Car Problems!

[SeRapH&CheRi]

Hi friends,

I'm having car problems big time!  To make a long story short, my car was sitting idle for nearly 8 months due to many issues (too much of a headache to explain).  Anyways, the dummy that I am, I didn't bother to run the car every week and so it's dead.  I thought it was the battery so I bought a new battery and had a friend put it in, however the car didn't work with the new battery.....so I have no idea what's wrong with the car.  I had the car towed this morning to an autobody shop so they can do a diagnostic.  This whole car thing is really stressing me out! If you could please pray that the problem isn't that serious and won't cost too much cash I would really appreciate it.  I am a social worker and so therefore it is imperative for me to have a vehicle in order to visit the families and children in my case load. Also, since I work for a non-profit agency, the cashflow isn't too abundant, if y'all catch my drift.    Also, please pray that the auto shop will be honest with the estimates and that I will have faith in God's provision. 

Thank You! 

S&C 

 

[coastie]

Well, Joy

I'll pray for you. I can completely sympathize with you on this one.

Zach

 

[nomad]

Praying for ya!

 

 

[Mr.Cheese]

Hmm...it might just be a little temperamental after sitting so long. The fuel is probably all nasty by now. Getting it running shoudn't be too much of a problem.
On the other hand, sitting for prolonged periods of time does not do your gaskets and seals any favors. Chances are you'll have some oil leakage develop and your air conditioner may leak refrigerant.

Body shops aren't the ideal place to have mechanical work done.

 

[SeRapH&CheRi]

Today at 04:31 PM Mr.Cheese said this in Post #4 



Body shops aren't the ideal place to have mechanical work done.

Where would you suggest then, Cheese? 

 

[nomad]

I'm one of those shade tree mechanics, I do most of my own mechanical work myself on my vehicles.  I know a little but I am no expert.

If your vehicle has been sitting that long with the same fuel in it without the addition of a stabilizer the fuel is no longer any good and won't start the vehicle.  A stabilizer is an additive that you add to gasoline before putting a gas engine into long term storage.

All of the old fuel in the lines is going to have to be replaced with fresh fuel.  Before cranking it over, the cylinder walls need to be oiled down with wd-40 or something of that nature because the now are probably slightly rusted if the port openings weren't sealed.

These really were things you could have done yourself.

Search the yellow pages under Auto for service shops not body shops.

 

[Remny]

Man yeah car troubles are super stressful and depressing, so I'm prayin' for ya, heh heh who knows maybe there are some christian forums mechanics in yer neighborhood!

 

[wvmtnkid]

 

[Mr.Cheese]

Well, since you live in Canada and I live in Texas...that's a good question! You might wanna ask around and see if anyone you know has a shop they like. Of course, maybe the place you have your car at does everything.

 

[SeRapH&CheRi]

Thanks for the adivce friends!
Cheese I live just outside of Philly, however I am Canadian!

Nomad, I really appreciate the feedback! BTW, if I got the cylinder walls oiled at the auto service shop, how much do you think it would cost?

But just to update you all, I took the car to the garage and the mechanic said that everything looked fine, including the fluids in the vehicle. He said that the reason the car would not start, even with the new battery, had something to do with the fuse (?). Anyways, he charged me 40 bucks and I went on my merry way. I am still going to take the car to get it serviced next week. And I think that the brake pads are thinning out or maybe it's the break fluid or maybe the rotors? I am relieved that the car is working, however please continue to pray that there won't be other serious problems that may require some serious cash.

Thanks!
S&C

 

[Auntie]

Hi S&C!

I'm glad your car is running now! I don't know much about cars, but one thing that helped me is this: With the engine turned off, lift up the hood and get to know your engine. Use a flashlight so you can see everything. Try to identify as many parts as you can. Look at the hoses, and see how they are all connected. As long as you are careful, it's okay to touch almost everything! Just for fun, check your oil level, and check your transmission fluid. Find your owners manual, and read & study it. Don't ever let your gas gauge get below 1/4 full. Get your oil changed once every three months. When you get your oil changed, have them check fluid levels of transmission, and just check everything. Check your tire pressure often, and don't let them get too under-inflated.

And get those brakes fixed!


Auntie.

 

[SeRapH&CheRi]

Today at 02:21 AM Auntie said this in Post #11

Hi S&C!

I'm glad your car is running now! I don't know much about cars, but one thing that helped me is this: With the engine turned off, lift up the hood and get to know your engine. Use a flashlight so you can see everything. Try to identify as many parts as you can. Look at the hoses, and see how they are all connected. As long as you are careful, it's okay to touch almost everything! Just for fun, check your oil level, and check your transmission fluid. Find your owners manual, and read & study it. Don't ever let your gas gauge get below 1/4 full. Get your oil changed once every three months. When you get your oil changed, have them check fluid levels of transmission, and just check everything. Check your tire pressure often, and don't let them get too under-inflated.

And get those brakes fixed!


Auntie.  

Thanks for the great suggestions Auntie!