Expert: Skip Bollinger - 10/20/2007

Question
QUESTION: I'm having a heck of a time finding one, and I've searched online for several hours. And the parts store said I have to purchase through a dealer, but I read that for the 1991 Geo Storm, it's supposedly discontinued. Any help would be appreciated. I have duct tape sealing it right now.

ANSWER: Janice,
  I had everything typed to you and All Experts lost the mail. In a nutshell, this is what I need:
1.  Is you engine a Single Overhead Cam or Dual Overhead Cam?
2.  Can you get me the OEM Geo part number for the intake hose?
3.  I looked today at work and could find nothing for a stock replacement.
4.  If I can't find an OEM replacement, I may be able to find a "performance" replacement that will still be affordable. I still need to know which engine you have.
  Sorry for the "outline" format but I'm a bit ticked off right now. I type in a carefully thought out answer for you, click "preview" to see how it looks and the computer goes ballistic. Keep in touch, get me some answers and we will get that duct tape off your car. Thank you for your question and KEEP IN TOUCH!!!!
Skip
P.S. Lets try this Preview button again!! ??

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Skip,

The OEM part number for that air intake hose is: 9436-3013. And the Engine is a 4 cylinder, 1.6L FI. Let me know if you need any other information. Thank you!!!!

Janice

ANSWER: Janice,
  I ran your OEM part number through my computer system and it comes up zero. That number is for a VIN (the 8th digit) code "5". Is this what you have? I'm sure the dealer asked you for it, didn't he? IF your VIN is a "6", the air intake is still available. NOW...
  IF you VIN is a "5" and no longer available, Gates Rubber Company makes Flex Hose. What I would like from you are some REALLY Good photos of your air intake. I need to know a size (diameter) of the problem area. Maybe we can make a "fix" so it quits sucking air. I don't like doing this but in the past it hasn't been too much of a problem, you can e-mail them to me. CarPartMan@aol.com is the address. Put something like "AllExperts" in the Subject line. I will keep looking for a new one IF your VIN is a "5". Keep in touch and I'll watch the Spam side of my mail closely.
Skip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Skip,

I'm a bit confused by "That number is for a VIN (the 8th digit) code "5""....Are
you asking for the VIN number of my car? If so, the 8th digit is a "6". And no,
the dealer didn't ask me for it. He just said the part wasn't made any longer. I
just gave him the make and year of my Geo.

So, since it's a "6," do I have to order the part from the dealer?'

Thanks so much, Skip!

Janice  

Answer
Janice,
  From what MY G.M. Dealer tells me, If the 8th digit in the VIN is a "5", the part number is what you gave me: 94363013. IF the 8th digit is a "6", you need part number: 94480786 and it is still available from G.M. for $39.00.
  Now we are having a difference of opinion between dealerships. You and I have NO control of that. Sometimes, in my profession, you will speak with a person that really doesn't give a crap. He has a job and if no one knows he screwed up, he couldn't give a damn if he sells you a part or not. I work with a couple of kids like that and it really ticks me off. Look at all the grief he has caused you by not doing his job!! I'm embarrassed to admit that person is a colleague, even though not directly working together.
  So, VIN code "6" = 94480786  available for $39.00
      VIN code "5" = 94363013  No longer available.
  Let me know how things go. When you go to the dealership, speak to another person OR go to another dealership. Let me know how things go!!!!!!!!
Skip