I need some help!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
I need some help!!
Okay so first of Im a woman so please don't jump on me for having a car that I dont know how to fix and cant afford hundreds of $ to fix. I got put in a bad situation after my ex left me and I cant get rid of the car so yea ... please be nice and offer some advice, please!
First off I have a 04 Z06 Commemorative Corvette. She has about 50,000. Im going to get her oil changed, however, have been told that she is also in need of a tranny and differential flush, but thats big bucks at the dealership.
Also noticed a ticking today coming from the engine when the aircon is on, so wondering if its belts or compressor? Sigh.
Do you guys think I should also look at having all her belts replaced?
Any input would be nice so I can atleast get some kinda idea of what I need to do. And hell, if there is anyone local to me that can take a look at her and tell me what they think, Ill buy you a pitcher of beer and dinner!!! LOL
First off I have a 04 Z06 Commemorative Corvette. She has about 50,000. Im going to get her oil changed, however, have been told that she is also in need of a tranny and differential flush, but thats big bucks at the dealership.
Also noticed a ticking today coming from the engine when the aircon is on, so wondering if its belts or compressor? Sigh.
Do you guys think I should also look at having all her belts replaced?
Any input would be nice so I can atleast get some kinda idea of what I need to do. And hell, if there is anyone local to me that can take a look at her and tell me what they think, Ill buy you a pitcher of beer and dinner!!! LOL
Last edited by voodooviolin; Oct 8, 2012 at 11:51 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
Just do the oil change for now. 50k on the tranny and diff are not the end of the world. Someone from your area needs to recommend a Corvette shop that can be trusted, maybe try posting in the regional forum for your area.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
ill also just get the oil changed for now since she is due. she shifts just fine so didnt think she would need the tranny changed but then again, i wasnt sure at 50k miles.
i also just wanted some input because whenever i take one of my cars in, i get taken advantage of cuz im a woman, so if i can walk in with some kind of idea of what i need to do, they wont try and sell me services that i dont need.
thank you for getting back to me though, i really appreciate it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
Dealer is trying to take advantage of a female car owner. You do NOT need either the trans or Diff flushed.
I would look for a local Corvette shop that can be trusted. Suggest you ask in the following forum for suggestions of local private shops that can be trusted in your area:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/pacific-northwest-127/
Wouldn't hurt to change the belts but have them inspected by a reputable shop (NOT A DEALER) before doing so. They may well still be in great shape..
I can't help with the tic with the AC on without hearing it. Again a reputable shop would be my suggestion to listen and diagnose.
I would look for a local Corvette shop that can be trusted. Suggest you ask in the following forum for suggestions of local private shops that can be trusted in your area:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/pacific-northwest-127/
Wouldn't hurt to change the belts but have them inspected by a reputable shop (NOT A DEALER) before doing so. They may well still be in great shape..
I can't help with the tic with the AC on without hearing it. Again a reputable shop would be my suggestion to listen and diagnose.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 622
Likes: 169
From: Montgomery Texas
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
I just wanted to take this opportunity to state the obvious: If each of us had all of the answers, there would be no reason for this forum to exist. Those who are highly skilled in all areas of diagnosis, repair, fabrication, hydraulics, electrical, electronics, etc., etc. are few and far between and truly exceptional folks. We are all here to learn from each other. While some of us may be impatient with the repetitive questions, the only stupid question is the one that is never asked.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
The trans and diff flush/fluid changes aren't something that must get done. There is a filter in the transmission so pulling the pan and replacing that as well as putting in some new fluid isn't a bad idea. The diff holds < 2 quarts of oil and it has no filter so changing it would be a good idea too if it's not yet been changed. But, both don't need to get done immediately.
As for this tick. Is it more of a chirp sound? The belts on these cars are bad for chirping. If the belt is in good condition then it's really not a mechical issue but rather just an annoyance and somewhat of an embarrasement to listen to. However, you really should determine where this sound is really coming from. There are other issues that might cause a tick which sould be fixed immediately.
As for this tick. Is it more of a chirp sound? The belts on these cars are bad for chirping. If the belt is in good condition then it's really not a mechical issue but rather just an annoyance and somewhat of an embarrasement to listen to. However, you really should determine where this sound is really coming from. There are other issues that might cause a tick which sould be fixed immediately.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Not sure where you are located relative to Vancouver, WA but Tom Wong in Vancouver is probably the best known in the Northwest for Corvette work. (I am on the right coast 
)
If he is within driving distance, that is where I would take my car if you need help.
)If he is within driving distance, that is where I would take my car if you need help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,803
Likes: 205
From: Hillsboro OR
on the Tom Wong recommendation. He is honest, reliable and built me a beast of a motor. FYI...
Wong's Performance Engineering
Address: 9305 Northeast Highway 99, Vancouver, WA 98665
Phone: (360) 695-9433
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
im prob gonna put some mula away over the winter and then hit up tom wong in vancouver as soon as weather clears up a little bit to get all the work done. thanks for the reference
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Good Luck. You've been given some good advice here.
It really fries me when my wife or two daughters take their cars in for service. A while back one of my daughters was told that her 3,000 mile old air filter needed replacement and that the brakes I had replaced 6,000 miles earlier also needed replacement. Thankfully, she called me and put the guy on the phone...he changed his mind. I told me daughter to get out of there and not give them a dime's worth of business.
Now, they call me before any work is approved and I talk with someone.
Feel free to check in here again if you need advice or feel like someone is taking advantage of you. We'll be glad to help!
It really fries me when my wife or two daughters take their cars in for service. A while back one of my daughters was told that her 3,000 mile old air filter needed replacement and that the brakes I had replaced 6,000 miles earlier also needed replacement. Thankfully, she called me and put the guy on the phone...he changed his mind. I told me daughter to get out of there and not give them a dime's worth of business.
Now, they call me before any work is approved and I talk with someone.
Feel free to check in here again if you need advice or feel like someone is taking advantage of you. We'll be glad to help!
Last edited by WKMCD; Oct 9, 2012 at 07:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 254
From: Richmond, Ky
The trans and diff flush/fluid changes aren't something that must get done. There is a filter in the transmission so pulling the pan and replacing that as well as putting in some new fluid isn't a bad idea. The diff holds < 2 quarts of oil and it has no filter so changing it would be a good idea too if it's not yet been changed. But, both don't need to get done immediately.
As for this tick. Is it more of a chirp sound? The belts on these cars are bad for chirping. If the belt is in good condition then it's really not a mechical issue but rather just an annoyance and somewhat of an embarrasement to listen to. However, you really should determine where this sound is really coming from. There are other issues that might cause a tick which sould be fixed immediately.
As for this tick. Is it more of a chirp sound? The belts on these cars are bad for chirping. If the belt is in good condition then it's really not a mechical issue but rather just an annoyance and somewhat of an embarrasement to listen to. However, you really should determine where this sound is really coming from. There are other issues that might cause a tick which sould be fixed immediately.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 574
Likes: 5
From: Colorado springs
youtube vid the tic, and link so we can hear it. If your still blowing cold I wouldn't worry about it unless it's super loud or a constant squeal at start up. I have an '02 and the idler pulley chirps a bit with the AC on as well. (Compressor puts more stress on the system when engaged)
Idler Pulley
Personally I would suggest that you get intimate with your car, space and time available of course. Changing fluids is a easy experience. Lots of people are intimidated at the suggestion of working on cars. Some just don't want to get their hands dirty, but they miss out on learning about their investment and the since of accomplishment from a job well done.
Fact is a lot of things are really easy to fix and simple to learn; and knowing is half the battle!
Idler Pulley
Personally I would suggest that you get intimate with your car, space and time available of course. Changing fluids is a easy experience. Lots of people are intimidated at the suggestion of working on cars. Some just don't want to get their hands dirty, but they miss out on learning about their investment and the since of accomplishment from a job well done.
Fact is a lot of things are really easy to fix and simple to learn; and knowing is half the battle!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
Lot's of good info here from these guy's so I wont add anything other than I hope you keep and enjoy the car and stay in the vette drivers club! Sounds like your on the right track! 
..and congrats on securing the car! Betting that wasnt his choice?!
..and congrats on securing the car! Betting that wasnt his choice?!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 253
From: Lake Tapps WA.
nope not the belt def not a chirping sound but a clicking sound and you can hear it if the car is idling and u turn on the A/C
im prob gonna put some mula away over the winter and then hit up tom wong in vancouver as soon as weather clears up a little bit to get all the work done. thanks for the reference
im prob gonna put some mula away over the winter and then hit up tom wong in vancouver as soon as weather clears up a little bit to get all the work done. thanks for the reference
Would like to see pictures also and welcome.
Oh, I see there is a pic in your profile. Nice, looks like 8VETTE7's
Last edited by C5FORFUN2; Oct 9, 2012 at 10:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
youtube vid the tic, and link so we can hear it. If your still blowing cold I wouldn't worry about it unless it's super loud or a constant squeal at start up. I have an '02 and the idler pulley chirps a bit with the AC on as well. (Compressor puts more stress on the system when engaged)
Idler Pulley
Personally I would suggest that you get intimate with your car, space and time available of course. Changing fluids is a easy experience. Lots of people are intimidated at the suggestion of working on cars. Some just don't want to get their hands dirty, but they miss out on learning about their investment and the since of accomplishment from a job well done.
Fact is a lot of things are really easy to fix and simple to learn; and knowing is half the battle!
Idler Pulley
Personally I would suggest that you get intimate with your car, space and time available of course. Changing fluids is a easy experience. Lots of people are intimidated at the suggestion of working on cars. Some just don't want to get their hands dirty, but they miss out on learning about their investment and the since of accomplishment from a job well done.
Fact is a lot of things are really easy to fix and simple to learn; and knowing is half the battle!
i actually want to start working on the car myself, im not technically inclined but i love cars so i want to learn. problem is i need to be in there with someone when they work on the car so i can see what they do or i can do it and they tell me what i need to do. shops wont allow that cuz of liability
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Kennewick Washingon
oh i plan on it it! and suprisingly, not it was his choice. he wanted the stuff he could actually use so he took the truck, trailer and other toys. i got "stuck" with the vette. i dont mind tho, i take better care of that car than he ever did. she gets washed and waxed almost every week. and i became a loyal corvette girl and love cars ... i guess that was a little tmi.