Selling a Junk Car
Question:
Hi there,
I ran across your site in a google search because I’m trying to get rid of my junk 1993 BMW 325i. I don’t want it and the insurance costs are high-well higher than what I want to pay. Anyway, the car has some minor rust setting in and some body damage and steering problems. After surveying my car at kbb.com (kelly’s blue book), it got a “fair” rating, although I think it’s pretty poor.
My car is something that I wouldn’t want to buy but I would like to get rid of it and get some sort of money for it. I’m wondering the best way to go about it, really. How can I say let’s say a “junk car”? Do you know of any resources I can use that refer to buying beat up or well-used cars? Please let me know if you have any advice to offer me about this inquiry. I could certainly use the assistance. Thanks for your time.
-Ken
Answer:
You can check out www.classicjunkyard.com which is a site I run also. You can list the car for parts, or sell the whole thing. I would also check out Ebay and consider listing it there. I would advertise it locally as a “bodymans special” or mechanics special and see what kind of interest it brings. I would think that you will get a younger kid who would be happy to have something to wrench on. It’s a popular model, and would be a cool custom with the addition of a body kit and a nice set of wheels.
Good Luck,
Kevin
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Selling Your Car
Carburetor Rebuild Kit and Leaking Head Gasket
Question:
Hi, I was wondering why fuel is leaking out of my carburetor? When it is running it started as a drip at first and now it is leaking heavily. Would a carburetor kit fix that problem? And what comes in the kit?
Another question is, is it normal for oil to be in my radiator or is there a serious problem that needs attended to right away. i have a 1986 Ford Ranger pickup it has A 2.0 4 cylinder engine i barrel carburetor please help any help would be appreciated thanks.
Answer:
A rebuild kit may help, but the leak may be from a crack in the carb too. I would remove the carb, look for any broken or leaking gaskets. Sometimes there are plugs in the bottom of the carb which can come loose. Carb kits usually have gaskets, float, needle and seat. If you floats are leaking, or the seat is worn, it will cause a flooding condition and you will see fuel leaking.
Oil in the radiator, indicates a leaking head gasket. I would get it checked/fixed ASAP before it turns into more of a problem. A competent mechanic can do a compression test and check for a bad head gasket.
Good luck,
Kevin
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Fuel
Rust Removal or Treatment
Question:
Hi Kevin,
Enjoyed the read, just a quick question i a have a 1992 honda prelude 2.2vtec si. Is the engine an interferance engine. Can you also tell me how to treat rust from the inside of body work.
Many thanks,
Andy M.
Answer:
Yes, Your engine is an interference engine.
Rust is tough to get rid of, the best way is to cut it out and weld in new metal. If you can not do that, a rust converting product can help stop it from spreading. The rust converting liquid will convert the rust and leave a coating ready to paint. Check out www.Eastwood.com for their rust treatment products. I would undercoat the area after it is treated to prevent any future rust from starting. I also have an extensive write-up about rust here…
Kevin Schappell
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Body
Bent Valves and How to Diagnose
Question:
Hey Kevin,
I have a 1990 mitsubishi ecl. 2.0l l4 turbo ic fi.
Would the car start and or idle if the valves were
bent.
Thankyou,
Pam
Answer:
It is possible for the valves to be bent and the engine still run. It probably would not run very strong, but it could run and idle. The best way to check for bent valves, would be to have your mechanic run a compression test and see if there is air leaking past the valves. If the valves are bent, the mechanic will be able to hear air leaking into the exhaust or intake, depending on which valves are bent.
Kevin Schappell
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Engine
Undercoating Your Car, Is it Worth It ?
QUESTION:
Hi Kevin,
Since I am a female I find car people are trying to sell me things for my new car that I don’t really know if it is needed or not. I was reading you web on car care and wondered if you would answer a few concerns.
I have chosen a Honda Fit sport. Then comes all these extras. I have eliminated all except the undercoating but am concerned if it really necessary or if it will more than likely cause me more problems later on. I live in the Okanagan in BC. The climate is hot, dry summers and very mild winters. Most have told me that undercoating will cause build up and not allow the drainage that is necessary. The dealer said it would help with sound proofing. For $300. is it a good idea? They also talked about extended warranty because of the fuel pump troubles of the Honda. Is this has been a problem then maybe I should make another choice. I realize that what ever I choose will probably have some concerns but I shouldn’t have to worry before I even buy the new car.
I have been reading the info about taking care of the car and found it very easy to understand and good advice. I only wish dealers were so reliable. Thank you in advance for your advice Marlene
ANSWER:
Marlene,
I am assuming you are buying this car brand new (not a used car)? If it’s a brand new car, the undercoating is a good idea, and will not keep water from draining if done properly. It does depend on how long you plan on keeping the car, and how well you maintain it. If you can keep the winter road salt cleaned off every now and then, and keep the car in a garage, I would say save your money and skip the undercoating. If you plan on keeping the car for more than 3 years, and don’t have a garage, the undercoating would be a good idea. It’s very rare that today’s cars start rusting out, if properly taken care of.
The extended warranty is again an issue of how long will you own it? If you plan on keeping the car past it’s factory warranty, then the extended warranty may be cheaper to purchase now. If you are not sure about how long you will have the car, I would say wait until the factory warranty is about to run out.
Good Luck,
Kevin Schappell
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Body
