I know it's off topic, but I've got auto issues I need to address before I can continue work on my skoolie, and I've seen forum members respond in incredibly helpful ways to others asking for guidance, so I'm putting this out there.
I've got a 1998 Ford Escort LX I bought a month ago to use as cheap transport while I work on my bus conversion. It was neglected by previous owner(s). I don't want to invest a fortune in it, but I also don't want it to leave me stranded and, when my conversion is done and I no longer need the car, I plan on donating it to someone in need.
Issues:
Front wheels "rumbling"
Fix: I've had a friend replace the front wheel bearings (I bought him new headlights for his truck as trade for labor), which took care of the rumbling.
Tapping sound from engine. This tapping was there when I bought it, but does not seem to affect performance in any way, other than the sound gets on my nerves.
I drove this over to my way-too-busy mechanic and he said the noise/problem is in the "top end" and that's good. He didn't have time to check further and I couldn't leave the car for a week.
He suggested trying Rislone or another engine treatment in the meantime; though he didn't think it would fix the problem, he said it wouldn't hurt.
I had the oil changed. I substituted 1qt of Rislone for oil. It didn't make a difference.
I'm told the next step would be to pull the valve cover off and check lifters.
The friend who did the bearings said he'd get to it "soon". He's got relationship/drinking woes; I'm thinking *I* can get to it sooner.
I have never done that before, and have no idea what I'd be looking for.
I know my way around tools and home repair and maintenance.
I've done minor repairs on previous vehicles (replaced plugs & wires, replaced headlights, replaced fan motor, serpentine belt, etc...) but I've never pulled a valve cover and I most certainly could you encouragement, guidance....or a swift kick in the butt if it's something that I should NOT attempt on my own:
I'm 60 and stubborn, but NOT stupid.
Thanks for reading through this far.
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