Big Al's Automotive

08/31/2026

Helping hands ministries aided with this repair.

Customer complaint: there is an overpowering fuel smell from the whole front of the vehicle, also, I'm losing a bunch of coolant.

Cause: we found the bulk of the fuel smell was being caused by the Evap Purge Solenoid and the coolant leak was being caused by a worn out water pump allowing coolant to pour out in a solid stream from the weep hole.

Correction: after finding these two issues we noticed many others. With helping hands aiding monetarily there were constraints with what we could repair. We repaired the most concerning and immediate issues and are working with the customer on the other issues as funds permit.

We removed and replaced the water pump, ran vehicle for about an hour and a half to make sure there were no leaks and found there were none. We also replaced the serpentine belt while in there with a new one as the old had many cracks and was very dry.

We also removed and replaced the evap purge valve and verified repair by letting the vehicle run and noticing an immediate difference in how the vehicle ran and smelled. The vehicle was no longer stalling/dying/struggling to run. It was no longer missing and the majority of the fuel smell had disappeared.

Being that this vehicle is 23 years old, it has other issues dealing with the fuel smell and those parts are ordered but taking a moment to get in. While in repairing the evap purge solenoid we repaired a bunch of broken or damaged vacuum lines and other odds and ends.

It's been a great honor for us at Big Al's Automotive to work with Old Bethel Baptist Church of Sikeston for one of their members to get them mobile again. She's now able to drive around and see her children, go to the store and back to church. While there is more work to get this vehicle running perfectly again, we must wait while funds are procured. We are working closely with the customer to make sure we get her as squared away as possible.


Beck Family Roots

08/30/2026

Rumble vroom

08/30/2026

Vroom

08/29/2026

08/28/2026

Customer states: I have a very aggressive popping noise in the front of the vehicle, can you find out what it is? Also, it's a stick shift. Are you able to drive it or...?

Cause: after informing the customer we were able to get them squared away we found that the inner and outer tie rod was badly worn. We recommended tying it off to keep it in place a little if it were to pop off until the parts could arrive. While finding this out we noticed an oil leak and mentioned it to the customer.

Correction: after the parts came in we went and replaced them, both parts were seized into place and we had the pleasure of beating the outer tie rod out of place, then removing the inner. After getting the new tie rods and bellow installed we test drove the vehicle and found the popping was gone. All good at this time. Customer stated also he'd like us to find the oil leak, we recommended to the customer that they clean off the engine and put dye in and they said they would. After a week or so we will revisit and look to see exactly where the leak was coming from.

All ok at this time.

Thanks Taylor!

08/20/2026

Update on customer states I have a coolant leak.

We went in and purchased the heater hose connector that clips onto the heater core. Once purchased we installed this and checked for leaks after properly filling the cooling system.

Customers concern is fixed. All ok at this time.

Thanks Karen for reaching out!

08/19/2026

Customer states: I went to a parts store to get some coolant and had one of the guys look at it with me and they agreed I had a bad coolant leak. They gave me your number and told me you could help me because we couldn't find it. We just know it's coming from the back.

Cause: found heater hose connector broken and needing to be replaced.

Correction: we have ordered the parts and are awaiting for them to come in. Will update with repair.

08/18/2026

The family and I joined our church for an Impact Event. We served the community to help over 400 people. There was hair cutting, oil changes, car washes, clothes closet, food pantry and so much more. I tell you this not to gloat or say we are better, but because helping others is close to our heart and we hope this video will light a fire in you to help those around you. It doesn't take much, sometimes a small prayer or short conversation with someone can really change their outlook or help them in ways you'll never know. You don't have to have wealth to aide others..... What's your gift, the one you can share?

08/18/2026

We found a replacement clasp for latching down the armrest rather than replacing the entire thing for 300

08/13/2026

Customer states: I've got a little play in my steering. Can you fix this?

Cause: found inner tie rod on driver side and outer tie rod on passenger side.

Correction: we replaced both inner and outer tie rods on vehicle and sent the customer to get an alignment . All good at this time