by Lucia Byrd (Florence, SC)
1996 mercury villager minivan
We have a 1996 mercury villager minivan. When it rains hard, the cylinders get wet and it sputters and runs rough. When ever we accelerate it sends a message/code to the internal computer and the engine warning light comes on.When we’ve taken it in to get serviced, our mechanic says there’s a pathway that gets stopped up and he has to blow it clear with a pressurized air hose then reset the engine light. It keeps happening. Is there a way to permanently fix this problem.Re: Engine Misfire after rain storm. This problem is quite common on many models not just the 1996 Mercury villager mentioned above. Engines with tunnel type spark plugs can all experience this issue. It is the job of the spark plug wire to seal the tunnel and allow moisture to evaporate from it. This is made possible by a check valve at the top of the spark plug wire. I have more information and some pictures about this car problem on my page about engine misfire codes.
Finding Auto Repair Answers
by Steven Bickham (Lebanon TN USA)
There are so many experts on the web when it comes to auto repair that don’t know what they are talking about. I am a 49 year old aircraft mechanic and have read some of the stuff these so called experts post on automotive help sights and it makes me cringe. I find a lot of my auto repair questions and answers for myself by searching google and it has proven invaluable to me and it is a very powerful tool to say the least (might be the best in my actual bag,. hehe). Unfortunately, people with limited backgrounds as mechanics fall for a lot of the bull the so called experts are giving them (legends in there own mind that don’t know squat about what there talking about). I just think it’s a travesty that some people fall for there guidance. There’s a whole lotta people wasting a whole lotta time and it’s very sad, so if your a so called expert and don’t know for sure what your talking about, please think real hard about the advice your giving! I usually can find the correct answer by reviewing a number of mechanics best guesses and usually there will be one or several that seems the most logical and sensible and have a variety of experts collaberating the same thought (this is usually the best answer).I just wrote this for all the readers out there, hoping this advice on finding auto repair help will save some of you some time. Just like with a doctor, always get a second, third or maybe more opinions. Don’t fall for the first fly by night mechanics answer (In my research I’ve discovered some very bad advice quite often). That’s why I think you need to realize the first mechanical advice you find for your particular issue is usually completely wrong! Take some time and if at all possible, get the opinion of several so called experts on the same repair issue your having a problem with. It can save you a lot of money in the end to really do your research. Keep asking and when you find the answer please take the time to let everyone know what solved your problem in the most visible place you can post it. It’s just awesome when we all work together for the common good of everyone and it makes all of our lives easier. Happy hunting -Steve Bickham Lebanon TN-
Suzuki 1983 Minivan gas mileage
by Eddie Feliciano (Lower Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu, Philippines)
Suzuki Minivan Image
Suzuki 1983 Minivan gas mileage low. I’m Eddie and since I live in the Philippines, a car is a car whether its old or new; SUV or Suzuki 1983 Minivan. This is actually the model of my car, a 600 Every Suzuki with a sun roof as one of its features. After enjoying it for 3 years (I bought it in 1997 from a friend), I suddenly discovered that it consumed more gas than usual. While traveling 3 weeks ago from work, I suddenly ran out of gas which surprised me. My ten liters of gasoline only registered 50 kms in my odometer which means that one liter only runs 5 kms!!! My 1983 Suzuki Minivan usually run 14 kms per liter. I asked around and everybody told me that it’s loosing compression. Mechanics advised top overhaul as an inexpensive cure. After changing head gasket, valve seals, spark plugs and the like, and spending about 7,000 pesos, my engine still consumes one liter for every 5 kilometers. My mechanic was bewildered by the result.Since I’m a low-salaried teacher, 7 thousand pesos is a big amount. I’m saddened by this and I have to commute again an eight-ride route starting at 5.30 every morning.Traveling on a economized vehicle is very important to reach my destination early and perform my teaching job well. I will appreciate with all my heart if somebody will tell what to do. Thank you. This is my car repair story.
1986-GMC-Vandura-WINDOW
by DENNIS MCKELLEP (RADCLIFF,KY)
1986 GMC Vandura
WELL, I JUST TRADED FOR A GMC CONVERSION VAN, A 1986-GMC-Vandura THE CONVERSION WAS DONE BY EXPLORER. AFTER A WEEK OF CALLING JUNK YARDS IN THE AREA I STILL DON’T OR CAN NOT LOCATE A WINDOW, WENT TO A GLASS CO AND FOUND ONE FOR 650.00 AND THAT IS 1/2 WHAT I PAID FOR THE VAN. NOW I AM IN A FIX. STILL TRYING TO FINED THE WINDOW, ANY HELP I CAN GET: WINDOW IS MADE BY WESTOVER WENT OUT OF OPERATION IN 1989, SIZE 48IN BOTTOM AND 31 IN HIGH THAT IS OUTSIDE FRAME MEASUREMENTS, IS A T-SLIDE. JUST REMEMBER GOOD DEALS ARE SOMETIMES, NOT GOOD DEALS. THANKS