Author Archive: austin1

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By January 18, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

1997 BMW M3 – How Do I Upgrade the Engine?

I own a 1997 BMW M3, which has been kept in good condition for several years. I recently got the opportunity to work in Germany. My location would allow me to perform some much-needed upgrades at significantly lower costs than I could ever wish for in the states. So my primary desire is to upgrade my engine. The US spec 3.2L M3 engine has about 240HP while the European spec engine has 321HP. Do you know anyone who has ever attempted such an upgrade and if you have any resources that might help me?

Posted in: Reader Questions
By January 18, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

1996 Chevy Corsica – Symptoms of a Head Gasket Leak

Recently, I took my 1996 Chevy Corsica car into Pep Boys because it began to overheat suddenly. They installed a new radiator and told me that I had a small leak in the head gasket. They said I could drive the car for a few months at least, but gradually it would lose compression. Should I just keep checking and adding coolant?

Posted in: Over Heating
By January 18, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

1999 GMC 4WD Sierra

I have a 1999 GMC Sierra, 4wd. Just recently, after towing a trailer, we noticed a smell from the rear Differential. The axle housing was very hot, yet we noticed no noise that you would expect from a bad differential. We changed the fluid, and cleaned the axle housing in the process. No noticeable shavings. The old oil, however was very black, and smelled horrible. After the fluid change, we notice the oil smell is still there, and the differential gets warm. I don’t want to change the differential if it is not needed. What are your thoughts?

Posted in: Reader Questions
By January 18, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 – What is Fair Price for a New Water Pump?

My daughter has a 1998 Chevy Cavalier, Z2. For some time now, it has had a slow coolant leak. Upon taking it into a local repair shop, they say that her water pump is leaking and will have to be replaced and the cost will be $600.00! Is this price reasonable?

Posted in: Fluid Leaks
By January 18, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

1999 Subaru Forester – Coolant Leak in the Radiator Hose?

My daughter drives a 1999 Subaru Forester. I insisted she check her antifreeze level prior to the gold weather and she stated it was mixed to -40. I also questioned her about using straight antifreeze or mixing with water. She insisted that there was a mix. She started the car and warmed it for about 20 minutes (I know, it is too long). She started to work when steam came from under the hood. She said that the overflow tank lid burst open and spewed antifreeze all over (her words). She waited a few minutes and started the car. She said that the heater took “forever to warm back up”. I ask your opinion.

Posted in: Fluid Leaks
By January 18, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

2001 Chevrolet 1500 Truck – Automatic Transmission Jerks

My 2001 Chevy 1500 with an automatic transmission does fine until you get to 41 mph where it shifts to overdrive I guess. The RPM drop to 1100, when you speed up slowly to say 45, 46 mph it “bumps” real bad several times. I changed the fluid and filter 6 months ago at 50,000 but this has not helped. Do you have any advice?

Posted in: Transmission Issues
By January 17, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

Auto Insurance Houston

Hey there Austin, you helped me a few months ago locate a part for my Honda Accord, now I need your help with auto insurance.

Posted in: Auto Insurance
By January 17, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

1996 Toyota Corolla – Voltage Drain Alternator Problem?

My 1996 Toyota Corolla was brought to the future shop to install a remote car starter and then everything was fine. Now 2 days after in the morning, the car would not start. I am sure that it is the alternator but I need to find out if the installation of the remote car starter could have played a part in the failing of my alternator.

Posted in: Battery/Alternator Problems
By January 17, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

1996 Saturn 4DR

My 1996 Saturn 4DR car is cutting off suddenly. It cuts off when I take my foot off the gas and put it on the brake. It seems to be when I am low on gas, between empty and1/8 of a tank. Please help me, I hate to take it somewhere for them to try to figure out what it wrong with it, and charge me for all kind of things.

Posted in: Running Problems
By January 17, 2007 0 Comments Read More →

BMW 320i E-CB20 Japanese Model Transmission Problem?

I have a BMW 320i E-CB20 Japanese model. Whenever the car is cold and I put it in drive, it will not move until the car gets to its normal working temperature. I have drained the transmission fluid, cleaned the filter and it still does the same thing. Please help me as I am trying to get a repair kit or a transmission that could fit. Please let me know.

Posted in: Transmission Issues
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