Engine Oil Viscosity
Question:
Dear Kevin,
My name is Dan. I am an amsoil dealer. I was at a county fair and a guy came up to me, must have thought I needed an education. He said that oil gets thicker in viscosity, When it gets hot, because the molecular makeup. WHAT is this guy saying? He said that is why multi- viscosity oil has two numbers. I was told by another, that the viscosity rating is based on the gaps in the engine crank bearings. This came about by racers having there engine tested by engine manufactures. Can you shed some light on this for me. Personally I think their full of it.
Dan
Answer:
https://www.autoeducation.com/autoshop101/oil-change.htm
The first guy is right ! Your engine needs the thinner oil when it’s cold and the thicker oil when it’s hot. They do have additives that make the oil thicker as the engine heats up.
Kevin
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Oil & Lubrication
Hard water and water spots when washing your car
Kevin I, like you, have a need to wash in the most careful way. I use towels, and dry same, in the household dryer with out any smell good agent. Each is washed with no souap, in warm water after each use. My 2003 SSR black, needs 6 to 8 towels after each wash. Question ? we are in a hard water system, have you heard of any method ie filters to run the rinse system thru to clean the water of lime, metals and or other factor which do cause water stains? Automobile dealers have systems to treat the water, but these systems cost many bucks. Looking for a treatment system at the wash point hose ..
John
Answer:
John you are in luck, check out the Mr. Clean Auto Dry Car Wash system.
You can find it at most auto parts stores if you don’t want to buy online.
Happy Washing,
Kevin Schappell
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Body
Selling a Junk Car
Question:
Hi there,
I ran across your site in a google search because I’m trying to get rid of my junk 1993 BMW 325i. I don’t want it and the insurance costs are high-well higher than what I want to pay. Anyway, the car has some minor rust setting in and some body damage and steering problems. After surveying my car at kbb.com (kelly’s blue book), it got a “fair” rating, although I think it’s pretty poor.
My car is something that I wouldn’t want to buy but I would like to get rid of it and get some sort of money for it. I’m wondering the best way to go about it, really. How can I say let’s say a “junk car”? Do you know of any resources I can use that refer to buying beat up or well-used cars? Please let me know if you have any advice to offer me about this inquiry. I could certainly use the assistance. Thanks for your time.
-Ken
Answer:
You can check out www.classicjunkyard.com which is a site I run also. You can list the car for parts, or sell the whole thing. I would also check out Ebay and consider listing it there. I would advertise it locally as a “bodymans special” or mechanics special and see what kind of interest it brings. I would think that you will get a younger kid who would be happy to have something to wrench on. It’s a popular model, and would be a cool custom with the addition of a body kit and a nice set of wheels.
Good Luck,
Kevin
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Selling Your Car
Carburetor Rebuild Kit and Leaking Head Gasket
Question:
Hi, I was wondering why fuel is leaking out of my carburetor? When it is running it started as a drip at first and now it is leaking heavily. Would a carburetor kit fix that problem? And what comes in the kit?
Another question is, is it normal for oil to be in my radiator or is there a serious problem that needs attended to right away. i have a 1986 Ford Ranger pickup it has A 2.0 4 cylinder engine i barrel carburetor please help any help would be appreciated thanks.
Answer:
A rebuild kit may help, but the leak may be from a crack in the carb too. I would remove the carb, look for any broken or leaking gaskets. Sometimes there are plugs in the bottom of the carb which can come loose. Carb kits usually have gaskets, float, needle and seat. If you floats are leaking, or the seat is worn, it will cause a flooding condition and you will see fuel leaking.
Oil in the radiator, indicates a leaking head gasket. I would get it checked/fixed ASAP before it turns into more of a problem. A competent mechanic can do a compression test and check for a bad head gasket.
Good luck,
Kevin
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Fuel
Rust Removal or Treatment
Question:
Hi Kevin,
Enjoyed the read, just a quick question i a have a 1992 honda prelude 2.2vtec si. Is the engine an interferance engine. Can you also tell me how to treat rust from the inside of body work.
Many thanks,
Andy M.
Answer:
Yes, Your engine is an interference engine.
Rust is tough to get rid of, the best way is to cut it out and weld in new metal. If you can not do that, a rust converting product can help stop it from spreading. The rust converting liquid will convert the rust and leave a coating ready to paint. Check out www.Eastwood.com for their rust treatment products. I would undercoat the area after it is treated to prevent any future rust from starting. I also have an extensive write-up about rust here…
Kevin Schappell
Posted: 7th April 2006 | Author: Kevin Schappell | Category: Body
