Last month we asked this Tech question and invited you to share your answer. We value your expertise and want to thank everyone who participated!
Question: For Variable Valve Control systems to operate properly, what maintenance service must be performed on a scheduled basis?
Answer: Oil and filter changes as per the manufacture specifies. The four long-standing functions of motor oil, (lubricate, cool, seal, clean), still exist but, in modern engines, now includes the additional duty of acting as hydraulic fluid. While hydraulic lash adjusters have been around for many years, now electronic controls via solenoids, switch and vary oil pressures to many valvetrain control devices. Oil circulating in encounters dramatic and hostile conditions that can contaminate and break down the oil to the point of not being able to do its job. Solids, (dirt, carbon from blowby, wear particles), and chemicals generated during combustion can restrict solenoids from free movement and change the oil flow or viscosity at different temperatures. This can affect the timing of the changes in valvetrain operations requested by engine control computers that may lead to setting Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and undesirable exhaust emissions. Also, engine performance and fuel economy can be adversely affected.
Congratulations to the following shops who answered this question and will be receiving a prize pack!
Question: For Variable Valve Control systems to operate properly, what maintenance service must be performed on a scheduled basis?
Answer: Oil and filter changes as per the manufacture specifies. The four long-standing functions of motor oil, (lubricate, cool, seal, clean), still exist but, in modern engines, now includes the additional duty of acting as hydraulic fluid. While hydraulic lash adjusters have been around for many years, now electronic controls via solenoids, switch and vary oil pressures to many valvetrain control devices. Oil circulating in encounters dramatic and hostile conditions that can contaminate and break down the oil to the point of not being able to do its job. Solids, (dirt, carbon from blowby, wear particles), and chemicals generated during combustion can restrict solenoids from free movement and change the oil flow or viscosity at different temperatures. This can affect the timing of the changes in valvetrain operations requested by engine control computers that may lead to setting Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and undesirable exhaust emissions. Also, engine performance and fuel economy can be adversely affected.
Congratulations to the following shops who answered this question and will be receiving a prize pack!
- Matt at CJ Karz Auto Service in Saskatoon, SK
- Susanne at Cloverdale Auto Repair Centre in Surrey , BC
TECH CHALLENGE PROMOTION REMINDER
The Tech Challenge question is published in our weekly eNewsletter with an online answer form. Fill out the form with the details of how you would perform the repair to be entered for the chance to win the prize pack. You can also submit a challenge for future Tech Challenges! A draw is conducted with all shops who answered the question correctly and one is selected as a winner for a prize pack.
Got a Tech Tip you want to share for a future Tech Challenge? >>CLICK HERE to fill out our question form.
The Tech Challenge question is published in our weekly eNewsletter with an online answer form. Fill out the form with the details of how you would perform the repair to be entered for the chance to win the prize pack. You can also submit a challenge for future Tech Challenges! A draw is conducted with all shops who answered the question correctly and one is selected as a winner for a prize pack.
Got a Tech Tip you want to share for a future Tech Challenge? >>CLICK HERE to fill out our question form.