Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a problem with which I can't deal, but I have confidence that you know the answer. I have an '84 Chevrolet Caprice which I bought new. It is now a second car with some 60,000 miles. I have a problem that my mechanic can't figure out, but I believe you can! When the motor is started after sitting overnight, there is a smell of raw gas. This doesn't happen after the engine is warm, or during any other starts during the day. My mechanic can't give me the answer, but I'm confident you'll be able to. Thanks. Arthur

Tom: Hey, Art, how come you have such confidence in us? Are you just a naturally trusting guy, or have you just started reading our column?

Ray: Actually, I think we CAN help you, Arthur. I suspect your fuel pump is leaking. And we've seen lots of fuel pumps that only leak when they're cold.

Tom: Right. As you know, things shrink when they get cold, and when pieces of an old fuel pump shrink, small openings in the diaphragm can be created where gas can seep through. And it doesn't take much gasoline to create a very powerful odor.

Ray: Replacing the fuel pump ought to fix things, Arthur, and should even justify your tremendous faith in us...at least until the next time you write.

How can you tell if a used car is in good condition -- or even OK, for that matter? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know." Send $3 and a stamped (55 cents), self-addressed, No. 10 envelope to Used Car, PO Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

© 1994 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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