Do you know of any reliable Volkswagen mechanics?
Q: Do you know of any reliable Volkswagen mechanics? I have a 2010 VW New Beetle convertible (Final Edition). Whenever I need to take it in for repairs or maintenance, I take it to the local VW dealer, but it is so expensive. I just do not know anyone else to trust. I’d really appreciate your advice.
A: Finding a good repair shop can be as difficult as finding a good doctor. I would start by asking friends and neighbors who they use. Check with neighborhood Facebook pages for local recommendations.
AAA has approved repair shops that offer two-year, 24,000-mile warranties and labor discounts, as well as other benefits, including arbitration. Go to aaa.com/repair to find a shop near you.
These Volkswagens − depending on the engine − can be a struggle to work on. In many cases, the front bumper cover and fenders need to come off to do some repairs.
Finding someone with VW experience is the first place to start.
Fed up with replacing Ford 150 pickup’s plastic oil pan
Q: I am at a loss after owning many Ford trucks, minivans and SUVs. My 2018 Ford 150 pickup needs its plastic oil pan replaced for the third time. I called Ford and asked about a replacement metal oil pan. They gave me the part number and cost ($146.40) and told me it would fit my truck.
The Ford dealer said they can use the metal oil pan, but it will take 10 hours to replace it versus five hours of labor to replace the plastic pan. Ford will only replace the plastic pan under warranty, and I would have to pay for the repairs because I was using a different part.
What is going on with Ford? Since my last repair was just under two years, this repair is under warranty. Do I sell my truck, which I love, with 46,020 miles on it or just live with the oil leaking/repair problem?
A: Unfortunately, you are stuck. The dealer will only get paid if they replace the failed part with the same part.
If it were me, I would just let the dealer repair it again. Perhaps Ford has made some improvements in the design in the last two years.
Should I upgrade the battery on my Harley-Davidson motorcycle?
Q: I have a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a 270 cold cranking amperage (CCA) battery. I want to change to at least a 300 CCA battery instead. I heard it is better for starting and holding a charge. Would it be worth it to up my CCA?
A: Batteries are rated by CCA and reserve capacity. Higher CCA is always good, because it will provide stronger cranking.
Holding a charge is based on reserve capacity, which is measured in amp hours. The higher the reserve capacity, the more likely the engine will crank over after being left unused.
When replacing your battery, look for improvements in both cold cranking amperage and reserve capacity.
How to remedy a tapping sound in Toyota engine
Q: I would like your opinion on whether to have my Toyota repaired. The vehicle has the 1AR-FE Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing) motor with 111,000 miles. The issue involves a tapping sound when the engine is started in the morning, which lasts for no more than two seconds.
When restarting throughout the day, after the vehicle has been sitting for two hours or less, the tapping sound is much less and lasts for less than a second.
Some internet research has led me to suspect a defective VVT-i timing pulley with a stuck locking pin as the likely culprit. Further research is presented with various options on whether to repair the VVT-i pulley or live with the noise. Some sites show that a possible destruction of the motor is a distinct possibility; others say that some engines last for years. I would be prepared to invest approximately $1,200 for the repair, because the car represents that much value to me. I would value your input as to the direction I should take.
A: The noise is caused by the valve timing gear and locking pin. The tapping noise becomes quiet once this gear assembly fills with oil. Doing a little research on the repair and replacing all the necessary parts as well as removing and replacing the cylinder head will take about two days’ labor.
Sometimes replacing the solenoid is the answer, but not usually.
Unfortunately, in the early 1AR engine, the issue is − in my opinion − a design defect. The factory fix is to replace the gears, timing chains and associated parts, which would cost more than your $1,200 budget. That being said, I have seen just the gear replaced with some success. Replacing the gear only depends on how the engine was maintained up to this point.
Over the years, readers have told me they have driven more than 50,000 miles with the morning rattle. The problem is that waiting is a bit of a gamble. If the variable valve timing gear breaks, the result can be the end of the engine.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email [email protected] and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on X @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
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