Need advice about a car

[samagee]

My wife's car broke down last week while on a trip. There is smoke comeing from one of the pistons through the spark plug. I am hoping that the piston can be replaced, but thinking about it looks like a lot of work could be involved if its more than that.<br /><br />I have to go tow it home tomrrow, and I was going to use an S10 pickup. I was told that only a full sized truck would do it. I have to tow this thing about 200 - 300 miles.<br /><br />What do you think about an S10 doing the job, or just junking the car? Thanks in advance.

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Need advice about a car

Samagee, What size s-10 What year? How Big is the Motor? <br /><br />I have a 1996 4.3l manual tranny and there where three tow ratings depending on the axle (3.5k, 4.0k, & 4.5k) mine has a 4k# rating the Automatics (4.3l)have a rating from 4.5k to 5.5 k pounds. Hope this helps.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Need advice about a car

uh..... what kind of car does she have?

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Need advice about a car

i've seen plenty of cars towing other cars in my time. my 2c would be - whatever you do, if you tow another car, and you don't use a tow dolly... then use tow strap(like seat belt webbing) or chain(like loggin chain) and slide it thru some kind of a pipe.<br /><br />that will help prevent a bumper/rearend accident from happening.<br /><br />personally, i always did a gameplan/huddle with someone i absolutely trusted to know how to use the brakes like an expert. i would (lead car) tap brakes, then slow down gently, and the following vehicle was supposed to slow the whole 'train' down. otherwise, you yank chain or collide... think about it, you're only talking 15' or so <br /> just a thought<br />(i usually wanted to be the conductor/following car)

 

[roscoe]

Re: Need advice about a car

200-300 miles?<br /><br />I believe you will be getting lots of tickets if you are using a chain or strap. Its illegal in most states, and on federal highways.<br />Most local police will look the other way if it is a short local tow.<br /><br />A tow dolly is the only way to go.<br />Unless you have a large enough trailer.<br /><br />Are you sure the engine failed? I had a sparkplug that unscrewed itself. Threw the engine out of balance so bad, I could barely do 10 mph on the exit ramp.