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Chevy Malibu Car Repair Questions and Answers

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Question: 1965 Chevrolet Malibu SS mileage: 132,000. I have a weird problem and can not figure out what is happening. My Malibu gets stuck in gear at high RPMs. I have to back off on the gas and get the car almost to a stop to get it out of gear. This mostly happens in 2nd Gear. It has happened in 3rd but usually in second. I have taken the transmission out and looked at the gears. It looks fine with no wear, none missing or nicked teeth in the gears. I have a Corvette Fly wear (15 lbs). I looked at the Clutch in the bell housing and all looks fine. I am lost, for it only happens when there is a lot of torque on the transmission. Specifications are, 350 - 4 bolt, Saginaw 4 speed transmission and Hurst Competition shifter.

Answer: Your problem sounds like the clutch pressure plate is not fully releasing at high RPMs. You may have a style of pressure plate that has centrifugal weight that helps apply pressure. These weights are located on each of the three arms. If so, this type of clutch is notorious for the problems you described. In addition, check the transmission input shaft where the clutch disc rides for nicks or burrs which would keep it from sliding smoothly

Question: 1999 Chevrolet, Malibu mileage: 55,300. I put gas into the car and it won't start unless I press the gas pedal to give it gas. It's like the car is flooded after you put gas into. The gas mileage is not very good either I know it is a 6 cylinder. I have only been getting about 20 mpg. Do you have any idea what is causing this. I keep asking and no one seems to have a clue.

Answer: You may have a faulty fuel pressure regulator or a fuel injector that is leaking fuel.

Question: 1998 Chevy Malibu mileage: 17,000.  Driver side power mirror will not adjust up and down. Will adjust left and right.

Answer: The control switch for the mirror or the mirror itself may be faulty.  Check for 12-volts to the mirror for the up and down movement.  If 12-volts are present, obviously it is not the switch, it is the mirror which needs to be replaced.

Question: 1978 Chevrolet  mileage: 40,789.  I have a 1978 Malibu with a 350, how do I fit a turbo 400 trans with a Ford 9 in rear end behind it?

Answer: The turbo 400 transmission should bolt right in.  The rear cross member may have to be changed.  A Ford 9 inch is a big big project.  A Chevrolet 12 bolt would be a lot easier.

Question: 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu mileage: 66,000. I just need to know how to install seatbelts in the back seat if it is possible to do it yourself. Thank you!

Answer: Installing seat belts must be done correctly. Drilling holes and just bolting them down is risky. Factory installed seat belts have engineered structural support to secure the belts.

Question: I have a 1981 Malibu with a 305 cubic inch engine with a two-barrel Carburetor. While driving at approximately 40-55 MPH engine suddenly loses power (no sounds/as if stalled). As the speed falls below 40, the engine kicks back on. This repeats if trying to accelerate again. I have replaced the fuel pump, rebuilt the carburetor, and changed the distributor and coil. While "power-braking" the engine, the fuel enters the carburetor for about one minute then the engine dies. It acts as if it is starving for fuel. Could a hose collapse from the fuel tank cause this condition? If not, what could?

Answer: Check for fuel in the carburetor when the engine dies after power braking to isolate the problem to the fuel system. Some possible causes include: 1. Cracked fuel hoses at the tank of pump, 2. Partially plugged fuel pick-up filter in the gas tank, 3. Incorrect gas tank cap causing a vacuum in tank, 4. Alternator diode failure allowing AC voltage to ignition coil. (Try test-driving with the alternator disconnected.), 5. Faulty ignition module in Distributor.

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