Q: I have a 2001 Lincoln Continental that has a radio problem on AM only. The signal comes in clear when the car is off, but when running, there is an awful lot of static and various noises. The antenna is built into the rear window, and the connections are clean and tight. I appreciate any hint and help you can give me.
A: I took a look at the technical service bulletins listed at the All Data Web site and there is an exact match to your problem. It concerns the rear window grid, and the tech service bulletin number is 04-24-5. If you would like a copy of this, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and I will get you one. If the rear window grid and connections are indeed OK, than we have to look at either an alternator issue, a ground issue, or a spark plug wire issue. It will take a bit of time to locate, but it's very fixable with time, patience and a digital volt ohm meter.
Q: I have a question regarding a 1968 Plymouth with a 383 and holly 650 4 bbl. Throttle linkage got caught up and the engine raced for a couple of minutes until I got it home. The car will turn over now, but not stay running unless you give it a lot of gas, too much to drive it. Plugs look good, although I changed them anyway, gapped at 35, pulled valve covers, checked for bent pushrods and didn't see any, everything visually looks good here and seem to operate when you turn it over. Distributor points look good; they were new last fall. Carburetor is old but was rebuilt last year. Any ideas?
A: You may want to pull the push rods and put them on a bench to check for bent. Also check for a timing chain jump as well as a possible skipped gear on the distributor.
nnn
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.
