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Question: 1994 Dodge Colt mileage: 130,000. When driving to work one morning my check engine light came on and I thought it was time to change the oil or something like that. When I went to change the oil, I discovered it had fuel in it. I pulled the head and had it rebuilt and replaced all the parts with new parts and new gaskets. It ran good for about a day or so and now it has fuel in the oil again. What would be causing this problem? (I have no idea about fuel-injected cars- mostly pre-80's vehicles. So, I am lost.)

Answer: There may be a spark plug that is fouling and causing a misfire. Some of the unburned fuel in the cylinder may be washing down the cylinder wall and into the crankcase. Another possibility is a leaky fuel injector. If the fuel injector is leaking, when the engine is off the fuel will find its way into the crankcase.

Question: 1993 Dodge Colt. My daughter's colt seems to be running lean and rough. The addition of a small amount of gas directly into the throat of the carburetor and the engine runs fine. I have removed and cleaned the inside of the carburetor, which was really not bad, although I did find one of the vacuum holes filled with gunk. I believe it was a port for the second EGR valve. After replacing it the car ran better. The car stopped the stalling and difficult starting, but continues with the lean acting condition. Float has no adjustment that I could find. Was not filled with fuel, which if I remember right would have just caused a rich or flooding condition and the internal fuel filter was clean. Lean condition seems less as the car heats up. Occurs through all speed ranges and in general it is difficult to drive and repair. I never thought I would have to work on a carburetor again in my life. But she really can not afford a new car.

Answer: First, do a compression check on the engine. If okay, check the intake manifold and other gaskets for vacuum leaks and verify that the EGR valve is closed at idle. If the EGR valve is not fully closed at idle, it will act as a giant vacuum leak and it will need to be replaced.

Question: 1992 Dodge Colt Vista mileage: 114,000. Where do I find info on test procedures for fuel injection? Test code shows a bad speed sensor, but the sensor itself tests good. The car is not getting any fuel but has correct fuel pressure to injectors. The car will start after being pulled (about 30 mph), but will not start on its own. Lowest compression is about 65 lbs on two cylinders. The car runs great after being pulled and started. Do you have suggestions where to look?

Answer: We do not think fuel injection is your problem. Check for the cause of the low cylinder compression. You do this by doing a cylinder leak down test, which will pinpoint the problem.

Question: 1994 Dodge Colt vista, mileage: 119,000.  I bought a colt vista that needs work. For starters, it will only run if I pour gas in the carburetor. Runs for a couple of seconds and then it quits. I am sure it’s a fuel pump problem, but having only messed with Chevy 350 a bit, I don't know if it has an electric pump, or mechanical. And to top it off, with the limited time I have at night to work on it, I cant keep enough daylight to trace the fuel lines to locate the pump. I tried to get a repair manual on this car, but I'm not having any luck finding one published. Could you please tell me where the pump is located and if anyone knows of a repair manual for the 1986 Colt Vista. Thank you!

Answer: Your vehicle has a mechanical fuel pump located under the intake manifold. However, also check the fuel filter and fuel hoses. You can find a Dodge Colt/Plymouth Champ Automotive Repair Manual, 1983-2005 using our online CAR REPAIR MANUAL.

Question: 1993 Dodge Colt. The car runs great when it cranks. I have replaced the Ignition Coil and Plug Wires, but every now and then, the car will quit running while driving down the road or it won't crank! If I wait a little while and it cranks (sometimes waiting for five minutes or up to two hours). I don't believe it's starving for gas because the tank is full and when it runs, it runs great! I have a friend who is a mechanic and he put some type of equipment on the car, which would show any error codes. It showed nothing! Is there anything you can recommend checking?

Answer: The intermittent problems you described are hard to diagnose. If possible, the car should be checked when the problem is present. When your car stalls, check for spark at the spark plugs, to isolate trouble in the ignition system. Next, test the fuel pressure to eliminate fuel pump and pump relay problems. You said you replaced the ignition coil; you should replace the ignition module and the crank angle sensor as well.

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