Source of gas smells takes time to diagnose

Dear Doctor: I own a 2002 Buick LeSabre with 58,000 miles. In 2006 I had a gas smell and went to the dealer. They found a leaking fuel injector and intake seal. Now three years later, the same gas smell is back. What would you suggest? Marge

Dear Marge: Gas smells can be difficult to find. Gas vapors, unlike liquid leaks, are invisible. We use our gas analyzer to locate gas fumes. There might be rotted vent lines under the car.

Dear Doctor: I own a 1983 Ford Mustang with the 5.0-liter V-8 four-barrel Holley carburetor manual transmission. The vacuum advance unit on the distributor keeps breaking down about every 2,000 miles. I have researched multiple brands and they all have the same problem. Do you have any suggestions as to what brand to use? Jim

Dear Jim: I suggest checking the MSD ignition company for its distributors. They have high-quality performance complete distributors with multiple spark output per cylinder. They also have distributors without the side vacuum advance unit. Back in the old days Ford had a dual diaphragm advance unit on the distributor. One side was to actually retard the timing at idle. This feature was to lower emissions.

Dear Doctor: I own a 2000 Jeep Wrangler and have a problem with the defroster. When I start the engine and turn on the defroster it stops working when I turn the fan speed to high. Then I hear a bang sound and the air stops blowing from the defroster vent. What do you think? George

Dear George: This is a very common problem on Jeeps from this particular model era. As in most vehicles, the Jeep's heater box is composed of plastics, including the internal vent doors and moving levers. There is a small screw that breaks off the defroster door in the middle of the heater box. This is usually caused from something like a small object falling down from the top defroster vent, such as a pencil or other item. Repairs can sometimes be made without removing the dash.

Dear Doctor: I just purchased a 2005 Jeep Wrangler and installed a 6-foot, 9-inch Fisher snowplow. The problem is the front-end drops way down with the plow on and in the up position. This makes it difficult to drive. My local shop suggested to replace the front coil springs. I asked how would the heavy-duty springs affect the vehicle when the plow is not on. He said the ride would be hard and the front end would be higher than the rear. With winter around the corner I need your help. Mark

Dear Mark: There is a company out of Canada that has the answer to an overloaded suspension without altering the ride quality or ride height. They work on a variety of cars and trucks. The installation is simple and results are great. The item is a hollow rubber cushion that replaces the hard rubber bump stop that is standard on most vehicles. I have evaluated these on my own Chevy 2500 pickup and our 1998 Jeep Wrangler using the heavy Fisher snowplows.

Go online www.timbren.com. This hollow small rubber enhancement will take care of your problem. Installation on your Jeep is less than two hours. It involves disconnecting the front shocks, sway bar links and removing the front coil springs one side at time. Once the spring is out, pry out the old small bump stop. Next unbolt the metal spacer. Bolt in the new Timbren hollow bump stop and reassemble the spring, etc. The job is done.

Dear Doctor: I am interested in the 2010 Ford Taurus and would like your opinion about drivability. Marvin

Dear Marvin: I drove the 2010 Taurus SEL over some rough roads and to my surprise there was no front-end noise or bump steer. I also thought the new model's engine and transmission offered ample power and was very smooth. If this is the direction Ford is going, keep your eyes on a great car company.

Junior Damato is an ASE-certified Master Technician. E-mail questions to info@motormatters.biz Mail questions to: Auto Doctor, 3 Court Circle, Lakeville, MA 02347 Listen to Junior online at www.1460wxbr.com Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. eastern time. Copyright, Motor Matters, 2009