BACKYARD MECHANIC: Aftermarket hose could solve leak problem

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/04/2010 (5697 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

QUESTION: I recently purchased a used 2007 GMC Z71 with 60,000 kilometres. The problem is the transmission cooler lines are leaking at the rubber to metal connections. The dealer where I purchased the vehicle said he would replace them with original GM hoses but they would probably leak again in the cold weather. Is there a solution to this problem?

 

ANSWER: General Motors has had oil leak problems with both engine and transmission oil cooler lines for several years. I know that they have replaced many of these under warranty, only to have them leak again when the weather gets very cold. They have come out with improved lines for diesel engine trucks but I don’t know if they have made any changes for gas engine pickups.

I think the real problem lies in the expansion rates of the aluminum lines and crimps compared to the rubber hose material. Because they expand and contract at different rates, the lines become loose enough in the hose to seep oil when it gets very cold, such as in northern parts of the country and across the Prairies.

I haven’t seen this problem occur with aftermarket hoses that use steel fittings, so that is one alternative to your problem. Check out places that manufacture hydraulic hoses. They should be able to make up a custom set of lines for you.

 

QUESTION: I have a 2008 Accord EX-L V6. When I was recently in the States, I was parked listening to the radio. The car was not running. When I went to start the car all I got was a click. The towing company gave a boost and the car started. The service guy said the battery read normal, but they often have to give a boost after servicing the brakes. He also said batteries should be changed after three years because of all the electronics in cars today.

My first question is, why would this happen and does it happen often? Also, should the battery be changed after three years (I only had it for a year and a half)? I always did it after five years.

After the car was started, I took the Accord to the Honda dealer there. They could not find anything wrong. But I said to them, if there was something wrong it would be covered by my warranty. They said not necessarily, as it is a Canadian Honda with a Canadian warranty, but possible something could be worked out if there was something.

This made me very uneasy because, with any cars (Toyota, GM, Ford) I had in the past, the warranty was good in North America. My second question is, are all cars sold by manufacturers through Canadian dealers going this route?

 

ANSWER: I am not sure why your car didn’t start. Perhaps the headlights or daytime running lights were also on or the battery was run down before you began listening to the radio. The battery could also be faulty. However, I disagree with the tow truck driver. Cars typically don’t need boosts after they have had brake service work, nor do batteries need replacing every three years.

Battery life is dependent on operating conditions. If the charging system is operating correctly and the vehicle is driven regularly so the battery remains charged, a battery can last often five to seven years. However, if it is subjected to high heat, excessive vibration (not bolted in place) or being discharged completely such as leaving the headlights on, the battery life can be much shorter. The only way you can determine whether the battery is good or not is to have it tested for capacity, which any auto repair shop can do.

As for the warranty, many manufacturers in the U.S and Canada such as Honda, Toyota and even GM are separate companies from each other. Usually they will honour the warranties from vehicles across the border, especially Canadians on holidays in a Canadian-registered car, but I have heard of where the U.S. dealership required payment and then the owner submitted the bill to the Canadian manufacturer.

Some auto manufacturers will block warranty on new vehicles exported across the border because warranties vary from country to country, but this doesn’t apply in your situation. Checking with your specific auto dealer is the best way to be sure.

 

Jim Kerr is an experienced mechanic, instructor and member of the Automobile Journalists’ Association of Canada.

 

kerr.jim@sasktel.net