Q-Recently, a mechanic found a leaky right exhaust manifold on my 1972 Cadillac Eldorado. He discovered a bolt was missing and another was broken. As a result, the manifold was warped. He installed new bolts, but there is a gap between the manifold and the engine. Because of this, I can see the fire in the engine. If I drive the car, will I damage the engine? Can I wash the engine? E.A., Chicago
A-The exhaust manifold might need replacement. It should be removed from the engine and measured to determine the extent of warpage. Also, the manifold-to-engine mating surface should be carefully measured to determine whether escaping exhaust gases have caused excessive erosion of the cylinder head. If manifold warpage is too much, a new manifold should be installed. If the warpage isn’t too bad, the leak may be cured by installing an exhaust manifold gasket. If the cylinder head reveals excessive erosion, a machinist may be able to repair it. Until that’s repaired, don’t wash near the opening in the exhaust manifold/cylinder head mating surface. If you do, water may enter the cylinders and cause hydrolock, whereby the piston tries to compress the fluid in the cylinder and ruin the engine.
Q-Recently, I purchased a 1993 Oldsmobile Delta 88. When traveling down a canyon road, the automatic transmission doesn’t stay in second gear as previously owned vehicles. As a result, I have to pump the brakes to control the car’s speed. I took the car to my local Oldsmobile dealership, where I was told that the transmission operation is normal. What do you suggest? W.J.M., Salt Lake City
A-From your description, the transaxle is operating normally. It should remain in third gear and not second when traveling on a downgrade. Also, the locking torque converter should release. The result of this action should provide some engine braking, but you will have to apply the brakes to stay in control. If you would like additional engine braking, you might place the transmission shift lever into second. However, if you are moving too fast, the transmission may not downshift and will remain in a higher gear. This feature reduces overrevving the engine and possible damage to the transaxle and engine.
Q-I own a 1990 Chevrolet 1500 truck with 62,000 miles and a 1985 Buick with 85,000 miles. I drive these vehicles about 100 miles per week. Do you think Slick 50 will help prolong the life of the engines? J.R.F., East Petersburg, Pa.
A-Your truck and car will benefit more from frequent oil and filter changes than they will from oil additives or treatments. Because you drive only 400 miles a month, change the oil and filter every three months.
Q-The cooling system in my 1985 Chrysler Town and Country wagon with a turbocharged engine seems to boil after I shut it off. While I drive, the engine temperature doesn’t show hot. Also, seldom do I have to add water to the radiator. What’s up? L.H., Cleveland, Okla.
A-The cooling system may be boiling. There is a period after you shut off the engine when the temperature rises. This increase could cause the coolant in the engine to boil. This action is not an emergency situation, but you should try to remedy it soon. To do this, the radiator cap and cooling system should be tested for proper pressure. Also, make sure the cooling system has a fresh mixture of antifreeze and water. The mixture should protect against freezing to 35 degrees below zero. Antifreeze is a better coolant than water. It can disperse heat better. Also, you may be able to reduce the boiling by allowing the engine to run at idle for a minute or two before shutting it off.
Q-The problem with my car isn’t life-threatening, but it is annoying. The windshield wipers squeal, especially on the low-speed setting. I’ve replaced the wiper blades numerous times. I’ve tried all different kinds, except those flourescent colored blades, which are hardly suitable for mature individuals. Can we stop the squealing? F.F., Liberty, Kan.
A-Those fluorescent-colored blades probably won’t stop the squeaking anyway. Clean the windshield several times with a mild window cleaner that contains ammonia. This will remove any wax that may have been sprayed onto the glass from an automatic carwash. Next, clean the rubber portion of the wiper blades. If the rubber inserts in the blades are six months old or older, replace them. If this doesn’t stop the squeaking, ask a mechanic to test the pressure the wiper arms place against the windshield. If they aren’t within specifications, replace them.
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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.
