Cutting through the dirt

Rick Cogbill Contributing Writer

“MORNING, Mr. Slim,” said Annabelle Pringle crisply. “Here is the list of things my car needs. Do your best, as always.” She pushed the note across the counter and wait- ‘ed, arms ‘crossed expeccantly. I glanced over the list. ‘Miss Pringle was the most organized person in Slumberland, making her the most sought-after erson for. any committee wid an open- ing.. Unfortunately, it also made her the least sought- after singie lady. Most men hate being organized by someone else. “Him,” I said, “I see _ you've. gor a nasty ‘smell from under the hood. Let’s - take alook.” a We went out to her 794 | - Buick, which was as spotiess

and shiny as the day it came out of The General's factory. I.was tempted to put on white gloves before touching it, except I didn’t own any. Not white ones, anyway. Annabelle gasped as I opened the hood. “My word! Look at that awful

_ mess! How did that engine

get so dirty?”

Ne EEO Na at NSDL OER ARTO:

“You have an oil leak from the valve covers,” I explained. “Well have to replace the gaskets and shampoo the engine.”

She frowned. “You know I want things in order, Mr. Slim, but does an oil leak cause any harm?”

“Nor if you catch it early,” I replied. “If left too long, the oil ruins the engine wiring insulation, and it can also damage the sensors that control the engine.” I point- ed to the fan belt. “Oil will also affect the drive belts, and the buildup of dirt and grime can make the engine run hotter.”

Miss Pringle was taking copious notes. “Can I wash the engine myself?” she asked. -

I considered that. “You can if you're careful. There are.some areas that shouldn’t have high-pressure water forced into them, as you'll create a running problem.” £ closed the hood. “If we do the job, we make sure noth- ing gets damaged.”

She snapped her note- book shut. “Very well, Mr. Slim. Now drive me home, as I have to straighten out the carrot rows in my gar- den. They're sprouting up in

the most disorganized man- ner.”

Yep, if anyone ever does take a shine to Annabeile

Pringle, at fease they'll know -

where their socks are every morning.

Slim’s Tip: Having the engine compartment sham- pooed at least once a year will prevent 2 lot of prob- lems, not to mention making it easier for your mechanic to work on the engine. It will also make new problems eas- ier to spot.

Rick Cagbill, is from Summerland, B.C. Along with being a bumeur columnist in various magazines and news- papers, be alse owns Rick's

aAutomative Services Ltd. Dealing with customers and

their cars for over 20 years givis |

him lots to write about. He can be contacted via e-mail at <R_Coghill@relus.net>. .

Friday, November 10, 2000 - North Shore Hews - 41

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