Car Problem (Air filter)

[Dr. Obvious 49]

I decided to wash and perform the most basic of maintenence on my shitbox 96 Geo Metro. One of the things I did was check the air filter. I don't know a lot about cars, so I can't even google my problem because I don't know what these parts are called. Here it goes.

Air filter sits atop the engine in a cylindrical container. Upon removing the air filter, I discovered there was oil inside this container that holds the air filter. Um...what? Why/How would that happen, it being a shitbox aside?

Edited May 13, 2007 by Wacken

[Mags 112]

My hubby, who was a car mechanic, says the rings have gone and you, unfortunately, may need a new engine. Firstly though, you should try to change the PCV valve. A PCV valve retails for about $5.00 and takes about 5 minutes to change...but that's if you know what you are doing of course!

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_is_the_PCV...d_on_a_96_Metro

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Eh probably not worth the trouble. I am looking to get rid of it in August. If it lives that long, it is all good and I think I am just going to sell it for parts or to someone who believes they can really fix it.

Thanks for the help though. That was what I wanted to know.

[Mags 112]

Eh probably not worth the trouble. I am looking to get rid of it in August. If it lives that long, it is all good and I think I am just going to sell it for parts or to someone who believes they can really fix it.

Thanks for the help though. That was what I wanted to know.

Yeah, hubby says that whatever you do, it is pretty much on its way out. A new car would probably be the best course of action! However, he said he really does stress that changing the PCV valve (or getting someone to) really would be a good idea. Shouldn't cost much.

Edited May 13, 2007 by mags

[Dr. Obvious 49]

OK, I will look into it then. Thanks to the both of you for your help.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

When you decide to get rid of the car and can't sell it for anything other than parts you may want to consider making it a charitable donation to one of the many charities that accept used vehicles. They either fix and sell them if they can or sell them for parts and the money then goes to the charity. You, in the meantime are saved the hassle of trying to sell it for parts plus end up with a charitable receipt good for income tax purposes.

[JoeMama 0]

I've had a couple of cars that were dead. I went and bought a new car pushing the old car to the dealership lot and used the old one as a trade in. They didn't care what condition it was in. It saved me dealing with any more headaches

[Dr. Obvious 49]

I'd do charity except I am my own charity at the moment. I need the money for the second car I have to buy my husband when he comes. It would be a good idea one day though.

As for trading it in, I am not sure I would get anything for the car in the condition it is in. It is/has:

*Missing a large portion of the exhaust. It has no muffler nor at least one portion of the larger exhaust pipes that runs beneath it.

*The catalytic converter is junk. It is choking my engine.

*My engine looks like it has seen better days.

*My transmission may...may be starting to slip. I just noticed this on the highway the other day.

*The fuel gage is not the most accurate thing ever.

*The odometer is wrong. I am pretty sure it has somewhere around 170k on it and not the 112k stated.

*This car was autocrossed as a joke car...Try finding that on Carfax!

*There is something wrong with the alignment. No mechanic has ever been able to get it to be correctly aligned. It eats tires like you would not believe.

*There are several holes in the carpet. The entire front dash is disgustingly faded and chipping.

*The resistor on the climate control fan control is busted. Though, the heat and air do both work.

*There is a section missing of the area around my sorry excuse for an aftermarket CD player. I think I have the stock radio somewhere.

*I hit a shuttle bus in 2000. It has extensive body damage on the left rear quarter panel.

The car still goes, but I don't expect to fetch more than 500 or 600 for it. I can't imagine what a dealer would want with it, especially when all I am looking for is a different car of similar age, but in better condition and I want to pay in cash.

[MaydayDas 1]

and it still working? sorry for my innocent laugh

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Yeah, it is a beast, but nearing the end of its road I think. It is also a 2 door hatchback and it is just such a hassle to deal with when you have a kid in the carseat. It is also the only car I have ever had and I am just wanting something different. Right now, 1994-1997 Volvos, Hondas, Toyotas, and Volkswagens are in the running.

Edited May 13, 2007 by Wacken

[MaydayDas 1]

I have a car from the same family like yours: 1994 Geo Prizm....in excellent condition, it's running like a charm and I will keep this car until it dies (i love it sooooooo much ).

We also bought a new car a Mazda RX8 for fun , but I still love my Geo.

Good luck in finding a good car

[Empress of Groovy 373]

Wacken, I laughed out loud reading the list of your car's--er--shortcomings. It sounds like it's time to treat yourself to some new wheels!

You might want to consider a Geo/Chevy (depending on the year) Prizm, if you can stomach having another Geo. The Prizms are great cars and actually made by Toyota. I think the only differences between the Prizm and the Corolla are cosmetic and branding--same engine, same transmission, everything. The Metro, sadly, wasn't built to quite the same specifications.

[babybunny 2]

I got my car from Carmax. I plan on getting my husbands car from there when he arrives in the USA. I traded in my Truck for an SUV. I drove it off the lot same day.

only problem it seem like it took forever to seal the deal. I picked the car I wanted online.

[de_sjiem 0]

I have a car from the same family like yours: 1994 Geo Prizm....in excellent condition, it's running like a charm and I will keep this car until it dies (i love it sooooooo much ).

We also bought a new car a Mazda RX8 for fun , but I still love my Geo.

Good luck in finding a good car

I am sooooo jealous!!! I would love to have an RX8... How is it? Someday maybe i can have one...

[MaydayDas 1]

I have a car from the same family like yours: 1994 Geo Prizm....in excellent condition, it's running like a charm and I will keep this car until it dies (i love it sooooooo much ).

We also bought a new car a Mazda RX8 for fun , but I still love my Geo.

Good luck in finding a good car

I am sooooo jealous!!! I would love to have an RX8... How is it? Someday maybe i can have one...

It is an awesome car , I hope you will have the chance soon to drive one. My husband is in heaven .