Breaking Down Why Engine Oil Breaks Down
First off, all oil breaks down. That generally will include base stocks and additives. Without focusing on performance characteristics, the most significant difference from one oil to another is how quickly breakdown occurs. Although there are many factors that contribute to the breakdown of an oil, heat is one of the most important.
Great Bear Auto Repair’s Mama Bear Puts Her Own Touch On Long-Time Family Business
Audra Fordin, the fourth-generation owner of Great Bear Auto Repair and Auto Body Shop, in Flushing, NY, is known as “Mrs. Fix It.” Like many owners in the business, Fordin learned about car repair as a child spending her weekends and vacation days taking it all in at the shop, then run by her father, Bill Fordin. “When I was small, I was fortunate to work with both my dad and my grandpa. I learned from the best, first hand,” she said.
Memory Lane: Looney Gas Fuels A Panic
With all of the current controversy about
Tech Tip: Chrysler’s Engine Experiences No Crank/No Start Condition Due To Electronic Lockup Of WCM/SKREEM
The customer will experience a no engine crank and a no engine start condition. Also, the remote keyless entry (RKE) system will not operate. This condition may be due to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) from the ignition key into the WCM, causing the WCM to electronically lockup. This condition may occur more frequently in dry and/or cold weather conditions where a sufficient electrostatic charge is more easily produced. This condition is corrected by the replacement of the WCM.
Tech Tip: White Smoke Blowing From Tailpipe?
A classic sign of a head gasket problem is when the vehicle is blowing white smoke from the tailpipe. This indicates that water/coolant is entering the combustion chamber and is then burnt off as steam through the exhaust. The white “smoke” is water vapor as the steam condenses when it hits the colder atmosphere.
Tech Tip: Ford/Mercury’s Engine Stalling On Engagement/Stopping
Some 2005-’08 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles equipped with a CD4E automatic transaxle and built from Aug. 1, 2004 through Feb. 15, 2007, may exhibit an engine stall when coming to a stop or when engaging the transmission into drive or reverse.
Tech Tip: Subaru’s A/T Temp Light Flashing, But No DTCs Stored, Erratic Shifting Complaint
If you encounter a late-model D4AT-equipped vehicle with an erratic shifting complaint, and possibly a DTC P0712 in memory, there may be a poor connection in the transmission wiring harness. There have been cases of open circuits or high resistance isolated to the white plastic pass-through section of the transmission harness or the harness itself. It’s important to note that the P0712 may not be set when the condition occurs.
Heavenly Ride – Keys To Latest ‘Popemobile’ Delivered To Pope Francis
Earlier this month, Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche headed to Rome, Italy to personally greet Pope Francis and hand over the keys to the Pontiff’s new Popemobile, a modified Mercedes-Benz M Class.
The Digital Version Of Underhood Service’s July Issue Is Ready To View
In this issue, you will find tech features on developing a plan to diagnose electrical problems from Gary Goms, and an overview of the EGR system and how to diagnose emissions problems by Carl Fedele. Diesel specialists Bob McDonald takes a look at cooling system tips for 6.0L/7.3L Ford Powerstroke engines, engines specialist Roy Berndt explains why engine oil breaks down and columnist Scott “Gonzo” Weaver addresses how to deal with vehicle owners who drop off a “project” car.
Directions: SAE Clears The Air On HFO-1234yf A/C Refrigerant
Honeywell has reported that SAE International has deemed its new low-global-warming-potential mobile air conditioning refrigerant – HFO-1234yf – safe for use in motor vehicles. SAE made the recommendation following an expanded and extensive evaluation.
Directions: Irv Gordon And His Red Volvo P1800 Closing In On Auto History
Irv Gordon, a 73-year-old retired science teacher from Patchogue, NY, holds the Guinness Book of World Records recognition for most miles driven by a single owner in a non-commercial vehicle, and has driven more than 2.99 million miles in his shiny red Volvo.
Stamp Of Approval: Muscle Car Power Depicted In ‘America On The Move’ Series
Raw power has a stamp of its own as seven-time NASCAR National Champion Richard Petty recently helped dedicate the “America on the Move: Muscle Cars” Forever stamps.