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Dear Doctor: I have a 2001 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L engine with the manual transmission that is in need of some repairs: The engine’s first cylinder is only producing 20 pounds-per-square-inch compression due to a burned or bent exhaust valve. I was advised to disconnect the fuel injector in order to prevent fuel from leaking through into the exhaust and ruining the catalytic converter. I have also been advised that it should be OK to drive locally on the five remaining cylinders without causing further damage. Does that sound right to you?
Paul
Dear Paul: Disconnecting the fuel injector would result in the piston not having lubrication from the fuel, and would cause the piston and cylinder wall to dry out. As for the catalytic converter damage: the engine is not running efficiently, so the catalytic converter will run hotter than normal because of the engine misfire, and its life will be shortened. It would be best to drive the Jeep as little as possible to prevent any additional internal engine damage.
Dear Doctor: I am a NAPA jobber and I have read your column for a very long time. When you have mentioned a common problem with specific cars, I have taken your advice and ordered replacement parts to sell. Your information has tipped me on what to stock for many car owners. For the most part I agree with your recommendations, except for your occasional insistence to only use dealer parts – in particular catalytic converters. They are as good as OEM, as in the case of Walker, which makes them for a lot of auto manufacturers. Anyway, keep the tips coming!
Dick
Dear Dick: Thank you for writing in. I own and operate two AAA-Approved Auto Repair Shops. I see a lot of problem vehicles brought to me by owners who were not satisfied with the repairs done by other shops. In many cases, the problem is a simple repair that the other technician could not find due to a lack of understanding on the vehicle system, operation, or circuit. With this said, there are many shops that look at the cost of a replacement part and not the quality of it. We have a NAPA store in my area that we deal with because they sell quality replacement parts, including catalytic converters made by various manufacturers, including Walker. For the most part, cheap catalytic converters are not being sold like they used to be. I always check price on both the aftermarket and original manufacturer brand. In a lot of cases the factory catalytic converter is built to factory specs where the aftermarket replacement is a close second. Many times the aftermarket will work; but always check the warranty on both and to make sure there are no engine issues.
Dear Doctor: I purchased a 2008 Chrysler Sebring Limited convertible last summer and it has a peculiar trait: After accelerating up to 40 to 65 mph, the car seems to be on de-accelerating cruise control. In other words, the car will coast for an unnaturally long distance, and then slowly de-accelerate with my foot off the gas pedal. Reaching 60 mph, I can let it coast for at least a mile. I hope you can offer some advice for this coasting issue.
Artie
Dear Artie: The first step is to conduct a road test with a technician so s/he can see and feel what the vehicle is doing during this drivability condition. Today’s vehicles have transmissions that freewheel at highway speeds and will coast a long way. There might not be anything wrong with the car. This will be determined by the technician. The use of a scan tool may also be needed to check the actual engine speed while de-accelerating.
Dear Doctor: I just visited my local 2016 auto show and noticed a trend that has been ongoing for several years. Why does each manufacturer make three or four models to display with the “flat” paint that has no shine, especially on some high-priced models? I don’t think buyers will fork over $50,000 for a vehicle with dull paint. I don’t understand the automaker’s rationale by doing this. Lloyd
Dear Lloyd: Indeed, flat and matte paint colors have become popular, along with black alloy wheels. There are also many companies that offer a flat matte plastic body wrap that goes over the shiny paint. Some people like the flat no-shine finish, but I’m not that guy. Like you, I prefer the high gloss shine.
Dear Doctor: My 2012 Scion xB was involved in a front-end collision and was totaled by my insurance company. I love this car and have decided to get it repaired with the insurance money. It was repaired to like-new condition and had to go through a rigorous state inspection. This included all parts, serial numbers, and test drives before the new title was issued. My new title was issued but has a note stating “salvaged vehicle.” Will my car be worth less at trade-in because of this status? John
Dear John: The answer is yes. Some dealers will not take a salvage title vehicle at trade-in, unless they plan on selling it to a wholesaler. Some private buyers will not buy a vehicle with a salvage title either.