Mitsubishi Magna Problems

GO FOR one of the reputable brands when selecting a system, such as Impco, Sprintgas, Apollogas and Vic Autogas Supplies. If you go for a dual-fuel system and follow the recommended protocol of regularly running it on petrol to lubricate the valves and valve seats, you shouldn't have any trouble.

HAVE you hit a kerb when parking? I'd be looking for a drive shaft or joint that has been damaged. You can determine if it's the tyres by switching wheels from one side to the other. If it's the tyre on the left, the problem should move to the right.

FROM what you say your car is running well and giving good fuel consumption, so I see no reason to have the fuel-injection system cleaned. You could think about it if the engine begins to run roughly, loses performance, or your fuel consumption rises.

THAT figure is too high. Mitsubishi expert Des Seaton suggests you check the temperature sensor and the oxygen sensors. If the sensors are malfunctioning it could mean the computer is supplying too much fuel.

THERE are many possible causes, but the Magna is known to break engine mounts, so start by inspecting those. A broken mount lets the engine move as the engine load changes, which is more pronounced in lower gears.

NEITHER is the sort of car I would own, but that isn't important to you because it's your choice, not mine. It really comes down to what you want from the car. The Calais is a comfortable car that will be quite reliable and the 3.8-litre ECOTEC V6 is reasonably fuel efficient. The Magna is sportier, handles well with plenty of get up and go. It is also reliable and stands up well. But at the end of the day, it's your money.

THE Civic is generally a reliable and well-built car that should be cheap to run. As far as your trade-in goes I would think you would be offered about $2500 for the Magna.

LIKE all carmakers, Holden advises against converting their cars to LPG unless the engine has been modified by the factory. But there are plenty of LPG specialists who will convert your car to dual-fuel. Impco has an excellent dual-fuel system for the 5.7-litre V8 using Sequential Gas Injection.

IF YOU don't drive your car often, it is a good idea to start it regularly to circulate the oil and keep the battery charged. Once a week would be good, but it wouldn't matter if it was once every few weeks.

THERE is really only one way to do it so it doesn't happen again and that's to remove the headlining and have it re-installed. Any trimmer can do it. If you don't do it properly, it will only come adrift again.