Q-I pull a 3,600-pound trailer with my three-quarter ton 1986 Chevy van with a 5-liter engine and automatic transmission. I installed a transmission cooler. Presently, I have no problem pulling the trailer on level terrain. Do you think this vehicle will be able to pull the trailer on hilly roads? R.C.B., Gastonia, N.C.
A-The truck should be able to pull the trailer. However, you should take it easy when traveling on hilly roads. Reduce your speed so you won’t put too much strain on the engine and transmission. Also, pay particular attention to the engine temperature. If the engine cooling system boils, there is a good possibility that the transmission is overheating, too.
Q-Recently, I took my 1985 Buick Century to a mechanic because I was having difficulty steering the car. The mechanic told me that it would cost as much as $600 to repair the problem. I didn’t authorize the repair. Right after that, I read in your column how GM might assist in the repair of steering problems. I took my car to a Buick dealership. The problem was corrected at no cost to me. Thank you. T.M.R., Berwyn
A-The trouble with your car must have been a malfunctioning steering rack. Millions have failed. When they do, the system won’t provide power steering.
Q-I was traveling through Wyoming when the engine overheated. The overheating condition was caused by a leaky water pump. As a result, the engine had to be replaced. About 1,000 miles after the repair, the engine stalled. A technician found a failed ignition module. He said that heat from the overheating engine caused the module to fail. Is there a way to determine when a water pump will fail? Also, did the module fail because the engine overheated? E.T.H., Glenview
A-There is no way to determine when a water pump will fail. However, there are a few clues. Coolant on the ground where the car is parked signals something is leaking. Often, steam can be seen drifting from the engine compartment. Usually, the bearings in the pump make noise before it leaks. Also, the engine temperature warning light or gauge tells you that the engine is overheating. When it does, it’s a good idea to investigate. As for the module failure, electronic components don’t tolerate heat well. The overheating may have caused the part to fail.
Q-I just purchased a 1987 Oldsmobile 98 Custom Cruiser station wagon. I don’t have the owner’s guide. Where can I get one? A.T.P., Chicago
A-Sometimes second-hand stores or thrift shops have owner’s guides and service manuals. If they don’t, contact your local dealership service department. They may be able to order a guide for you. Also, you may call Oldsmobile at 800-442-6537 for information on how to obtain a guide.
Q-When my 1982 Jaguar is parked overnight during cold weather, the brake pedal is hard and the brakes barely stop the car. To make the brakes work, I pump the brake pedal several times. I took the car to a mechanic, but he didn’t offer any solution. What’s wrong? D.H.D., Crystal Lake
A-It’s likely that moisture and fuel vapors entered the power brake booster. The vapors may have caused a diaphragm in the booster to break. When that happens, power assist to the brake system is reduced until enough vacuum is applied to the system or until the booster warms. Have a technician test the booster after the car has been parked at his garage overnight. If he finds that the booster is faulty, it’s likely it needs replacement. Also, it’s possible that the brake fluid has turned to sludge and needs flushing.
Q-There is a droning sound coming from the exhaust system in my 1992 Dodge Spirit. The car has been to the dealership several times for repair. They installed a new seal flange and gasket. A factory representative inspected the car. He told me that the noise is normal for my car. I disagree because other people I know who own cars equipped with the same engine don’t have this trouble. What do you think? J.S., Aurora, Ohio
A-Unfortunately, the noise may be normal. Often exhaust noises are transmitted from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment. The exhaust system should be carefully examined to make sure no part of it is leaking or hitting the body. It’s also important to make sure engine sounds aren’t transmitted into the passenger compartment via accessories or a wiring harness. If no such problems, you might have to live with the annoyance.
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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.
