Q–I have a 1989 Honda Civic DX hatchback. Sometimes when I accelerate and when going more than 20 m.p.h. and then let go of the accelerator, I hear a rattling noise.
I checked the back end, the muffler, and nothing there is loose. A friend suggested a shield might be loose. What is your opinion? D.P., Chicago
A–Listen to your friend and you may never have to listen to that rattle again. Honda has had numerous problems with loose heat shields.
Q–Since I replaced the water pump at 63,000 miles on my 1990 Chevrolet Suburban with a 5.7-liter engine, I have been going through water-pump bearings.
I originally replaced the pump with a rebuilt one and a new fan clutch. The first replacement lasted about three months before the weep hole showed signs of some leakage.
Each time I replace the pump, I install a new fan clutch. A few months after replacing the pump, I noticed a rotating vibration between 50 and 55 m.p.h.
I have replaced the idler pulley, tensioner, belt, fan, harmonic balancer and alternator. The present pump has been on since August and I currently have 130,000 miles on the vehicle. However, the weep hole shows signs of leakage.
When he replaced the harmonic balancer, my mechanic stated that the next replacement would be a new torque converter or flex plate. Can you help us figure out what is wrong? B.L., Chicago
A–If you see a small white stain at the weep hole of your water pump, do not be alarmed. It is normal. However, if you regularly find a puddle on your garage floor, there could be a problem.
Before resorting to more expensive parts replacements, make sure your cooling system is clean. Trash circulating with the coolant can damage the water pump seal and, ultimately, the bearing.
After a cleansing flush and refill with fresh coolant, add a can of Bar’s Leaks. The automakers do before they ship their new vehicles. It not only prevents leaks, it conditions the seals and provides some lubrication.
If the problem were in the harmonic balancer, or torque converter and flex plate, the most likely leak would be at the front crankshaft seal or rear main seal. And, it would be oil.
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Bob Weber is an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician. Send your technical questions about cars to him in care of Motormouth, 17717 Silcott Springs Rd., Purcellville, Va. 20132. Send e-mail with name and hometown to motormth1@aol.com. Answers are supplied only through the newspaper.
