran on engine. The intake gasket did take few

ANSWER:
Once head gaskets are torqued down they should not be reused even if the engine has not been run. Once the gaskets compress from torquing, trying to reuse them will ususlly result in a leak. The same rule would apply for the intake manifold.
Don't get me wrong here, some have done it and had sucess but many gaskets have failed when reused. I would not suggest reusing them.

Monday, July 28, 2008

WHERE IS THE FLASHER BULB LOCATED ON A 1998 MERCURY MYSTIC?


Fig. 1: The turn signal flasher is located on the multi-function switch in the steering column
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the upper and lower steering column shrouds.
3. Pull the flasher from the back of the multi-function switch.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

freelander 2003 se continue to drive sluggish

QUESTION:
freelander 2003 se continue to drive sluggish tc waring light lit truck facing downward lit where p,d,r,n are dispalyed keeps changing randomly service engine soon appers as well as service engine rpm is racing with out foot on gas petal speed lever never moved but yet car is in motion and continues to jerk like wanting to pick up speed you car hear the car racing. F unny thing turns car off for aperiod thing went back to norm. short drive everything started again

ANSWER:
the symptoms you are having and the warnings on the instrument cluster indicate the vehicles computer system has detected a problem,when you shut off the engine,it resets,like when you r boot your computer,it may run normally until the computer picks up the problem. You need to have the computer scanned for codes ,then the circuits indicated will need to be checked.A sensor failure or wiring problem are the usuall causes of issues such as this.If you have codes pulled and need more help,just post back to this question. If you do get codes pulled,please don't have parts replaced until the circuit involved is checked out.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

The a/c was working poorly, only a 20degree drop from ambient temps

Question:
I have a 2001 Dodge Caravan, 3.3Liter engine. The a/c was working poorly, only a 20degree drop from ambient temps. The lo side reads 25 psi, the high side reads 50psi., outside air temps in the nineties.The compressor does engage and runs all the time. The system is working partially as a steady drops of water come from the drain.The system runs on 134 and will not take any charging.Any suggestions would be appreciated. Already Tried: Replaced dryer, replaced compressor, evacuated and charged system

Answer;
From the pressures you describe it sounds like the charge is low. If it won't take a charge then you must have a restriction in the system. Most likely the condensor.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Briney Spears - What car does she drive?

If you know what Britney Spears is currently Driving, Post Comment Here!

Air Conditioning Blows Hot?

Any automotive air conditioning system employs four basic parts-a mechanical compressor, driven by the vehicle's engine; an expansion valve, which is a restriction the compressor pumps against; and two heat exchangers, the evaporator and the condenser. In addition, there is the refrigerant that flows through this system. If the system is low on the refrigerant ( R134a for automotive use) than the system will blow hot air. In most cases the vehicles system can be recharged. Check for leaks before recharging.

http://www.freeautoanswers.com/airconditioning.html

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Test and Maintain your Car Battery

Batteries can be recharged because the chemical reactions they use are reversible; they are recharged by running a charging current through the battery, but in the opposite direction of the discharge current. Rechargeable batteries can be charged hundreds of times before wearing out; and even after wearing out some can be recycled.

Always keep your battery terminal ends clean and free of corrosion on the inside as well as out. You can use boiling water to remove the majority of the corrosion and then follow up with a wire brush. On some model cars equipped with anti- theft system it is important to have your security codes before you disconnect your battery or you may not be able to start your car. Another way is to attach a battery charger to the battery cables before disconnecting the battery to allow power to the vehicles computer during battery maintenance

Saturday, July 19, 2008

started bogging and know I cant go over 5 miles an hour in first gear

Question:
I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra and i think I hit the converter when I bottomed out going up a bridge last week. Yesterday I was driving home and it started bogging and know I cant go over 5 miles an hour in first gear, and it is surging real bad.

Answer:
It is very possible when you bottomed out you created a restriction in the exhaust. From what you are describing, that is exactly what it sounds like. If you look under the car, can you see any damage such as bent exhaust pipes? The best way to verify a restriction in the exhaust system(if you don't have a vacuum gage) is to remove the exhaust bolts from the front pipe and drive the car- if it has power then you know the problem is in the exhaust.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Which oil should I use in my 95 Toyota Camry with 200k miles.

Just use the same regular oil that is recommended by the manufacturer.

They have high mileage oils, but most of these are synthetic blends...and synthetics are bad because they don't get contaminated. This lets the blowby gasses sit on top of the oil and when the oil is up in the engine, there is a fresh shot of raw gas sitting in the oil pan for the pump to pick up and try to lubricate the engine with...THAT is not a good situation to be in. This will usually destroy the oil pump before it hurts anything else, though. FYI, I have never had to change an oil pump on an engine that used regular oil..they have all been on engines that run synthetics.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Air conditioner has a moldy smell when used

The air conditioner evaporator drain hose is blocked or partially restricted, allowing condensation to build up around the evaporator and drainage tray. Clear the drain hose where it exits the passenger compartment

Troubleshooting your Air Conditioning System

Sunday, July 13, 2008

1990 acclaim front pass side caliper not working

Question:
1990 acclaim front pass side caliper not working. tried to bleed no fluid at caliper, master cyl seems ok i get fluid there. what happens in the distribution block? is this the problem

Answer:
This is a classic description of a collapsed caliper hose. Replacing it should fix the issue.
The distribution block just allows the fluid to flow. Have not needed to replace one in the 20 years that I have been wrenching.
Brake Diagnostics

Thursday, July 10, 2008

I recently replaced the alternator

Question:
I recently replaced the alternator in my 1997 GMC Sierra. However, when I initially start the truck it still cranks on the starter initially. The starter is good, so I believe there may be a problem in the fuel injection system. Until I can get that checked out though I have received two pieces of conflicting advice about how to keep from ruining the starter and I was wondering which is the better of the two. 1) use starter fluid 2) run fuel cleaner every tank of gas

Answer:
I would have a fuel pressure test done and see what you have for pressure, if the pressure is low the truck will be hard to start. You can run fuel injector cleaner about every 3000 miles i would use and injector cleaner called chevron techron. As far as I'm concerned its the best stuff for cleaning the injectors and the upper intake system, I wouldn't keep using starting it can cause damage over time.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

gmc pickup speedometer shows zero


Question:
2004 gmc pickup speedometer shows zero and abs light and servivce brake lights on trani shifts goofy like truck is not getting road speed signal

Answer:
All these problems are related to not getting a signal from the vehicle speed sensor. The proper way to test this is with the use of a scan tool,checking for codes and reading the sensor outputs to the trucks computer. I will send you a picture showing the sensor location,it is #4 in the illustration, you can check to see it the wiring to it is intact. The sensor is held on by one bolt,and easy to replace. It cost approx. 25.00. But replacing it with out the testing is a gamble.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

JUST INSTALLED A NEW MAF SENSOR

Question:
I JUST INSTALLED A NEW MAF SENSOR ON MY 91 TOWN CAR AND NOW THE ENGINE WONT TURN ON EVEN THOUGH ALL THE LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL THINGS FUNCTION LIKE REGULAR. WHAT DID I DO WRONG? IT'S A SIMPLE PROCESS????

Answer:

There is no connection between the MAF sensor wiring and the starter circuit wiring. The only possible things that could have happened here would be that either the battery cable connection is poor (if you removed one cable to do the sensor replacement) or you may have accidentally bumped a wire connected to the starter solenoid during the MAF sensor replacement. In particular, check to see if the small light gauge wire from the ignition switch circuit is connected securely to the starter solenoid S terminal. Also, (this may sound stupid, but it has happened to all of us at one time or another) make sure the vehicle is all the way in PARK position, or try starting it in neutral. Make sure that the battery voltage is 12 volts or higher; ford starters will not operate on lower voltage even though all other accessories will.

Monday, July 7, 2008

left wheel makes aloud clicking sound

Question:
I have a Kia Sophia year 2000 when i make turn the left wheel makes aloud clicking sound what could this be?

Answer;
Normally a loud clicking when turning indicates a problem with a cv joint.Take a look at the axles right behind the wheels,if the cv joint boots a torn then you should have the shaft replaced.