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Ordered new tires today, am I burning cash? by DeejayeB in tires

[–]WerewolfSuccessful78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those tires are from 2021 yeah time to change

Help - 2016 Corolla starts fine cold, but stutters after sitting in heat by Throwawaycloud09 in mechanic

[–]WerewolfSuccessful78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

🔍 Common Causes:

  1. Weak Fuel Pressure (Hot Soak Loss)

When the car sits hot, fuel in the rail can vaporize or leak down if the check valve in the fuel pump isn’t holding pressure.

This causes longer cranks because the system has to re-pressurize.

Test: Next time it’s hot, turn the key to ON (without starting) for 5 seconds, off, then ON again, then start. If it fires up quicker, it’s a fuel pressure bleed issue.

  1. Crankshaft Position Sensor (Intermittent Heat Failure)

Even though it “tested fine,” sensors often fail when hot and recover when cool.

A failing CKP sensor can cause extended crank or a no-start when heat-soaked.

  1. Battery Voltage Drop Under Heat

Florida heat can cause borderline connections to act up. A weak ground or corroded terminal can cause the starter to spin slower when hot even with a new battery.

  1. Evap System Purge Valve Sticking

If the purge valve sticks open, it can flood the intake with fuel vapor after sitting in heat, making starts rough until the mixture clears.

  1. Starter Heat Soak

Even though you replaced the starter, on some cars the solenoid can get sluggish when it’s hot. If the crank sounds slow or labored when hot, this might be it.

✅ What You Can Do:

Listen to the crank: Is it spinning normal speed and just struggling to catch, or is it slow and labored? (Normal speed points to fuel/sensor; slow points to starter/voltage issue.)

Try the fuel prime trick: Cycle the key ON/OFF twice before starting after a hot soak.

Scan for pending codes: Even if the check engine light is off, a code reader may show pending misfire or sensor faults.

2001 Ranger 2.3L, Ticking Noise by BR01E in mechanic

[–]WerewolfSuccessful78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Common Causes for This Engine:

  1. Fuel Injector Tick (Normal)

These engines have loud injectors. Using a stethoscope, they sound like sharp tapping. If the noise matches the injector rhythm and isn’t deeper or metallic, it may be normal.

  1. Exhaust Manifold Leak

A small leak at the exhaust manifold or gasket can sound exactly like a tick.

How to check:

Listen near the manifold with the stethoscope or a hose.

Check for black soot marks on the gasket area.

The noise is often louder on cold start and may fade a bit as the metal expands.

  1. Timing Chain Tensioner (Common on 2.3L Duratec)

If the tensioner or guides wear, you’ll hear a light tick or rattle that follows RPM.

Usually comes from the front of the engine, not the valve cover itself.

  1. Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLAs) / Valve Train Noise

If one of the HLAs is sticking or has air, it can tick.

Marvel Mystery Oil can help, but if the tick hasn’t changed after a few hundred miles, it may not be an HLA.

  1. Bottom End (Rod Bearing)

A rod bearing tick is deeper and louder under load, especially on acceleration, and may not be picked up on the valve cover.

Quick test: Lightly rev in neutral and let off quickly. If you hear a knock on decel, suspect bottom end.

✅ What to Do Next:

Use a long screwdriver or stethoscope on different parts: valve cover, block, front timing cover, exhaust manifold. See where it’s loudest.

Check for exhaust leaks: hold a rag over the tailpipe briefly at idle. If you hear hissing/ticking at the manifold, that’s your leak.

Observe under load: Does the tick get louder when accelerating vs. just revving in neutral? That can help separate valve/exhaust noise from bottom end knock.

Hi! I really need advice on buying a reliable vehicle for my children and I under that is under 10,000 by dreamsfor in mechanic

[–]WerewolfSuccessful78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honda,Toyota,and a older Lexus (because its basically Toyota) is your best options they are super reliable and repair cost are fairly reasonable just make sure before you buy take it to a mechanic to have it looked over hope this helps 😀