Author Archive: austin1

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By January 16, 2008 0 Comments Read More →

Does White Smoke Out My Tailpipe Mean a Blown Head Gasket?

I am looking to buy a 1994 Roadtrek 190 Popular with an Automatic 318 V Dodge engine. It is a van conversion type of motor home. I had the owner take it into a mechanic and met him there. I asked the mechanic to do a compression check along with a total mechanical check up of the van. The service manager said that they didn’t do compression checks but listened to the vehicle. The van was in the shop for 45 minutes.

Posted in: Over Heating
By January 16, 2008 0 Comments Read More →

I Put Water in My Power Steering Fluid

What should we do if we accidentally put water into the power steering fluid container by mistake instead of the window washer container on a Renault Clio.

Posted in: Fluid Leaks
By January 16, 2008 1 Comments Read More →

2005 PT Cruiser Noise in Front End of Car When Driving

My question relates to a noise coming from the front end of a 2005 PT Cruiser. It’s not quite a grinding noise, more like the sound of a jet landing. This noise begins at about 40-45 mph, but the engine rpm’s have no factor in the noise. The noise stays constant as the automatic transmission shifts. However the noise increases as the car brakes, especially if it’s a hard brake. The tires aren’t rubbing anywhere, and changes in the road condition also have no effect.

Posted in: Noises
By January 16, 2008 0 Comments Read More →

Ford Explorer Coolant Leak – But Where?

I have a 92 Ford Explorer XLT, it started stop working on me because I think it needs a new water pump. It just leaks a sh– load. when I looked underneath it looked like it was coming out of a hose or whatever right before the water pump.

Posted in: Over Heating
By December 31, 2007 2 Comments Read More →

E85 Flex Fuel – Is My Vehicle Capable Of Running On E85?

Ok…my question is, Is the 1995 Chevy Astro E85 compatible? Also is there another manual available other than Chilton available? This manual does not show me what I need to know. Any input would be appreciated…thanks!

Posted in: Reader Questions
By December 28, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

Dallas Auto Insurance

What can I do to lower my rate on Dallas auto insurance without compromising quality or going with an insurance carrier that will not pay off when I need them to?

Posted in: Auto Insurance
By December 28, 2007 6 Comments Read More →

1998 Chevy Blazer Engine Runs Hot Coolant Leaking Somewhere

I have a 98 blazer 4.3 v6 4×4. My engine is running hot, i have to keep filling the radiator w/ antifreeze, but the visible leak is coming from the backside, center of the engine. It looks like its dripping off the left side of the transmission pan. I doubt its the water pump, or a cracked radiator due to the location of the leak.

Posted in: Over Heating
By December 28, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

1998 Pontiac Grand Am Recurring Brake Rotors Warp

I have a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE with the 2.4L engine. I have replaced my brake rotors 3 or 4 times now and they start warping after about a month 2000 miles.

Posted in: Brakes
By December 28, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

Oldsmobile Ciera Check Engine Light On & Runs Bad

I have an 1987 Olds Cutlass Ciera that used to stall only when stopped, but now cuts out whenever I’m not actively pressing the gas pedal. The check engine light, that the last mechanic to work on my car told me was on only because I needed to change the spark plug wires, comes on within 20 secs of starting car. I also have to gas while starting now to get it running. It may or may not rev high for a time while idling. I have changed plugs and wires. Can you point me in the right direction?

By December 18, 2007 1 Comments Read More →

1999 Jeep Cherokee Transmission Comes Out of Gear Sometimes

Hello, I have a question about my Transmission for my 1999 Jeep Cherokee LIMITED 4 door. I was dropping a friend off at the airport yesterday and thought I had put the vehicle in PARK. BUT, I did not. As I got out of the car, the vehicle continued to move forward at less than 5 mph and I panicked and put the car in reverse WITHOUT putting my foot on the brake first. Of course, the vehicle continued to move forward and while it did so, the transmission made a rapid clicking sound, like a playing card attached to the spokes on a bicycle, it was pretty scary. So I finally put my foot on the brake and everything was well. So, my question is, did I hurt the transmission by not putting the car in park first and trying to go into reverse when I am in DRIVE while it is still moving??? After that incident, I drove it home and drove to work today and everything seemed to be fine. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary….

Posted in: Traffic Tickets