ScamAlert: Don't Get The Extras At Oil Change Outlets

Here's some Mechanic Advice: I have to agree with this news story about oil change shops upselling an engine flush while getting an oil change. The video below reports after these engine flushes, some engines have actually failed, stopped dead, seized up etc.

The flush is a chemical that breaks up carbon deposits in the engine. I'm wondering if it would also wash away the oil film on load bearing engine parts long enough to do damage??

I'm also thinking about all that sludge and bits of carbon that's suddenly floating around your crankcase that could plug up your oil pump inlet screen or restrict the flow.

I have never used additives in my engines or flushed out anything. If you change your oil every 3 to 4 months (I replace the fuel filter as well- 10 to 12 dollar filter compared to 400.00 fuel pump + tow truck!) and put the pedal to the metal on the highway once in a while, say goodbye to carbon for the life of your vehicle.

Additives are an upsell and they just aren't necessary...the gas and oil we're getting now is clean enough that you don't need the fancy snake oil.
I hope you benefit from this Mechanic Information.

Vehicles Pollute Even When They're Parked?

So here I was cruising through some Google News articles and came across this report about vehicles in Australia in the millions that do not have the proper evaporative emission canisters to trap hydrocarbons before they escape from the fuel tank into the atmosphere. Even new vehicles that have the right equipment fill up with gases and spew out the excess build up after sitting for 24 hrs.

Quote:
Hydrocarbons are in the vapour that escapes from petrol tanks on a warm day. Most newer cars have canisters that trap them before they are released but if cars are left sitting for longer than 24 hours the canisters can fill up and stop working until the vehicle is driven, the Second National In-Service Emissions Study found.
Unquote:

This interesting fact makes me think of the grandfathered vehicles out there that don't meet emission standards that will not only pump out carbon monoxide but also emit hydrocarbon fumes out the tank if left idle over 24 hours.

So I guess we will have to weigh the difference between going the public transit route or driving to work to clear out all those nasty destructive gas fumes. If you ask me I thing taking the subway or bus is a greater benefit overall.

Find Out More On Emission Control Systems Right Here

You can read the article in it's entirety Here

What do you think? I invite you to comment.

Mechanic Information Videos For Gas Engine Repairs.

Here's some great videos with mechanic information from a Youtube contributor who has uploaded dozens of videos on gas engine "how to" videos. To actually see the process of disassembly and reassembly is the best way to learn about any subject. The videos vary from pulling a head apart to boring out an engine block.

Enjoy these clips and I hope you get enlightened from the mechanic information provided.