A couple of dumb questions.

[groundhogday1976]

First, when I pulled my non-working power antenna out a few weeks ago, the geared plastic strip that goes into the motor was not on it. There was just a little plastic stub at the base of the antenna. I guess this means the plastic strip is stuck inside the motor. Can it be taken apart to get it out? Second, I'm due for an oil change and I was thinking about going to synthetic. My car has 151,XXX miles and doesn't use a noticeable amount of oil. Should I have my engine flushed first?

[NISTECH]

yes if you have the motor out you can remove the cover ,pull out the wagon wheel and remove the broken cable from the slot in the wheel. becarful not to loose the washer between the cover and the wheel it acts as a bearing. it may stay attached to one of the to peices but it is not mounted to it . The grease is keeping it in place.

If your not having a problem with leaks or burning I would just keep using the oil that the car has been using.

[groundhogday1976]

Thanks. Quaker State conventional 5W-30 it is. On a side note about the antenna, my reception is really crappy. Could the antenna not being attached to the motor be related to this? Maybe I should check the connections for the window antenna.

[NISTECH]

if the mast is up it should not effect your reception even if it doesnt retract. the ant works off contact with the cyl of the motor assembly tower. if you have a window antenna you should check it. a common thing that causes problems is a poor tint installation. when the installer trims the tint they cut the wire with the razor. do a ohms check from the tab at the edge of the glass. also check where the harness goes into the body panel for worn insullation or broke wires.