A pickup’s persistent plastic pan issues
How To
John Paul, AAA Northeast’s Automotive Physician, solutions a query from a reader annoyed by yet one more leaking oil pan of their Ford truck.
Q. I’m at a loss after proudly owning many Ford vans, mini-vans, and SUV’s. My 2018 F-150 wants its plastic oil pan changed for the third time. I referred to as Ford and requested a few alternative steel oil pan, which they gave me the half quantity for and the price ($200.00), and instructed me it could match my truck. The Ford vendor mentioned they will use the steel oil pan, however it’s going to take 10 hours to interchange it versus 5 hours labor to interchange the plastic pan. Ford will solely change the plastic pan below guarantee, and I must pay for the steel pan restore as a result of I used to be utilizing a distinct half. What’s going on with Ford? Since my final restore was just below two years in the past, this restore is below guarantee. Do I promote my truck with 46,020 miles that I like, or simply reside with the oil leaking/restore downside? Sometime I wish to meet the engineers who design these automobiles with loopy restore points. One other instance is the water pump in my Ford Explorer that requires half the engine to be disassembled.
A. Sadly, you might be caught. The vendor will solely receives a commission in the event that they change the failed half with the identical half. If it have been me, I’d simply let the vendor restore it once more. Maybe Ford has made some enhancements within the design in the previous few years. Relating to car design, the Ford Explorer water pump is an effective instance. I’m not positive who thought working a water pump with the timing chain was a good suggestion. Different producers should not proof against this sort of pondering. GM, in a single mannequin engine, buried the thermostat below the consumption manifold. The top result’s a $1,200 restore for one thing that at one time was a $100 restore. The Cadillac 4.6 liter and Northstar engines of years in the past put starters below the consumption manifold – not an important thought in my view.
Q. I’ve a John Deere tractor that makes use of a battery of 300 chilly cranking amps. I need to change my battery to a minimum of 350 CCA. I heard it’s higher for beginning and holding a cost. Wouldn’t it be price it to up my CCA? Love your column and luxuriate in studying all of the questions.
A. Batteries are rated by chilly cranking amperage (CCA) and reserve capability. Larger CCA is all the time good as a result of it’s going to present stronger cranking. Holding a cost relies on reserve capability, which is measured in amp hours. The upper the reserve capability the extra probably the engine will crank over when left unused. When changing your battery search for enhancements in each chilly cranking amperage and reserve capability.
Q. I learn your column on a regular basis and just lately moved, and I used to be questioning methods to discover a new dependable VW mechanic. I’ve a 2010 VW New Beetle convertible (Remaining Version) and each time I have to take it in for repairs or upkeep, I take it to the native VW vendor, however it’s so costly. I simply have no idea anybody else to belief to take it to. I’d actually admire your recommendation.
A. Discovering a great restore store might be as tough as discovering a great physician. I’d begin asking mates and neighbors who they use. Examine with neighborhood Fb pages for native suggestions. AAA has accepted restore retailers that provide two-year, 24,000-mile guarantee, labor reductions, in addition to different advantages together with arbitration. Go to aaa.com/restore to discover a store close to you. These Volkswagens, relying on the engine, could be a battle to work on. In lots of circumstances the entrance bumper cowl and fenders want to come back off to do some repairs. Discovering somebody with VW expertise is the primary place to begin.
Q. I just lately discovered a really clear 1995 Honda Prelude. The difficulty is the engine is definitely lacking. I like this physique fashion and was pondering of including a V-6 engine from a Honda Pilot. What do you suppose?
A. The sort of engine swap is feasible, however fairly advanced. Be mindful the suspension, cooling system, and brakes have been by no means designed to deal with that weight or horsepower. That being mentioned, if in case you have the time, expertise, and price range, it may be achieved.
Q. I take advantage of artificial oil in my automobile and truck. What’s the mileage for artificial oil modifications? I heard and skim 10,000 miles. I used to be at a elements retailer just lately and a few oil even states 25,000 miles. What do you suggest?
A. It is determined by the automobile. I’d by no means suggest exceeding the producer’s specification. Despite the fact that the oil could state it’s good for 10,000 or 15,000 miles I’d not exceed what the producer recommends, particularly if the drivetrain is below guarantee. The one exception to prolonged oil modifications could be if in case you have the oil analyzed by a lab and changed the oil filter. On a standard engine that makes use of 5 to eight quarts of oil, to me it appears more economical to simply change the oil on the regular advice, moderately than spend the cash on oil evaluation.
John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Automotive Physician. He has over 40 years of expertise within the automotive enterprise and is an ASE-certified grasp technician. E-mail your Automotive Physician query to [email protected]. Hearken to the Automotive Physician podcast at johnfpaul.podbean.com.
Join the Immediately e-newsletter
Get all the pieces you want to know to begin your day, delivered proper to your inbox each morning.
