The "Ask a Mechanic" Thread (merged)

[twa]

If they get 3K to do a clutch there I need to move

[Special K]

If they get 3K to do a clutch there I need to move

Thank you! I am showing this to my husband who evidently has no ****ING clue what he is talking about in terms in pricing. He must have worked for Ford in a former life...

[SpringfieldSkins]

I agree with twa, it sounds like a bearing. It could be a noise that you could live with for some time until you can afford to get it fixed. I'd definitely get it fixed when you can but I don't think it will interrupt your driving. It should be something that a good shop can knock out in a day or two, the parts are relatively easy to source on a job like this.

As far a pricing, I'm not sure how expensive an area Colorado Springs is (see my explanation on the last page). Assuming that you're going to replace the clutch at the same time (I'd advise you to do that) it's probably somewhere between $500 and $900.

[Special K]

I agree with twa, it sounds like a bearing. It could be a noise that you could live with for some time until you can afford to get it fixed. I'd definitely get it fixed when you can but I don't think it will interrupt your driving. It should be something that a good shop can knock out in a day or two, the parts are relatively easy to source on a job like this.

As far a pricing, I'm not sure how expensive an area Colorado Springs is (see my explanation on the last page). Assuming that you're going to replace the clutch at the same time (I'd advise you to do that) it's probably somewhere between $500 and $900.

Coolio. Thanks guys. I'm taking it in first thing in the morning.

[Special K]

The verdict is in: My mechanic is taking off/out, I don't have a damn clue, the transmission. He is installing a brand new clutch, a branch new bearing thingy, and some cable thing that I have no clue what it does. He said it is 16 years old, and we could leave it, but it would likely wear out soon and we'd have to do this transmission removal crap all over again...which is my nightmare from hell.

Total cost for the operation $885 and some cents. After the $800 part I tuned out and went into a state of deep depression. Whaaaaaaaaa

I'm making my husband drive the car in now and I'm going to get a rental car for a few days. FML and F this Mustang!

[Goskinz0721]

Question for the Mechanic: I have a 2001 Volvo C70 Convertible (actually, my wife's car). This car has been the the biggest POS I have ever owned. That's another story. Here's the problem:

The car continues to blow oil out of the dipstick holder. For whatever reason, the dipstick will not sit tight in the holder and oil will blow out when running the car on the highway. It just started doing this a couple of weeks ago for no apparent reason. I checked the small gasket at the top of the dipstick and it seems to be fine. The dipstick must jiggling loose while driving allowing oil to spew forth. HELP!!!!

[Bliz]

1999 Accord bearing down on 200k miles.

This had happened a few times in the past, but has been much more frequent the last few days. It's an automatic with a gearshift between the seats that has a thumb button. Lately when I start it up and try to go into reverse, the button won't compress all the way and I can't shift out of park. I'm having to pump the break 4-5 times before the button goes all the way in and I can get out of park (it occurs to me as I write this that I haven't tried shifting between park and reverse multiple times after I get it to work that first time, to see if its working fine or still having the same issue).

Minor annoyance for now, but I obviously don't want to get stuck somewhere with a car I can turn on but can't get out of park. Thoughts on how likely it is that this will continue to get worse until that happens?

Thanks

[twa]

Question for the Mechanic: I have a 2001 Volvo C70 Convertible (actually, my wife's car). This car has been the the biggest POS I have ever owned. That's another story. Here's the problem:

The car continues to blow oil out of the dipstick holder. For whatever reason, the dipstick will not sit tight in the holder and oil will blow out when running the car on the highway. It just started doing this a couple of weeks ago for no apparent reason. I checked the small gasket at the top of the dipstick and it seems to be fine. The dipstick must jiggling loose while driving allowing oil to spew forth. HELP!!!!

Need to check the PV valve imo....there should not be pressure at the dipstick....perhaps someone more familiar with volvos can help more

add
maybe this will help
http://www.volvo-forums.com/t3368-oi...e-dipstick.htm
OK here it is, the vent box is also called the Oil trap. Yes it is located under the intake manifold and a bugger to get at. The other issue could also be what is called the Flame Trap.... this is a $5 piece that can cause the same problem, often the general public and even mechanics not trained on Volvo's don't know its there so it never gets changed on regular major services. Tha flame trap is my first choice to change the p#1389657 is the same as what was used on all the 240 740 and 940 series. If you find the oil trap follow the hose out of the top of it accros the intake and it will come to a hos that increases in size again which connects to a plastic piece they call a nipple. Inside the nipple you will find your flame trap which will likely be black if it has not been changed in some time. Bearing that in mind you may as well get a new nipple and oring because it will likely break apart. P#'s 9135060 and 978345.
Plan soon down the road to do the oil trap, much larger job. Haven't known anyone to do it without removing the intake manifold. When you do try to get the P# from the top of the trap, it will make it much easier for your supplier as there is a few variations.


---------- Post added May-23rd-2011 at 09:37 AM ----------

Bliz sounds like the shift interlock is sticking, generaly you can just pop the top off the shifter base and flush with wd-40(while moving it)

there is also a unit on the underside of the steering column if that doesn't correct it to try flushing

there should also be a override on the base of the shifter(small keyhole sometimes covered by a plug,that you can insert a key or small screwdriver to depress the release if stuck)

[Mickalino]

I'm trying to degrease my engine, using those common cans of engine degreaser, and as I've always done, as instructed, I'm trying to cover the alternator and other electrical parts with aluminum foil to protect from the water spray.

But as I'm putting the foil on the alternator, and lightly covering it with no pressure at all, a few sparks start to fly.

This is the first time I've done it on this car, but the sparks have never happened on any of the other cars I've done it on.

Why is it happening, just on this car ? Is it safe to continue ? Are the few sparks no big deal ? Should I modify my approach or abort the procedure altogether ?

[HOF44]

Using aluminum foil to cover electrical parts, what could go wrong there???

[Mickalino]

Using aluminum foil to cover electrical parts, what could go wrong there???

It's never been a problem before - what should I use instead, that's water-resistant ?

[MSB 21]

I'm trying to degrease my engine, using those common cans of engine degreaser, and as I've always done, as instructed, I'm trying to cover the alternator and other electrical parts with aluminum foil to protect from the water spray.

But as I'm putting the foil on the alternator, and lightly covering it with no pressure at all, a few sparks start to fly.

This is the first time I've done it on this car, but the sparks have never happened on any of the other cars I've done it on.

Why is it happening, just on this car ? Is it safe to continue ? Are the few sparks no big deal ? Should I modify my approach or abort the procedure altogether ?

Maybe somebody in Hawaii could help.

[twa]

ABORT.

You are probably just missing the cap on the wire from the battery(or knocked it off)

Either put some plastic bags or rags first or find the cap....or it could get interesting

[SkinnedAussie]

Using aluminum foil to cover electrical parts, what could go wrong there???

I want photos!

Mick, have you considered plastic bags secured with cable ties? I've ALWAYS found plastic bags to be waterproof, and when the job is done, a quick snip of the cable tie and all is safe.

[twa]

Ya ain't lived till you've been jumpstarted