:::: Car Maintenance ::::

FUEL FILTER

2008-06-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

For reliable engine operation and fuel system performance, a clean fuel supply is absolutely essential. That's why replacing the fuel filter is so important. The fuel filter is the fuel system's primary line of defense against dirt, debris and small particles of rust that flake off the inside of the fuel tank. A mesh filter sock on the end of the fuel pickup tube inside the tank helps prevent the big pieces of dirt and rust from entering the fuel line, but it does not keep out smaller particles that can be so troublesome.

FUEL FILTER MEDIA

The filter media may be treated paper, a blend of cellulose and synthetic fibers, glass fibers, sintered bronze, a ceramic material or even a fine nylon mesh. The barrier created by the filter media traps particles and prevents them from reaching the engine. Eventually the filter media becomes clogged with debris, which creates a restriction. If not replaced before it becomes plugged, it can cause major driveability problems (such as hard starting, lack of high speed power and/or stalling).

FUEL FILTER LOCATION

There are two basic types of fuel filters: "inline" filters that are mounted in the fuel line somewhere between the fuel tank and carburetor or fuel rail (EFI), and "internal" filters such as those that fit inside the carburetor fuel inlet on older vehicles.
On most fuel injected vehicles, the fuel filter will be found under the vehicle in the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine, or on the firewall in the engine compartment. There are also some fuel filters on "returnless" EFI systems (Dodge Ram trucks and other late model Chrysler vehicles) that are located on top of the fuel tank and are part of the fuel pressure regulator assembly. Refer to your owner's manual for the exact location of the filter.

WARNING: Gasoline is highly flammable! To minimize the risk of fire when replacing a fuel filter, make sure there are no sparks or open flames nearby (NO SMOKING!). Also, do not allow any fuel to make contact with a hot exhaust pipe, exhaust manifold or the catalytic converter. And if your using a trouble light with an incandescent bulb, keep it well away from the fuel lines when they are opened or trouble light will take on a whole new meaning for you. A 60 watt bulb in a trouble light gets very hot, and could easily ignite fuel that might drip or spray against the bulb. Trouble lights with cool LED lights or a fluorescent bulb would be a much safer choice for this kind of job.

CAUTION: Fuel injection fuel lines are under pressure. On some vehicles the line pressure may be as high as 85 psi or higher. The fuel pressure inside the line needs to be relieved before the fuel line is disconnected, otherwise fuel will spray everywhere.

Cabin Air Filters

2008-06-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

What does a cabin air filter do?
A cabin air filter is like a filter on a home furnace or air conditioner. It removes dirt, dust and pollen from air that enters the passenger compartment through the vehicle's HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system. This allows the A/C system to cool at peak efficiency and reduces the buildup of contaminants on the evaporator that contribute to the growth of microbes that can cause musty odors.

Which vehicles have cabin air filters?
Cabin air filters were introduced back in the mid-1980s in Audis and other European luxury vehicles. The first domestic applications date back to 1994 (Ford Contour & Mercury Mystique). Today, cabin air filters are found in almost 80% of all new vehicles
How often should a cabin air filter be changed?
A simple dust only filter should last two to three years depending on operating conditions

Where is the cabin air filter located?
Most cabin air filters are located in the HVAC plenum assembly behind the glove box
Filter replacement typically takes 10 minutes or less on the easier applications. But on others, it takes longer depending on how much disassembly is required

TUNE UP

2008-06-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

TUNE UP

The word Tune-up is actually an obsolete and outdated term. Yet many people think their engine still needs a tune-up. What they actually need is preventive maintenance

The only engines that still need a tune-up today are of the 1970 and back with carburetors and distributors.

TUNE UP CHECKS

A simple maintenance type tune-up (a new set of plugs) may make an engine easier to start, improve fuel economy, lower emissions, restore lost pep and power if the spark plugs are worn or fouled

An engine check-up should start with a scan for any current, pending or past fault codes. This requires plugging a scan tool or code reader into the vehicle diagnostic connector so the tool can communicate with the powertrain control module (PCM). The onboard diagnostic system

If no faults are found, and the engine is running normally there are additional things that should also be checked

ØBattery voltage
ØCharging voltage
Ø Power balance or dynamic compression
Ø Engine vacuum
ØOperation of the fuel feedback control loop
ØCheck exhaust emissions
ØVerify idle speed
ØCheck ignition timing -- if possible
ØOperation of the EGR valve

addition to these performance checks, hoses and belts should be visually inspected
All fluids (oil, coolant, automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid)

WHAT TO REPLACE

ØSpark plugs
ØRotor and/or distributor cap (if required)
ØFuel filter; Air filter; PCV valve and breather filter
Ø Other parts on an "as needed" basis (things like spark plug wires, belts, hoses, fluids,)
Ø Check and adjust

OXIGEN SENSOR

late model vehicles should last 100,000 to 150,000 miles under normal driving and operating conditions The oxygen sensor is a key sensor that can hurt fuel economy if it is getting old or has failed. Oxygen sensors are expensive to replace. They typically cost $35 to $70 each, and some may cost upwards of $200 or more depending on the application. The recommended replacement interval for unheated 1 or 2 wire wire O2 sensors on 1976 through early 1990s applications is 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Heated 3 and 4-wire O2 sensors on mid-1980s through mid-1990s applications should be changed every 60,000 miles.

CLEANING FUEL INJECTORES

Dirty fuel injectors are a common problem that can hurt engine performance, fuel economy and emissions. The cure is to clean the injectors and valves. Cleaning is recommended for any engine that is suffering a performance complaint or has more than 50,000 miles on the odometer. Cleaning the throttle body can also help eliminate idle and stalling problems that plague many of today's engines

THE 100,000 MILE "NO TUNE-UP"MYTH

The spark plug replacedment interval on most late model engines with platinum or iridium spark plugs is 100,000 miles. Regular oil and filter changes are still necessary to maintain proper engine lubrication. Most experts still recommend changing the oil and filter 3,000 miles or three to six months. Today's 100,000 mile tune-up interval also skirts around the issue of fuel filter and air filter replacement

How often should change the oil in your engine?

2008-06-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

In most new vehicles, factory recommended interval for changing oil and filter is usually once every year or every 7500 Kilometros

in passenger cars and light trucks gasoline engines. Some even recommend OEM = Team ORIGINAL OF Manufacturer 10000 Kilometros

oil change intervals. A growing number of OEM their specific mileage or time recommendation and use of petroleum oversight in turn an oil change reminder light when the oil change is required. For diesel and gasoline engines with turbocharger, the recommended interval is typically every six months or 3000 Kilometros

Oil Analysis
a way to know for sure where oil has to be changed is that the oil tested in 3000, 5000, 7500 or 10000 kilómetros. Many fleets do this to optimize their oil change intervals. A small sample of oil (3 to 4 oz.) Engine is taken, sealed in a bottle and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory carries out a series of tests to determine the properties of oil and pollutants found in oil.

In addition to the loss of viscosity produced by normal use for many miles, the oil degrades per share of the operating temperature of the engine, for the loss of their qualities of additives or impurities in the collection as:

- Carbon, product of burning oil on the walls of the pistons, very close to the rings.

- Fuel: That condenses on the walls of the cylinders at the time the engine is started.

- acidic waste: Proceeds from the degradation of oil and its additives as a result of chemical reactions of this degradation.

-tarry waste or coal.

-metal particles, arising especially in new or newly repaired engines. In addition to the dust not retained by the air filter, and serving as abrasive material.
All these extraneous elements, form films or layers that can obstruír duct system lubrication serious damage to the engine.

How often should change the oil in your engine?

2008-06-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

In most new vehicles, factory recommended interval for changing oil and filter is usually once every year or every 7500 kilometros in passenger cars and light trucks gasoline engines. Some even recommend OEM Manufacturer Team ORIGINAL OF 10000 kilometros oil change intervals. A growing number of non-OEM specific mileage or time recommendation and use of petroleum oversight in turn an oil change reminder light when the oil change is required. For diesel and gasoline engines with turbocharger, the recommended interval is typically every six months or 3000 kilometros.

If you read the fine print in its manual on vehicle owners when a mileage / time recommendation is made, you often discover that once a year, 7500 kilometros between oil changes is for vehicles traveling under " ideal "operating circunstate

The most common recommendation is to change the oil every 3000 kilometros or six months. This is especially important in older, high mileage of the engines.

A newer engine, with little or no wear probably can range from 5000 to 7500 kilometros between oil changes with no damage. But in my opinion, in order to boost oil change interval kilometros beyond 7500 is asking for problems, especially if the engine has more than 75000 kilometros into or is operated under "severe" conditions

As a driver accumulates miles, blowby increases. This landfill without burning more fuel in the crankcase that dilutes the oil. This causes the oil to break. Therefore, if the oil is not changed often enough, you can end up with accelerated wear, sludging engine oil and all the problems that come with it: loss of performance and fuel economy, and increasing emissions and oil consumption