Questions and Answers

1988 Mazda B2200 Concerns Q. 1988 Mazda B2200, 2.2 liter, manual transmission, 101,000 miles. I have a couple of questions concerning my truck. I purchased it new and performed the needed service when needed. I let my 16 year old use it and as you probably would know something happened. He ran it hot and warped the head. I had it repaired but noticed the truck was still running rough.

I noticed that the pulley on the crankshaft was loose and wobbling visibly. I had it repaired and it corrected the shake. I had an oil leak in that area and felt the front seal needed to be replaced but when this was tightened, I don't notice the leak anymore. This all has occurred in the last six months.

Now here is my present concerns.

1. My truck starts and idles okay, maybe a little on the high side but I noticed when you get it in fourth or fifth gear and start up a hill, it starts to hesitate and looses power. When I get on level or downhill the motor will catch up and do okay. I suspect the plug wires since they have never been changed. I have recently replaced the fuel filters. What is your suggestion.
2. My A/C suddenly quit working. I noticed that the compressor will cut on when on low but when I go to a higher speed, the A/C compressor will shut off. I have checked all the fuses and breaker but can't see anything out of the ordinary. What do you think may be the problem? Maybe a relay?
3. Would tightening the bolt on the pulley mentioned above stop the oil leak? I thought the seal would need to be replaced.

Thanks for any help you may have,
Johnny

A. I had a 17 year old who drove Dads brand new Nissan Pathfinder into the Atlantic ocean up to the top of the seats. He didn't tell Dad and when Dad came to me wanting a new computer under warranty I showed him the high water mark on the engine. He turned to his son and said "We'll talk about this later". Dad paid the $2,200.00 bill and left. I was sure glad I wasn't in the son's shoes that day. Anyway, your questions.

1. You need to check the fuel pressure. You probably have a fuel pump going bad. If you read Dodge Ram 50 Has No Guts you'll see how to check it.
2. The A/C is probably low on refrigerant and needs to be recharged.
3. A loose pulley wobbling would cause the seal to leak. Once it's tightened and sitting firmly on the crankshaft again, the seal will be able to seal it again.