Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a 1986 Buick Century with a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine and 130,000 miles. On occasion, when I attempt to accelerate on the open road when in fourth gear (overdrive), the speed will not go above 50 mph. It seems like depressing the accelerator just makes the engine labor. If I stomp on the gas, it seems to shift briefly into second gear, then third, and then will pass 50, eventually shifting back to fourth. Even normal acceleration in this car is sluggish with this four-cylinder engine. Any suggestions? -- Bob

Ray: Well, cutting off the back half of the car may improve your acceleration, Bob.

Tom: My guess is that your engine is worn out. This was not a great engine to begin with (it is essentially the same engine General Motors has been using since the 1960s). And with 130,000 miles on it, this thing probably has barely enough compression to get out of its own way. And certainly not enough to accelerate in fourth gear.

Ray: So, if you can stomach some bad news, you should go ahead and get a compression test. But be prepared for the worst, Bob. Your choices will probably be a replacement engine from a junkyard (oops, I mean an automotive recycling center) or a complete engine rebuild. Neither of which is cheap.

Tom: Of course, that, in turn, will raise some deep philosophical questions like: Should I spend a thousand bucks on this heap?

Ray: So if you're not prepared for all of the ramifications of a compression test, just keep driving and stay off the interstate. That'll work, at least for a while, Bob.

Don't get stuck with a lemon. Be an informed shopper. Read Tom and Ray's guide "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Secrets Only Your Mechanic Knows." To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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