Volvo: Pulling the Plug on Plugged Oil Traps
We learned our lesson years ago. Before you fix any oil leaks, make sure there isn’t excessive crankcase pressure. Many of the vehicles we work on have crankcase breather systems that are much more involved than a plain PCV valve. A few years back, we looked at the Volvo 850 system, saw how it worked and what happens when it doesn’t. The newer cars with their extended oil change intervals seem to be just as prone to clogged breather assemblies as the older cars, and it’s even more so the case on the turbocharged cars.
Universal Lubricants and Oil Can Henry’s Launch Recycled Motor Oil Education Partnership
Universal Lubricants and Oil Can Henry’s have announced a campaign designed to increase awareness about economic and environmental benefits that stem from proper motor vehicle maintenance using ECO ULTRA motor oil.
Perspectives: A New Approach to the Oil Change
Jiffy Lube, which helped establish the fast-lube category more than 30 years ago, is officially introducing a new approach to oil changes.
Directions: Oils Well that Ends Well
Across the country, more and more Americans are adjusting their lifestyles to become more “green” – whether carrying their groceries in re-useable shopping bags, recycling the plastics, glass and paper from their garbage, or using a non-disposable water bottle with a built-in filter to cutback on disposable water bottles.
Quaker State to Reward Motorists with Cash Back for Holding Onto Their Vehicles Longer
The Quaker State Cash Back Bonus Program is designed to reward consumers who use Quaker State Ultimate Durability full synthetic motor oil, Quaker State Enhanced Durability synthetic blend motor oil or Quaker State Higher Mileage Engine motor oil with the cash value of their vehicle when they reach 300,000 miles, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Transmission Update: Speed Sensor Diagnostics
Weird and unusual problems are my bread and butter diagnostics. By the time these odd problems get to me the owner of the vehicle has more than likely reached their threshold of poor diagnostics skills and bad results. Their opinion of every technician out there comes down to the same inevitable answer: “We’re all the same.” I doubt that very seriously. It’s almost laughable when you start quizzing them on where they had their car prior to bringing it in.
Tech Spec: Nailing Down the Misunderstood Buick Nailhead Engine
Like the Small Block Chevy, the Rocket 88 Olds, the Ford Flathead and the Chrysler Hemi, the Buick Nailhead engine is one of those that has the immortal smell of history all over it. Yet, unlike its more familiar brothers, cousins and even competitors, the Nailhead has an aura of mystery about it as well.
Tech Feature: Family Ties – Servicing Chrysler’s Versatile 3.3L and 3.8L Engines
First introduced as a family back in 1990, these engines have been upgraded and improved to provide good torque for the necessary applications, reasonable fuel economy and a reputation for durability and appropriate performance.
Tech Tip: Stuck Oil Pressure Relief Valve on 2001-’02 Chrysler 3.3L and 3.8L Engines
There have been reported incidents of stuck oil pressure relief valve assemblies in the chain case cover. With a stuck oil pressure relief valve, the oil pressure is not regulated as it is supposed to be, resulting in possible low oil pressure and engine damage due to oil starvation.
Universal Lubricants Asks Drivers During National Car Care Month to Go Green
During National Car Care Month and with Earth Day right around the corner, Universal Lubricants recommends that drivers make the switch to an environmentally friendly motor oil – ECO ULTRA.
Tech Tip: What is Acceptable Oil Consumption in Diesel Engines?
There’s no simple answer to that question. Many factors can contribute to oil consumption, and correctly diagnosing if there is a problem and what’s causing it can save you a lot of money and down time. All engines will consume some amount of oil, and as an engine ages and wears we generally accept increases in consumption, but in low mileage or low hour engines oil consumption can be frustrating.
Tech Tip: Additive Packages Play Key Role in Keeping an Engine Clean
As anyone who has even a small amount of experience working on engines knows, regular oil changes are one of the most important things that can be done to extend the life of an engine.