
CHML's Car Doctor JOHN BOOTH wants to hear your questions, comments or just a hello! Email John at
doc@womensgarage.com!
Friday August 20:
Question:
Doctor John, I own a 2001 Z28
Camaro. In June of last year, I took it to the dealer
and they told me it needed an
oxygen sensor and an air pump for $814, so I had it done.
Now the dealer says the same thing
happened again! With only 67,000 miles on the car,
is it worth fixing? I didn't
have this problem for six years, and now it has happened twice
within 15 months.
Walt in New Jersey
ANSWER:
Well Walt, the air pump keeps fresh
air flowing to the exhaust system. This is a critical
function because, without fresh
airflow, the catalytic converter will overheat and clog up.
The catalytic baffles will be
damaged. In addition, a faulty O2 sensor in the engine causes
fuel delivery problems.
Finally, your State has emission laws and you wont pass state
emission inspection if you don't fix
the car. On a side note, have the pulley alignment
checked.
Misalignment could
cause shaft bearing failure in the air pump causing premature
failure of the pump. Just to
be on the safe side of what you have been told by the dealership,
why not get a second opinion.
Good Luck!
Dr. John Booth - "The Car Doctor"