The Dollar Stretcher - Home and Auto


Newsletters Email
Print Contact Editor
RSS Feed Share


The Car Care Clinic

Could an Oil Leak Cause Starter Problems?

by Bob DeP. AskBob@stretcher.com


Hi Bob,
I have a 14-year-old Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. The starter began acting up a couple of days ago. The car just wouldn't start. I sat awhile (knowing it wasn't the battery or alternator as these were just checked) and it did start. A little while later, it got hot and quit. A seemingly trustworthy mechanic came and got under the car and hammered on the starter. It started. I drove it to his shop, he put it on his lift, and said some wires were loose. He asked if I was using a lot of oil? No, about a quart a month. After this, the car acted perfectly normal until today. It rained (as it had done the first day). After I turned it off, it wouldn't start. The mechanic said that he had to fix the oil leaks before putting a new starter on because the oil was leaking onto the starter. Does this sound right?
Jules

Jules,
It sounds like it could be right. If you really don't want the oil leak fixed, then he most likely will not warranty the starter. My guess is that the valve cover gasket is leaking oil down the side of the engine and it is dripping onto the starter, which may short it out.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man


If you have a question for Bob send it to: . He's able to answer many of them personally and we'll include the best questions in future issues of The Dollar Stretcher.

Take the Next Step
























Sign up for our free weekly eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times.

Your Email:


Ask The Dollar Stretcher

Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!





Subscribe to TDS Newsletters

Surviving Tough Times
Dollar Stretcher Parents
Dollar Stretcher Tips
The Dollar Stretcher

(text-based)

Financial Independence
TDS Special Offers
The Computer Lady
Computer Lady Lessons
Healthy Foods




Cambridge Credit



Negotiation Skills

Your money saving idea could win you $100!

Each month one TDS reader will win $100 just for telling us your favorite time or money saving idea. It could be you!
Click here to share your idea.

Recent winners are:
- Michelle from NC
- Matt from CO
- Joan from CT
- Joanne in New York




Money problems?
The Dollar Stretcher can help:

Afraid to lose your job?

Struggling with credit card debt?

Help for your mortgage?

Can't pay your debts?

Need some extra income?

Fighting bad credit?

What you need to know about bankruptcy?

Become money smart?

Trouble repaying student loans?








Copyright 1996 - 2012 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.

Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
Voice 941-761-7805
Fax 941-761-8301


"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.










 

Dollar Stretcher Community

TDS Forums Forums TDS Blogs Blogs


Also In This Week's Issue

In The Dollar Stretcher Community

Reader Favorites