I first received a consultation about an ineffective air conditioning system exactly three years ago. Although Subaru's in-house production of the iconic Sambar ended quite some time ago, I hear that the truck, van, and wagon versions of this model remain extremely popular. The Sambar in question, which had been purchased used just before the consultation, had a … [Read more...] about Solving a Years-Long Air Conditioning Problem (Subaru Sambar TV2 Cooling Fan Motor Malfunction)
“I Can’t Take It Anymore!” – Dealing with Unbearable Degradation (Part 2)
Some imported car models develop severe "stickiness" on their interior parts due to degradation of the surface coating. When the car is new, these parts have a smooth, pleasant touch. However, in areas exposed to direct sunlight, this stickiness can develop as early as 5 years (at the time of the second vehicle inspection). Even in favorable conditions, it often appears by 9 … [Read more...] about “I Can’t Take It Anymore!” – Dealing with Unbearable Degradation (Part 2)
“I Can’t Take It Anymore!” – Dealing with Unbearable Degradation (Part 1)
For domestic cars, it's generally about 15 years, and for imported cars, about half that time - 7 years - before various signs of exterior degradation appear, no matter how meticulously you maintain them. The yellowing of the now-common polycarbonate headlights is a typical example. As I've mentioned in several articles, restoring their appearance is relatively easy by … [Read more...] about “I Can’t Take It Anymore!” – Dealing with Unbearable Degradation (Part 1)
Reflections on Japanese Car Design Philosophy After Completing a Clutch Replacement on the Enchanting Lightweight MT Daihatsu Mira
In the tough work of car maintenance, which leaves hands covered in oil, arms full of scratches, and requires long hours in uncomfortable positions, good "maintainability" is a very important factor. For us mechanics who engage in maintenance work every day, it's a joyful moment when we can feel the kindness and consideration of the engineers. When I mainly work on … [Read more...] about Reflections on Japanese Car Design Philosophy After Completing a Clutch Replacement on the Enchanting Lightweight MT Daihatsu Mira
Finally Participating in an Event? Helping Prepare a Fiat Panda for a Gathering (E-141AKA Panda Selecta)
I learned about a regularly held club meeting called "Pandarino" from a first-generation Panda owner. From what I heard, it's an extremely popular event with 300 participating cars, filling up soon after registration opens, making it difficult to secure a spot. The venue is in Hamamatsu City on the western side of Shizuoka Prefecture. It's about 250km away from Kyoto, … [Read more...] about Finally Participating in an Event? Helping Prepare a Fiat Panda for a Gathering (E-141AKA Panda Selecta)
What I Did to Install a Winch Securely (Jimny Sierra ABA-JB43W)
It was already 4 years ago when I assembled a lift kit (3 inches) for the Jimny Sierra, perhaps because the owner saw through my self-serving personality and cleverly persuaded me. The exterior appearance, with the body raised about 10 centimeters, was finished in an imposing style that overlooks the world. Merits and Demerits of Lift up Part 2 (Suzuki Jimny … [Read more...] about What I Did to Install a Winch Securely (Jimny Sierra ABA-JB43W)
Troubleshooting an Alfa Romeo Semi-Automatic Transmission Stuck in Neutral (Alfa 147 2.0TS selespeed)
I'll translate the HTML content from Japanese to English while preserving the HTML structure as requested. Title: Troubleshooting an Alfa Romeo Semi-Automatic Transmission Stuck in Neutral (Alfa 147 2.0TS selespeed) The Selespeed, Alfa Romeo's famous semi-automatic mechanism, is a hydraulic robot that operates a manual transmission in place of a human. When installed in … [Read more...] about Troubleshooting an Alfa Romeo Semi-Automatic Transmission Stuck in Neutral (Alfa 147 2.0TS selespeed)
How to Dramatically Improve Your Touch-Up Paint Skills (Part 3: Correction Edition)
I have previously shared information about touch-up painting twice. 1. How to Dramatically Improve Your Touch-Up Paint Skills (Brush Selection and Technique) 2. How to Dramatically Improve Your Touch-Up Paint Skills (Part 2, White Pearl and Silver Edition) Even tiny scratches on body panels become more noticeable when a car is new or well-maintained. I believe you've … [Read more...] about How to Dramatically Improve Your Touch-Up Paint Skills (Part 3: Correction Edition)
Italian Car’s Semi-Automatic Nemesis? Is Dualogic Oil Change Effective? (Fiat Panda TwinAir 0.9)
I'll translate the provided HTML content from Japanese to English, maintaining the original HTML structure. Title: Italian Car's Semi-Automatic Nemesis? Is Dualogic Oil Change Effective? (Fiat Panda TwinAir 0.9) The Fiat Panda that has been consulted about previously seems to have poor performance in winter. It's equipped with the same small displacement turbo … [Read more...] about Italian Car’s Semi-Automatic Nemesis? Is Dualogic Oil Change Effective? (Fiat Panda TwinAir 0.9)
Struggling with Thermostat Replacement on Suzuki Lapin Turbo CVT Model (CBA-HE22S K6A+CVT During Coolant Leak Repair)
Title: Struggling with Thermostat Replacement on Suzuki Lapin Turbo CVT Model (CBA-HE22S K6A+CVT During Coolant Leak Repair) Coolant leaks from radiators frequently occur during winter. In both summer and winter, coolant temperature rises to around 90°C, but the greater temperature difference in winter puts more stress on the radiator tank joints. 2009 model, … [Read more...] about Struggling with Thermostat Replacement on Suzuki Lapin Turbo CVT Model (CBA-HE22S K6A+CVT During Coolant Leak Repair)
