Category Archives: Ooops!

When things just go wrong.

Chevy Truck Repairs, My engine runs rough.

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1997 Chevrolet truck with a 4.3 engine runs rough.

The owner has maintained the truck very well, but with 300,000+ miles on the clock you would think it would be all worn out, but it’s not. This is why maintenance is critical to the long life of your car or truck. This truck looks and drives great because the owner loves his ride. The rough running condition was not setting any codes.

(This was a No Code, Driveablity Condition) 

It was not related to the ignition system or engine compression. It was caused by a faulty fuel pressure regulator on the fuel injection unit. The only way to spot an issue like this is to know fuel delivery basics.

The failure was not computer related.

Some engine parts go bad slowly over time. The client did not know that anything was wrong. The client only said it felt rough at an idle and to check it out. This little monster below is the fuel injection unit from under the intake manifold. It is hidden from sight. So when it has a leak, you do not smell it or see it, but your fuel economy will drop when it is going bad.

The client may have noticed that the engine was using more fuel, but he does not check the fuel mileage regularly. The easy way to check fuel usage is to zero out your trip meter when you fill up the gas tank. Then at the next fill up, divide the miles traveled by the fuel used to re-fill the tank. Presto, you just found out what your fuel MPG is. Now, do this at every fill up and if you notice your mileage drop over 20% suddenly, you may need repairs or lighter feet.

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

Check Your Oil!

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When was the last time you opened the hood & checked your oil level?

Why wait, check it today!

A low engine oil level will cause internal engine parts to wear. Waiting till you go in for service may be too late to prevent wear from taking place. You can’t see the wear that takes place inside the engine, but it may be the difference between replacing the engine at 60,000 miles vs 200,000 miles.

I have seen car owners bad mouth a brand or product line just because of a failure related to poor maintenance.

This car is a pile of @!^&*!!

The truth is the car owner didn’t do his maintenance. Ignorance is bliss. Good car ownership starts with maintaining the things that wear on the car.

Tires, brakes, ignition & fuel systems, fluids, filters, belts, hoses, lights and wiper blades will wear out some day. Why wait till you are broken down at the side of the road to take action?

maintenance is ongoing and the key to the long life of your car.

I know in our rush, rush world. You may never stop long enough to remember about checking your own oil level, unless the engine makes ugly noises or the genie lamp turns on. Why wait, checking your oil level may save you from an engine failure.

If you are in the area, stop in at the shop and I can check the oil level for you. If your oil level is low often. You may have an oil leak. even a small oil leak can cause the oil level to be low in less than 30 days. Always fix oil leaks as soon as possible to prevent engine wear due to oil loss.

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

 

What is a genie lamp? Engine Repair Phoenix 85016

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What is a Genie lamp?

This was one of the funnest & sad things I have ever encountered, but it was mostly a sad day for the owner of the car. The owner of the car in question did not know what the lights on the instrument panel indicated. The owner drove the car till it stopped. Once the car arrived at the shop, I asked the standard questions. The owner said they had a genie lamp on, but the car drove fine till the engine stalled. so I asked them to show me what lamp on the panel was turning on.

Keep in mind, I was puzzled about what the client was seeing. Because I have never seen a genie lamp on any instrument panel. 

The client turned on the key and pointed to the light that was on. It was the OIL LIGHT, but to them it looked like a genie lamp. Keeping a straight face, I said, a genie lamp would have smoke going up out of the spout. The lamp on the panel had a drop going down. The client just giggled. Then shock set in.

The client had no idea that the engine had no oil in it. It was just serviced at the clients local quick lube. The drain plug was tight, the filter was new and tight, just no oil. I was very impressed, the car went 14 miles before engine failure. The client said the light was on when they picked up the car, but they did not think anything of it because, it was on intermittently a week before the service. I did not say a thing. I Just gave them a price and the car ended up going away.

As a car owner, you should know some basics. You need to know how to air up your tires, plus check the oil and coolant. You should know what all the warning lights on the instrument panel indicate. You should know how to change a flat tire.

If you have questions about your car, stop in at the station and we will answer any of your questions at no charge. Knowledge is key to keeping your car in good shape.

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013