Nov. 14--Q: I recently purchased a '66 Corvair that was owned by my dad in the late '70s before he passed away. I had to have that car, due to its history. The manual says to use "premium" gas, however no octane number is indicated. What octane is best for the 140-cubic-inch, nonturbo engine? Also, a very good mechanic friend in Wisconsin states only to use nonethanol gas in collector cars. Is that kind of gas available in Illinois? Finally, some gear heads suggest you use lead additive in older cars. For a Sunday cruiser seeing only 500 miles a year, is that necessary?
-- R.V., Mokena, Ill.
A: Your Corvair will probably run fine on midgrade gasoline, but try to avoid fuel laced with ethanol. Yeah, that is a challenge in the Corn Belt of the Midwest, but it is out there if you search. For help, go to www.pure-gas.org, and search for your state. If you cannot find straight gasoline, you may be able to get by with E10 (10 percent ethanol). The lead in gasoline prevented engine knock in older cars, and lead buildup on the valve seats effectively created a cushion onto which the valves closed. Without this, the valves may eventually get damaged. But, with your driving habits, that is unlikely. Lead additives are certainly an option.
Q: I have been told that all the struts on my 2009 Honda are leaking and need to be replaced. Since I have had many Hondas and never had to replace one of these, I was questioning the decision. I was told that, due to the poor condition of our local roads (which is true), mechanics are seeing an uptick in these types of repairs. Does this seem right to you?
-- T.C., Canton, Conn.
A: Bad roads can take their toll on ride control devices (shocks and struts), so you may need to replace them. However, ask the technician to show you the leakage. If there is only a thin trace of oil (and dirt clinging to it) where the strut's rod passes into the housing, there is nothing to worry about. If there is oil running down the side of the strut, replace it. When these parts wear, steering and even braking can be affected. Worn struts are unable to keep the tires in proper contact with the road.
Q: My 2004 Acura TSX, with an automatic transmission, has just turned 200,000 miles. At around 1,600 rpm, there is a shaking sensation, similar to "lugging" the engine on a manual transmission vehicle. When it occurs, if I back off the throttle, then accelerate through, the vibration subsides. It seems to happen more intensely when going up an incline, when there is a call for more power. I have had my excellent mechanic look it over for anything obvious, but he cannot find anything. Although he does not suspect the transmission, he suggested a transmission specialist look it over. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
-- A.P., Brookfield, Ill.
A: If there is no check engine light and no stored trouble codes, chances are the engine is not the problem. That may be why your mechanic suggested a transmission specialist. The sensation you describe is often caused by a problem with the lock-up torque converter for the transmission.
