Q-When I put the transmission into drive or reverse, my 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with 76,000 miles takes off with a jerk. Also, the engine continues to run after I shut off the key. To stop the engine, I leave the transmission in drive and shut off the key. My husband had the timing checked. It’s OK. I think the engine runs too fast. What do you think? J.K., Marshfield Wis.
A-The choke could be sticking, causing the engine to run too fast. If you or your husband are mechanically inclined, clean the choke and carburetor linkage with carburetor cleaner available at many auto supply stores. If that doesn’t work, the choke may not be functioning properly. Ask a technician to inspect it in the morning when the engine is cold. Also have the technician check the idle for proper adjustment.
Q-Recently, you explained how to check for a short in the electrical system. I failed to keep the article. Can you explain? J.E.T., River Grove
A-What I explained is a procedure to check for a power draw on the battery. With the engine and all accessories turned off, disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Connect a digital multimeter between the negative battery cable and the negative battery terminal. Read the meter. If it shows a power draw, make sure all the interior lights including the lamps in the glove compartment, trunk and passenger compartment are off. If the power draw continues, remove one fuse at a time while you read the meter. When you remove the fuse that interrupts the power draw, you’ve isolated the problem circuit. Repair it. Be concerned only with meter readings high enough to illuminate a light. If you don’t own a digital multimeter, use a test light. If the light doesn’t illuminate, there isn’t a power draw of any consequence.
Q-The cooling system fan in my 1994 Chevrolet S-10 pickup makes a roaring noise when I start the vehicle. A dealership representative said this is normal. The noise in my truck goes away once the engine warms. I thought the fan isn’t supposed to be engaged when the engine is cold. What’s up? V.B.B., Abilene, Texas
A-The noise you hear is probably caused by the fan as it rotates. The fan hydraulic clutch is complex. It operates when the engine is running at slow speeds to draw large volumes of air through the radiator. At higher vehicle speeds, the fan clutch may disengage because the volume of the air blowing into the radiator can cool the engine without the fan. A thermostat and engine speed controls the silicone oil in the fan clutch housing that engages the clutch. As engine temperatures rise, the thermostat moves valves in the housing to control the silicone fluid and the fan turns to cool the engine compartment. The sound you experience may be annoying but it’s normal.
Q-In a recent column pertaining to the storage of a battery in a 1974 Chevrolet convertible, you suggested that the battery should be stored on a piece of wood or the battery will discharge. For 35 years, I was a battery service manager. I’ve been trying to dispel your misconception in countless training sessions. A battery placed on concrete won’t discharge because concrete is an insulator. Can you set the record straight? M.A.T., Lindstrom, Minn.
A-The problem isn’t the concrete; it’s moisture. Most people store batteries in a basement or garage. A damp basement or garage floor conducts electricity. Dirt, electrolyte and moisture on the surface of the battery make a fantastic path for electrical power flow. Battery power may flow along the dirt path to the damp concrete floor and to a ground such as the metal reinforcement in the concrete. Wood helps stop electrical flow-as long as it’s dry.
Q-I park my 1992 Mercury Cougar in a garage with the windows and doors tightly closed. Despite this, mice live in my car. I set mouse traps all the time, but the mice continue to reside. How do they get into the car? R.H.M., Tuskahoma, Okla.
A-Mouse experts tell me that adult mice can enter openings as small in diameter as a pencil. Cars have numerous openings of that size and larger to allow water to drain from the body and air into cavities to dry inner body panels. Plugging the drains and openings will allow water to collect in body panels, causing massive metal corrosion. Many of these openings are covered with special rubber plugs that provide some protection against furry intruders. Ask a technician to inspect the undercarriage, inner fender areas, doors, firewall, heating and air conditioning system and trunk area for missing or poor fitting plugs. Replace or repair as needed. If that does not work, call animal control.
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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 America Online DRGIZMO.
