The EF-type engine, Daihatsu's renowned 3-cylinder timing belt engine for light vehicles, has almost disappeared from the market. This is unsurprising, as 19 years have passed since it was replaced by the next-generation KF-type engine, featuring a timing chain and lightweight all-aluminum construction. While the KF engine's production run is becoming longer than the EF's, … [Read more...] about The 5.5-Hour Myth: Repairing Oil Leaks on an Early KF Engine Daihatsu Hijet
Japanese Cars
Air Conditioner Repair in Scorching Heat: Replacing the Evaporator in a Palette MK21S and Memories of a Showa-era Gas Charger
This summer's relentless heat wave led to a record number of air conditioning repairs. Even properly functioning AC systems in larger-volume kei cars tend to struggle with cooling capacity, and even minor malfunctions can make the AC seem completely ineffective. Vehicle Details: 2009 DBA-MK21S K6A engine with CVT Mileage: 110,000km Suzuki kei cars from this era … [Read more...] about Air Conditioner Repair in Scorching Heat: Replacing the Evaporator in a Palette MK21S and Memories of a Showa-era Gas Charger
An Unexpected Cause of Recurring Cooling System Issues (Subaru Sambar TV2 Overheating)
A Subaru Sambar, which had undergone repairs for cooling system issues (cooling fan malfunction) spanning several years, had been running without problems for five months after replacing the smaller cooling fan motor, as mentioned in a previous article. This resolved both air conditioning and engine cooling issues. Vehicle details: 2010 EBD-TV2 EN07 5MT, mileage: 79,000 … [Read more...] about An Unexpected Cause of Recurring Cooling System Issues (Subaru Sambar TV2 Overheating)
The Melancholy of Camshaft Rotation Phase Deviation (DBA-JH1 Honda N-WGN)
A Honda N-WGN brought in for its 24-month inspection (Japanese vehicle inspection) had its engine warning light (and, by design, the Vehicle Stability Assist warning light) illuminated since it was purchased as a used car about two years ago. This condition would not pass the current periodic inspection. There were signs that the vehicle had been used in areas where … [Read more...] about The Melancholy of Camshaft Rotation Phase Deviation (DBA-JH1 Honda N-WGN)
Danger! A Hissing Sound from the Engine Bay… (Suzuki Alto DBA-HA24S during Regular Inspection)
A Suzuki Alto was brought in for shaken (the legally mandated periodic inspection in Japan). This model of Alto has aged, and this particular vehicle was in for its 18th regular inspection. It had reached a stage where a more thorough inspection was necessary. Specifications: 2005 model, DBA-HA24S, K6A engine, 4AT, odometer reading 79,000 km While listening to the … [Read more...] about Danger! A Hissing Sound from the Engine Bay… (Suzuki Alto DBA-HA24S during Regular Inspection)
A Common Issue? Loose Shift Lever Rendering Vehicle Inoperable (DBA-L175S Daihatsu Move)
Certain Daihatsu models have been experiencing cases where shift operation suddenly becomes impossible. The issue stems from the deterioration and disintegration of the plastic component connecting the shift lever to the transmission wire cable on the shift lever side, resulting in a physical disconnection. Specifications: 2007 model, DBA-L175S, KF-VE engine, 4AT, … [Read more...] about A Common Issue? Loose Shift Lever Rendering Vehicle Inoperable (DBA-L175S Daihatsu Move)
Solving a Years-Long Air Conditioning Problem (Subaru Sambar TV2 Cooling Fan Motor Malfunction)
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)
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
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)
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)
