Car Talk!

**RobRich** · August 16th, 2007, 10:15 AM

Got a can of spray lube or similar? Spray the bearings between the pully and alternator where the shaft enters the alternator. Be careful not to get any lube on the belt or pully surface. It could just be the bearings starting to go.

SoloCamo · August 16th, 2007, 10:25 AM

WD40 or similar?

jokostel · August 16th, 2007, 10:41 AM

Id find a can of Kroil or Tal5

**RobRich** · August 16th, 2007, 10:42 AM

WD-40 is a lubricant, but rather light compared to some of the synthetic offerings. It is often used more for its cleaning and protection properties. If you have some around, try it. If not, then try something like One Lube instead.

If using WD-40, don't get any inside the alternator assembly. WD-40 and electric motors/generators do not always play well together.

blubomber · August 17th, 2007, 04:07 PM

how well does that fix a flat stuff work? From what i understand it is supposed to be only a temporary fix, but has anyone used it and it worked for a while? I have a slow leak.

Thanks

**RobRich** · August 17th, 2007, 04:17 PM

It can work for extremely minor leaks, but as you have noted, it is more of a temporary fix. Also, the liquid can through off tire balance, meaning it is not suggested to drive a tire with sealant at high speeds.

Have you determined the leak? If a pinhole, it can be plugged. If a valve stem, it can be replaced. Either are easy fixes.

SoloCamo · August 17th, 2007, 05:41 PM

Funny that you asked blu. I was thinking the same thing today after I saw a can.

blubomber · August 17th, 2007, 07:10 PM

I have not determined the source of the leak yet. if it is a pinhole some where, which i am guessing it is, what is the best way to plug that? if it is the valve stem, how do i fix that? Can i do both without taking off the tire?

Also, i had not thought about the liquid in the tire throwing off the balance, good point indeed.

Thanks for the help.

**RobRich** · August 17th, 2007, 07:18 PM

Spray the tire with a fine mist of water. See if you can find air bubbles forming, thus indicating a leak.

If there is a pinhole or something like a nail in the tire, then you can buy a cheap plug kit for a few dollars, but best yet, most tire shops or old-school sevice stations (gasoline, service bays, etc.) can usually plug a small tire leak for only a few dollars.

SoloCamo · August 21st, 2007, 11:05 AM

Alrighty...New dillema...

For the past few days I've been having major electrical problems, and it simply can't be the alternator. Something is draining the battery when it's off and I don't know what.

It all first started when I left my headlights on like an ahole and drained the battery. Got it jumped, and it ran fine, charged up well. Went to leave the next morning and the battery was completely dead...nothing from anything..No buzz, no fuel pump, nothing. Jumped it, and it worked great again. It worked well for a good day without giving me hassle. I go out this morning to make sure it's got current, and it does, but I didn't start it figuring it was fine. I just wanted to check and make sure.

However, an hour or two later, I go out to go to the bank, and low and behold it's completely dead when I put the key in.

I'm really confused. I know nothing was left on...and I've even go as far as disconnecting the glove box light and cigarette lighter, even though I know it was off when I left it.

Something is draining it, but I don't have the slightest clue of where to look...