Car talk? Free Repair Advice from an Expert?

I had a power steering unit (not the pump) that would only leak a little during each of the turns. When it was just sitting it was fine. It never left a puddle because it only came out when I was driving - until I decided to test it in the shop by cranking the steering from lock to lock (don't do that on a concrete floor with studded snow tires on, BTW). That's when I saw the drips.

Nobody that matters wrote: I had a power steering unit (not the pump) that would only leak a little during each of the turns. When it was just sitting it was fine. It never left a puddle because it only came out when I was driving - until I decided to test it in the shop by cranking the steering from lock to lock (don't do that on a concrete floor with studded snow tires on, BTW). That's when I saw the drips.

I would agree with this. Also look around back behind the pump the pump and see if the leaking fluid may have been blown back from the wind created while driving.

Not sure what year or style of Jeep you have but the WJ's have a cooling fan that is driven via the power steering pump and one of those lines could be leaking.

Got under the hood of my WJ (in line 6/4.0 liter) this morning and took a hard look at the power steering pump and the hoses, sure enough there are pin holes on the high pressure side where the hose goes into the steering box. Took me some time to find the leak because the leak was basically a cloud of oil mist instead of a proper gusher.

This is the kind of thing that will ruin your whole day:

Nephew's 199-something Honda Accord AC is blowing hot air. Took a look and the compressor clutch is engaging when it should but no cold air at the vents. I'm guessing he needs more refrigerant but it's an R12 system, buying that stuff is like trying to buy thermonuclear weapons on the black market! Anyone have any experience with this stuff?



I figure AC is like beer, sex, and money. Some is always going to be better than none! The nephew thanks you in advance!

Anyone else have a canine companion who likes to poke around under a vehicle while you're working on it?

If it was just swapped, it's usually something that didn't get connected or was installed incorrectly. Sounds like a fuel problem assuming the timing belt was installed correctly. Was the new engine running good to your knowledge or was it a salvage yard motor? One tooth off on the timing belt will do that and may not show a code. Does it seem to run smooth or is it rough when it's running? Just need more background on the swap, I've rebuilt los of those motors.

I'm sure Rick has better answers than I do and I hope no one minds me jumping in uninvited. My first instincts would be to check the ignition and fuel systems. Make sure the alternator is working and providing the correct voltage, check the plugs to make sure they are all firing and not incorrectly gaped or wet. From there check the fuel filter and the fuel pump. Also check the air filter to make sure your engine is getting plenty of air. If none of that helps take the car back to the engine builder, there could be a problem with the crank, bearings installed backwards, or other problems with the timing, timing chain, or the cam. Best of luck to the owner of this vehicle, sometimes it's worth the money to by a crate motor instead and get a fresh start.