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, its early models were … Read More… about The 5.5-Hour Myth: Repairing Oil Leaks on an Early KF Engine Daihatsu Hijet
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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 were particularly prone … Read More… about Air Conditioner Repair in Scorching Heat: Replacing the Evaporator in a Palette MK21S and Memories of a Showa-era Gas Charger
The Inherent Structural Vulnerabilities of Italian Cars (Wiper Malfunction, Alfa 147 Selespeed)
Shortly after the rainy season began, I received a call from an Alfa 147 late-model owner reporting that the driver's side wiper was wobbling and behaving erratically. I advised them to bring the car in when the weather improved and proceeded to research wiper linkage issues online. Vehicle details: 2006 GH-937AB Twin Spark 2.0L Selespeed, mileage: 72,000 km It appears to be a common … Read More… about The Inherent Structural Vulnerabilities of Italian Cars (Wiper Malfunction, Alfa 147 Selespeed)
Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures (Part 2)
In an engine where metal parts rub against each other, it's impossible to completely avoid metal wear. Engine oil circulating inside plays a crucial role in reducing direct metal-to-metal contact and minimizing wear. The most significant wear occurs during cold starts. It takes at least a few seconds for the oil pump to circulate oil throughout the engine and stabilize oil pressure. … Read More… about Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures (Part 2)
Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures
In an era where 0W-XX engine oils prioritizing fuel efficiency are becoming mainstream, we recently serviced a vehicle with the following specifications in its manual: 0W16 for turbocharged engines and 0W8 for naturally aspirated engines! The manual recommends using specified brands to maintain optimal performance. A footnote mentioned that 0W20 could be used if the specified brand … Read More… about Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures
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 km However, despite … 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 de-icing agents are … 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 engine sound at idle, I … 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, odometer reading 160,000 … 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 surprisingly low mileage of … 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 years (at the … 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 polishing the surface … Read More… about “I Can’t Take It Anymore!” – Dealing with Unbearable Degradation (Part 1)
Recent Posts
The 5.5-Hour Myth: Repairing Oil Leaks on an Early KF Engine Daihatsu Hijet
The EF-type engine, Daihatsu's renowned 3-cylinder timing belt engine for light vehicles, has almost disappeared from the market. This is … Read More about The 5.5-Hour Myth: Repairing Oil Leaks on an Early KF Engine Daihatsu Hijet
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 … Read More about Air Conditioner Repair in Scorching Heat: Replacing the Evaporator in a Palette MK21S and Memories of a Showa-era Gas Charger
The Inherent Structural Vulnerabilities of Italian Cars (Wiper Malfunction, Alfa 147 Selespeed)
Shortly after the rainy season began, I received a call from an Alfa 147 late-model owner reporting that the driver's side wiper was wobbling and … Read More about The Inherent Structural Vulnerabilities of Italian Cars (Wiper Malfunction, Alfa 147 Selespeed)
Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures (Part 2)
In an engine where metal parts rub against each other, it's impossible to completely avoid metal wear. Engine oil circulating inside plays a … Read More about Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures (Part 2)
Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures
In an era where 0W-XX engine oils prioritizing fuel efficiency are becoming mainstream, we recently serviced a vehicle with the following … Read More about Trends in Low-Viscosity Engine Oils, Engine Wear, and Countermeasures
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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read More about “I Can’t Take It Anymore!” – Dealing with Unbearable Degradation (Part 1)
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