r/MechanicAdvice • • 13h ago

Head gasket replacement without pulling the block out.

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143 Upvotes

Hello, just bought a opel Astra f 1995, and it needed a head gasket replacement, doing to low compression on cylinders 4 and a lot of smoke.

Turns out it was the gasket was blown between the water chamber and the cylinder.

The head was sent to machining but the block wasn’t removed from the car.

I’m doing the machining of the block by hand, with a machined block of steel to hold the sandpaper and I’m checking for the warping and flatness with another steel machined ruler.

As of today the surface between the cylinder and the water chamber has less than 0.05 mm of deviation and the water chamber to the outside has less than 0.15 mm of deviation. Started as less than 0.15 mm and less than 0,25 mm.

I bought a mls steel gasket and copper spray gasket. What’s your opinion on that, should I stop here, or do I need to go through it all (I’m tired boss).

Any comment is welcome.


r/MechanicAdvice • • 15h ago

AUX cord broke inside, hoe to get it out?

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63 Upvotes

do you know how I can get a broken AUX plug tip out of my car stereo? The metal part snapped off inside the AUX port and is stuck all the way in. I can't get it out. Do you know how I could remove it without damaging the stereo?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 2h ago

Dream

3 Upvotes

My dream was to study mechanical engineering but unfortunately I couldn't but if I wanted to learn by my own is there any advice you can give me to start on my own


r/MechanicAdvice • • 30m ago

I drive a 2012 Chevy Malibu, what is the purpose of this screw? I noticed it’s getting looser so im wondering if I should be worried and should tighten it myself.

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• Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 7h ago

Broken bolt. Help!

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6 Upvotes

I was changing the Ac compressor on my 2011 Toyota corolla. Managed to get the compressor off but snapped one of the mounting bolts in half and it’s stuck. My uncle tried to weld a nut on the tip but didn’t do a great job. This job has turned into a nightmare. I just want my car back on the road. Any suggestions? I’m assuming I’d run into issues if I decide to saw it off and use 3 bolts instead of 4. Please help.


r/MechanicAdvice • • 20h ago

What caused this to wear this way?

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69 Upvotes

2011 Toyota tundra 5.7 these are both rear rotors. I already ordered replacements and pads. But didn’t know if this was indicative of a caliper problem or something else? TIA


r/MechanicAdvice • • 5h ago

Code p0304

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3 Upvotes

everything in my car was fine up until i was driving home and felt like my car was shaking harder than its supposed to. Especially when it was in idle, took it to get an engine light check at auto-zone and this is the only thing that appeared. Already ordered new spark plugs and new ignition coils, but I’m anxious and just am curious and wondering if someone thinks it could be something else? I drive a 2019 Kia Optima S. Any help is gladly appreciated thank you!


r/MechanicAdvice • • 4h ago

Broken Coil - am I getting ripped off?

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2 Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 16m ago

best budget obd II scanner?

• Upvotes

the cheaper the better i am poor but something that still reads all the codes. doesnt necessarily need to be able to reset or log them


r/MechanicAdvice • • 20m ago

2020 Colorado Clicking Sound when AC/Heat is running

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• Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 34m ago

2020 charger 5,7 53k miles rattling from the front

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• Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 12h ago

Is my steering rack worn out?

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8 Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 44m ago

ODB2 scanner suggestion

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• Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 1h ago

Lexus hybrid battery dying - can I still drive the car until its replacement (couple weeks) ?

• Upvotes

My 2015 Lexus IS300H hybrid battery is starting to die (a little bit after the 11 years mark...)...
I got the first code (P0A80) a few months ago, my dealer told me that I will probably need to replace it soon, but as it was the first time they just cleared it.

It came back a couple months later, this time I cleared it using an OBD2 scanner.

Finally it comes back every couple days, so I decided to go with a replacement : thing is my appointment is in a little bit more than 2 weeks, because they just ordered the battery...

Am I still able to drive the car until then (only low distances obviously), as I need it for work ?

The car still drives fine with no issues, except it's relying solely on the engine and doesn't use any hybrid assistance or electric driving.

I am thinking about either continue clearing the codes, but I'm not sure it's a good idea.
Otherwise I could just drive it with the codes on, relying only on the engine in the meantime.

Do you think any of those ideas could cause further issues (except the horrible MPG) ?

Would you have any recommendations ?

Thanks a lot!


r/MechanicAdvice • • 15h ago

Why is my car not starting?

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16 Upvotes

This video is of my 2012 Corolla. The vehicle has around 88k miles. Video was taken in the morning with it being around 42 degrees outside. It has happened once before maybe a year ago. After 30 min of trying in 1 minute intervals it finally kicked on.


r/MechanicAdvice • • 7h ago

Recommendations for getting to these fork clamp bolts

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3 Upvotes

Any recommendations for what tool I need to get these fork clamp bolts out? They're Torx T45 torqued to 20NM.

I have a T45 socket but it's too big to get in there with the rachet attached. The biggest gap available is about 2 CM.

I'm thinking maybe a 1/4 inch T45 bit with a bit ratchet maybe? Or a T45 L key - although not sure I'll be able to shift them with something like that.

Any ideas / recommendations?


r/MechanicAdvice • • 5h ago

Help

2 Upvotes

Ok so I am coming on here because I have a problem. My Knock Retard is going up to an 8.5 under about 50% throttle; I cannot figure out why. I drive a 2019 Accord 2.0T. It was on a off the shelf Ktuner tune, then I noticed the Knock Value so I set it back to stock, any ideas on what it could be, I doubt its the tune because I set it back to factory calibration and the Knock Retard still went up. Spark plugs look fine but look to be running a bit hot. Any input is appreciated


r/MechanicAdvice • • 7h ago

Need help identifying noise

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3 Upvotes

I'm trying to identify the ticking/rattling noise from this 1.2 kappa engine in my 2019 I20 CVT 33000kms. AC is off. There also seems to be an oil spot on the plastic tray in the bottom. Do not know if both are related.


r/MechanicAdvice • • 1h ago

Is this a OEM timing chain?

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1 Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 1h ago

RPMs unstable on cold start

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1 Upvotes

Help, RPMs are bouncy for ~10s after cold starts, doesn't seem to happen every time (say 4/10 starts). I can smell the gasoline in the cabin initially and the smell disappears soon after the bouncing stops. The car runs fine afterwards and no issues when starting if the engine is warm. Any ideas?

Seat Ibiza 2012 1.2L SJ6 69hp petrol


r/MechanicAdvice • • 2h ago

2015 Lexus IS350 RWD – C146C: Open Circuit in ABS Motor Relay Circuit

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1 Upvotes

r/MechanicAdvice • • 8h ago

Mazda cx9 Inner tie rod removal.

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3 Upvotes

Hit a pothole NYC. 2023 cx9. Inner tie rod snapped.
I am unable to unbolt it. Tried the inner tie rod removal tool from auto zone but it didn’t work. Also tried a pipe wrench, since the space is limited under the car, it didn’t work either.
Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!


r/MechanicAdvice • • 2h ago

Pricing for a high pressure fuel pump

1 Upvotes

I drive a 2014 qashqai, and my check engine light come on - diagnostic tell i need my high pressure fuel pump replacing.

Most garages are quoting me around 1k,

However one did quote for under £400, which is an after market part - is it likely to be safe to go with the cheaper or should I front the 1k cost


r/MechanicAdvice • • 2h ago

Is it electric or mechanic?

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1 Upvotes

Fiat Linea 2007, 1.3 Multijet

For context: I changed the alternator and the starter motor. And I put a new battery on it from another car.

I wish I can change the car but is my only way of transport till next year


r/MechanicAdvice • • 3h ago

What do yall think is causing this squeaking/tapping?

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2 Upvotes

1997 Ford F150, looking to maybe buy this truck ($1200, 189k miles) asked for a video of it cold starting and idling because of the noise, what do yall think it is? I think it might be either the timing chain guides, valve train, or belt tensioner idk.