Q & A #59 With The Auto Specialist
Welcome back to the Auto Specialist. If you’re reading this column for the first time, I invite you to peruse the archives. We’ve managed to create an impressive compendium of automotive knowledge dealing with engines, transmissions, mufflers, alternators, and nearly every other car part or system. This is all based on helping readers troubleshoot and resolve their car problems. If you’re experiencing an issue with your vehicle and are getting the runaround from your dealership or mechanic, send in the details and I’ll try to help.
In today’s segment, we’re going to help Kyle figure out why his Galant seems to be losing power. We’re also going to address Linday’s question about a leak in her transmission. Lastly, we’ll take a look at Michael’s idea of dropping a new, bigger engine into his wife’s Durango. There’s lots to cover, so let’s jump right in.
Question: I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Galant. It has just under 125,000 miles on it and has always driven really well. Back in January, I was having trouble getting it started. It turns out, the fuel pump was bad. The engine wasn’t getting any gas. So, I replaced the pump with a used one and everything was working fine again.
Two weeks ago, I started having trouble accelerating on the freeway. The car felt sluggish whenever I hit the gas. The problem has gotten steadily worse and now, it’s even sluggish on surface streets. My mechanic thinks the oxygen sensor may have gone bad, but I’m not convinced since I replaced that about eighteen months ago. Any idea why I’m having trouble getting power?
Answer: Thanks for sending in your question, Kyle. To recap, here’s what we know: your fuel pump went bad and you replaced it, which resolved the original lack of acceleration problem. Now, the problem is back and it’s not due to the oxygen sensor (I’m speculating here based on your assumption). If I had to guess, I’d say it’s the used fuel pump. If it’s used, it’s unlikely to be OEM-certified. My suggestion is to have it replaced again, but use an OEM unit this time.
Question: I’m driving a 2002 Toyota 4Runner with 122,000 miles on it. I was looking through your archives and awhile back you mentioned checking under the transmission for leaks. So, that’s what I did with my 4Runner. The bad news is, I can see reddish fluid on the ground, so I’m going to assume there’s a small leak. I’ve put more fluid in the reservoir like you suggested to avoid running low. I wanted to ask you, how expensive is it to fix transmission leaks?
Answer: Thanks for writing in, Lindsay. The cost to fix a leak in your transmission depends on where the leak is located. If it’s coming from one of the outside seals, your mechanic should be able to fix it without lifting the tranny from your truck. If the leak is coming from the front seal, however, the transmission will need to be lifted out. That makes the job far more expensive. I can’t give you a cost estimate since this particular job can range over a wide span.
Question: My wife owns a 1999 Dodge Durango with nearly 150,000 on the engine. For some reason, she loves the thing and doesn’t want to get rid of it, even though it has a lot of miles on the engine. I suggested having the engine replaced, which she was open to doing. But she wants a V8 put in. There’s only a V6 in there right now. How would I go about doing this?
Answer: Thanks for your question, Michael. First, I recommend against the V8. Replacing a V6 with a V8 is a major job. It’s very complex and something that even a trained technician can easily get wrong. What’s more, even if you get the bigger engine in, it may not pass your state’s smog test. There are a lot of modifications to make. Missing one could cause major issues. I’d revisit this with your wife and suggest sticking with a replacement V6.
That’s it for this installment of the Auto Specialist. I’d like to thank Kyle, Lindsay, and Michael again for sending their questions in and letting us help out. Be sure to come back next time when we have a new batch of interesting automotive problems to go through. Until then, drive safely.
