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Complete Novice in need of Help
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PaulWolfe
New User
Feb 5, 2008, 12:25 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1430 views)
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Complete Novice in need of Help
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Hello, I am a complete novice when it comes to automotive work. So I need advice on what to look for and where to start. I am the "Maintenance Tech" for a small company, so my expertise is in building maintenance.
What I've got is a 1990 Chevy R3500 Crew Cab pickup (5.7 L V8 OHV 16v) which the boss tells me needs the engine replaced. Specifically I was told, "It starts, but it sounds like it will seize up at any moment."
So I popped the hood to get a basic idea of how thigs look... the oil level is barely registered on the stick and I can see the bottom of the radiator when I remove the cap. There are a couple hoses that need to be reattatched, which is simple enough. I have not started it, because the boss has the keys and is not currently onsite.
For starters, I'm wondering if it's possible that the thing simply needs to fluids filled and then have a mechanic check it out. I've only worked for this company for 9 days and they may well be assuming that the engine needs replacing (they don't seem to like it when I question things like, "Who told you the engine needs to be replaced?").
As I said, I am a complete novice when it comes to automotive repair/maintenance, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 5, 2008, 2:31 PM
Post #2 of 4
(1422 views)
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Re: Complete Novice in need of Help
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New job it's up to you to tip toe with diplomacy about this and find out why this is condemed already. I would fill things up and give it a try and note leaks, how noisy on start up, how fast oil pressure reads from cold start, mixing of fluids, smoke out exhaust and common things just looking at it. Pull oil cap and look for crud build up, same with dipstick.
We can suggest things to try and test if you want or are requested to get a better idea as to whether this engine should be fixed or replaced. Ask away as you see fit,
T
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Feb 5, 2008, 2:51 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1420 views)
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Re: Complete Novice in need of Help
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Thank you much for your reply.
I'll fill things up and see wat happens. I'll post my findings and see if there are any other things to try.
This is a non-profit company, so if it can be repaired as opposed to replaced, I'm betting that'll be preferable.
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 5, 2008, 5:06 PM
Post #4 of 4
(1415 views)
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Re: Complete Novice in need of Help
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Try draining the oil, and filling to proper level with transmission fliuid. Run it a couple of minutes and shut off. Drain fluid and change filter and fill up with new oil. The transmission fluid will act as a cleaner and remove a lot of the old thick oil. It may also stop a lot of the noise that "sounds like it is gonna lock up". Let us know outcome of your quest.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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