09/24/2025
Last month we did a couple engines. One of the engines we did was defective. We ran the process and worked over the weekend to do the job at the same cost as agreed with customer. We sealed the entire engine. Sealed. No leaks. To the last seal. New Camshaft sensors, new water outlet, thermostats because it has 2! New water pump housing assembly. Its an interesting water pump.
Done.
This weeks challenge is understanding how overheating a vehicle really affects several components. Its different with new cars, its like theyre not made like back in the day! The worst part is, its nobody’s fault. Not the mechanic not the owner. Some cars are Lemons and thats why there is a LEMON LAW. It is true. When a mechanic gets a Lemon he also has to deal with the stress like the customer. But how would a customer understand that his or her car is a Lemon? Patience is key for some Lemons but some just need to be… auctioned off…or maybe thrown off a cliff? Maybe?
We used to do Honda cylinder heads almost every month atleast 2 to 4. All the Mustang engines, the 3.8’s the 5.0s. We worked on a 95 Mustang one time and it was manual transmission. A Shelby Replica. Good cars. Not to talk about the 99 to 2002 F150’s 5.4 Tritan engines. 6 years ago we would see several of those trucks with 300k miles. Running like new. They would overheat get repaired and no problem. The GM trucks. The Obs with TBI. 305, 350. The Vortecs. The 6.0, 5.3, 4.8, 4.3 V6 was the best. The 5.7 and the LT1 version in a 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood, and 1996 Chevy Impala. Corvettes have that same engine to from similar years. We installed an Eaton Locker rear end on a 1996 Impala. Dodge to, the older ones were so reliable. The 5.9 Magnum is a huge engine. The 3.9. The 5.2. The Ford V10 Triton was a monster! We rebuilt an engine on a V10 6.8 One time and the moment we got it on it never gave an issue. Good cars, fun to work on with no stress or arising issues. It was a 350 dually. Also the 5.9 12 and 24 valve Cummins, the 6.7. The 7.3, 6.0, 6.4 and now 6.7 Powerstroke. The 6.6 Duramax with the Allison transmission. The LLY the LMM, LBZ.
The cars from now a days are more technical. Several components but more computerized. You have to understand the systems to be able to work on them, because if not they can be tricky. They’re meant to fool you so you have to take it to someone that understands these systems. Its not as simple as it seems. Now a days you have to understand signal references, 12DC voltage, amps, resistance, frequencies, ignition systems can have up to 100volts, 5Volt reference signals, Communication signals, anti-theft systems, air bag, ABS system, Body Control Module systems, and the list goes on. A fault in some systems can trigger a fault in another system. Understand repair manuals, electrical diagrams. You have to do research, understand PID data, I/M monitors like in some Fords test ID $53 to find Misfire data no other way can be found sometimes. Freeze Frama Data, Parasitic Draws and the list goes on.
The way the electronics work is fascinating. But TIME consuming!
Good thing as a reader, either you get a laugh, or you need help with your car or truck. Good thing we have been studying these systems for 16 years now and have a track record, that shows we understand how everything works. We also understand Engines, A/C, Differentials, in both Gas & Diesel. We strive to give our best and be in integrity with repairs and agreements.
Moral of the story is…..If you need a repair, these are the 2 #’s you can reach us at to schedule a drop off for maintenance, or repair, or minor body work.
Office Landline 512-573-1762
Office Cell Phone 512-644-3062
