Will we see a diesel engine in a light duty truck?
Q. I’m considering buying a full sized pick-up truck in the next year or so. My question is will we see a diesel engine in a light duty truck? I like the idea of a diesel, but don’t need a one-ton truck.
A. There has been some recent news that both Chevrolet and Dodge (Ram) may be offering a diesel engine in the near future. The last time I was at a press conference with Ford, they believe that their Eco-boost turbo charged engine offers a combination of power and fuel economy that matches a diesel.
Q. I found a 1975 Checker cab for sale and have an interest in it as a project car. I always think of Checkers as indestructible. Since this car isn’t made anymore do you think it would a mistake to buy it?
A. The Checker Marathon was the New York taxi cab of choice. The great thing about the Checker was that it was sort of an assemblage of parts from mostly General Motors. Although the Checker can last a long time, you need to be very cautious of rust. The frames were very heavy but were also prone to rust. Have the car checked over thoroughly and join an on-line forum or Checker club to learn about the car before you buy it.
Q. I have a 2005 Honda Civic sedan with 40,000 miles. Recently, a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) came on pointing out a problem with one of the emission control systems and warning that continued operation may cause serious damage. It suggested that I tighten the gas cap which I did but the light has stayed on. What kind of problem is this and what can I expect to need done and how expensive might it be?
A. Although a loose gas cap can cause a check engine light (MIL) to come on, the car should be checked with a computer scan tool. A technician with a scan tool can test the car, retrieve the trouble code and using that code offer a diagnosis. Generally speaking if the check engine light is on, the car should be taken in at your convenience for diagnosis and repair. If the check engine light is flashing, the car should be taken to a repair shop as soon as possible. A flashing check engine light indicates an engine misfire which could permanently damage the car’s catalytic convertor. I would expect to pay about one hour labor to have some basic diagnostic work performed.
Q. Is there anything I can do with rust build up on the brake rotors of my car? When the car sits just overnight, the brakes grind until the rust wears off.
A. Some brake rusting on the surface of the brake rotors is perfectly normal. Although due to the composition of the rotors, some are more prone to rusting than others. On my own car the front and rear rotors would rust evenly. Recently I replaced the front rotors and now these rotors don’t seem to rust at the same rate, most likely due to a different iron composition.
Q. I have a 1993 Honda Civic that has 361,000 miles on it. I plan to keep it for a couple of more years unless there is some major malfunction. I like to listen to you on AM radio, but I have a static discharge problem while the car is in motion on a dry road. There is no problem when the engine is revved up while stopped or while the car is in motion on rainy days. Given these symptoms, there is no problem with the radio, antenna, or the transmission line connecting the two. And there is no problem of engine-generated noise. What are your thoughts on this?
A. Years back there were some tire brands that due to their design would build up static electricity. Perhaps old-fashioned rubber static straps may solve the problem by providing a path for the static electricity to discharge.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com