Virtual Mechanic

THE EFFECT
The cooling system will maintain normal operating temperature under all driveable conditions. 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
It’s always a good idea to look at the thermostatic fan to understand how it operates.  Because thermostatic fans are thermostatically controlled, they should switch on and off.  A good thermostatic fan in a very good cooling system will switch on for between 20-40 seconds.  If the fan switches on for longer than 60 seconds this might be a cooling system that is unable to cool down with the thermostatic fan. If the fan stays on for 5 seconds then this is an excellent cooling system as it never requires a lot of effort from the thermo fan.

 
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
Eventually the effect will be destructive towards the head gasket going and also the head warping.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
First thing to do is to turn the vehicle off for 1/2 hr and then carefully open the bonnet and moving away from the cap, use a set of gloves or rag, remove the radiator cap, then start the vehicle and check the water.  You can only pour water in after you have started the vehicle up.  Check for leaks.  Check that the thermo fan is switching on and off periodically over 1/2 hr time parameter.  If you find an excessive water leak, depending on what it is, if it can be repaired by the roadside, good.  If not, then a tow is required.

COST
Depending on what it is.  If it’s a hard to get at hose, it could cost $60.00-$90.00.  If it’s a thermostatic fan or a viscose fan, or a water pump, the price will vary.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
This type of problem will give the same effect as a blown head gasket.  It will cause the cooling system to appear unstable.  It may also cause the upper radiator hose to tear apart as the thermostat decides to open with a great force of hot water.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
If you decide to put another radiator hose on what you  need to do is feel the upper and lower radiator hoses at normal operating temperature, very carefully, just in case the radiator explodes, and they should be almost the same temperature.  If one is cold and one is hot, this indicates a sticking thermostat.

COST
To replace the thermostat it will cost $30.00-$90.00 depending on the make and model of the vehicle and also depending on how old the vehicle is.  The thermostat housing bolts may break as you try to remove them.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
The needle will climb too high, basically the whole cooling system will not stabilize and also you may find water in the oil and oil in the water. 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
If you have a suspect blown head gasket and you are driving, stop the engine for 1/2 hour, then very carefully lift the bonnet and using a rag or a set of gloves, gently remove the radiator cap.  Remember the radiator cap has 2 clicks. Turn the cap with your hand.  Do not put your head right over the top of the radiator when you are opening it, move your head right away,  just in case it decides to explode.

COST
It could cost between $550.00-$2,000.00 depending on the make and model.  If you have a suspect head  gasket, have the vehicle towed.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
While driving you may notice that the engine is revving but the car is not moving any faster.  You may also notice that when you have four people in the vehicle that the vehicle seems to have no power but plenty of revs.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The best way to check any slipping clutch is to put it into fourth gear, bring the revs up, let the clutch out, and the car should stall.  If the car does not stall, then it’s the clutch slipping, but you must also check for clearance.  If the clutch cable does not have clearance then a simple adjustment might be all that is necessary.

COST
If it’s only an adjustment, about $10.00-$30.00.  If it’s the clutch assembly then it could cost $250.00-550.00 depending on the make and model.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
The exhaust fumes may be coming into the car and if this continues the hole might get larger and therefore the muffler could collapse and start dragging along the road.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Try to locate where the noise is and the best thing to do is to get it repaired ASAP.

COST
Depending on where the leak is.  If it’s only a small hole that’s corroded, you might be to get it cut out or replaced.  This could cost between $50.00-$150.00 depending on how much of the system needs to be replaced.

 
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
It will be noisy around the engine.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
You have to be very careful here so that you do not touch any of the hot exhaust componentry.  If you can carefully put your fingers around the flange gasket area and feel any air coming out, then that determines that’s what it was.

COST
About $65.00-$90.00 depending on the exhaust fitter.

 
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

PURPOSE
The bells resistor lowers the operating voltage to the coil from 12 volts down to 9 volts to maintain a low voltage to the points and condenser.  The bells resistor is bypassed when the starter motor is cranking the engine.  The bells resistor has a working life of approximately 10 years. 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Most bells resistors are open circuit making it impossible to start ..The most effective indication of this is when cranking the engine, the engine nearly starts and as you release the key, the engine will stop.  Using a test light, a faulty resistor will only have power to one side with the ignition on. 

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
The bells resistor is probably the most inexpensive component to replace costing between $5.00-$15.00.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
A faulty bells resistor may be bypassed but don’t leave it as it will affect the ignition system.  The only time to bypass a bells resistor is when it needs to be tested to prove that it is the bells resistor that is faulty by connecting and bypassing it.

 
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

PURPOSE
Ball joints are a component that connects the control arm to a stub axle, making it a very important component.  Some ball joints are serviceable with a grease nipple.  Ball joints should be checked every 10,000Kms.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
A ball joint may produce a slight or heavy metallic noise as you turn the steering wheel or it may wear or elongate without producing any noise.  The best way to check a ball joint is to jack the vehicle up, but before you do, watch the video, because there are different types of ball joint testing procedures for each type of suspension. Also for your safety, always use jack stands when jacking up any vehicle.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Ball joints cost around $60.00-$90.00 including fitting, plus the cost of a front end alignment.  Your local spare parts dealer should stock the most common brands at a fair price.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
Replacing the old ball joints with new ball joints is recommended as there are no temporary repairs to ball joints.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

PURPOSE
The automatic transmission selects the correct gear to provide maximum power, economy and driver comfort.  Transmissions have changed over the years and now are computerised which makes them more expensive to repair.  Also the transmission is forever changing, making it impossible to supply the same transmission fluid for every make of vehicle.  If the transmission is computerised then the fault code should be accessed and read for stored problems.  So in other words, the transmission computer will store transmission problems if they occur and these problems need to be accessed and rectified.  An automatic transmission should be serviced every 20,000-30,000Kms to prevent problems arising.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
An automatic transmission is an expensive component in any vehicle, so it must be maintained.  Part of this is observing the transmission for any leaks or if the transmission needs to be topped up.  If this does occur, it is leaking somewhere and needs attention.  A leaking transmission is a dangerous one as it may be leaking onto an exhaust component making the fluid flammable.  Also it may be leaking onto the road making it potentially fatal for other road users such as motorcycles.
An automatic transmission pre 1980 was designed to use a common transmission fluid.  Vehicles after this date require specific transmission fluids to suit individual vehicles.  So care must be taken if your transmission fluid needs to be topped up.  Ask your local spare parts dealer for the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle.  The transmission dip stick will tell you it’s own story, even how to check the level.  The level is not straightforward because each transmission may require a different technique for checking.  The best way to check the level is to read the dip stick.  If there are no instructions, then select PARK with the hand brake on and the engine still running, reverse the dip stick and wipe it with a rag, then dip it all the way home and then read where the level is. 

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
A transmission leak may not be expensive to repair depending on where the leak is.  On the other hand, a transmission may be very expensive to repair so shop around for the best price that includes a 12 month warranty and keep the receipt in your Virtual Mechanic folder.  Overhaul transmissions sometimes will have repeat problems.  This is another reason to make sure you go to a good, reliable repairer.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
A good transmission repair is not necessarily measured by the cost of the repair but the quality of the repair.
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009