Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Entertainment | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Virtual Mechanic

Car and bike questions? We have the answers

I have a 1995 model Maruti 800 with 68,000 km on the clock. It creates quite a ruckus when starting — either hot or cold. It makes a crackling noise that's pretty high-pitched. My mechanic says the whole starter unit needs to be changed, the cost of which is around Rs 3000. Is it necessary or can I continue using the car anyway?

Milind Tawade, via e-mail

The sound you hear when starting the engine is the starter pinion engaging with the flywheel ring. Either the starter pinion or the flywheel ring is worn out, causing the loud noise that you hear. Removing the starter motor from the engine will confirm which one is worn. If both are worn out, they will need to be replaced. You need not change the starter motor assembly.

I have had five free services done on my 11,000 km-old Hero Honda Passion, at an authorised dealer using the oil recommended by the company (4T plus). I am not satisfied as the bike does not run so smoothly. My friend uses Castrol (also in a Passion) and I find that his bike's engine runs smoother. Can I use Castrol Magnatec or HP Racer 4 oil in my bike? And what is the right time to decarbonise the engine?

Imraan Khan, via e-mail

Engine smoothness depends on how it is run-in during the initial period. It is possible the smoothness may be due to the oil used. All the same, you can try out the other brand to see if there is a difference in engine running. Decarbonising is required in engines that have regular carbon build-up in their combustion chamber and exhaust system. Bikes, especially small displacement, 100cc four-stroke engines, have negligent carbon build-up. Decarbonisation may be required, if at all, it is found that there are carbon deposits in the exhaust, which is also very unlikely.

Write in with your queries to wheels@thehindu.co.in

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail