Q-The tires on my 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, mounted on aluminum wheels, go flat. A representative at a tire repair shop said that the wheels corrode and leak. Is there a solution? R.N.T., Joliet
A-While it’s normal for tires to lose air, alloy wheels are porous and corrode along the tire bead. This causes tires to quickly lose air. The tires should be removed from the rims and the tires bead thoroughly cleaned. Next, clean the aluminum wheels where the tire seats, and install the tires on the wheels. With the tires and wheels mounted on the car, properly inflate them. Then, treat each with emergency flat tire fixer. Drive the car at least 10 miles so the sealer flows into the wheel pores and tire voids. This should slow leakage, but won’t stop it. Walk around the vehicle daily to examine each tire for air loss. Check the tires once a week for proper inflation.
Q-My 1988 Lincoln, which is still covered by the warranty, wouldn’t start. I thought the problem was a faulty starter motor. I took the vehicle to a Mercury dealership, where I was told the battery needed replacement. I had no choice but to let the mechanic install a new battery. I was charged $110 for the battery and $55 for installation. This is a rip-off. Is there anyone I can contact about this matter? M.S., Bellwood
A-A 6-year-old battery isn’t covered by the factory warranty. From what you tell me, you authorized the garage to do the work. You stated you didn’t have a choice. You did. You could have taken your car elsewhere. The dealership charge was customary for testing the battery, charging system, starting system and installation of the battery. They can charge whatever they want for a battery. When you shop for goods or services, it’s up to you to make the purchase decision.
Q-On cold mornings, the engine in my 1987 Plymouth Horizon is difficult to start. I follow the starting recommendations outlined in the owner’s manual. When I do, the engine starts, but dies. I took the car to a mechanic, who tuned the engine and cleaned and adjusted the choke. Now, another mechanic says that the carburetor needs replacement. That will cost $400. A third mechanic says that if the carburetor is bad, there would be other troubles. What should I do? S.B., Westmont
A-I agree with the mechanic who says there would be other symptoms associated with a faulty carburetor. Though the choke was adjusted, problems still may exist. Vacuum controls, a heat riser system, temperature sensor, thermostat and other parts can affect the choke. Take the car to an experienced mechanic and leave it overnight. In the morning, meet the mechanic and demonstrate the problem. He will check a few things under the hood before you turn the key, such a coordinated probably will resolve the trouble.
Q-The paint on my 1990 Lincoln Town car seems to be wearing off. In March 1992, I noticed small flecks on the roof. It appeared as though a white mist had been sprayed on the car. By February 1993, a six-inch strip of paint had been removed along the length of the roof. It appears the paint had rubbed off. I see the condition spreading to the trunk, hood, doors and fenders. Ford Motor Co. claims the paint is no longer covered by the warranty. Do you know what is causing this? E.P.F., Chicago
A-From the photos you sent, it appears that the paint may have oxidized from the sun, or it’s too thin. If the paint oxidized, you probably didn’t wax the car regularly. If it’s too thin, it’s likely a factory paint problem. Ask an experienced body painter to inspect the finish. Then contact Ford to have a representative inspect the paint. If Ford’s representative feels the paint is defective, he may offer assistance. If not, the damage is caused by conditions beyond factory control. A copy of your letter was forwarded to Ford. I was informed that the paint is not covered by the warranty, so it’s not offering assistance.
Q-I want to convert my gasoline-fueled 1977 Dodge Monaco with 400-cubic inch displacement engine and 135,000 miles. The engine purrs like a kitten. It uses a quart of oil every 700 miles. A valve job was done about 50,000 miles ago. The lean-burn fuel system was eliminated at 63,000 miles. Also, the thermoquad carburetor was overhauled. Should I convert the car to liquid propane or natural gas? C.A.H., Bradley, Ill.
A-Before converting your car, have the engine overhauled. That probably will cost $2,000. Once the engine is rebuilt, choose your fuel system. The ideal would be a dual-fuel system that allows you to operate on gasoline or propane or natural gas. I prefer propane. The engine I tested performed well and fuel economy was close to that of gasoline.
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Phil Arendt is an automotive technical consultant for the AAA-Chicago Motor Club. Readers may send technical questions about cars and trucks to him at Dr. Gizmo, A+Automotive Career Counselors Inc., P.O. Box 548, Cary, Ill. 60013 or to his America Online mailbox DRGIZMO.
