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October 7, 2008

Guessing game is good way to lose money on car repair

By Larry Rubenstein

Q: Concerning the person who wrote in about a Ford Ranger diagnostic light: I have a '98 Ford Ranger, V6. Often the check engine light comes on, I have to replace the gas cap — for $40 — and the light goes away. It happens about three times a year, and it's pretty annoying. So if it isn't a dirty sensor, he might try the cap.

A: Thanks for your input into this problem. But your suggestions are merely guesses. I don't subscribe to the guesswork theory. In all actuality, the customer came into my shop to get an accurate diagnosis. The problem with the Ranger you are referring to happened to be a lean condition bank one and bank two. The codes led us to discover the vehicle had a bad intake manifold gasket. A proper diagnosis and repair, and the Ranger now drives just fine, without a check engine light on. If you are replacing three gas caps a year, you need to seek professional help, that's nothing short of ridiculous.

Q: I have a '99 Ford F250 V8 5.4. I purchased it with 63,000 miles in March 2006 and now have 102,000 miles. I have done a radiator flush, transmission flush and filter, fuel filter, ball joints, idler arm, tie rods and AC compressor. Last week, I blew out a spark plug, threads and all. After doing some research, I found out this is a common problem. Some service stations refuse to even change the plugs because they're afraid they won't be able to get the new ones in. A local shop fixed it but said the Helicoil thread repair kit will only hold so long. I called a local dealer regarding All Points Bulletin that said use "Lock and Stitch." They said Helicoil should be fine. I'm getting tired of putting money into this. Any suggestions? Is it time to trade it in? Thanks.

A: Helicoil kits work just fine. If installed properly, it will last the lifetime of the truck. If you dare to have the spark plugs removed, here is the best way. Leave your truck for two days at the repair shop. Day one, they should load up each spark plug hole with a penetrating oil. On day two, with the engine ice cold, they carefully remove the spark plugs. If the threads are gone, they may have to put in another Helicoil. If the spark plug breaks and can't be drilled out, they may even have to remove the cylinder head. If you can afford to do so, certainly a new truck would be more economical, but then again, you would be stuck with a monthly payment on the truck and a higher insurance premium as well as a higher excise tax. In trade, your truck is worth very little — you may even want to consider donating it to a legitimate charity and using the value of the truck as a tax write-off.

Car Care Tip: If you winterize your own car, be aware of the different color products. There is a Global antifreeze that can be mixed with any product.

¢¢¢

Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Tuesday in the Biz North section. Write to Larry at Salem News, c/o Auto Scanner, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.

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