The "Ask a Mechanic" Thread (merged)

[deepo11]

Thank for the reply.

I actually had the timing belt changed last week, is it possible that he had to unplug some cables that run to alternator? and maybe re-attach them correctly?

[SpringfieldSkins]

Thank for the reply.

I actually had the timing belt changed last week, is it possible that he had to unplug some cables that run to alternator? and maybe re-attach them correctly?

Yes, it's very possible. I'd bring it back to the shop that did the work. They should be able to recheck for free.

[Mickalino]

What, no support for the egg and/or pepper solution?

I just added the egg and pepper to my radiator.

Will let you how it turns out.

(over-easy, well-done, etc)

[Mickalino]

Wondered if you guys could figure out a noise I'm getting.

It happens during braking, but here's the thing.....it never happens when I apply the brake, but only when I come to a complete stop. The best way I could describe the sound, is like a really loud fart. But it only happens, if and when, it comes to a complete stop.

Example : If I apply the brakes while approaching a red light, and then it turns green right before I come to a stop, it won't make the sound. But if the light stays red, and I stop completely and entirely, just as the car slightly jerks back at the very end of the stop, it makes this loud fart sound.

I've never gotten this type of indication, for when my brakes are bad. Is this something else ?

[twa]

Sounds like the pads are heat glazed or wore out

Could also just be brake /rust dust...been damp there alot?(if it is that simply backing up and hitting the brakes hard will clear it for the most part)

[DCsportsfan53]

The funny thing to me is that the asker chose the worst answer to the question. The responder clearly doesn't know just exactly what they are talking about. They know enough to do harm and spread more misinformation about proper maintenance.

Seriously, it's not a rubber belt it's a chain? Lol, that would be called a timing chain then, wouldn't it, not a belt? I know that sounds crazy and all...

[Mark The Homer]

[SpringfieldSkins]

Wondered if you guys could figure out a noise I'm getting.

It happens during braking, but here's the thing.....it never happens when I apply the brake, but only when I come to a complete stop. The best way I could describe the sound, is like a really loud fart. But it only happens, if and when, it comes to a complete stop.

Example : If I apply the brakes while approaching a red light, and then it turns green right before I come to a stop, it won't make the sound. But if the light stays red, and I stop completely and entirely, just as the car slightly jerks back at the very end of the stop, it makes this loud fart sound.

I've never gotten this type of indication, for when my brakes are bad. Is this something else ?

What kind of car do you have again?

From your description it doesn't really sound like something to be super concerned about. That said, I always think it's best to have a brake noise checked out, better safe than sorry.

I agree with twa for the most part.

[SpringfieldSkins]

Seriously, it's not a rubber belt it's a chain? Lol, that would be called a timing chain then, wouldn't it, not a belt? I know that sounds crazy and all...

Seriously. The guy contradicted himself (or herself) in one sentence.

The chain is obvious.
Yellow and red arrows, timing chain tensioner.
Green arrows, timing chain guide.
Blue arrow, camshaft sprocket (or gear).


Can't figure out what kind of motor that is out of though. For some reason, I want to say a Ford V-8 but I'm probably wrong.

[Mickalino]

Sounds like the pads are heat glazed or wore out

Could also just be brake /rust dust...been damp there alot?(if it is that simply backing up and hitting the brakes hard will clear it for the most part)

Thanks, I tried the backing up and slamming the brakes, and it seems like the sound isn't quite as loud as before, but it's still there. So, you think I need new pads then ?

What kind of car do you have again?

From your description it doesn't really sound like something to be super concerned about. That said, I always think it's best to have a brake noise checked out, better safe than sorry.

I agree with twa for the most part.

It's a 97 Buick LeSabre.....If there was a problem with any part of the brakes themselves, wouldn't it be noticeable in the braking (slow to brake, and/or squeal while they're applied) ? Or am I just getting another type of indication something serious is wrong with the brakes ?

[SpringfieldSkins]

It's a 97 Buick LeSabre.....If there was a problem with any part of the brakes themselves, wouldn't it be noticeable in the braking (slow to brake, and/or squeal while they're applied) ? Or am I just getting another type of indication something serious is wrong with the brakes ?

Not necessarily.

Brakes can make all sorts of noise for many different reasons. Sometimes it's because the pads are just poor quality, sometimes it's an early warning sign.

It's really hard to say unless you look at them.

[twa]

only way to tell is to check them out,but if it is not squealing it is probably just heat glazed(which reduces effectiveness,but still works)

yeah what he said

[Special K]

Okay, I have a 1997 Ford Mustang. Over the past month, the stupid car has been dying on me sometimes when I'm idling, or slowing down around a corner. Sometimes it won't start, like it sounds like it's starting, but the engine won't turn over. After about 5-10 minutes of trying, it usually starts back up and goes for a bit, then dies.

I took it to the Ford dealership today (fittingly, the damn thing died on me about 300 yards from the dealership) and the mechanic is thinking it might be a fuel pump issue.

Question for mechanics here: how much should a fuel pump cost approximately? How much labor is required to replace it? Basically, how majorly am I screwed financially with this BS?

[Mark The Homer]

...

Can't figure out what kind of motor that is out of though. For some reason, I want to say a Ford V-8 but I'm probably wrong.

If you click on properties, you can see it's probably a vw engine.

[twa]

From a dealer 5-6 hundred total would be my guess in your area.