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Dave Redinger's The Neighbourhood Mechanic 3/22/06


PHOTO

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.




DAVE

REDINGER

On April 1stthe Neighbourhood Mechanic” is available on “1050 CHUM”

Listen to: “1050chum.com” Saturdays@10 am EST, join us on air, 866 444 8326 toll free.


If I was asked once, I was asked a hundred times…How often should I change my oil? Oil does a remarkable job. Not only does oil lubricate the inside of the engine it cleans and cools at the same time. At high rpm oil circulates at 80 to 90 psi. No one could argue that modern engines work oil extremely hard. So when do change the oil? I recommend every 4 months or 5000kms (8000 if you’re running synthetic). I short change the oil every change of season. Installing fresh oil is the best thing you could do for your engine.

I have a 2000 Chevrolet Venture Van V6. Three days ago I turned on the rear wiper and I noticed that it was turning very slow and then suddenly it stopped. Since then it is not working anymore. What can I do? Is the motor gone? What seems to be the problem?

Vilma

The rear wiper shaft is seizing....Probably can still save it by lubrication the shaft and allowing it to run for at least an hour...to avoid this in the future make sure you service the unit and use more often...use it or lose it...By the way spring is a good time to lubricate all the locks, doors, gas door, etc. anything that moves.


I own a 1998 Chrysler Intrepid but according to a mechanic it has a broken rocker arm and has some lower end noise that cannot be identified. The mechanic also says that the 2.7 litre engines all seem to have big problems at high kilometers. Mine has about 174000 kms. The rest of the car is in really good condition, just a couple of tiny rust spots. I asked about fixing it and was told that a rebuild would cost $4000.00, $2500 for the used engine plus labour and tax. What do I do? What should I ask for this car as is?

Alan
I'm sorry to inform you but your tech is “right on the money”...Even as salvage the unit does not have much value due to high mileage...I think I would be asking $500. Best advice here would be to appraise the vehicle’s mechanical condition. If you decide to restore the car I would put in the new engine. While you’re in there have he transmission serviced as well. The money spent is still less than the cost of a new vehicle.

Dave Redinger a mechanic with over 40 yrs of experience. Dave operates his shop “DOCTOR H HONDA SPECIALISTS in Toronto for the last 25 yrs.


Email : davidredinger@rogers.com (

we respond to every email) LISTEN TO DAVE ON 1050 CHUM EVERY SATURDAY @ 10:00 AM OR ON THE WEB LIVE “1050 http://CHUM.COM" target="_blank">CHUM.COM

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

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October 25, 2005

November 5, 2005

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February 14, 2006

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