Archive for July, 2006

By July 27, 20063 Comments Read More →

Nissan Maxima – A/C Not Cold – Do I Need a New Compressor?

I have a 1995 Nissan Maxima. I just took it yesterday to get the the A/C refilled. I thought it had a leak because last year i got it fillled , and now this year, it was so empty that the compressor would even click on. So yesterday i got a U.V dye leak test done on it wjich showed no leaks. So they just filled it up, took my money and sent me on my way. I noticed that it was a little bit cooler than warm. But after maybe an hour and half i Did notice it got cooler. The problem is what is taking the car A/C so long to get cool and why? Thanks Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted in: A/C and Heating
By July 27, 20060 Comments Read More →

My Motorhome Lost Power and The Fan Belt Made A Loud Noise

I have a friend that has a motorhome and it recently had to be towed to its destination. My question was, if something that is run by the serpentine belt seizes could this cause enough drag to take most of the power from the engine? She said that she was going up a hill then she lost power and steering, then she started to smell burning rubber.

Posted in: Running Problems
By July 27, 20060 Comments Read More →

Radiator Cooling Fan Does Not Come On in My Car

I have a problem my engine is overheating I check the fluids they are ok no leaks but my fuses for my radiator fans are blown I change them and they keep blowing I am stuck can you help me on this?

Posted in: Over Heating
By July 27, 20060 Comments Read More →

My 1993 Mercury Tracer Overheated – Do I Have a Blown Head Gasket?

My 1993 Mercury Tracer overheated. After allowing it to cool down, I started the car and went home. The following morning my car wouldn’t start. However, after trying to start it I could hear a bubbling noise under the hood. When I checked this, I found the noise coming from the radiator reservoir. I called and explained this to my mechanic, who tells me the head gasket is blown. So, I accessed your site and found where “Melissa with the 1988 Ford Bronco II” wrote to you. You suggested that she start her vehicle and let it run and to look for coolant shooting from the radiator neck.

Posted in: Over Heating
By July 27, 20060 Comments Read More →

What Kind of Oil Should I Use In My Toyota Camry?

I have a question for you. I have 1991 Camry with slightly over 200K+ miles. It was overhauled last year (around October). I was using 40 oil, now I am using 50 oil which is supposed to be thicker. Down here in the tropics, (Belize Central America) temperatures is usually in the high 80s to mid 90s, especially inland. (and I live inland) Kindly advised me which is best. I have already read the motor-oil bible but still unsure on which oil to use.

Posted in: Reader Questions
By July 25, 20060 Comments Read More →

Auto Repair Service Houston Area Recommendation

Thanks for all the great info you provide. I understand you are from the Houston area. I live in Humble. I had an auto mechanic who did a great job for me every time I needed him. Unfortunately he moved back to West Texas after a few years in Houston. Now I am in need of a good mechanic again. I’m not asking for an endorsement or a recommendation from you. My question is Is there a shop that you trust in the Humble Kingwood area? My wife has a Toyota Sienna and it needs a quality tune-up.

Posted in: How to Find a Mechanic
By July 25, 20060 Comments Read More →

Nissan Pathfinder Makes a Thumping Noise in The Rear

I have a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder XE-V6 engine with approximately 186,000 miles. I have taken my vehicle to several garages and/or dealerships for diagnostics but to no avail…. There is this loud, thumping, thudding sound that comes from the rear of the vehicle. This sound does not appear all of the time. It sounds as if I’ve been rammed in the back. If I hit a bump in the road or apply my brakes a certain way (I’ve learned how to control my braking so the vehicle will not make this thumping, thudding, noise). When this noise occurs, it appears as if the vehicle has been rammed in the back and the weight seems to shift toward the front. No one can seem to identify this problem…..oh, but there is a problem. My vehicle has been doing this for quite a while now. Please come to my rescue.

Posted in: Reader Questions
By July 25, 20060 Comments Read More →

Honda Accord A/C Compressor Went Out Again – Why?

I just had a quick question regarding the A/C in my 1987 Honda Accord. I just had a refurbished compressor put in my honda in 2004 – and I’ve only used the a/c for – I guess about 2 seasons. Well, I started having some trouble last fall (2005) with my a/c. I took it to a repair shop and they said I would need a new compressor. Well, since my car is RATHER old to be investing $1000 or more into it – I took it upon myself to put some Refrigerant R-134a in the system. Well, the a/c starting working for a couple of months (2 to be exact) – then stopped once again. I had another mechanic look at it again – and they told me the same thing and now I needed a new compressor or a refurbished one.

Posted in: A/C and Heating
By July 25, 20060 Comments Read More →

Lexus GS 300 – Is This a Good Car To Own?

Thanks for putting up such a great site. There are far too few honest mechanics. I read your discussion about why you own a Lexus GS300 and have a couple of questions if you don’t mind. I am preparing to purchase a 2000 Lexus GS300 with 107,000 miles on it and no service history. I am having a Lexus dealer shop inspect the vehicle, but given that it is in good shape, how many more trouble-free miles/years do you think I can reasonably expect to take this great car? Also, Consumer reports lists several Lexus models including the Lexus ES as being prone to engine sludge, but does not list the Lexus GS. Do the GS cars also have this problem? Finally, which “editorial” sites do you most value (Consumer Reports,Edmonds, MSN Auto, JD Power, etc.)

Posted in: Car Reviews
By July 25, 20060 Comments Read More →

1993 Chevy Truck Belt Noise and Rough Idle

I have a 1993 Chevrolet C-1500 Work truck (175,000 miles). What is going on is I was coming home, and the engine started sputtering, and wanting to stall (after heavy rains), and the belts were squealing. I had to park the truck. Now, when I idle at around 3500 RPM, it sounds like a machine gun in the right head; however, when I drive it at 35 mph or less, it’s fine. We recently went to ethanol here, and I have had three mechanics tell me that it is a simple plug and wire fix; however, one has told me I need a new engine. I am newly stationed in the Norfolk, VA area with the Marines, and I don’t know any mechanics here, so I don’t know who to trust! There is no loss of oil, I have new high mileage synthetic in the engine. The radiator is empty (but I have had a slow leak for a year, and it goes empty a couple times a year).

Posted in: Running Problems
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