Cars and car troubles

[gonzerd]

Well, my 205... I tested the coil with a multimeter for resistance and it seemed ok, so I took out the ignition module instead. Took it home, cleaned it up and took note of the resistance value for any possible combination of connections. I went back to the car this morning so I could take the values for the module after the engine stalls, but now it just keeps running! It's so annoying when patients get better on their own before you've been able to find out what was wrong exactly. It doesn't really fill me with confidence though. Something was causing that problem, so it might happen again.
I have let it idle for 30 minutes and when I turned it of and checked under the hood, the radiator fan was still spinning. It did stop after about a minute; apparently it can happen, but I never noticed it before. The fan wasn't turning after a second half hour of letting it run. I guess I could take it home, but my friend's not in town now, so I have to wait a few more days anyway. While I'm at it I might as well have a look at the different thermostats too, maybe one of those isn't working properly...

 

[Manuheleku]

Well, my 205... I tested the coil with a multimeter for resistance and it seemed ok, so I took out the ignition module instead. Took it home, cleaned it up and took note of the resistance value for any possible combination of connections. I went back to the car this morning so I could take the values for the module after the engine stalls, but now it just keeps running! It's so annoying when patients get better on their own before you've been able to find out what was wrong exactly. It doesn't really fill me with confidence though. Something was causing that problem, so it might happen again.
I have let it idle for 30 minutes and when I turned it of and checked under the hood, the radiator fan was still spinning. It did stop after about a minute; apparently it can happen, but I never noticed it before. The fan wasn't turning after a second half hour of letting it run. I guess I could take it home, but my friend's not in town now, so I have to wait a few more days anyway. While I'm at it I might as well have a look at the different thermostats too, maybe one of those isn't working properly...

View attachment 11649

Could it have been just a loose connection? Maybe you got lucky!

 

[Warwick C]

As to the fan I think it is run off a temputere switch so it runs at a certain water tempture.

I have to go to a garage that works with them I can check if you want. Just PM me by Thurs Nz time.

 

[Meistersinger]

Tell me about car problems! I have a Saturn SL 1 with a 1.9L SOHC 4 cylinder engine with almost 250,000 miles. Lately, I've been having to put anywhere from 3-5 quarts of oil in it every week, in addition to filling up with gas, which is costin me another between 25 and 40 dollars every time I fill up and add oil. I've changed the PCV valve, changed spark plugs, pulled the Marvel Mystery Oil trick of pouring an ounce of that stuff down each spark plug hole, letting the oil soak overnight, reinstalling the plugs and starting the engine, then stomping on the accelerator as I go up and down the interstate, and tightened the valve cover with a torque wrench. I'm still losing a lot of oil. I've also washed down the engine with eternal engine cleaner to see if the valve cover is leaking. Unfortunately, I don't have money to get another car, nor do I want to go into debt (my credit score sucks). Now that the Commonwealth of PA decided they want to jerk me around with my rent rebate, I'm stuck. I was going to use those funds to purchase a master rebuild kit for the engine, purchase new material to have the headliner redone, and possibly purchase a rebuild kit for the transmission, since I occasionally feel it slipping when it changes gears while driving on the interstate, and replace the A/C compressor and hoses, since the clutch on the compressor seized up.I was going to have either by the local vocational technical school, or have it done by whoever runs the automotive ministry at a large United Methodist church located on the PA/MD border do the work for me, since I can't afford the labor costs.


Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

 

[Nitro]

Tell me about car problems! I have a Saturn SL 1 with a 1.9L SOHC 4 cylinder engine with almost 250,000 miles. Lately, I've been having to put anywhere from 3-5 quarts of oil in it every week, in addition to filling up with gas, which is costin me another between 25 and 40 dollars every time I fill up and add oil. I've changed the PCV valve, changed spark plugs, pulled the Marvel Mystery Oil trick of pouring an ounce of that stuff down each spark plug hole, letting the oil soak overnight, reinstalling the plugs and starting the engine, then stomping on the accelerator as I go up and down the interstate, and tightened the valve cover with a torque wrench. I'm still losing a lot of oil. I've also washed down the engine with eternal engine cleaner to see if the valve cover is leaking. Unfortunately, I don't have money to get another car, nor do I want to go into debt (my credit score sucks). Now that the Commonwealth of PA decided they want to jerk me around with my rent rebate, I'm stuck. I was going to use those funds to purchase a master rebuild kit for the engine, purchase new material to have the headliner redone, and possibly purchase a rebuild kit for the transmission, since I occasionally feel it slipping when it changes gears while driving on the interstate, and replace the A/C compressor and hoses, since the clutch on the compressor seized up.I was going to have either by the local vocational technical school, or have it done by whoever runs the automotive ministry at a large United Methodist church located on the PA/MD border do the work for me, since I can't afford the labor costs.


Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

although you have not stated what year your Saturn is,you got a double hit on oil consumption,first off,the SL1 engines had weak compression rings by design which will contribute to combustion blow-by that only has mechanical rebuild as a repair...the second hit is a lack of oil return holes for the oil control rings in the piston ring lands...scrubbing the engine may help you see where the leaks are coming from,but I would suspect that the engine has excessive blow-by from normal wear considering it's higher mileage...the easiest test in the driveway is to open the oil filler cap and see if the engine pushes up on it while it is running at a brisk idle...about 2,000 RPM,blow-by will try to launch the cap skyward if it is due to worn rings...an alternative to a rebuild would be to locate a lower mileage car or used components and have them installed at a much lesser cost for parts labor and machinework involved in rebuilding your present parts...most rebuilders are not familiar with low tension compression ring engines and the different finish required for the rings to seat properly during initial break-in,so choosing the machineshop might be tricky in your area as most shops will choose too coarse of a grit of stones during the final finishing passes...import rebuilders may be the best machineshops to choose as they already understand low tension rings that seat lightly,and not the crude break-in method that is standard practice on American production engines that use the rings themselves to finish the machining process during the first couple thousand miles...hit me up in private here if you want to talk on the phone...I am a mechanical junky/racer/technician and former owner of a vehicle repair facility with over 40 years experience on a savant level

 

[Meistersinger]

although you have not stated what year your Saturn is,you got a double hit on oil consumption,first off,the SL1 engines had weak compression rings by design which will contribute to combustion blow-by that only has mechanical rebuild as a repair...the second hit is a lack of oil return holes for the oil control rings in the piston ring lands...scrubbing the engine may help you see where the leaks are coming from,but I would suspect that the engine has excessive blow-by from normal wear considering it's higher mileage...the easiest test in the driveway is to open the oil filler cap and see if the engine pushes up on it while it is running at a brisk idle...about 2,000 RPM,blow-by will try to launch the cap skyward if it is due to worn rings...an alternative to a rebuild would be to locate a lower mileage car or used components and have them installed at a much lesser cost for parts labor and machinework involved in rebuilding your present parts...most rebuilders are not familiar with low tension compression ring engines and the different finish required for the rings to seat properly during initial break-in,so choosing the machineshop might be tricky in your area as most shops will choose too coarse of a grit of stones during the final finishing passes...import rebuilders may be the best machineshops to choose as they already understand low tension rings that seat lightly,and not the crude break-in method that is standard practice on American production engines that use the rings themselves to finish the machining process during the first couple thousand miles...hit me up in private here if you want to talk on the phone...I am a mechanical junky/racer/technician and former owner of a vehicle repair facility with over 40 years experience on a savant level

My fault, my Saturn is a 1995 SL 1, given to my by my former church, since I couldn't afford to take over the payments on Mom's car when she died (as I was on General Assistance while waiting for my SSDI appeal), let alone put gas in her car (she had a 2001 Olds intrigue, with a V-6 Northstar engine).

Like I said, my dilemma is, since I'm on SSDI, and my credit sucks, I really can't afford a new car. By the same token, I can't afford to keep dumping as much oil in this car as I have been doing. I've been looking at a 2008 Toyota Prius that has 139k on it. What kind of maintenance issues should I be looking at with this car, such as changing the timing belt or software issues with this car's OS, etc.?


Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

 

[Nitro]

I really hate this part where I will try to shoot this choice down early...my first concern is about the two batteries this car requires to use it...one is considered the auxilliary starting battery,and the other is what is called the traction unit battery...the mileage you posted has the problem of possibly being at the end of it's life which will require about $3500 for a dealer installed unit...if the battery is fresh,it does have a finite life and again,going to a local shop will most likely be met with "we don't work on those here" "you will need to take that to a dealer" 139 k miles is probably asking for trouble on many vehicles and you do not really live in an area that is kind to motor vehicles. The next part will not settle well with you either...although I do not know what they weigh,you have to consider the dead weight of the traction battery that needs hauled everywhere the car goes...you guesses it,the fat kid on your bicycle handlebars still makes it harder to pedal the bike...the idea of a hybrid is to save energy so they make them no heavier than necessary...what part of the car was left off or lighter than necessary to accommodate the two batteries? My honest opinion considering your financial situation is to leave that car alone and investigate something that is more common to your area and leave the hybrids to those that can afford to play greenie,not their worn out trade-ins that look attractive because you are helping the environment...if you need a bit to think about that and offer that the batteries can be recycled,where do you dispose of the recycling mess? I would say you might offer it as bottled water and slurry for a nuclear cup of Starbucks coffee

Try to avoid this crap-shoot game...
I hope this helps your decision and does not add to your confusion

 

[Meistersinger]

I was only considering the Prius primarily if I ever decide to go back to pizza delivery (Highly doubtful, since I ruined several cars doing this, in addition to commenting to the Pentagon every day when I was still employed full time in IT, as well as to Filthydelphia when I worked full time for the Navy, and to Baltimore, when I worked for Apple Computer).

I did see an 2008 Ford Focus sedan with 128k sitting on the same lot as the Prius. Having had timing belts break on me in the past (on an 83 Dodge Omni, a 98 Mitsubishi Galant, and a 95 Ford Escort), I would only agree to purchase that car if 1) all belts are replaced before I take delivery, 2) all sensors are checked and replaced, as needed before delivery, 3) all transaxles are checked, and replaced, as needed before delivery, and 4) all safety, brakes, and fluids are changed before delivery.

I was also considering either a VW Jetta or a VW Passat, but have decided against those cars, considering how difficult Wolfsburg can be to deal with getting OEM parts most of the time.


Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

 

[Nitro]

I was only considering the Prius primarily if I ever decide to go back to pizza delivery (Highly doubtful, since I ruined several cars doing this, in addition to commenting to the Pentagon every day when I was still employed full time in IT, as well as to Filthydelphia when I worked full time for the Navy, and to Baltimore, when I worked for Apple Computer).

I did see an 2008 Ford Focus sedan with 128k sitting on the same lot as the Prius. Having had timing belts break on me in the past (on an 83 Dodge Omni, a 98 Mitsubishi Galant, and a 95 Ford Escort), I would only agree to purchase that car if 1) all belts are replaced before I take delivery, 2) all sensors are checked and replaced, as needed before delivery, 3) all transaxles are checked, and replaced, as needed before delivery, and 4) all safety, brakes, and fluids are changed before delivery.

I was also considering either a VW Jetta or a VW Passat, but have decided against those cars, considering how difficult Wolfsburg can be to deal with getting OEM parts most of the time.


Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

I struggle with a world that can't keep an IT in work...yes,I delivered pizzas once too and it destroys a vehicle

True on the timing belt issues...they have specified change intervals that get ignored...as far as finding an honest used car dealer,good luck with that. If you have a trusted and competent mechanic,I would consider taking your next car of choice to them for a thorough inspection before handing over any cash to a swindler to assess any problems both present and future...private sellers are often a better choice than a business,but once again,most often people with economical cars are not likely to get rid of a good machine,but only dump a problem

on yet another note,not to pry into your business,about how much can you bring to the table for a purchase?

 

[Meistersinger]

I struggle with a world that can't keep an IT in work...yes,I delivered pizzas once too and it destroys a vehicle

True on the timing belt issues...they have specified change intervals that get ignored...as far as finding an honest used car dealer,good luck with that. If you have a trusted and competent mechanic,I would consider taking your next car of choice to them for a thorough inspection before handing over any cash to a swindler to assess any problems both present and future...private sellers are often a better choice than a business,but once again,most often people with economical cars are not likely to get rid of a good machine,but only dump a problem

on yet another note,not to pry into your business,about how much can you bring to the table for a purchase?

Being that I'm on SSDI, and have pretty much wiped out my savings, not much. As you can probably guess, my credit score sucks. To add fuel to the fire, I tried to drive to the nearest convenience store to get a half gallon of Sweet Acidophilus milk, and my dashboard started spewing forth white smoke, as soon as I turned on the lights. I can't take the car to my cousin's auto electrical shop just yet, since I have to wait for the insurance adjuster to call me back to see how much I'll be covered.


Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time, and annoys the pig.

 

[gonzerd]

Woohoo! It's fixed (I hope). Replaced the ignition module (new one, 30€) two days ago, drove it around yesterday for an hour or so with lots of slowing down for traffic and stopping lights and it didn't stall. I'm glad I tested the different components first, it certainly saved some money. Reminds me of an old carpenter's saying: measure twice, cut once.

There was the other little problem of the door window that had been shattered, but I quickly found a replacement at the used parts store for 40€ and put it in myself this morning. Was a bit of a fiddle at first, but now I know how I think it would take just 15 minutes or so. The hardest part is getting all the old pieces of glass out. Considering some of the quotes I got from the specialized glass repair people, I saved somewhere between 100 and 200€ on that one.

Here's what's left of the old window. There's more pieces in the car still. A lot more. Maybe if I can find them all I can sell it on ebay as a really difficult jigsaw puzzle.

 

[The Penguin]

I rented a car and broke down at a camp site. I called for assistance and they asked do I want a new car or to be towed. WTF you think I would choose? Dumb assistance lady. Any how they got me a new car 4 hours later.

 

[musclecarman]

that Toyota decided to create the Prius you're not saving the environment by buying one you're running it even more. if I could I would shoot it with a rocket launcher then run it over with a tank

 

[Nitro]

that Toyota decided to create the Prius you're not saving the environment by buying one you're running it even more. if I could I would shoot it with a rocket launcher then run it over with a tank

cool to see Warwick's old thread breathing again...welcome to the show...
Prius...laughs...what a joke..."can I offer you a bottle of battery recycling water to go with your tree hugging crap sir? "

 

[musclecarman]

that Toyota decided to create the Prius you're not saving the environment by buying one you're running it even more. if I could I would shoot it with a rocket launcher then run it over with a tank

this is probably what happened when they were designing it
pic is in the attachments.

 

[Nitro]

this is probably what happened when they were designing it
pic is in the attachments.

I will have to dig out my battery car rant for you to get a laugh soon

 

[Judge]

These days I'm not to quick to diss electric cars. Not when the Tesla P85D has a measured 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

But then I won't be buying one in this life either.

I'll pass on the Prius...

 

[Nitro]

These days I'm not to quick to diss electric cars. Not when the Tesla P85D has a measured 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

But then I won't be buying one in this life either.

I'll pass on the Prius...

Where and how can you carry a gallon or two of electricity when the Tesla runs out of battery?
Batteries have not advanced enough to be considered a good alternative to internal combustion engines when it comes to distance.They are dirty to produce and nasty to get rid of and a study done a few years ago proved the cradle to grave operation of a Prius has a larger carbon footprint than full sized V-8 truck after all the materials used to make the batteries circumnavigated the world several times on boats and trains before they reached the port where they are unloaded by coal fired electricity and loaded on diesel trucks to reach their destination...plastic used to make battery cases are made from petroleum...the ore mining operation utilizes both diesel and coal produced electricity,and forget recycling the batteries...that would require water that would be so polluted with heavy metals that it would present a new dilemma to consider...that is what my crack about the water was a reference to
Then there is the fact that you have to haul a heavy battery pack around the entire time you drive it...what part of safety was left out to keep the weight reasonable enough to be practical...the idea is to save energy correct,and don't lighter vehicles take less energy to move?
When you plug the Tesla in,where does the cleanliness come from when you still have to burn nasty dirty coal to produce electricity to charge it in most of the world...most cannot see the forest for the trees when it comes to battery cars and I hate to sound like I am just preaching from a soapbox,but it is not time to get excited yet from a claim of quick acceleration with all the added downfalls that go with it. Who is going to work on it when it breaks?...oh yeah,the thieves at the Tesla dealership where they sell their over-priced toy

I got to see the Tesla chassis and a car before production began...impressive to say the least,but very impractical on many levels

 

[Judge]

Where and how can you carry a gallon or two of electricity when the Tesla runs out of battery?
Batteries have not advanced enough to be considered a good alternative to internal combustion engines when it comes to distance.They are dirty to produce and nasty to get rid of and a study done a few years ago proved the cradle to grave operation of a Prius has a larger carbon footprint than full sized V-8 truck after all the materials used to make the batteries circumnavigated the world several times on boats and trains before they reached the port where they are unloaded by coal fired electricity and loaded on diesel trucks to reach their destination...plastic used to make battery cases are made from petroleum...the ore mining operation utilizes both diesel and coal produced electricity,and forget recycling the batteries...that would require water that would be so polluted with heavy metals that it would present a new dilemma to consider...that is what my crack about the water was a reference to
Then there is the fact that you have to haul a heavy battery pack around the entire time you drive it...what part of safety was left out to keep the weight reasonable enough to be practical...the idea is to save energy correct,and don't lighter vehicles take less energy to move?
When you plug the Tesla in,where does the cleanliness come from when you still have to burn nasty dirty coal to produce electricity to charge it in most of the world...most cannot see the forest for the trees when it comes to battery cars and I hate to sound like I am just preaching from a soapbox,but it is not time to get excited yet from a claim of quick acceleration with all the added downfalls that go with it. Who is going to work on it when it breaks?...oh yeah,the thieves at the Tesla dealership where they sell their over-priced toy

I got to see the Tesla chassis and a car before production began...impressive to say the least,but very impractical on many levels

Since I can't possibly afford one, nor would spend the money if I did...I honestly don't concern myself with such issues. However I can tell you that Tesla's presence in my town is an economic godsend.

 

[Manuheleku]

Since I can't possibly afford one, nor would spend the money if I did...I honestly don't concern myself with such issues. However I can tell you that Tesla's presence in my town is an economic godsend.

Definitely good for Nevada!