August 2023

Why motor oil turns black

Here’s why motor oil turns black Soot from incomplete combustion turns motor oil black All internal combustion engines create soot as the fuel is burned. Some of that soot makes its way into the crankcase due to blow-by. Soot creation is highest during cold starts due to partial combustion caused by the cold metal “quenching” effect. But even after the engine is warmed up, combustion isn’t always 100% efficient because the air/fuel mixture is never 100% accurate. The computer tries to calculate the exact air/fuel mixture and it could easily … Read More
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When To Change Your Car’s Air Filter And How To Do It Without A Mechanic

The Mechanic Doctor – Resources for Amateur and Pro Auto Mechanics
We often pay meticulous attention to the maintenance of our cars – oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid top-ups. However,
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Galvanic corrosion

What is Galvanic corrosion? Galvanic corrosion occurs when two or more dissimilar metals are in physical contact with one another or in contact with a conductive liquid (electrolyte). In simple terms, Galvanic corrosion is the movement of electrons and ions from one metal to the other. Galvanic corrosion occurs in all areas of a vehicle You’ll find galvanic corrosion in all areas of a vehicle; suspension components, body panels, steering, bearings—anywhere where two dissimilar metals touch or can come in contact with a conductive liquid like salt water from the … Read More
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Steps to replace a water pump

How to replace a water pump Replacing a water pump is fairly easy if it’s accessible. But there are a few things to keep in mind when replacing a water pump. Never rotate a dry water pump It seems like everyone wants to test a new water pump by rotating the pump shaft right out of the box. DON’T DO IT! Rotating a dry water pump can damage the seals. They’re designed to run in coolant and can’t handle dry rotate. Flush radiator and cooling system before removing the old … Read More
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Viscosity Index Improver

What is Viscosity Index Improver Multi-viscosity motor oil is formulated with thin base oil which is fortified with viscosity index improver (VII) additives. The base oil is thin enough to pump and flow well at cold temperatures and the VII allows the oil to thin less when hot than it normally would without the VII additive. How does VII work? VII additive is complex polymer molecule that is coiled and spherical in shape at cool/cold temperatures. As the polymer heats up and is pressurized the molecule deforms into a long … Read More
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