Buy diesel engine for big towing jobs

Dear Richard: First, a gasoline engine would not be my choice. The diesel engine will do everything, plus more. The diesel engine is well worth the extra $7,500 or so. Today's diesel engines are quiet and have excellent performance and fuel mileage. The gas engine will struggle with a loaded trailer on inclines. The heavy-duty automatic transmissions are built to last and will perform as designed. If I were buying a truck to tow, I'd be shopping in the General Motors lineup. The reasons are many, including the ease of servicing the engine and room under the hood. A gear ratio of either 3:73 or 4:10 is most common and either will keep the engine in the power band.

Dear Howard: The easiest way to rule out a problem with an alternator diode is to unplug the alternator and start the engine. If the flicker goes away, then the alternator could have a weak diode or an internal problem. I recommend a Bosch rebuilt or Delco replacement. It does sound like a faulty alternator. These mid-1980 Corvettes do have a history of dash cluster faults, as do the radios. The good thing is both can be rebuilt by a number of good companies, including BBA remanufacturing in Taunton, Mass., for the dash, and United Radio in N.Y. You can also go to Mid-America Corvette for replacement parts.

Dear Louis: Your Dodge Challenger R/T is a great all-around car with lots of power from the factory and lots of add-on performance equipment that can be installed -- the most common are the fresh air intake and free flowing exhaust combined with a computer reprogramming. We've also installed many superchargers that add additional horsepower without any negative effects. As for adding anything else, I do not recommend it. On your air filter replacement timing, just use a light to make sure you can see the light through it. If not, then change the filter.

Dear Sal: I doubt this is a design flaw. It sounds like the transmission is building too much pressure and causing the clutch pack to lock into gear and not simply glide into gear. I suggest you have an inspection of the fast idle speed and all engine and transmission mounts.

Dear Ginger: On vehicles built prior to 1996 the OBDI computer system has a limited ability to monitor engine functions and will not necessarily set a "check engine" light. Functions on your truck that can impact gas mileage are engine temperature, oxygen sensor operation, PCV system, fuel pressure and EGR valve operation. Normal items like the air filter and air filter inlet will need to be checked, as well as the ignition timing. Making sure the transmission is shifting into high gear, making sure the brakes are not dragging and the tires have proper air will need to be reviewed too. All of the above items will contribute to poor gas mileage. -- Junior Damato, Motor Matters

Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. E-mail questions to info@motormatters.biz