Q & A #61 With The Auto Specialist
Q & A #61 With The Auto Specialist
Welcome back to the Auto Specialist. Recently, I was reviewing some of the automotive industry’s latest sales numbers. It looks like the Big 3 (i.e. Ford, GM, and Chrysler) are making enormous strides to regain market share. In May 2010, all three automakers experienced double-digit sales growth over May 2009. It’s a little early to tell whether this is a long-term sales trend or a short-term blip. One thing is clear, though: in light of Toyota’s recent recall-related woes, the Big 3 are moving forward aggressively to attract customers.
In today’s segment, we’re going to take a look at a fuel pump problem in Irv’s GMC Sierra. We’re also going to help Jennifer with a question on oil changes. Lastly, we’ll help Andy figure out whether he should follow his mechanic’s advice and get a new engine for his Ford Escape. That’s a full agenda, so let’s jump right in.
Question: I’m driving a 2002 GMC Sierra with 106,000 miles. It has been fine ever since I bought it used in 2004. A real nice truck. Lately, however, I’ve been having a problem with my fuel injectors. They’re not getting enough fuel for the engine. I’ve cleaned the fuel injection system and removed the injectors to check them for sediment. They’re clean.
Usually, I can start the truck just fine, but it stalls out within fifteen or twenty minutes. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it happens enough that it has become very frustrating. Any idea why my fuel injectors aren’t working?
Answer: Thanks for writing in, Irv. From what you’ve described, I’m thinking the injectors are working fine. The problem may be with the fuel pump. It might not be producing a sufficient amount of pressure within the lines. That would explain why fuel is not getting to your engine despite the injectors being clean. I suggest having the pump replaced.
Question: I have a 2005 Infiniti M45. The mechanics at the dealership keep recommending that I have my oil changed every 3,000 miles. They tell me that waiting could damage the engine. To be honest, it’s not the cost of the service that prevents me from having the oil changed more often than I currently do. It’s the inconvenience of driving to the dealership and waiting for them to finish. So, do I need to have the oil changed every 3,000 miles to protect my engine?
Answer: Thanks for your question, Jennifer. Given the age of your engine, I’d say it’s completely unnecessary. You didn’t mention how often you are having the oil changed currently. But changing it every 3,000 miles is overkill unless your engine is old with a lot of miles on it. Follow your owner’s manual. For a 2005 Infiniti, the manual probably recommends doing it every 7,500 miles.
Question: I own a 2004 Ford Escape with a little over 72,000 miles. A couple weeks ago, the mechanic at a local garage I go to told me that I need to replace the engine. I was under the impression that car engines were built to last for over 100,000 miles. This seems really early. I could understand if I treated my engine poorly, but I change the oil every 4,000 miles and drive conservatively. I can’t imagine that I’ve damaged the engine. What do you think? Is it possible that I actually need a new engine?
Answer: Thanks for sending in your question, Andy. First, you’re right. Engines are supposed to last much longer than 72,000 miles. That said, given the details you’ve provided, it’s difficult to know whether there is an underlying problem in the assembly. Did your mechanic mention detonation, a persistent compression problem, or valve and piston damage? There are a hundred reasons he may have suggested a replacement, and it’s impossible for me to know whether his reason is legitimate. Sorry I couldn’t help more.
That’s it for this installment of the Auto Specialist. I’d like to thank Irv, Jennifer, and Andy for sending in their questions and allowing us to take a look. Make sure you come back next time when I’ll have a new batch of interesting automotive challenges to help diagnose. Until then, drive safely.
