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Question:  1989 Dodge Diplomat mileage: 120,000. What would cause hydraulic lifters to tap only when car sits about for about three days and not to tap when car is used every other day? Tapping lasts for about ten seconds when car is first started. Previous owner neglected oil changes to the point that upon an oil change, mechanic said oil was like mud. Could an oil pump be needed or an oil filter screen in oil pan need cleaning or change?  I have not tried engine wash.

Answer:  The hydraulic lifters hold oil inside them. When the engine is not started for a few days, some of that oil bleeds out. When this happens the lifters will be noisy until that oil is replaced by pressure from the oil pump. Not changing the oil at regular intervals does promote "varnish" build-up in the lifters, which can cause them to be noisy. We do not think a new oil pump or filter screen would help. You might try changing your oil and filter more frequently. Also, drain the oil when the engine is warm after driving.

Question:  1988 Dodge Diplomat mileage: 140,000.  The alternator was not charging I had new brushes put in.  Since then, once in awhile the alternator will go to full charge and the lights will get over bright. Some say it is the voltage regulator but we cannot find it.  It is not in the alternator and it is not on the firewall some say it's built into the computer. It only does it once in awhile but I'm afraid it is going to burn out my headlights when it does it.  Thank for your help.

Answer:  If the alternator armature was not resurfaced at the time of brush installation there is no way for the alternator brushes to mate squarely to the connector ring. Therefore inhibiting the operation. Replace the alternator with a top quality unit.

Question: 1988 Dodge Diplomat  mileage: 138,000.  My serpentine belt was squealing a few weeks ago. My handy man hubby replaced it and now the belt is back to squealing and he has tried to tighten it, and he thinks its as tight as it will get. Any suggestions?

Answer: It is normally a good practice to replace the spring loaded tensioner pulley when replacing the serpentine belt. Also, check to see that no oil or grease has gotten on the pulleys.

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