Wednesday, December 9, 2015

European Car Formula Evolves



European Car Formula Evolves


European Car Formula 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (AEL) has been reformulated to broaden its application potential in European and domestic models, including the Chevrolet* Cruze* Clean Turbo Diesel, Jeep* Grand Cherokee* 3.0L EcoDiesel* V6 and Dodge* Ram* 1500 EcoDiesel. It now meets the following additional specifications:

Chrysler MS-11106
ACEA C3
GM dexos2™
The new formulation will be available in quarts and drums once the current formulation sells out. Forecasts predict the current formulation to last through January. The new formulation is available in gallons Dec. 1.

New Manufacturer Approvals

European Car Formula 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil (EFM) now carries the following additional manufacturer approvals:

MB-Approval 229.
Porsche A40
In addition, the European Car Formula Synthetic Motor Oil labels are being revised slightly, removing the focus from SAPS levels and placing it on emissions system protection. The European Car Formula products will be referred to as the following:

European Car Formula 0W-40 Classic Emissions System Protection Synthetic Motor Oil (EFO)
European Car Formula 5W-40 Classic Emissions System Protection Synthetic Motor Oil (EFM)
European Car Formula 5W-30 Improved Emissions System Protection Synthetic Motor Oil (AEL)
European Car Formula 5W-40 Improved Emissions System Protection Synthetic Motor Oil (AFL)
Labels reflecting the changes will begin appearing as inventory of European Car Formula products with current labels is depleted.

New Focus

SAPS levels are a clear way of differentiating between oils within the European Car Formula family; however, the SAPS indicators on labels and advertisements added confusion for consumers who didn’t know why SAPS levels are important. Ultimately, SAPS levels are important for ensuring sensitive emissions systems on European vehicles function as designed, and the labels have been updated accordingly. Although we will continue to provide information about SAPS, its focus has been deemphasized.
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Go Inside the Dyno Room with Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL



Go Inside the Dyno Room with Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL


An all-new show is coming to Motor Trend’s YouTube channel beginning Nov. 23 – Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL. Each episode features parts testing and engine-to-engine shootouts on the dyno. In the debut episode, find out what single bolt-on part adds 50 hp to a small-block Chevy already capable of producing 500 hp.

Hosts David Freiburger of Roadkill, Steve Dulcich of Engine Masters Magazine and dyno guru Steve Brule of Westech Performance Group provide a blend of fun and information in this video dyno diary. New episodes will be added about every other Monday over the next several months starting Nov. 23.

The show was inspired by the annual AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge, presented by HOT ROD. Each October, the top engine builders in the country gather at the University of Northern Ohio to see who can build the most powerful engine. Tests designed to measure torque, power and performance are administered to each engine, but only one team can come out on top to earn the title of Engine Master.

Waiting a full year to get back in the dyno room was too long for us. Engine Masters, presented by AMSOIL, lets you fuel your passion for power and performance every other Monday.
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2015-2016 AMSOIL Championship Snocross



2015-2016 AMSOIL Championship Snocross


The 2015/2016 season of AMSOIL Championship Snocross kicks off with the AMSOIL Duluth National on Thanksgiving weekend, November 27-29 at Spirit Mountain in Du­luth, Minn. Watch snocross superstars Tim Tremblay and Ross Martin battle it out in the first round of the eight-round season. The weekend kicks off Friday night with the AMSOIL DOMINATOR, a head-to-head, bracket-style elimination tournament where the winner walks away with $10,000 from AMSOIL. If you can’t make it, you can catch the live stream at www.isocracing.com. Learn more about AMSOIL Championship Snocross and Team AMSOIL at www.amsoilracing.com.
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AMSOIL Performance Turns Customer into Dealer



AMSOIL Performance Turns Customer into Dealer


AMSOIL product performance is often the tipping point for customers to become Dealers.

Such is the case with Dealer Julian Dhanani of La Jolla, Calif. “I started using AMSOIL products several years ago when I began modifying the 2006 Honda* Civic Si* I had at the time,” Dhanani said.

Dhanani modified the Honda so he could run it on open track days at the Streets of Willow course in Rosamond, Calif., a 1.6-mile street track. He upgraded the camshafts in the car to use on the track.

After the camshafts were upgraded, the car began consuming more than a quart of oil every week, even though there were no mechanical leaks. “I tried almost every synthetic oil available at an auto parts store and found nothing that could solve the problem,” he said.

Dhanani heard about AMSOIL products through an Internet forum and decided to install AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil. “It immediately remedied the excessive oil consumption,” Dhanani said. “I continued to change the oil every 3,000 miles because I thought the 15,000-mile severe service interval was an outrageous claim.”

He soon realized the oil continued to look like new when he changed it at 3,000 miles, and he pushed the change intervals further. [The way an oil looks at the change interval does not determine whether it still meets the specifications of serviceable oil.] “I eventually used oil analysis to confirm I could indeed run the oil 15,000 miles/one year, even with moderate engine modifications,” Dhanani said.

He continued using the car on the road and on the track and installed “every AMSOIL product I could use during the last six years I owned the car,” he said.

He eventually returned the car to stock. Personnel at the shop where the aftermarket camshafts were removed asked about their usage.

The camshafts had almost 70,000 miles of road and track use at the time. “The (shop people) were in disbelief because the camshafts looked brand new and were easily re-sellable,” he said. “The current owner of the camshafts is enjoying them immensely, even after putting on an additional 15,000 miles and counting, using AMSOIL, of course.”

The shop personnel were so impressed by the camshafts’ condition that they began using AMSOIL products themselves. “Additionally, the first thing I did with my current 2013 Mitsubishi* Evolution* was switch every fluid over to AMSOIL products when I got it home, fresh from the dealership’s lot,” he said. “My experience with AMSOIL products was so profound that I became an independent Dealer and have had the pleasure of sharing its benefits with many family members, friends and customers over the last few years, along with all the ways Dealers can make money for supplemental income.

“Regardless of how much money I make through the business opportunity, I will continue to enjoy AMSOIL products and all of their benefits myself.”

*All trademarked names and images are the property of their respective owners and may be registered marks in some countries. No affiliation or endorsement claim, express or implied, is made by their use. All products advertised here are AMSOIL-engineered for use in the applications shown.
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Premium Air Tool Protection



Premium Air Tool Protection


Air (pneumatic) tools are commonly used amongst automotive enthusiasts, mechanics and craftsmen. Powered by compressed air, they provide exceptional precision and higher power-to-weight ratios than their conventional power-tool counterparts, making them popular choices for those working with tools on a regular basis and for extended periods.

Air tools must be lubricated to prevent premature wear, generally requiring a few drops of oil in the intake port before and after each use and as needed.

AMSOIL Synthetic Air Tool Oil

New AMSOIL Synthetic Air Tool Oil effectively lubricates rotary and piston-type air-tool bearings and motors, while managing moisture and conditioning rubber and plastic seals and O-rings. It ensures air tools run smooth, reduces wear and helps tools last for years, even generations.

Helps prevent corrosion and deposits, allowing air tools to run cleanly and reliably.
Reduces wear, extending tool life.
Dispenses easily.
Applications
AMSOIL Synthetic Air Tool Oil provides outstanding protection and performance in common air tools, including grinders, impact wrenches, ratchet wrenches, chisels, drills, sanders, hammers and nailers.
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The Best of Both Worlds



The Best of Both Worlds


AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean + Cold Flow combines the superior deposit-removing properties of AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean and the excellent anti-gelling properties of AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow in one convenient package. It is designed for all types of diesel engines, including high-pressure common-rail designs. Unlike all-in-one fuel additives that may sacrifice performance in specific areas in the name of convenience, AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean + Cold Flow makes no sacrifices; it is purpose-built for diesel owners who demand maximum results.

• Cleans dirty injectors
• Adds lubricity to reduce fuel-pump & injector wear
• Improves fuel economy up to 4.5 percent
• Disperses water to control ice formation & prevent gelling
• Improves diesel cold-flow ability by up to 20ºF (15ºC)

Fuel injectors in high-pressure common-rail diesel engines use smaller, highly engineered components to produce the higher fuel pressures needed for improved combustion. The tighter clearances invite internal diesel injector deposits that interfere with injector needle actuation, reducing performance. External deposits can also form on the injector nozzle (the typical trouble spot for traditional injectors). While many other fuel additives have yet to catch up to the internal diesel injector deposit problem, AMSOIL Diesel Injector Clean targets deposits wherever they form, maximizing power, fuel economy and performance in high-pressure common-rail and traditional diesel engines.
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Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Common Fixes for a Transmission that Jerks or Hesitates



Common Fixes for a Transmission that Jerks or Hesitates


Here are a few common reasons why your transmission may shift erratically, jerk or hesitate.

Low fluid level
Depleted fluid frictional properties
Poor cold-temperature fluidity
 

Start with the easiest fix

There’s an old adage when troubleshooting: start with the least expensive and simplest fix. In this case, check the transmission fluid level first. Low fluid can prevent the transmission from shifting properly. It’s important to find out why the fluid is low and fix any problems. It could be a leaky seal or other mechanical defect. Otherwise, adding new fluid won’t ultimately solve the problem.

Worn fluid equals poor shift quality

Transmission fluid that has aged and lost some of its frictional properties can also lead to poor shift quality. When your vehicle’s computer tells the transmission to shift gears, hydraulic pressure (provided by the fluid) squeezes a series of plates together inside a clutch pack to connect the engine to the transmission output shaft and route power to the wheels. The fluid’s frictional properties play a vital role in ensuring the clutch plates bind together properly and gear shifts occur seamlessly. Over time, the frictional properties of the fluid can degrade, leading to elongated, jerky or inconsistent shifts. In this case, it’s time for a fluid change. How do you know for sure the fluid is worn? The only definite way to find out is to conduct used fluid analysis. However, fluid that smells burnt or appears dirty is likely due for a change. It’s best practice to change the fluid before the frictional properties are depleted and poor shifting is experienced since poor shifts can cause the clutches to wear more rapidly and lead to bigger issues that need mechanical repairs.

Be aware of “adaptive” transmissions

One interesting note affects newer vehicles equipped with adaptive transmissions. These units “learn” your driving habits and the characteristics of the fluid to adjust shifts accordingly. As the fluid loses its frictional properties, the computer compensates and adjusts transmission performance. If you’ve recently changed your fluid, the computer may still operate as if old fluid is installed, causing poor shift quality. In these cases, keep driving and eventually the computer will “relearn” your driving habits and the behavior of the new fluid and adjust accordingly. The problem was significant enough on some 2012-2013 Ford F-150s to cause Ford to issue a technical service bulletin (TSB 13-1-10).

Your transmission fluid’s frictional properties are vital to best performance

Comparison of Frictional Properties - ATF

To demonstrate its outstanding performance, AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid was tested in taxi cabs operating in the intense heat of Las Vegas. First, the frictional properties of new fluid were tested. Then, after more than 180,000 miles of work in a fleet of taxis, the fluid was tested again. As shown in the graph, the fluid maintained nearly identical frictional properties to new fluid after 180,000 miles of severe service. That translates into solid, confident shifts day after day and long transmission life.

Cold weather can reduce shift quality

When the temperature drops, transmission fluids with poor cold-flow properties can thicken and cause elongated and hard shifts until the fluid has warmed up enough to flow properly. Switching to a high-quality synthetic transmission fluid will help. Synthetics don’t contain waxes, as conventional fluids do, so they remain fluid at lower temperatures for improved shifts during cold weather.

The best transmission fluid available won’t fix a broken transmission. But using high-quality synthetic transmission fluid can help improve shift quality and maximize transmission life.


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