Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/130418
T:2.25" hen it comes to knowing how to keep a working pickup on the road, it seems like we never have enough room for all the tech tips shop mechanics share with us. One area we didn't touch on was the importance of using the right gear oil for your truck's differential(s) – and keeping it clean. Establish your online presence to grow your business While following the OE recommendations for fluid changes is the simple answer, keep in mind that pickup diffs don't have filters. (A magnet in the diff cover drain plug is a help. But it's not the same as a filter.) So, all the wear metals from normal use and the oxidation byproducts that create sludge just keep recirculating around WATCH THOSE COLD-AIR INTAKES Cold-air intakes (CAIs) are one of the first underhood upgrades owners are doing to get better performance from their gas-powered pickup engines. But not all CAIs are for the better in some instances. According to numerous techs and powertrain engineers we've talked to over the past few months, adding a CAI can actually rob the engine of both power and fuel economy. Not a good thing. The reason is the sensitivity of the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF), which is the frontline probe the engine management system uses to set timing and fuel delivery parameters. "If the laminar flow of the air passing the MAF gets disturbed by the aftermarket intake," says GM Assistant Chief Engineer Cheryl Balsley who helped design the Gen5 5.3L in the 2014 pickups, "the algorithms in the ECM react accordingly, which can result in a drop in both power and mpg. It can even trigger fault codes." So if you put on a cold-air intake and noticed a loss of mpg, you might want to see if putting the OE intake back on or changing to a different CAI brings back the numbers. the gears, accelerating wear. The service techs we've talked with suggest changing the diff oil within the first 5,000 miles following an axle or gear replacement. From there, changing gear oil depends on how hard the differential works, and how hot the oil gets. For those working pickups that tow and/or haul a lot, hot gear oil is common, which increases oxidation that can affect its lubricity and degrade the additives. Hard use also contributes to more wear metals, especially when the oil begins to break down. As a general rule of thumb, if you tow at max load for 50 percent or more of the time, figure on changing the diff oil every 15,000 miles. Longer intervals of 30K The growing popularity of smartphones, laptops and tablets means your future customers have a wealth of information at their fingertips that will play a key role in deciding who they hire. Your business needs a strong online presence because it's one of the first places a potential customer will go to do their "due diligence." A number of online tools can help you get started, or you can consult with a web-design firm that can help develop a simple yet effective website for your business. It is vital to have a well-designed website that is easy to navigate and clearly reflects what your company has to offer. Be sure to include references, images of previously completed projects, and contact information. A strong online presence can help your business grow. Check back with us in the next issue for other helpful tips. Mobil Delvac heavy-duty diesel engine oil can help your business. For more information call us at 1-800-MOBIL-25 or visit mobildelvac.com ADVERTISEMENT Text INFO to 205-289-3781 or visit www.ppmrequest.com Untitled-6 1 PP0613_Shop Talk.indd 9 T:9.5" W Better Business with Mobil Delvac™ By Steve Temple ©2013 Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil and Mobil Delvac are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. SHOPTALK This advertisement was prepared by BBDO New York propickupmag.com PROPICKUP 9 5/7/13 2:48 PM Filename: P35405_EML_A 5/13/13 4:03 PM