Russ Hess Answers: Automotive Questions

What happens if I don't add water to my antifreeze?

I accidentally put straight antifreeze into my car today. I went back and added some water, but I know a lot leaked out from the overflow valve. I continued to add water little by little despite it leaking from the overflow valve. Will my car be ok?

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Your little car will be fine. The only risk factor here is that the coolant won't give up its heat as well in the radiator, and will freeze a little higher temperature. Not a MAJOR issue.
The next time you top it off, add plain water to balance out.

My check engine light came on and my car sputters when I hit the gas can anyone help?

The car is a 2001 Chevy Impala, with about 67000 miles on it. Never had an issue till now. I get regular oil changes and stuff like that.

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The rough running AND the "Check Engine" light are clear indications that there is something amiss.
The only way to begin the diagnostics is to retrieve the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from the car's PCM.
This requires a code reader or a scanner.There is no other means provided to query the PCM.
The least expensive option is to ask the nice folks at the local discount parts store if they will retrieve them for you.
When this is done. DO NOT assume that there is a component in the circuit that has failed. The light is an indication that DATA from that circuit is outside spec.
Do the proper diagnostics discussed in a reputable repair manual and verify the failure and data, then repair the FAILURE rather than the symptom.
If you are unfamiliar with the strategies used in electronic engine control, it will be best and less expensive to take the car to a reputable repair facility or the dealer for diagnosis and subsequent repair.

Charging time for car batteries on a 1.5AMP charger?

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Depends on how discharged it is.
If you leave it overnight, (> 10 hours) the likelihood of a decent charge is pretty good.
If it charges in less time, the charger isn't big enough to cause harm, and MOST chargers are automatic trickle.

Should I replace a fuse box in my '91 Corolla?

I'm tossing out a lot of words because I know very little. Don't feel obligated to answer all of the question- throw in your two cents where you can. Here we go:

The plastic fuse casing around the blue 100a fuse, in my '91 Corolla is partially melted. Part of the plastic wall between the 100a fuse and the adjacent fuse is melted. Although it looks like I could still physically insert a new fuse, I don't know if I should.

1. Do I need a new fuse box?

2. If I need a new fuse box- Is it purchased as a stand-alone part, or are there other car parts connected to the fuse box that must also be replaced?

3. How much does it cost to replace a fuse-box (and accompanying parts)?

4. How difficult is it to replace the fuse box (and accompanying parts if needed? Can I do it or is it best left to a mechanic?

Additional Details

3 weeks ago
After looking in the manual I'm pretty sure that this is the 'ALT 100 A: Charging System' fuse.

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1) Maybe. It really requires an informed inspection. Sometimes a bit of heat is a one-time thing and if no real damage to the conductors and insulation has occurred, "don't fix what ain't broke".
2) It will not come as a stand-alone item. There will either be a harness attached, or a repair kit with connectors to repair the damage that will occur when the old box is cut out.
3) The new auto parts alone will be somewhere between $50.00 and $150.00. No labor. labor is based on the length of time required to replace and test the repair. (The old adage "Time is money". Well most shops charge from $75.00 to $125.00 per hour.
4) Based on the question, I think I would recommend that you refer to a REPUTABLE repair facility for both inspection and advise to these questions, and for the repair.

Spark plug?

I've snapped a spark plug,ive drilled it out but do you know where i can purchase spark plug thread inserts,or is there a nother way.

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Check with the local QUALITY parts store. The discount boys may have it too, but the others (e.g. Auto Parts Place) cater to the professional shops and there may be a better chance of finding what you need there.

NOTE---->
Chances are that the plug seized due to the last person who tuned it up didn't apply any anti-seize to the plug.
The plug is steel, and the threads are FORMED, not cut, therefore the threads do not actually conform to the profile of those that are CUT in the head with a tap.
In addition, chances are that the head is aluminum rather than steel. This causes the plug and the head to expand and contract at different rates.
The anti-seize is a very good remedy for this issue, and will save your having to do this job again.

Aspirator hose on 90 Ford F150 4X4?

My son's truck is running rough and a guy told him it's the aspirator hose on the intake manifold. We've never heard of one, what exactly are we looking for? Or was the guy wrong?

Additional Details

3 weeks ago
He checked all the hoses. They seem to be fine. He's replaced the distributor cap, plugs and wires and it still has a miss. And it is really hard on gas. He has a 306.

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Probably NOT wrong, but you never know.
The hose you are looking fore is the hose from the air cleaner assembly to the intake. It is about 3-1/2" in diameter. If there is a MAF sensor instead of a MAP sensor, your friend is most likely correct. You can perform EMERGENCY repair with Duct Tape. Locate the crack or break in the tube and cover it securely, and make certain that there are no air leaks at either end.
If the pick up has a MAP sensor, then there is another issue at hand.
Go here------>

http://autorepair.about.com/library/ts/o...

...and scroll down below the chart for a discussion of the procedure for retrieving the trouble codes. Disregard the requirement for a meter. It isn't necessary. Sit in the driver's seat and watch the "Check Engine" light. It will flash out the codes similar to Morse code. Don't space off. You have to pay attention. If you lose count, or if you aren't sure you got it all, simply turn the key off for > 20 seconds and start over again.
If you have disconnected the battery, there is a good chance that there won't be any codes stored until it is driven again and the fault is recognized.

Air suspension air compressor????

are there any fuses in the engine compartment for the air compressor for the air suspension? if yes what fuses and what do they do for the compressor?? I have a Lincoln continental 1992

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The protection devise here is a circuit breaker, and it is in the power center box under the hood.
Sometimes they have been replaced by a fuse. It should be marked.
if you replace it and find that the compressor still doesn't work, the compressor has failed and will require replacement.
Go here------>

http://www.suspension-alternatives.com/?...

...for a replacement at substantial savings over Ford auto parts and accessories.
Also consider the alternatives offered here. Conversion kits to remove the need for the compressor.
This depends on your level of mechanical ability.

How to cure a sticky throttle in a 2000 Mazda MVP ???

We own a 2000 MVP, and the throttle is sticky when taking off from a stop, making it lurch because you have to press the pedal so hard... It only does it when taking off, throttle is fine when at road speed... I thought it may be a dry throttle cable, but I disconnected it and manually operated the butterfly, and the problem seems to be with the injection butterfly its self... I believe all it really needs is lubrication at the pivot points, but am wary to spray WD into the intake, there are what appear to be sensors close by, and do not want to foul them with lube... Is this a typical problem with this model ??? Is there a service bulletin that addresses this particular problem ??? I would appreciate any advice!!!!!

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Inspect the throttle body and plate closely for signs of deposits. Coking is notorious for this sort of thing.
If you see none, go here------>

http://www.infotraxx.com/?a_aid=15&a_bid...

with the year, make, model, VIN, engine etc. of the vehicle and perform a search related to your issue.

Does anyone know why my ABS light is on? Own a 2001 Infiniti Qx4.?

This light came on IMMEDIATELY after I had a custom stereo installed. Of course, the stereo guy said the ABS light has nothing to do with what he did. However, I have to go back because one of the speakers is already not working, so who knows.

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Stereo installers are INFAMOUS for connecting to wires that they shouldn't have.
That said, and considering that it occurred IMMEDIATELY after the installation, it causes pause.
The computer runs a self-test of ALL sensors and components every time it is started, and at periodic intervals as you drive. The computer has run a self-test and found that there is a circuit that measurements are out of range.
The light is an indication that the ABS has been disabled, though the BRAKES themselves are unaffected.
When you get the speaker repaired, insist that they check the installation for errors.
If none are found, go to a reputable repair shop, or better the dealer, and ask for diagnostics for the indicator light.
If the cause is found to be in the stereo installation, give the installer one last chance to rectify his error and make a legitimate repair.
If he fails to do so, have someone else do it, and then send him the bill for the cost of repair.

Its a 89 chev corsica head was cracked got a new refurbished head?

now rods have WAY to much play worried that it is wrong head, 2.0 engine, not one of the rods is snug all have alot of play should i buy new rods, tnxs for the help totally lost tnxs all

Don't know where you got the head, but you sound like you are over yours in this repair.

STOP!! Breathe. Do it again.

NOW— wash up, go to the local coffee hole (or tea or whatever) and refresh. Go to the library and do a little research.
This little exercise you are engaged in is more than merely removing auto parts and replacing them ("righty-tighty — lefty-loosy").
This one of the reasons we get the "BIG BUCKS". We know some things, and we know when to stop digging the hole, and do a little investigation, including reading.
Save yourself a lot more grief and read the process several times. Read it, and make notes to yourself about it. Then describe it to yourself in your head until you are thoroughly familiar with the process.
THEN,write down the pertinent specs.
NOW go back to the car, and describe the process all over again to yourself.
After this little exercise, that WILL consume a bit of time, but in the end save a lot more not to mention perhaps some money, proceed with assembly and adjustments.
Take the pressure off of yourself. You will get more done and have to re-do less of it!

Whats the ignition timing for a 1992 silverado truck with a 5.7, 350 engine?

Additional Details

3 weeks ago
The numbers are missing on the sticker under the hood and I was hopefully that someone with the same or close year could look under the hood at theirs or maybe somebody knows the specs. thanks

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0° with the timing connector disconnected. Read the information on the VECI label for the procedure.
If you try to adjust the timing without disconnecting the connector, you may be as much as 20° off.

*all answers are exclusively Russ Hess' and are used with permission.