It's been about 10 years since I seriously worked on cars and I need some help...

[wyattt]

I want to preface my questions by saying I went to school about 10 years ago for Automotive Repair and so I do have some knowlegde of cars but I am out of practice. I normally wouldn't have a problem taking my car in and paying the diagnostic fees to find out the sources of various problems, but I am beyond broke at the moment and unemployed.

Problem 1:

When my van reaches normal operating temperature which for my van (if you are familiar with the guages in a 93 T&C is a little over half on the bar display) the oil pressure drops and raises from zero to normal and eventually stalls at idle and coasting into a stop. I was told by a mechanic a while back that I would need an oil pan in the future as it looked like it had hit something on the road. So for now, until I can fix it I two foot drive. Any ideas? The oil is fairly good. The Oil level is fine and I am not leaving any oil on the drive way.

Problem 2:

The belt loves to come off in snow storms and heavy rains. I researched some splash guards and special pulleys. I was wondering if anyone had something that worked great for them.

Problem 3:

When I turn (and sometimes when I am accelerating) there is a knocking in the wheel well area (at least it sounds like it's coming from there when I am driving). I also hear it in the rear too, but my suspicion is that whatever it is I have multiple wheels with this issue. It is loud and it sounds like something is hitting my wheel well. In fact, I think I feel it knocking.

I'm hoping to do most of the work myself since I have limited funds. My wife is freaking out with stress as we're in a bad situation financially and fixing thses issues would ease that stress a ton.

Any thoughts are welcome! Thanks in advance.

Tom

[RIP]

Problem 1 sounds more like two problems if I understand what you are trying to say. Oil pressure is bouncing up and down and sometimes goes to zero. The van stalls when coming to a stop.

1A > The oil problem could be as simple as a bad sender unit or it's circuit. Check the connection. If it's clean and tight change it. If that doesn't fix it you'll have to connect an oil pressure gage to verify you really have good pressure. If they pressure is out of spec you likely have to change the pump. Short of that you could try an oil system flush to clear the crud out. Get this fixed asap or you could be buying an engine.

1B > Stalling could be caused by many things. I would first clean the throttle body if equipped, paying particular attention the the idle air control valve opening. They make specified spray cleaners just for it. Next I would remove and clean the valve itself. Beyond that I would look and listen for a vacuum leak.

Problem 2 > I've never had to deal with the belt problem but, it appears to be fairly common. As you say, there are kits available. If no one gives the info, search the forum. You should find it.

Problem 3 > Need more info to be sure but, the noise from the front at least sounds like bad constant velocity (CV) joints. Bad CV joints would produce cyclic (rotating) clicking or clunk noise during turns and a clunk or even a jerk during acceleration/deceleration. Best to change the whole axle and joints as an assembly.

[Mrbizness1]

You can try this inexpensive fix for the belt problem.
Enter the part number 82570 which fits many Chrysler corp vehicles.



https://www.dormanproducts.com/cgi-b...11&vtime=78911

[jrozanc]

RIP,

Who makes/sells the specified spray cleaners for IAC and Throttle Bodies? We have a 98 GC with the infamous phantom/random stall. I would like to buy some of this stuff.

[wyattt]

Sorry about the delay. I have been working longer hours thgan usual this past week.

A little update as of this morning. I can't get any pressure until it hits about 3500 RPMs. I was driving to my parents to use their garage to replace a gas line on it and I discovered this. It's not stalling anymore though. Inmy old Auto book, I read that there usually is a saftey trip that when pressue goes to zero, to save your engine it stalls it out. But it is no longer stalling it. I think I may just have to borrow some cash and get it fixed. I don't have a chiltons or haynes manual to show where the sensor or anything is and so I'm at a loss. Thanks for all the input though.

[RIP]

jroznac - STP, Gunk and others. PepBoys, Autozone, WalMart or the like will have it. Havent seen anything specifically for an IAC valve but, I would imagine throttlebody cleaner would work. Throttle body cleaner would definately work to clean the small port in the throttle body for the IAC valve opening.

wyatt - Open this link then click the headings for the info you need. It's doesn't have everything but, still has a fair amount of info. http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm

[wyattt]

OK, another update.

I replaced the oil pan and pickup tube/screen. I have a good oil level, but I still have no oil pressure. My old Auto book suggests a few things, I'm guessing it could be the pump. I already replaced the pressure sensor switch. I can tell that no oil is passing through the engine because of all the chatter going. Any thoughts?

[Headnsouth]

Can you see any sludge in the oil fill? Look inside if you can or pull the valve cover and see if its sludged up. If it is you may want to try some auto-rx.
www.auto-rx.com