Dave’s Free Car Repair Advice

Subject:  home clutch replacement

Trish states:  I’m a very confident woman who has worked on my own VW’s and current 1976 (1980 3.0 engine) myself. I have financial constraints that have me unable to pay a mechanic to replace my clutch. My question: How hard would it be for me to do this myself?

Well Trish, it all depends if you have the tools and the mechanical knowledge to do this. To replace a clutch is not too difficult mechanically. The problem is accessing the bolts underneath the vehicle, having the room to move about while laying on your back underneath the car, and then aligning the clutch and pressure plate when assembling the clutch.

Brent asks:

How do you change the fuel pressure regulator on a 1997 Safari? (4.3 Vortec)

Brent, I don’t have that specific motors manual. I would suggest you look at the fuel rail on top of the manifold and look for the regulator which would have a fuel relief line going back to the fuel tank acting as the pressure relief line. If your fuel pressure is low you may have a fuel pump going out or a fuel filter that is becoming clogged up.

Replace the penny test with the quarter test when you check your tire wear:

“Blame it on inflation. For years the de facto standard for determining how much rubber remained on your tires was to use a penny. Depending on how much of Lincoln’s noggin was visible when the coin was placed in the tire’s treads, you knew if it was time for a new set of shoes for your ride.

Now nationwide retailer The Tire Rack says the price of the test has gone up 2500 percent. The Tire Rack claims the so-called Penny Test should be replaced by the Quarter Test if you want to be certain your tires are safe for wet-weather driving.”

“I have a 1990 Cadillac Seville. While driving the instrument cluster and information center went dark and I smelt like smoke fumes. I pulled the information center all bulbs were good, no information no lite -the heater works when I push the buttons. Ernest.”

Ernest, there is a fuse for the instrument panel display. Check there first, although a fuse should not smell like smoke. I would also check underneath the dash for a burnt wire of any type. The heater would be on another fuse most likely and that should work.

Good Luck Ernest and drive safe.