QuestionGreat web site! Read a post from 11/8/04 regarding oil capacity on a 1994 2.4l Mighty Max which was stated as 4.2 quarts, never have used more than exactly 3.5 quarts to reach the "full mark" on the dipstick; always wondered about that, especially as the owner's manual lists 4.5 quarts for oil pan and .3 quarts for filter.
One other perplexing problem since I got the truck seven years ago is an intermittent starting problem. May do fine for days but then turn the key and there's nothing but click, click heard inside the cab. Work the clutch pedal and or ignition key and it will usually catch and crank, if there's no clicking, it won't and I'll have to let the truck roll a bit, pop the clutch, turn the key and it'll start. Tried three starters, 2 batteries, battery cables look good, looked at the ignition switch cable (contacts and wiring) which also looked ok, bypassed the switch at the clutch which made no difference; at one point in time I had the voltage checked at the starter just as I was hitting the key when the engine wouldn't fire (only clicking sound) and was told it was extremely low. After many wasted dollars I've learned to live with it but now that I found this site perhaps someone can enlighten me.
BTW, I love my truck; to me it's the "Energizer Bunny" of mini trucks; 154k and I still get 25-27 mpg on the highway and that's at 80-85 mph! The frequent lifter noise at idle can be irritating though, have tried different weights in oil and brand "remedies" but nothing seems to work; being from the "older" generation I remember BARDAHL UPPER CYLINDER LUBRICANT but have not seen it on shelves in years.
Greetings from Texas,
Jerry K.
AnswerJerry K: Oh hey I wish I had the answers you are looking for; such in the oil capacity. My son has this car, nothing is as the car manual or the repair manuals say it should be. But the car works and goes down the road. So he says why worry, he loves his car. Might waste a bit more money, get a voltmeter from Sears and a repair manual on your truck. Then start with the battery check all around the engine to see what kind of readings you are getting. The repair manual will tell you of the readings you should be getting. Though your "Energizer Bunny" ,might kick you in the butt for trying such things. Don't know, could be your truck and you are just a couple; in that the truck loves you and you, it. I know that sounds off the wall and no I have not been drinking tonight. Had this friend that said his car had feelings, he treated her good and she gave to him; when she felt like it. He would says just like a woman, though. :o) About the only idea I can come up in the way of enlightening you, would be that voltmeter idea or maybe you could have the truck coded. You could have a sensor out someplace or a weak computer. You know sometimes you want to give these darn old computers a good kick just to show them who is boss. As long as your truck is a 1994 model, it does have a computer and a few of those sensors in it. If you got an AutoZone close by, they might be able to code the truck; that would be for free. Or you could check those sensors with that voltmeter too. You know that computer picks up all its ideas from all the sensors through out that engine and then sets up the day or the start for your truck. Your truck could have a weak sensor someplace, or a loose one that only touches as it wants to. And so the computer can not get a reading so, heck no start today. Or maybe your truck just loves sleeping in the drive-way and why the heck do you want to wake it up now? Tell you what I will do some checking around, talk to a few friends and see what I can pick up for you. It is late and I am getting a bit on; trying to be funny tonight. I like to answer these questions as soon as I can, I know the person is waiting for an answer. But I shall write back to you when I find out anything, or else keep me posted. I really do know that some of these trucks and even the cars; we try to find out what is causing things but sometimes we just throw our hands up and say live with it! Or trade the car or truck off; still give me a chance to see what I might find out. If nothing else I shall write and says I tryed but no luck. So then enjoy the truck! I am going to head off to bed, I got church in the morning and I best stay awake during that. :o) Later than: Linda.. ps. Wal-Mart and some the parts stores do sell cylinder lubricant just not the Bardahl. You could check around and see what might work for your truck. Let me check on that too, I know of a company that makes something on that order. But tonight I can not remember its name. Have a great Sunday!
