Dave Redinger - The Neighborhood Mechanic
Dave Redinger who transitioned to his Heavenly home on February 7, 2022 was a licensed auto mechanic with over 40 years in the trade. He operated Dr. H. Honda Specialists in
Etobcoke (Toronto). Dave was heard here on The Auto Channel, RIP Dave your knowledge and helpfulness will be welcome by concerned motorists forever.
July 14, 2005 Show
Hi Dave: I started looking at new cars. I notice that there is a little
or no price difference between standard and automatic transmission.
What’s your opinion between the two choices…..Sean, Cambridge
Interesting question…Personally after 40 years behind the wheel I
have grown to hate a manual transmission. I should add that I do most of my
driving in the big smoke and the stop and go traffic is a bear. Before the
development of the modern computerized transmissions the manual gear box
offered more speeds, better fuel economy and better performance. None of
that is true anymore. So what’s the bottom line? If you’re into
performance and enjoy rowing your way down the highway go for the stick, in
time you too will grow to hate it.
Hello Dave: I have a 1988 Lebaron GTS with a 2.5L engine. While replacing the head
gasket, I noticed very small cracks in the head between the valves (in the
combustion chamber). Does anyone know if there are any tolerances with
crack of this type (ie: can small cracks of this type be ignored, or does
the head have to be replaced). Thanks. Name withheld
As cars are becoming more and more complicated it’s rare to get
his type of question. However due to the age of the vehicle it may not
warrant a professional repair. A cylinder head will not operate properly
with cracks in the combustion chamber. These cracks occurred due to serious
overheating of the engine. Possibly a blown head gasket causing a low
coolant level. The head will have to be replaced. Be sure to replace all
the cylinder head bolts when reassembling the engine. Chrysler head bolts
are torque to yield. Maybe it’s time for a new ride.
Hello Dr. Dave: I have a 1996 Honda Accord that is having a vibration problem. It is
much worse when you are braking hard. It gets better as you slow down. I
have put new tires on the front recently, but that did not affect the
problem. The car as 140kms. I have never changed out the rotors or the CV
joints. I think it could be a warped rotor, a bad CV joint or a tie rod end
going. What do you think? Name withheld
I hope your not guessing and throwing parts at this problem. Have the
car checked by a technician. I can tell you that it’s not the
constant velocity joints (CV). When worn they exhibit loud clicking noises
while turning or vibration on hard acceleration. I believe your problem is
in the brake rotors which have warped and require replacement. A competent
mechanic can easily diagnose this problem and advise you. These parts are
inexpensive so buy the best you can afford.
Hey Dave: I have a 93 Chrysler Minivan. When I drive on the highway the service
engine soon light comes on. I have to pull over and turn the engine off.
When the car restarts the light goes off and stays off the rest off the
day. Can you help me? Suzan, Hamilton
The van is talking to you and you’re not listening. Most of the
vehicles on the road today are operated by computers. The computer receives
data from various sensors place throughout the vehicle. When the system is
malfunctioning or there is missing data the computer will revert to a
preprogrammed back up mode (open loop). At the same time the system
activates the warning light on the dash. Restarting the car has the same
effect as rebooting your home computer. Have you car scanned by a
technician. Driving with the light on is detrimental to the engine’s
performance.
Hello Dave: I have a 2000 Honda Civic with approximately 90,000 kilometers. When I
drive slowly I hear a squealing noise which I think is coming from the
front wheels. Lately I notice that when I apply the brakes the noise goes
away. Do I need new brakes or is it just something simple? Paula, Oakville
Sounds as if you have a brake pad that’s dragging. The majority of
the vehicles on the road today have some form disc brake design. Disc
brakes have several advantages one of which is the ability to absorb a lot
of hard use. However; this design requires regular maintenance. Have your
mechanic inspect the brakes and advise you. As this is a safety item
don’t put off this repair. Brakes should be inspected and serviced
every 6 months, usually before and after the winter season.
Hi; I have bought a ford escort and it has been standing for the last 12
months and at present it is still standing. The problem is that when it
start there is a tappet rattle. It sounds more like it’s coming from
the injectors. Any ideas? Name withheld
This a tough question to answer without more information. A properly
running engine runs smoothly and silently once it has reached operating
temperature. Sounds as if you may have a more serious problem than just
noisy tappets. Most Ford engines adjust the valve lash hydraulically. Valve
lash is directly affected by oil pressure. If the oil pressure is low noisy
tappets are one of the warning signs. Have the engine inspected by a
professional. Some noises can be the precursor to costly engine
failure.
Hello Dave:I drive a 1991 Chevrolet Cavalier. When I drive along the highway about
100 kpm the car will start to slow down by itself. It continues to slow so
I have to pull off the side of the road and shut it off. I wait 2 mins and
restart the engine. Everything seems fine until I reach highway speeds and
then it starts to slow again. What on earth is wrong? Name withheld
The symptoms you describe are a classic case of fuel restriction. More
than likely the problem is a plugged fuel filter. Modern cars although
complicated are extremely reliable. However; they do require service.
Don’t be surprised when the mechanic recommends a full “under
hood service”. Sounds as if this Chevy has passed it’s due
date.
Hello Dave: I have a 1997 Buick Riviera with 225,000 kms. When I use the wipers they
start to slow down and struggle after 10 mins. I shut them off and wait
2-3mins. When I retry the wipers they seem to work normally. Do you think
it could be the switch? Dave, Toronto
The wiper motor is starting to fail. As this type of motor wears the
brushes loose the ability to conduct electricity. They start to overheat
causing the tensioning springs to soften, stalling the motor. After the
motor cools the process will start all over again. Interesting note: some
of today’s cars have up to 15 electrical motors operating different
systems in the vehicle. Second interesting note: early wiper systems were
operated by vacuum not electricity. The original wiper was invented by a
woman Mary Anderson, in 1905.
Dave Redinger will (LOVE TO) answer questions from viewers each week, to ask you
can e-mail dave at stikky@ca,inter.net og go to www.am740.ca
Dave's Past Columns
July 14, 2005
July 22, 2005
July 29, 2005
August 12, 2005
August 19, 2005
August 24, 2005
August 31, 2005
October 12, 2005
October 19, 2005
October 25, 2005
November 5, 2005
November 16, 2005
November 23, 2005
December 4, 2005
December 11, 2005
February 14, 2006
January 3, 2006
January 11, 2006
January 18, 2006
January 25, 2006
February 1, 2006
February 8, 2006
March 1, 2006
March 8, 2006
March 15, 2006
March 22, 2006
March 28, 2006
April 4, 2006
April 17, 2006
April 26, 2006
May 2, 2006
May 23, 2006
May 28, 2006
June 27, 2006
July 11, 2006
July 24, 2006
August 8, 2006
August 15, 2006
August 29,2006
September 13, 2006
September 20, 2006
Dave Redinger: Tribute To An Industry Luminary
Dave Redinger, industry luminary. PHOTO Autosphere
The sad news of Dave Redinger’s passing on February 7, 2022, has left many of us remembering this industry luminary.
Anyone who met Dave Redinger was immediately drawn to his charisma; a large, beaming smile, hearty laugh and genuine good humour. It was just one of his many traits, a sincere interest in the people in his life, whether they were customers, technicians, colleagues or a young kid wanting to learn about cars.
That’s what Mark Sachs-Anderson, now the owner/operator of WrenchSpinner, formerly Dave’s Corner Garage, remembers about him. When Sachs-Anderson was just 15 years old, he dropped by Redinger’s shop (then Dr. H. Honda Specialists), and eventually wound up pulling transmissions. Sachs-Anderson reminisces, “Dave wasn’t just a boss, he was a friend and a mentor. I could confide in him and he would listen, you could talk to him about anything.”
Redinger was a born mechanic, who had his own approach to auto repair. Although he respected the tradition of auto repair, some challenges required an innovative approach. Sachs-Anderson recalls Redinger’s way with blown head gaskets on Chrysler K-Cars, Reliants, and other related products. “By the book, it would take five to six hours to repair. But using his inegenuity, Dave got the process down to less than an hour.”
Entreprenuerial spirit
In fact, Redinger’s boundless curiousity and entrepenueiral spirit took him to many places, some unexpected. When a friend in the clothing business complained about rampant theft, Redinger invented a security tag to combat the problem, and started a business, calling it “Sticky Fingers.”
His infinite knowledge of the auto industry meant he was often quoted in the media, and wrote columns for various publications, including, of course, Car Care Business.
Redinger was recognized as an expert witness by Ontario courts, and used his mechanical expertise to do forensic work with industry businesses.
He was a consultant, a teacher, and became a broadcaster and the star of his own show, Neighbourhood Mechanic, from 2006 to 2009 on Canwest and Global. With his booming voice, and distinctive deep chuckle, he was a natural! You could find Redinger on various radio and tv shows, from the CBC to TSN, with many hours on the air to his name. Dave’s Corner Garage, named after his shop, has been airing on Zoomer Radio and Sirius for 18 years.
Passion for people
All of these served to showcase Redinger’s passion for his work and the people around him. Over the air, he seemed to be having a fun conversation with his team, cracking jokes while explaining to listeners and callers how their issues could be resolved. The easy banter and detailed explanations were his trademark; Redinger believed that consumers should be educated, that auto repair should be a transparent process.
And although Redinger was a gifted mechanic, savvy businessman and mentor, he put all his energy into the task at hand, no matter how large or small. He appreciated how good the industry had been to him, and he wanted to give back. When the Automotive Training Centre asked him to teach pre-apprentice students for a few hours a week, he readily accepted. Those students were fortunate to learn the basics of auto repair, including the business angles, from one of the best.
Everything Dave Redinger did, he did with pride. He loved his work, the people around him; they were like a second family to him. His legacy is certainly something he can be proud of, and those of us who knew him, or read his words in this publication, are better for it. May his memory be for a blessing.