The future of the automotive drive belt. - Canadian Technician

Transcription

Canadian Mail Sales Product Agreement #40063170 Registration 10833. Return postage guaranteed. Newcom Business Media Inc., 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 5C4
Going
Beltless
The future of the
automotive drive belt.
ALSO:
Remembering a great mentor
A pair of great summer reads about cars
The return of The Unknown Mechanic
You don’t have to be the biggest to be the baddest. At less than 5 lbs., the 1/2" drive MG725 delivers a best-in-class 1190 ft. lbs. of
bolt breakaway torque. The lightweight magnesium housing provides unparalleled comfort and control. And since it is only one piece,
it assures that internal components will stay in precise alignment, making the MG725 as durable as it is powerful.
Never compromise. Contact your Snap-on Franchisee or visit www.snapon.com
Snap-on is a trademark of Snap-on Incorporated. © Snap-on Incorporated 2011.
contents
Canadian Technician • August 2011 • Vol. 16 No. 6
FEATURES
Going Beltless..................................................18
Automotive belts are commonplace. But in the
not-too-distant future, expect this to change.
Survey Says…! ..................................................22
We had questions; you’ve got answers.
COLUMNISTS
Management S.O.S. By Kelly Bennett ........................................16
The Unknown Mechanic .............................................................31
It’s Your Turn By Rick Cogbill .......................................................33
38
The Car Side
By Rick Cogbill
DEPARTMENTS
Editorial ......................................................................5
Service Notes.............................................................7
Letters ........................................................................8
Out & About .............................................................10
EyeSpy......................................................................10
Reader Rides...........................................................11
From Our Forum......................................................14
Bookmobile .............................................................29
Auto Puzzle ..............................................................36
Our new
international
calling card.
by
www.bluestreak.ca
AUGUST 2011 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN
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EDITORIAL
A New Golden Age of Automobiles
By David Menzies
R
ecently, I had the pleasure of
attending a classic car auction.
During the course of the frenzied
bidding, I couldn’t help but notice that
one of the most oft-repeated refrains
from many of the old-timers vying
for the vintage Detroit iron up for
grabs was, “They sure don’t make
’em like they used to.”
In fact, I struck up a conversation
with a 70-something gent admiring
a ’57 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. He
spoke of how rock solid the Caddy is –
“Look at all that steel inside and out,” he
remarked, “tough as a tank – not like all
that plastic crap they make today.”
Granted, beauty will forever be in the
eye of the beholder (and the ’57 De Ville
is a stunner.) Yet, although I didn’t have
the heart to correct the Cadillac fan, I’d
take a modern-day vehicle composed of
“plastic crap” as my daily driver any day.
Here’s why. Next time you’re on
YouTube, check out an incredible 2009
video from the Insurance Highway
Safety Institute (type “Bel Air crash test”
into the search engine.)
The IIHS celebrated its 50th
anniversary two years ago and it wanted
to demonstrate how far passenger
protection has come in the last half
century. To do so, the IIHS staged a
head-on collision between a 1959
Chevrolet Bel Air (perhaps best
described as a “land yacht”) and a 2009
Chevy Malibu mid-size sedan. At first
blush, it looks as though this is going to
be a mismatch in the Bel Air’s favour.
But appearances can be deceiving. In
fact, the footage proves downright
shocking in that it’s the Malibu that
makes mincemeat of the Bel Air. Upon
impact, the Bel Air’s windshield dislodges,
the driver’s door flies open, and the front
half of the car is obliterated.
Meanwhile, the Bel Air’s crash test
dummy is tossed around like a ragdoll
given that this vintage Chevy has no
seatbelts or airbags. The dummy’s head
strikes the steering wheel rim and hub
and then the roof, before bouncing off the
unpadded metal instrument panel. Ouch!
The ’09 Malibu, on the other hand, suffers significantly less damage. Thanks to
seatbelts and a deployed airbag, the driver remains in the proper seating position.
And the car, thanks to advancements in
crumple zone technology, is obviously
designed to “take a hit.”
If human beings rather than crash test
dummies had been driving these cars,
the Malibu occupant would’ve suffered
some minor cuts and bruises and perhaps
an injured foot. But the Bel Air driver
would’ve suffered very serious injuries
to the neck, chest and both legs. In fact,
he might not have survived the collision.
Performance-wise, today’s cars also
excel. I think back to a story in the 50th
Anniversary issue of Motor Trend magazine (published in 2001) entitled, “How
Far We’ve Come.” The premise: a 1999
Honda Odyssey was pitted on the race
track against such classic speed demons
as a ’58 Corvette, a ’57 Maserati 2000
GT and a ’58 Porsche Speedster. The
Odyssey beat every car in the one-mile
test except the ’58 Ford Thunderbird.
Amazing but true, a de rigueur modern
minivan – the unofficial vehicle of suburban soccer moms – was able to hold its
own against some of the most iconic
sports cars of the 1950s.
Meanwhile, the creature-comfort
technology now found in today’s modern
cars was once the stuff of science fiction
novels decades ago. Unquestionably, we’re
living in a golden age of automobiles in
terms of power, performance, amenities,
and safety.
So take a bow for keeping these new
and improved (albeit increasingly
complex) chariots on the road. After all,
while today’s cars are vastly better,
they’re also far more challenging when
it comes to repairs.
Oh, and the next time you hear
someone say, “They don’t make ’em like
they used to” kindly respond by saying:
“… yes, and thank goodness for that!”
5
You don’t repair just one vehicle make.
We don’t make parts for just one either.
IT’S TIME TO RETHINK WHAT DELPHI CAN DELIVER
Here’s just a glimpse. Ford. Fuel pumps. Nissan. Oxygen sensors. Toyota.
Ignition coils. Mini-Cooper. Compressors. Audi. Condensers. General Motors.
Radiators. Hyundai. MAF Sensors. Volkswagen. Common rail systems. Honda.
Fuel pressure regulators. Where we came from is only a part of where we’re going.
Delphi OE DNA. It’s inside every one of our parts.
F U E L MANAGEMENT
delphi.com/am
ENGINE MANAGEMENT
HEAT I N G & C O O L I NG
©2011 Delphi Automotive Systems, LLC. All rights reserved.
DI E S E L
SERVICE NOTES
VOLUME 16
Combatting
YouTube repairs
NUMBER 6
A DIYer might be able to swap out a part… but is it
the right part? That’s where diagnosis comes in.
451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ont. M9W 5C4
By Allan Janssen
EDITOR
David Menzies
david@canadiantechnician.ca
(416) 614-5824
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Allan Janssen
ajanssen@newcom.ca
(416) 614-5814
PUBLISHER
Martyn Johns
mjohns@newcom.ca
(416) 614-5826
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Lilianna Kantor
lkantor@newcom.ca
(416) 614-5815
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Tim Norton
production@canadiantechnician.ca
(416) 614-5810
DIRECTOR, QUEBEC OPERATIONS
Joe Glionna
PRESIDENT
Jim Glionna
PUBLISHED BY
Newcom Business Media
451 Attwell Drive
Toronto, Ont. M9W 5C4
Canadian Technician is published monthly except for January and July by Newcom
Business Media, Inc., 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ont. M9W 5C4. The magazine serves the
Canadian automotive repair and service industry. Subscriptions are free to those who meet
the criteria. For others: single copy price: $5.30; one-year subscription in Canada: $42.00
($40.00 plus applicable taxes); one-year subscription in U.S.: US$60; one-year subscription
in all other countries: US$90. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication august not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written
consent of the publisher. The advertiser agrees to protect the publisher against legal action
based upon libelous or inaccurate statements, unauthorized use of photographs, or other
material in connection with advertisements placed in Canadian Technician. The publisher
reserves the right to refuse any advertising which in his opinion is misleading, scatological,
or in poor taste. Postmaster: Send address changes to Canadian Technician, 451 Attwell
Drive, Toronto, Ont., M9W 5C4. Printed in Canada. Second class mail: Postage paid at
Toronto. Canadian Publications Mail Sales Agreement #40063170. ISSN 1710-7644.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government
of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF)
for our publishing activities.
Kenneth R. Wilson
Award Winner
Member
Canadian Business Press
“Belting One On”
by Wayne Moore
Phone (905) 632-8770
I
t’s amazing how different siblings can
be.
I have two brothers and two sisters,
and while we share many traits, in some
ways we couldn’t be more different.
Take auto repair, for example.
It was noted at a family gathering
recently that, faced with a small but
annoying problem under the hood of my
car, I would take it immediately to a
repair shop, explain the problem,
demand premium parts, and then read a
magazine until the repair was complete.
My sister Margot would do some
research online, watch a couple of DIY
videos, and then get intimidated. She too
would end up at a repair shop but would
carefully try to contain costs and she
would ask a lot of questions.
My sister Renee would watch the
videos, buy parts at a retail store, and
then execute a meticulous repair. She
did as much with a microwave oven
once, though we all scolded her for
taking her life into her own hands by
doing so.
My brother Luke would not watch
the videos. He would play around with
the inner workings of his car until everything was made clear.Then he would buy
used parts at a scrap yard and install them
using sometimes inappropriate tools and
brute strength. But it would work.
My brother Ivan would repair the old
part with an arc welding machine or
fashion new ones from bits of scrap
metal and epoxy. They would work
better than the originals, and would
correct other design issues as well.
These are gross exaggerations, of
course. All of us regularly go to repair
shops. But it is instructive to think about
what radically different customers we all
are, with our varying degrees of
mechanical skill, and our different
approaches to spending (or saving) money.
Furthermore, it is interesting to see
how popular DIY videos are. The one
that Margot brought to my attention, 1A
Auto, has its own channel on YouTube
with hundreds of repair videos covering
everything from belt replacements to
switching out the entire engine. And the
video she watched about a broken
window regulator had been watched by
more than 69,000 people!
Consider this comment from a viewer
that goes by the name CowLady1950: “I
am 61 years old and not a mechanic and
I replaced the window regulator all by
myself. Saved a bunch. Thanks.” And
there are hundreds of comments just like
that!
On the surface, a channel like 1A
Auto might be a little scary to those who
sell DIFM repairs. In this industry, we’re
so used to saying there are precious few
true DIY jobs left on a modern
automobile…but clearly there are plenty
of people still willing to try!
But listen to this. The repair that
Margot was tempted to try herself would
not have fixed the problem. When she
brought it to the repair shop, she learned
that the fault was not in the window
regulator at all, but with something
closely related. Her words to me: “Those
videos look great, but what they’re
missing is the diagnostics.”
Exactly! And you can’t do that in a
video or a manual.
What seems like a money saver is
actually a money waster if it doesn’t address
the true problem. And that’s the message
you want to convey to your customers.
Selling diagnosis is not always easy. But
real-life examples of how diagnosis by a
trained professional can save customers
big bucks should be communicated to
everyone who comes into your shop.
7
LETTERS
MORE W5 FEEDBACK
Regarding the W5 report, “The Mechanic”: I know many
honest and hard-working technicians and shop owners.To you
people, please keep up the good work. You work in a tough
industry; keep the faith, brothers and sisters!
Many of the facilities evaluated in the W5 report earned
failing grades. The typical scenario was one of unnecessary
repairs and maintenance being suggested to the undercover
reporter. It must’ve been very uncomfortable for these shops
to have a CTV camera crew later roll in, making it seem as if
the shops house petty criminals.
Still, I have some advice for all involved. Shop owners and
operators must figure out how to run an honest business. Your
operation should be built around customer retention. Come up
with reasonable maintenance schedule suggestions. Keep in
contact with your customers via phone, email, or even snail mail.
Your lack of business acumen and foresight should not lead
to your technicians being faced with the reality of putting
food on the table but without the means to make it happen.
The “starving technician” strategy effectively turns honest
people into desperate people, with foreseeable consequences.
If you go for the “wallet flush,” you may as well wave
goodbye to that customer. And it’s much easier keeping
existing customers than finding new ones. For those of you
who pointed W5 to the head office, nice deflection. If I
worked in head office, I think your franchise would be in
jeopardy. Many in the automotive business have earned a poor
reputation.Take the necessary steps to correct this condition.
Technicians: find an employer with integrity. If the owner
doesn’t have a good business plan in place for looking after
customers, you’ll be painted by the same brush. Ask difficult
questions of prospective employers before you sign on the
dotted line. I sure don’t like being lumped in with automotive
bandits – and neither do most technicians.
As a technician, you are essentially running a small business.
If you take pride in your work, and want to build some
customer loyalty, put your business card in the vehicle (that
your forward-thinking boss has provided for you, of course)
when the job’s finished. This way, when the customer returns,
he’ll likely ask for you.This would work out nicely in the long
8
CANADIAN TECHNICIAN AUGUST 2011
run, no? If your employer has a plan in place for customer
retention, then you shouldn’t need to recommend and charge
for unnecessary work.
When the vehicle comes in, have a good look at it. Point
out obvious flaws, and suggest maintenance and repairs that
would be beneficial. No vehicle owner wants to experience
unexpected failure at an inopportune moment, but that
doesn’t mean you should be replacing serviceable parts with
new ones “just in case”.
Customers: no one likes to spend money on auto repairs,
but maintenance and repairs are part of the cost of vehicle
ownership. Accept it. But also take the time to find someone
trustworthy. It is possible, and there are organizations such as
the Canadian Automobile Association and the Better Business
Bureau that can help guide you.
Some of the responsibility of avoiding being ripped-off rests
with you. Heed the warning signs. For example, if the person
working on your car isn’t willing to speak with you directly,
consider this to be a troublesome sign (although this doesn’t
mean you have the option of standing beside the technician
while your car is being repaired.)
Todd Green
Calgary
THANKS FROM SHAD’S
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Shad’s R & R, we’d like to
thank Canadian Technician for your continued support of our event.
The Shad’s ad placements create the desired awareness in
the aftermarket for our annual event. As you are aware, we
made a record donation of $175,000 to MDC, bringing our
cumulative donation over the past 38 years to $3,841,700.
Thanks again for all of your support as it is greatly appreciated.
John Vanstone
Chairman Shad’s R & R
Mississauga, Ont.
How to reach us
We love to hear from our readers. Please send along your opinions to
editor David Menzies at david@canadiantechnician.ca.
Now, We Do It All!
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Series automotive service chemicals. With Valvoline
Professional Series, you get a comprehensive line of
professional-grade products, services and solutions
all backed by industry leading marketing programs.
Valvoline Professional Series delivers maximum value
to consumers and helps grow your bottom line.
©, 2010, Ashland Canada Corp.
SUPPLIER NEWS
Carquest Names Supplier
of the Year
At its 2011 Supplier Summit, Carquest
Auto Parts named East Penn
Manufacturing as its 2010 Supplier of
the Year. The annual award was recently
renamed the Larry McCurdy Award, in
memory of Larry McCurdy, an industry
leader and former board member of
General Parts International, Inc. McCurdy
passed away last year. Carquest’s
Supplier of the Year Award was created in
1992 to recognize a supplier’s contribution to Carquest’s success through
quality products and outstanding
marketing support.
Moog expands product lineup
Federal-Mogul’s Moog steering and
suspension product line has been
expanded to include nearly 60 additional
high-volume replacement control arms,
sway bar links, ball joints, tie rod ends, coil
springs, and other components for latemodel European, Asian and domestic
applications. The latest premium-quality
MOOG parts include control arms for
millions of Jeep (Cherokee, Grand
Cherokee and Wrangler), Dodge truck
(Ram 2500 and 3500) and
Dodge/Plymouth (Neon) applications;
sway bar link kits for nearly 250,000
Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider
models; five inner tie rod end designs for
nearly 500,000 late-model Infiniti models;
outer tie rods for more than 200,000
Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 models; and 23
constant-rate coil springs for a broad range
of Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and
Nissan applications.
PartSource appoints Whyte as
AVP of Commercial Sales
PartSource has appointed Bruce Whyte
to Associate Vice-President of Commercial
Sales. The company notes Whyte’s
appointment is part of PartSource’s
commitment to build and grow its
commercial parts business. Whyte was
previously with Federal Mogul, where he
spent the past 19 years in progressively
senior sales leadership roles. He has held
various positions across Canada, most
recently managing the Ontario sales team
as well as key national accounts, including
Canadian Tire.
10
OUT & ABOUT
ACDelco launches new loyalty program for
independent shops
ACDelco Canada has launched a new
loyalty program that promises members
discounts on training, affiliation with a
global brand, and unlimited access to
online training and technical assistance.
Marcus Lyon, marketing manager for
ACDelco, says the new ACDelco
Automotive Care Experts (ACE)
program “is the perfect fit for an
independent service centre [that] needs
to get their techs properly trained at a
reasonable cost.”
The ACE program offers a series of
membership
benefits
including
ACDelco’s web-based training courses as
well as instructor-led training discounts.
Members also qualify to earn
ACDelco ACE Reward points every
month, as well as Moneris discounts.
Members also receive marketing
support in the way of POS materials
and branded merchandise.
Plus, members receive a 2% rebate on
all purchases of more than $1,000 per
month; rebates can be redeemed at a
selection of retail stores.
Lyon notes that ACDelco’s training
websites offer hundreds of technical
courses including new hybrid training
and specialty training.
ACE membership fees are $25 per
month. There’s also a sign-up fee that
Lyon declined to reveal, although he
says it is “competitive” with other
loyalty programs in the market.”
As well, Lyon notes the major
difference between the new ACE
program and the company’s existing
Total Service Support (TSS) program is
that the new loyalty initiative is “more
of a streamlined, entry level program.”
While Lyon says he doesn’t have a
forecast in terms of how many shops
will sign up to join ACE, he notes that
TSS – which has been operating for
more than a decade under various
names – currently has more than 1,300
members. Choosing which program to
join “boils down to the comfort level
with both programs,” he says.
The ACDelco ACE program is being
offered through participating ACDelco
Distributors. Independent shops can
register online via ACDelco’s
TechConnect website (www.Tech
ConnectCanada.com).
EYE Assault on battery
SPY
“My shop foreman took this photo of a 2005 Nissan Armada
that was recently in for some recall work,” writes Ryan
Diachok of Gord Scott Nissan in Red Deer, Alta. “When the
advisor questioned the customer to
update the service history and see if
he could sell any service, the customer
replied that ‘they do it themselves.’
We cautioned them on the condition
of their battery and suggested that we
install the correct one for proper fitment. Even though the Optima brand
batteries are great against vibration
and shock, we recommend that they
be fastened and secured to prevent
damage to the components in the
engine compartments.”
Have an interesting picture to share? Please send it along to EyeSpy, c/o Canadian
Technician, 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ont. M9W 5C4.
Or email your high-resolution image to the editor: david@canadiantechnician.ca
Is this the least safe vehicle on the road?
Are certain Jeep Grand Cherokees
unsafe?
The Center for Auto Safety (CAS)
thinks so – at least when it come to
those Grand Cherokee models made
from 1993 to 2004.
In fact, CAS is demanding that the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration force the Chrysler
Group to recall these Grand Cherokees,
claiming that these Jeeps (numbering
about 2.2 million units) pose a significantly high risk of fire in the event of a
rear-end collision.
The non-profit safety advocacy group
says it conducted three tests on the older
generation Jeep Grand Cherokee which
indicated the vehicle is vulnerable to
bursting into flames if hit from the rear.
Tests found the gas tank in the car, which
is housed behind the rear axle, is
Jeep Thrills
Paul Marinus, a technician at
Cory’s Engine Repair in Fox
Creek, Alta., sent in this photo
of his 1983 Jeep CJ7 – a
ground-up restoration project
with lots of goodies inside and
in the engine bay. It’s powered
by a 350 small block with
Weiand blower. It turned 400
hp and 430 ft.-lb. of torque on
a racing dyno. The project
took 10 years to complete.
vulnerable in a collision, and could leak
in the event of a rear-end crash.
“You can have the tank itself rupture,
you can have the filler hoses pull off as
they did in some of our crash tests, and
it’s just a terrible design,” Clarence
Ditlow, executive director of the group,
told ABC News.
According to the CAS, there have
been 64 deaths due to
accidents in these vehicles
where fire was “the most
harmful factor”.
For its part, Chrysler says
these vehicles were submitted
to tests more than three times
as extreme as the government
standard. Chrysler also points
out that the 1993-2004 Grand
Cherokees meet or exceed all
federal requirements, insisting that the
popular SUVs are no more dangerous
than any other vehicle of its type.
However, Chrysler did revise the
location of the fuel tank in the 2005
Jeep Grand Cherokee, moving it from
behind the rear differential to in front of
it, thus protecting it a bit more in the
event of a rear end collision. But
Chrysler notes this move was made not
due to safety concerns but rather to
increase cargo space.
READER
RIDES
You can see more Reader Rides on our website at www.canadiantechnician.ca.
And if you have a photo of a hot or unusual ride, feel free to send it in. We’ll publish
it up for all to enjoy! Send a pic of your ride to david@canadiantechnician.ca.
11
OUT & ABOUT
Quaker State launches warranty, cash-back program for loyal customers
When it comes to oil changes, it now
pays to use Quaker State. Literally.
Quaker State has launched a loyalty
program that offers motorists a limited
warranty and a cash-back rebate offer if
Quaker State oil is used exclusively over
the lifespan of the vehicle.
The details: drivers with vehicles
manufactured within the last six years
with 125,000 kilometers or less are
eligible to register for the Quaker State
Lubrication Limited Warranty. By using
Quaker State oil exclusively during the
life of the vehicle, motorists receive a
warranty that will cover 15 engine parts
against lubrication caused failure.
The Quaker State Lubrication
Limited Warranty takes effect six
months after the first eligible purchase
of Quaker State Texas tea.
In addition to the warranty
protection, the owner can also qualify for
a monetary reward under the Quaker
State Cash Back Bonus program. If the
vehicle racks up 400,000 km in mileage,
the program rewards consumers with the
trade-in value of their vehicle (as listed in
“Good” condition according to the
Kelley Blue Book) up to $3,000.
To be eligible for the cash-back
program, consumers must use a
Quaker State motor oil product
starting no later than when their
vehicle reaches 160,000 km.
The warranty requires that a
consumer service his vehicle’s engine
with Quaker State motor oil in the
service classification, viscosity grade, and
interval that is appropriate for their
vehicle (as recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer.) The warranty is transferrable, but all receipts must be retained.
Also, consumers enrolled in the
program must follow all scheduled
engine maintenance recommendations
by the vehicle manufacturer, including
replacement of air filter and air cleaner
element and maintenance of the
emission control system.
“When you look at where the
economy is, we want the consumer to
get the most out of their vehicles,” says
Chris Hayek, Quaker State global
brand manager.
Hayek notes there are a growing
number of drivers – especially younger
drivers – who have absolutely “no
preference when it comes to motor oil.”
Quaker State is hoping to change the
prevailing “oil is oil” mindset.
As well, Hayek notes vehicles
exceeding 400,000 km on the odometer
aren’t as rare as one might think. Citing
data from DesRosiers Automotive
Consultants, there are about 825,000
vehicles in Canada that have racked up
more than 400,000 klicks.
13
FROM OUR FORUM
Recent postings on www.canadiantechnician.ca/forum
W5 segment: Balanced reporting or hatchet job?
In April, CTV’s W5 aired its expose on the automotive aftermarket
– it was not pretty. Here’s how the discussion unfolded.
Apparently it’s automotive
aftermarket hunting season again.
CTV’s W5 teamed up with the
Automobile Protection Association for
another undercover expose regarding
the honesty and competency of those
working in auto shops. The skinny: a
car equipped with a hidden camera is
brought to several shops with an easy to
spot problem (a loose battery cable.)
W5 then goes on to document the
results. And after viewing the segment,
what do you think: Is the W5 report
fair and balanced investigative
journalism? Or is it a hatchet job?
David
Most of the work performed,
while some being questionable, was a
recommendation with the consumer
ultimately making the decision to go
forward. Some of the work performed
due to the loose battery cable may have
been the shop not looking far enough
into the problem and just assuming
(starter replacement) and another just
due to the flat-rate pay system... how
much could the tech charge them to
tighten the cable when it may have been
his only job that morning and after all
she did tell the writer that it would not
start 2 or 3 times. The amount they
loosened that cable the vehicle should
not have started at all. Maybe they
should do a story on lawyers and have
them justify their ridiculous fees and
disbursements or maybe get the guy
who installs laminate flooring to justify
why he charges $60+/hr?
Swede
I’m not too sure how they can
openly
tarnish
a
company’s
image/reputation and not get sued. A
lot of shops are coming off their slow
season and some shop owners are
trying to get every extra penny they
14
can – this may translate into improper
communication with car owners.What
happens at this shop whenever an
“expose” is in the news is a tightening
of procedure. Basically we go into
overdrive with our communications
with our clients. First thing is the news
item is downloaded to my terminal,
that way if it comes up in conversation
we can play it and comment on it.
Secondly, we make sure to explain to
our clients what is being charged on
their repair orders. And lastly, if a new
client-to-be calls for car repairs, we are
very careful in the words we choose
when describing the work being done,
and the expected outcome.
ALLNUTS^no bolts
I think it would also be interesting to see the excess footage that
was left on CTV’s cutting room floor.
For example, how much of the repair
work was “suggested” as opposed to
“mandated”? To see the hours of raw
footage that did not make it to air
might prove to be fascinating.
David
It’s funny, they had their
“expert” pre-checking and rigging the
cars but chances are, if he had just
been a tech at one of the shops he
would have been another rip-off
mechanic. Sure, there are places that
overcharge and do unnecessary repairs
and they should be called on it. But
there are many places that are simply
trying to keep up with the constantly
changing technology and tooling. And
believe it or not, training and new
equipment aren’t free ($1,300 Solus
Pro update last week) so they have no
choice but to charge accordingly and,
yes, up-sell when the opportunity is
there and valid.
caravanman
It would be very interesting to
see the footage that wound up on the
cutting room floor. Trying to be as
unbiased as possible here, I think the
key word in all of these instances is
“maintenance”. The idea behind
maintenance is to do the work
BEFORE the component fails. The
aftermarket has been publishing
material for decades educating the
consumer about service intervals,
scheduled maintenance, and when
various items should be inspected
and/or replaced. And for that the
consumer is thankful. But when a
shop recommends said maintenance
and it’s deemed unnecessary by an
assumed professional, all of a sudden
the shop is ripping-off people.
Gadgetman
Ratings are to news shows as
flat rate is to auto repair.
TechY
I would like to see the footage
held back. They make the comment
that the battery was tested on these
vehicles prior to bringing them to the
shops – but we don’t see that. Was this
vehicle towed to the shops because of
a no-start or driven to the shops? If it
was driven for a length of time with a
loose battery terminal, was the battery
charged prior to failing the tests? We as
an industry and the general public are
missing a lot of information.
MaritimeStorm
Join the discussion! Log on to
www.canadiantechnician.ca/forum
and see what everyone’s talking about.
If you’ve got an opinion to share,
we want to hear it.
© 2009, Ashland Canada Corp.
*Source: Thomas Penway Research Poll of ASE Mechanics in the United States
www.v a lv o li n e . c o m
Only one person works on his car.
And only one oil works in his engine.
More ASE-certified top mechanics use Valvoline in their own cars.*
<TRWP]XRbRP]dbTP]h^X[cWThfP]cCWThRW^^bTcWT^]TfXcWP_aêT]
aT_dcPcX^]Uâ`dP[Xch_a^cTRcX^]P]SPWXbcâhÛX]]êPcX^]EP[e^[X]T
100 YEARS UNDER THE HOOD.
TM
MANAGEMENT S.O.S.
IN THIS SERIES OF FICTIONAL LETTERS FROM A NEW SHOP OWNER TO HIS FORMER BOSS,
MANAGEMENT TRAINER KELLY BENNETT DISCUSSES BASIC BUSINESS PRINCIPLES THAT
APPLY TO THE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR INDUSTRY.
REMEMBERING
MY BEST MENTOR EVER
FINDING A GOOD MENTOR CAN HELP BOLSTER YOUR
BUSINESS – AND ENRICH YOUR LIFE.
By Kelly Bennett
DEAR KELLY:
This past week I’ve been reflecting on how far my
business has come in the past five years. When
we celebrated our fifth anniversary, many of our
customers congratulated us on how the business
has evolved and grown. This morning I passed by our old
building – a glorified hut – and wondered how we ever operated there.
As I drove up to our new facility this morning, I felt proud. Seeing the
police cars and ambulances outside that we’re entrusted to service
was yet another indicator of our success. I pulled out the binder with all
of the emails we have sent back and forth. The first one really jumped
out. I asked you, “WHY AM I HERE?” I now know why and I’m glad I am!
Thanks again for your help along the way.
-Erol
DEAR EROL:
This has been a huge time of
reflection for me, too. A few months ago,
I learned that my first mentor – and
cherished friend – Bob O’Connor had
been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Bob was an icon in our industry for
more than 30 years. In fact, my first
workshops were put on by Bob in
Canada back in the early ’90s.
I recall so clearly going to that first
Technician
Time
Management
workshop, hoping I’d pick up a few
ideas on how to improve my business.
16
What I wasn’t mentally prepared for was
listening to Bob. As I feverishly took
notes, I said to myself, “Wow – I
thought I knew a lot about this
business.” But I came to realize I was still
a rookie.
At the end of that first two-day
workshop, Bob asked the group a
question: “If you were to sum up what
you’ve learned during the past two days
in one word, what would it be?”
My answer, which I said aloud, was:
“Humbled!”
Oh, I knew a lot about fixing cars
and I was proud of my abilities. In fact,
I was convinced I was the country’s
best technician. I know confidence is
important, and we should never be
too hard on ourselves (as we often
are.) However, I realized, for the first
time, that my confidence had
morphed into arrogance.
I realized that day that while I had
honed my skills as a superb technician, I
wasn’t such a superb manager. I began
pondering how I needed to focus, more
than ever before, on how to become a
better manager.
But how could I connect the dots?
Where do we learn the necessary skills?
While it wasn’t Bob’s intention, I left
the session feeling somewhat stupid. In
fact, I was ignorant about my own
stupidity!
Over the years, I got to know Bob
when I needed to feel energized thanks
to the wind evaporating from my sails.
What’s more, who can we turn to for
inspiration? Sometimes, it’s a spouse or a
partner or even our kids and parents.
Erol, every email, letter or phone call
from you inspires me. In our
management groups, I’m inspired at
every meeting from the facilitator and
other members, and this inspiration has
made me a voracious reader.
I’m currently reading Onward by
Howard Schultz, the returning CEO of
Starbucks. The book tells the story about
the rise and near fall of the coffee
leviathan that has more than $10 billion
in annual revenue with more than
200,000 partners (Starbucks-speak for
employees.). I often find myself thinking,
back and ponder, I now realize that one
of the driving forces for me was
motivation. I never recall feeling
unmotivated. In fact, I think most selfemployed people are, in many ways, too
motivated. We become workaholics –
and even brag about this affliction.
I now realize there were countless
times that I had lost my inspiration.
There were definitely several occasions
“Hey, if this guy can turnaround a
company that massive (and end up having
the best financial year in four decades),
what can a small shop owner do with his
business?” One thing becomes clear in
Onward: Schultz couldn’t do it by himself.
Rather, he sought out mentors – and he
learned from them.
Back to Bob: of all of the mentors
I’ve drawn inspiration from, Bob was
Larry Dickison
really well. He became my mentor and
he taught me something that really
changed my career and my life. He
taught me that there are many mentors,
not just one. It’s true. There are mentors
all around us. I’ve had several employees
over the years that had education and
experience in areas that I was lacking in.
In those areas, they became my mentors.
I’ve found mentors in dozens of books
I’ve read over the years. I’ve learned
from mentors who have written articles
about our industry and others. I’ve
attended workshops with some
amazingly talented people. I’ve watched
dozens of movies portraying stories of
incredibly inspiring people.
Being self-employed for 24 years, it’s
been an interesting journey. As I look
the best. Along with thousands of other
shop owners, I took dozens of training
sessions with his company. Hundreds of
us joined his management groups and
we wouldn’t be where we are today
without his training and coaching.
I had an amazing opportunity
recently. I flew to Seattle to spend an
unforgettable week with Bob, his wife
Linda, and their family. Yes, I was there
cooking and helping to take care of Bob
while encouraging Linda and the kids. I
also got to sit at the bedside of my
mentor/friend one last time. We talked,
we laughed, we cried. I learned
firsthand of Bob’s journey from being a
gas jockey (or as Bob would say,
“Refueling Engineer”) to working as a
technician and manager in dealerships
to owning his own shop before moving
on to consulting, training, and coaching.
Bob passed away recently. He was in
his home, overlooking the lake behind
his house, with his family at his side.The
night before his passing, his daughter,
Carmen, asked if I’d be willing to speak
at his celebration of life service. She
wanted to let him know that evening,
and words failed me when I tried to say
how honoured I felt.
Life isn’t always a bowl of cherries.
Bob lived a great life and I suspect he
never endured a boring moment. He
lived life grandly and he leaves behind a
great legacy. He taught. He coached. He
inspired. His knowledge is still being
shared with thousands of shop owners
throughout North America. Indeed,
what more could we want when it’s our
turn for the final curtain to know that
we made a huge difference and
impacted the lives of countless people?
As always Erol, I am only an email
away.
Kelly
Kelly Bennett is a
certified management
trainer and has been coaching
automotive repair shop
owners since 1990.
You can reach him at
kellythecoach@aol.com.
17
Going
Beltless
Automotive belts are commonplace.
But in the not-too-distant future,
expect this to change. By Jeff Taylor
I
f someone were to ask the
question, “What is the future
of the automotive belt?” you
might be surprised by my
answer. Indeed, I
see
dependency on the automotive drive
belt beginning to fade. And although
belts are going to be around for some
time (albeit in a diminished capacity),
there will likely come a point wherein
the belt will take its place upon the
scrapheap of obsolescence. In the
meantime, let’s take a look at the
current situation.
Most of us have witnessed the
transition from the simple V-belt to the
serpentine drive belt system that was
first used back on the 1979 Ford
Mustang. The serpentine belt was
invented by the Gates Rubber
Company
(now
the
Gates
Corporation) and has become the
mainstay to drive the needed accessories that a modern day car or truck
needs. The serpentine belt runs the AC
and power steering. As well, it replenishes the charge in the battery and
pumps air into the exhaust to clean up
emissions. It supplies a vacuum for
controls and brakes; it spins the water
pump; and it runs a cooling fan.
Nevertheless, its days are numbered.
18
The first car that was mass-produced
without any drive belt system has already
been in production for more than two
years.The future is here in the form of the
2010 Toyota Prius, a car that doesn’t have
a single belt. And the reason is simple:
belts are a waste of mechanical energy
that the ICE (internal combustion
engine) has to produce. The drive belt
system in a modern automobile loses
about 13% of the energy that is put into it
via mechanical loss (friction). That’s
excessive. Indeed, as most automotive
manufacturers are striving for better fuel
economy/fewer emissions, the drive belt
system is now in the crosshairs. Although
the drive belt won’t disappear overnight,
the way it’s used and manufactured –and
how we decide when service is due – is
going to change.
I believe we’re going to see a slow
transition to a beltless engine or a very
efficient belt drive system in the future –
in fact, such a transition is already
underway. One of the first things that
became beltless was the cooling fan as
the use of an electric cooling fan reduces
demands on the engine. Even with a
clutch, a mechanical cooling fan draws a
lot of power from the ICE as it’s
constantly spinning. The use of an
electric cooling fan means the PCM can
turn it on and off when needed, meaning
there’s little wasted energy. Making a
cooling fan beltless was easy. So a move
was made to the AIR (air injection
reaction) pump, making it electric. It
could be mounted anywhere under the
hood or on the engine, and as it’s only
used during certain engine operating
conditions, it doesn’t need to be driven
all the time. The PCM can now decide
when and for how long the AIR pump
needs to run and the ICE does not have
to incur any parasitic losses in driving
something that isn’t being used.
It may not seem like much, but
anything that’s being turned by the ICE
is using energy and producing emissions
– which is why the engineers didn’t
stop at the AIR pump. The next area
engineers started looking at seriously
was the power steering pump.
A drive belt has been turning the
power steering pump since it was first
used in an automotive application back
in 1951 on the Chrysler Imperial. The
engineers were not concerned about
fuel economy or what was coming out
the tailpipe back in the early ’50s,
although they were concerned about
driver comfort. Now engineers are
concerned about fuel economy and
tailpipe emissions – but the consumer
isn’t about to give up power steering.
To achieve the best of both worlds,
electric power steering was developed.
The idea of electric power steering has
been around in some form since 1965
when Ford dabbled with the idea (but
only with an experimental fleet.) Ford
used an electric-hydraulic power
steering system and a quick ratio
steering box, and the idea was that it
was only to be used if the main pump
failed or the engine stalled.
In the early ’90s, Toyota used an
electric-hydraulic power steering
setup in its MR2. Being a mid/rear
engine sports car, Toyota didn’t want
to run power steering lines to the rack
at the front of the vehicle. The
electric-hydraulic system is not beltdriven, so there’s no parasitic loss on
the ICE created by the driving of a
power steering pump (it’s electric.)
The electrical load is absorbed by the
alternator.
Engineers still thought they could
get more out of this system and indeed
they did so by removing the hydraulic
parts. The next step was to full electric
power assist. By doing so, the average
fuel economy for an automobile
increased 1.5-2% and at a very minimal
cost to the consumer. Electric power
steering (EPA) was first used in the
Acura NSX in 1990. Today, most
manufacturers see the benefits of EPA
and have incorporated this system in
many of their current models. EPA
increases fuel economy and lowers
emissions by not having to be driven by
the ICE. But it also eliminates brackets,
pumps, lines, fluid reservoirs, coolers,
and hydraulic controls, thereby
reducing overall weight. And a lighter
vehicle means a more fuel-efficient
vehicle with lower emissions.
Manufacturers aren’t just concerned
about the carbon footprint of their
vehicles once they’re on the road.
They’re also paying attention to the
manufacturing processes. The use of an
EPA streamlines manufacturing and
lowers service costs. A hidden benefit to
the incorporation of an EPA system on
a car/truck is that it can be easily tied
into the vehicle’s stability control
system. Most full hybrids use an electric
Cracks used to be commonplace with old
EPDM serpentine belts before the changeover
was made to the newer Neoprene formula.
water pump. They can be fully
controlled by the PCM and keep the
ICE at a very precise temperature for
better efficiency. The use of a full blown
electric water pump on a standard nonhybrid application will lead to a
substantial increase in efficiency. A
PCM controlled electric water pump
can use up to 80% less energy than a
conventional belt/chain-driven one. As
the speed of a belt-driven water pump is
engine speed dependent, precise engine
temperature control is very difficult. If
the PCM can control the engine’s
temperature, fuel economy, emissions,
and passenger comfort are all improved.
So what’s next? If the vehicle is a full
hybrid, there may not be the need for
any belts at all as everything can be
driven electrically. But if it is a mild
hybrid incorporating idle stop, then it
may use the drive belt system to
improve fuel economy. Using a starter
generator idle stop system can lower
19
fuel consumption 5% to 10% in stop
and go driving. All this is accomplished
through the use of a unique drive belt
system that uses a specially-designed
aramid core multiple V-ribbed belt and
A cross-section of a new serpentine belt.
special tensioner setup.
We have also seen the adoption of
the stretchy belt. This design uses a
special stretch-to-fit belt that has no
tensioner. A no tensioner assembly
means a couple of things: lighter weight
and the elimination of a spinning pulley.
Although it may not seem like much if
you remove these parts and rotating
assembly, if it is carried out on
thousands of vehicles, the resulting
improved fuel economy/emissions
reductions makes it worthwhile to
pursue.
The stretchy belt also keeps the
proper tension on the belt over its entire
life, and proper tension will result in a
more efficient drive. As technicians, we
have seen the transition from EPDMbased belt formulations to the use of
neoprene-based belts, which effectively
double the average lifespan of a belt
from 80,000 km to 160,000 km.
To improve the efficiency of the
drive belt system and further reduce
friction, manufacturers are changing the
compounds used to make belts. Making
the belt more flexible can lead to a
dramatic increase in efficiency (up to
10% claimed by some manufacturers).
As well, coatings on the belt’s surface can
increase grip and the use of different
fabrics that are impregnated with special
materials can also be used. The goal is
simple: reduce the frictional loses that the
belt drive system incurs.
Belt manufacturers are even working
on lifetime belts (Continental already has
a lifetime timing belt) so don’t be
surprised to see this trend become
mainstream in the not-too-distant future.
Nothing stands still in the automotive
industry. Research and development are
the norm, and engineers are always
looking to improve the status quo. With
new regulations affecting mileage (39
mpg or 6L/100km for cars and 30 mpg
or 7.8L/100km for trucks by 2016),
manufacturers are going to be looking
even harder to increase fuel economy.
The drive belt system is getting a lot of
attention given that it is a system that
can be – and likely will be – totally
eliminated.
Jeff Taylor is a technician at Eccles Auto
Service in Dundas, Ont.
$223,000
in extra annual revenue
,000
8 10 50
units sold
out
of
inground lifts are SmartLifts*
5-month
payback
85
years of inground experience
Shown: Model SL210X
10,000 lbs. capacity
Environmentally
Friendly
There’s strength in the numbers
behind the SmartLift®.
Now there’s more. The original environmentally friendly inground lift features
the new Trio™ superstructure – providing the widest drive-through clearance
in the industry along with a three-stage arm that can reach almost any
pick-up point. And it’s tested to perform for 20,000 cycles. That adds up
to greater reliability, faster service and years of increased revenue. All from
Rotary, the world’s most trusted lift.
To learn more about the SmartLift, call
800-640-5438 or visit rotarylift.com/trio/ct
*Based on ALI’s reporting of High-Pressure Inground Lifts
21
If you partake in this magazine’s
AutoPuzzle, you may have noticed we ask a
question every issue.Your opinions matter,
and believe us: we read every response, from
the witty and sarcastic to the heartfelt and
profound. And since sharing is caring,
without further ado, here are the responses to
our questions compiled to date:
We Had Questions –
Over the last few years, we’ve asked
Here’s what
“Customers wanting free diagnostic
over the phone or at the front counter.”
Scott Dermott, Scott’s Auto Repair,
Alliston, Ont.
“They usually don’t tell you all you
need to know.”
Wayne Hughes, Phillips Suzuki,
Charlottetown, P.E.I.
“Customers who are always right!”
Tyrelle Kettle, Sullivan Motor Products,
Houston, B.C.
“Customers not knowing what parts
they need.”
“How they are so poor in describing
the problem that they want you to fix.”
Dwain Dickson, C&C Motors,
Whitby, Ont.
Ray Hempler, Ram Automotive,
Mission, B.C.
“Ever since… wasn’t like that before.”
“When you diagnose a problem and
the customer argues with you because
their ‘cousin’ told them it was
something else.”
Dirk Wassow, Canadian Tire,
Nanaimo, B.C.
“When they bring in their own parts. Do
they bring their own steak to the Keg?”
Rod Francis, Knuckles Auto Repair,
Lunenburg, N.S.
Leon Montinola, Midas Auto Service,
Surrey, B.C.
“Customers not understanding the
fact that if a technician is not working
on a vehicle, he/she is not earning any
pay and his/her wage is NOT the
door rate.”
Linda Clifford, Murray Dunn GM,
Nipawin, B.C.
“My pet peeve is customers who research
online about problems with their cars
then come in with preconceived notions
of what’s wrong with their vehicles when
in fact they have researched the wrong
info. Therefore, they don’t listen to what
we have to recommend.”
“They think that they are always right.”
Dennis Kokovai, Serbu Tire/Wheel City
Windsor, Windsor, Ont.
Mike Tarasiewicz,
OK Tire & Automotive,
Hamilton, Ont.
“They lie about the age of their cars!”
Stephen Wilson, West York Chev Olds,
Toronto
Larry Dickison
What is your
biggest pet
peeve when it
comes to
dealing with
customers?
“Expectations that are too high caused
at dealerships by salespersons who
overpromise/under-deliver.”
What was the
best advice you
ever received
about this
trade?
Bryan Rashleigh, Subaru of
Mississauga, Mississauga, Ont.
“Impatience.”
“The old statement, ‘Anybody can do
brakes.’”
“Be honest with clients. Take care of
them and they will be loyal.”
Mark Charlie, Midas Newton,
Surrey, B.C.
Perry VanderGulik, Jem Auto Service,
Coquitlam, B.C.
George Bitsanis, Docteur Silencieux,
Laval, Que.
22
You’ve Got Answers
d for your opinions on myriad topics.
“R.T.F.B. – Read The F***ing Book.
Always checks specs and procedures in
your manual.”
you had to say.
Wanda Michelin, Toromont Cat,
Goose Bay, Labrador
“Do it right the first time and you
won’t have to do it over again.”
Coquitlam, B.C.
“Learn by your mistakes you learn
something new every day (or almost.)”
Georges Huppe, Hill Top Cartage,
Hawkesbury, Ont.
“Hone up on your
drivability and AC skills.”
electrical,
Michael Hoffman, Practice Auto Care,
Kelowna, B.C.
“Treat every customer equally; old car,
new car.Treat them both right.”
Elaine Stewart, Mildmay Automotive,
Mildmay, Ont.
“The Neon – easy to repair.”
Jerry Broderick, Sarnia Top Gear,
Sarnia, Ont.
“1957 Chevy Nomad.”
Jeff Panel, Jem Auto Service,
Coquitlam, B.C.
“Do the best job that you are able to
the first time.”
“Hyundai Pony.”
Gerry Terry, Frost Automotive,
Trenton, Ont.
Rod Francis, Knuckles Auto Repair,
Lunenburg, N.S.
“The first year is the hardest.”
“I would love to see the ’Cuda come
back with a modern version of the 426
Hemi.”
Junaid Sharif, Jem Auto Service,
Coquitlam, B.C.
“If you don’t know, don’t be afraid of
asking!”
“Train, train, train. Stay on top of new
technology.”
Gary Broomfield, Serco,
Goose Bay, Labrador
Shawn Devlin, Midas Auto Service,
Surrey, B.C.
“If you borrow a tool more than three
times, you need to buy it.”
“Do not cheap out on tools.”
Francis Girabetz, Turpin Autoworld, Bells
Corners, Ont.
What vehicle no
longer being
produced would
you like to see
brought back?
Conrad Van Bostelem, Graham’s
Garage, Coaldale, Alta.
Terry Skurczak, Keham Garage,
Lachine, Que.
“Honda CR-X and Toyota MR2.”
Steve Christie, Eastway Toyota/Lexus of
Windsor, Windsor, Ont.
“1969 Barracuda Fastback.”
Julie Burnie, Scott’s Auto Repair,
Alliston, Ont.
“Don’t assume anything.”
“Choose to stay in this trade as nobody
can live without their vehicles.”
Richard Petrowski, Rick’s Performance,
Winnipeg
Daryll McLean, Crowfoot Brake &
Muffler, Calgary
“You never stop learning.”
“Don’t ever be too proud to ask a
question. There isn’t anybody who
knows everything.”
Mike Amado, East Vancouver
Alignment, Vancouver
Paul Cleary, Serco,
Goose Bay, Labrador
“AMC Pacer.”
Jim Turner, Jacobson Pontiac,
Kelowna, B.C.
“Plymouth Roadrunner. Beep! Beep!”
William Kamaraus,
Kamaraus Garage,
Beausejour, Man.
23
SURVEY SAYS
“Vega, Pinto, Festiva, Omni, K-Car,
Geo, Gremlin.”
Gerry’s Truck Centre, London, Ont.
“Barracuda. Any year.”
Dawn Zabrodski, Pyramid Collision
Center, Neepawa, Man.
“The Tucker.”
Winnipeg
What makes a
good/bad
customer?
with the CODA
SHOCK/STRUT TESTER
“Chevette.”
Alex Novak, Farrell’s Ultramar,
St. Antigonish, N.S.
“Ford Maverick Grabber.”
“A terrific customer is open to
suggestion. A customer from hell
expects everything.”
Don Kamaraus, Kamaraus Garage,
Beausejour, Man.
Dennis Kokovai, Wheel City
Windsor/Serbu Tire, Windsor, Ont.
“Dodge Super Bee.”
Trevor Gracie, Canadian Tire #063,
Dieppe, N.B.
“Good: Someone who trusts you. Bad:
Someone who thinks they know everything.”
“Chevy Astro/GMC Safari.”
Bryan Snideman, Dick’s Auto & Truck
Repair, Red Deer, Alta.
Coquitlam, B.C.
“Chevy Chevette – an awesome car!”
Allison Leclair, Midas, Midland, Ont.
Increase
Your
Shock/Strut
Sales
A light weight, hand held device,
that is simple to operate, cordless
and rechargeable.
“Good: One that has gained your trust.
Bad: One that can’t afford to fix his car.”
Clayton Saulnier,
Clayts Offroad & Auto,
Clare, N.S.
“Mercury Comet.”
Dirk Wusson, Canadian Tire,
Nanaimo, B.C.
“Good: Realistic understanding of
regular maintenance. Bad: Someone
who thinks he knows it all.”
“I would like to see the Plymouth
Barracuda. It’s such a tough-looking
car.”
Anthony Rauws,
Marshall Automotive,
Barrie, Ont.
Collette Shynkar, Wheel City
Windsor/Serbu Tire, Windsor
“Good:Trust in your work.”
“Datsun 510.”
Craig Birchall, Wally’s Garage,
Bracebridge, Ont.
Brook McCarthy, Vernon Kia,
Vernon, B.C.
“Good: Loyalty or trust. Bad: Lack of
loyalty or trust.”
“’69 Roadrunner 440. An old beau had
one I used to drive. Fell in love – with
the car, not the guy!”
Jodie Roy, C.A.R.S. – Kamloops,
Kamloops, B.C.
AnnMarie Crocker, Head’s Auto Repair,
Cold Lake, Alta.
“Good: The trusting ones. Bad: The
complainers.”
“How about the Lada, Pinto,Yugo, etc.?
Just to provide job creation for towing.”
Jon Vine,
H. Welburn & Fils Towing & Recovery,
Huntingdon, Que.
Kevin DeHaan, John’s Auto Supply,
Smithville, Ont.
“Good: Willing to listen and learn. Bad:
Know it all!”
Steve Skopyk, Integra Tire, Calgary
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25
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The GOODYEAR (and Winged Foot Design) trademark is used by Veyance Technologies, Inc. under license from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
Goodyear Engineered Products are manufactured and sourced exclusively by Veyance Technologies, Inc. or its affiliates. The Gatorback trademark is licensed to Veyance Technologies, Inc. by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
©2011 Veyance Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SURVEY SAYS
“‘Re and Re’ is remove and replace.”
“Good: Personality. Bad: Attitude.”
Barry P. Stahls, Brooke Automotive
Repair, Owen Sound, Ont.
Diane Kirby, #1 Fix MB,
Mississauga, Ont.
“A terrific customer isn’t in a rush and
pays on time versus one who wants it
yesterday for less.”
Lachine, Que.
“Good: The size of his wallet. Bad:
Likewise, the size of his wallet.”
Coquitlam, B.C.
What was the
most bizarre
question a
customer has
ever asked you?
“A difficult customer who gets satisfied
becomes your advocate!”
Joe Bovaird, Norrad Chrysler,
Sussex, B.C.
“I loved to increase the performance of
vehicles since I was a kid.”
Richard Petrowksi, Rick’s Performance,
Winnipeg
“If I have a screw in my tire and I take
it out will the tire go flat?”
“Good: Trust. Bad: Body odor and no
trust.”
Dennis Kokoai, Serbu Tire, Windsor, Ont.
George Bitsanis, Docteur Silencieux,
Laval, Que.
“But do you think it’s safe?”
Perry Vandergulik, JEM Auto Service,
Coquitlam, B.C.
“A customer once asked me if it was
now against the law to repair tires.”
Jim Anderson, Settler, Alta.
What
nicknames do
you have for
parts or
procedures?
What is the
story behind
your shop’s
name?
“Can you jump a 4-cylinder with a 6cylinder?”
Dale Alford, EDP Service Ltd.,
Victoria, B.C.
“Is this the LCBO [Liquor Control
Board of Ontario]?”
“My boss’s father ran the shop years
ago and the name stayed when he took
over.”
Alex Novak, Farrell’s Ultramar,
St. Antigonish, N.S.
“My name is Casey Cats – very unique,
easily recognizable and well-known.”
Casey Cats, Casey Cats Enterprises,
Windsor, Ont.
“My boss’s first name is Kerry and his
last name is Hamilton. He took the ‘Ke’ from Kerry and the ‘h-a-m’ from
Hamilton and came up with ‘Keham.’”
Lachine, Que.
Darlene Hillier, Prochilo Bros. Auto
Collision, Toronto
“Here’s the situation: we’re in
Northern Ontario and we do car
audio.”
“CPR – calipers, pads, rotors; LOF –
lube, oil, filter.”
“Can you patch it? I’m going to sell it
anyway.”
Norm Pinard, Northern Auto Sound,
Sudbury, Ont.
Charlene Doberstein, Midas Auto
Service, Surrey, B.C.
Dave Becker, Old Fashioned Services,
Peterborough, Ont.
“We call a Ford 5.4 L spark plug
replacement the ‘Good Luck Job.’”
“Can you please change the air in my
tires? The air must be old by now, right?”
Andre Laramee, Laramee Sales &
Service, St. Eustache, Man.
Ted Grigoratos, Catel Auto Ltd., Toronto
“Playing a game with other techs, we
had to come up with a team name. I
came up with Top Techs. A couple of
years later, I opened a shop and called it
Top Tech Automotive.”
Shannon Lavoie, Top Tech Automotive,
Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
“‘Guppie Bulbs’ for 194 bulbs.”
“Do I have to explain what’s wrong
with my vehicle?”
Fred Wiens, King George Nissan,
Surrey, B.C.
Tyler Dermott, Scott’s Auto Repair,
Alliston, Ont.
“’Horizon’ is our limit plus owner’s last
name.”
“1. Full function valve (FF2) is a ‘foo foo
valve’; 2.Trailer pin is a ‘horse cock.’”
“Do you have tires?”
Daniel Fortin, Horizon Lussier,
Marieville, Que.
Julie Holden, Action Tire, Barrie, Ont.
Continued on page 34
27
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© 2011 Honeywell International Inc. Printed in Canada.
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BOOKMOBILE
By David Menzies
The World’s Worst Concept Cars: From Creative
Failures to Breathtakingly Ugly Disasters by Richard Dredge
(320 pages, Amber Books Ltd.)
Often, concept cars make for a sneak peak at the sort of
wheels that will be rolling into new car dealerships in the
near future.Then again, sometimes a concept car amounts to
fantastical artistic expression by the automaker’s design team
– an exercise to cut loose and have some fun with no
intention of actually bringing the thing to market.
Concept cars push the envelope when it comes to form
and function, being equal parts fantastic and futuristic. But
that doesn’t mean every concept car is a masterpiece.
Rather, in the concept car game, there are lemons aplenty –
the sort of vehicles that leave people shaking their heads for
all the wrong reasons.
For those who like to gaze upon the motoring mistakes
of others, check out The World’s Worst Concept Cars, an
amusing anthology of auto atrocities – most of which were
– thankfully – never brought to market.
As author Richard Dredge notes, concept cars give us an
opportunity to look into the future – but often those who
forecast what’s on the way are seriously detached from
reality. In the minds of far-sighted designers, automobiles
have forever been
on the brink of
turning
into
machines that can
glide above the
ground,
driving
themselves while
using a minimum
of resources. Other
common themes
include aircraft-style aerodynamics, jaw-dropping
technology, and phenomenal efficiency.
Yet, sadly, the reality of modern motoring has rarely lived
up to the hype of these futuristic concepts. More than a
century after the car arrived, there’s still no autopilot; cars
still need a road on which to drive; and in most cases, cars
use the same basic mechanical layout that was adopted in the
nineteenth century.
The book is divided into five chapters: Bad Design,
Minimal Effort, Completely Pointless, Madly Impractical,
and Errors of Judgement.
Numerous examples of car carnage abound: 1999 Honda
Fuya-Jo (“A cross between an armoured car and a supermarket trolly”); 1956 Packard Protector (“Seen more than half
a century on, the Protector looks nothing less than horrifically
ugly – a mishmash of jarring lines”); 2008 GMC Denali XT
(“Talk about fiddling while Rome burned – it is no wonder
that General Motors went belly-up soon after the GMC
Denali XT was unveiled. It was not a luxury car nor was it an
SUV or even a pick-up, yet it had elements of all three.”)
The World’s Worst Concept Cars makes for a wickedly fun
read and proof positive that even when automakers have
gazillions of dollars to play with, they nevertheless often get
it hideously wrong.
Driving Like Crazy by P.J. O’Rourke (268 pages, Grove
Press.)
With the internal combustion engine under attack
by so many forces these days,
how refreshing to come across
a book that is essentially an
unapologetic love letter to
horsepower, torque, and, yes,
freedom.
In Driving Like Crazy, libertarian satirist P.J. O’Rourke
thumbs his politically incorrect
nose square in the faces of those
who look upon car owners as
pariahs. And while theories abound as to what caused the
decline of the once great American auto industry, O’Rourke
lays the blame on kill-joys and nanny state adherents.
“The American car industry was not destroyed by its cars.
The American car industry was destroyed by the FunSuckers.You know the Fun-Suckers.You may be married to
one. The Fun-Suckers go around saying how unsafe this fun
thing is and how unhealthy that fun thing is and how unfair,
unjust, uncaring, insensitive, divisive, contagious, and
fattening every other thing that’s fun is.”
Indeed, as O’Rourke poetically notes in the chapter, The
End of the American Car: “The Feminists grabbed our
women; The liberals banned our guns; The health cops
snuffed our cigarettes;The bailout has our funds;The laws of
Breathalyzing put an end to our roadside bars; Circle the
Fords and Chevys, boys – they’re coming to take our cars.”
And far from condemning automobiles for the woes of
the world, O’Rourke makes the case that the American car
was a source of intellectual stimulation.
“Think of the innovation, the invention, the sheer genius
that transformed a 1908 Model T Ford into the 1968 Shelby
Cobra GT500 in the course of a single human lifetime full
of speeding tickets,” he writes.“Compare this to the progress
in the previously fashionable mode of human transportation. Equine design and production have remained the
same for three thousand years. And when it came to
creativity, nobody thought to put a stirrup on a saddle until
about 500 AD. If the engineering developments of the
automobile had proceeded at that pace we’d be powering
ourselves down the road by running with our feet stuck
through a hole in the floor like Fred Flintstone. (Although it
may come to that in the Obamamobile.)”
Simply put, a joy to read.
29
The Unknown
Mechanic
Talk about a cutting-edge tool!
Poor Charles Seaman, 53, a mechanic in
Stamford, Conn. Seaman was recently
pulled over by police for driving with
an expired registration.That was his first
mistake. His second boo-boo: when the
cops popped Seaman’s trunk for a quick
peak, they discovered a two-foot long
rusty machete.That’s when Seaman told
the boys in blue the machete is part of
his tool kit for working on cars.
Hey, you know how it is with today’s
complicated
cars, guys. Why,
just the other day, The
Unknown Mechanic was
struggling with a pesky spark plug that
needed to be removed. So The Unknown
Mechanic reached for his trusty machete
and just chopped the S.O.B. off – no
muss, no fuss. Better yet, when you
present the customer with the bill, there’s
never an argument when you’re toting
around a two-foot long knife. Beauty.
Anyway, the cops didn’t buy
Seaman’s explanation that a machete is
among the tools of our trade and
Seaman was charged with having a
weapon in a motor vehicle and held on
a $2,000 bond.
What a tool indeed!
Big McWindfall for Scottish Mechanic
The Unknown Mechanic came across a
story about a mechanic in the Scottish
Highlands, Craig Davie, who just won
£3.5 million in the U.K.’s National
Lottery.
Here’s the part you gotta love: “It is
understood Craig Davie of Fort William
turned up for work and asked
permission for time off to collect his
cheque after winning a half-share of
Saturday’s £7 million-plus prize pot.”
Asked for permission? With that
kind of coin in my pocket, The
Unknown Mechanic is asking the boss
for permission from the seat of his
Ferrari en route to the lottery office at
Warp Factor 9.
Here’s the other part of the story
that’s a hoot: a workmate said Craig,
who is in his forties, came into the shop
with his usual homemade sandwiches
and acted as if nothing had happened.
One of his co-workers said: “We were
having a bit of a laugh about it and
everyone kept saying ‘Is it you?’ to each
other all morning.
“But then we heard it was Craig. It’s
such a huge amount.We’re all just stunned
here but he’s taking it all in his stride.”
Call me ostentatious, but if The
Unknown Mechanic wins
millions, all lunches shall be
catered affairs – no more homemade
sandwiches (unless Wolfgang Puck is
living at The Unknown Mechanic’s
home.)
Anyway, here’s my question: as much
as we all love this crazy business, if you
won the equivalent 5.5 million loonies,
do you keep fixing cars? Or are some
people clueless when it comes to
handling a windfall? (Then again, the
guy is a Scotsman…)
Now, that’s some feet!
They say seeing is believing. But even
after seeing Matt Stutzman of Iowa in
action via YouTube, The Unknown
Mechanic isn’t sure if his eyes are
playing tricks on him.
You see, Stutzman, 28, was born with
no arms. But he has adapted to his
handicap in a manner that is nothing
short of incredible. For starters,
Stutzman is an accomplished archer
who’s hoping to land a spot on the U.S.
Paralympic archery team next year.
Launching arrows isn’t the only thing
Stutzman does with his feet – he can
also change a tire and do a brake job.
And he does so fast and flawlessly –
never once dropping a tool or a part.
What an inspiration. Just think of
Matt Stutzman next time you think
you’ve been stuck with a really tough
job to do.
The Unknown Mechanic is a technician
who wishes to remain anonymous. He works
at CENSORED in Parts Unknown,
Canada.
Joke of the Month
A gynecologist had become fed up with malpractice insurance and
endless paperwork. Feeling burnt out, he hoped to try another career
where skillful hands would be beneficial, so he decided to become an
automotive mechanic.
He went to the local technical college, signed up for evening classes,
and learned all he could. When the time of the practical exam
approached, the gynecologist prepared carefully for weeks, completing
the exam with tremendous skill.
When the results came back, he was surprised to discover he had
obtained a mark of 150%. Fearing an error, he called the instructor.
“I don’t want to appear ungrateful for such an outstanding result,” said
the ex-gynecologist, “but I wonder if there’s an error in the grade?”
The instructor replied: “During the exam, you took the engine apart
perfectly, which was worth 50% of the total mark. You then put the engine
back together again perfectly which is also worth 50% of the mark.”
After a pause, the instructor added: “I gave you an extra 50% because you
did it all through the muffler, which I’ve never seen done in my entire career.”
31
Join the
Discussion!
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Need help finding a part or an employee?
The Canadian Technician Forum provides you with the opportunity to talk with
automotive repair professionals like yourself, whether it means sharing important information
or just chatting about being a Canadian technician.
Log on to www.canadiantechnician.ca,
follow the links to the forum and
Get Connected
GUEST COLUMN
What Life are You Waiting For?
Taking skills training to Africa is a life-enriching experience in more ways than one.
By Rick Cogbill
E
ach of us involved in the
automotive repair industry made
a crucial decision at some
juncture of our lives.There came a time
when we chose between trade school
or university; where we took a job at
the tire shop instead of the fast-food
joint; where we began buying more
tools than video games. As a result, we
became apprentices, journeymen,
managers, or even shop owners.
Sometimes these choices happened
by default when another opportunity
was overlooked or ignored. As
theologian Harvey Cox put it, “Not to
decide is to decide.” My point: we all
have choices.
But what if you didn’t have a
be taught. When it came time to leave,
they begged me to return. “There’s so
much more to learn,” they said.
I came away from that experience
torn. The work was hard, the living
conditions rough. And the cost…
there’s a lot more fun one can have
with $5,000.
I put it all aside… until three months
later when I found myself in an
ambulance heading for the hospital.
Thankfully the heart attack was a minor
one. But it sure got my attention.
In a leadership book called Axioms
by Bill Hybels (Zondervan), I came
across a simple question:“What life are
you waiting for?” It hit me hard. If my
medical setback had been the “big
I realized I’d rather be remembered for making
a difference in people’s lives.
choice? What if there were no opportunities to ignore? What if your future
consisted of second-hand clothing, a
mud hut, and a small garden held
hostage by seasonal rains that may or
may not come? Forget med school;
you’d be thrilled to pull wrenches or
pound nails, Except that you can’t –
there’s no trade school, and even if
there was, you couldn’t afford it.
People ask me why I go to Africa,
why I brave the risk of tropical
diseases and the tedium of long flights
into Third World airports. It’s because I
made a choice to give something back
to the trade that gave so much to me.
But it wasn’t an easy decision.
An impromptu trip to Southern
Africa in 2010 found me resurrecting
worn out vehicles that had been left
for dead (and maybe should have
stayed that way). As I worked alongside
the local workers for that month, I
realized how little they knew, but was
impressed at how eager they were to
one,” did I want to be remembered for
owning a shop or visiting a test track
in Japan or even writing funny stories?
I realized I’d rather be remembered for
making a difference in people’s lives.
What about you? Has your
automotive career been rewarding?
Have you gone the extra mile to make
your business or your reputation one
of the finest in town? Then good on
you. But I’ll bet it isn’t enough. I’m
guessing that a small voice inside keeps
saying there’s something more.
And there is. It’s called Skills with a
Purpose, and that’s what Mercy Tech
Mission is all about (www.mercytechmission.com). Our goal is to travel to
Third World countries where we not
only have the privilege of building or
fixing something, we also get to teach
skills to the people we’re working
with. It’s about giving back. And it’s
building into someone else’s life – just
as someone built into ours back when
we were greenhorns.
The cost? At the very least, some
time and money. Sounds scary to
some, but once you’ve visited the dirt
poor, you’ll realize you’ve got more
time and money than they’ll ever see.
The payback? The honour of sharing
something with a fellow human being
who can never hope to repay you. It’s
a feeling you can’t explain – you have
to experience it firsthand.
A challenge: maybe it’s time to spend
some dollars that have no return on
investment. Maybe it’s time to give up a
month’s wages and teach what you
know to someone halfway around the
world that’s desperate to learn. Doctors
take sabbaticals and serve in impoverished countries; even lawyers do probono work.What about the automotive
trade? Are we up to the task?
Not everyone one can go, but all
can take part. Shop owners and parts
suppliers: are you willing to write a
cheque to help build a maintenance
and training centre or sponsor a
student? Technicians: are you willing
to spare a $100 to buy hand tools for a
young man who only wants to lift his
family above the poverty level?
I know many shop owners and
techs who already do great charitable
work right where they live. But I
know many others who long to do
something more than just earn a
paycheque. So here’s my question:
What life are you waiting for?
Author and humour
columnist Rick
Cogbill is the founder
of Mercy Tech
Mission, whose
mission is “To serve
needy communities worldwide by
providing technical support, skilled
labour, and on-site training to enhance
the spiritual and physical quality of life.”
33
SURVEY SAYS Continued from page 27
“Sure – just remember where you got it
from!”
Darwin Depape, TK’s Tire & Auto,
Calgary
What do you say
if someone asks
to borrow one of
your tools?
“What does your sister look like?”
Ernie Miller, Precision Auto Body,
Truro, N.S.
“Deposit first on hand tools. Others, no.”
Alex Novar, Farrell’s Ultramar,
Antigonish, N.S.
“If it’s a tech asking, no problem. For a
customer – pound salt, please.”
Derek Krasnikoff, Mountainview Auto
Service, Penticton, B.C.
How could your
jobber serve you
better?
“Sorry, I need these to make a living. I
don’t lend them out.”
“F—- you!”
Barry Kostiuk, Kingsgate Automotive
Ltd., Edmonton
Shawn Mayers, Bridge City Transmission,
Saskatoon, Sask.
“Screwdriver, yes; lab scope, no.”
“No, I make a living with my tools.”
Ron Hilenbrandt, Helmut’s Service
Centre, Abbotsford, B.C.
Winnipeg
“Make sure you bring it back when
you’re done!”
“I ask them if they go to their doctor or
dentist and ask to borrow their tools.”
Mike Ryce, Dumont Tire, Sooke, B.C.
Bryan Rashleigh, Subaru of Mississauga,
Mississauga, Ont.
Perry Vandergulik, JEM Automotive,
Coquitlam, B.C.
“More training courses for the techs.”
“Quicker delivery.”
Coquitlam, B.C.
“Send the right parts the first time.”
Clayton Saylniea, Clayt’s Offroad & Auto
We Started Where Others Stopped
Proven OEM Specific Gasket Types
Balanced for Ultimate Life and Performance
Precision Hubs and Shaft to Ease Installations
100% Individually Leak Tested
We Stand Behind You
E-Catalog Updated Weekly
Emphasis on Late and Early Model Applications
Full Line Coverage - One Source for Your Needs
Best Possible Value To Our Customer
Superior Product and Service + Aggressive Pricing = Best Possible Value
Contact Dave Kondra about our water pump video
dave.k@ntadi.com
34
1.866.650.1700
For the past 57 years The Kenneth R. Wilson
Awards have been Canada’s Pulitzer Prize
for business journalism.
Today’s Trucking .......16 KRW Awards
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highwaySTAR..............3 KRW Awards
the markets our publications serve….
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“We serve our advertisers best by putting our readers first.”
INSTALL
50
Install 50 Goodyear
Engineered Products
And Choose
Your Reward
WIN
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A GOODYEAR PRIZE PACK.
Send your solved puzzle to Canadian Technician.
We’ll draw a winner on October 31, 2011.
Send to 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ont. M9W 5C4. Or fax to 416-614-8861
Name:
Workplace:
Work address:
Phone:
Email:
AUTO PUZZLE AUGUST 2011
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2
3
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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, residents of
Canada who have reached the age of majority
according to the law of the province in which they
reside, should complete official entry form and
post it to Canadian Technician Magazine, 451
Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ont., M9W 5C4. Or fax it
416-614-8861. Canadian Technician is the
Sponsor of the sweepstakes. Chances of winning
depend on total number of eligible entries
received. For this month’s drawing, entries must
be received no later than 8:00 pm EST on
September 30, 2011. One entry per person per
month. Prize valued at approximately $100. Void
where prohibited. Subject to full, official rules and
regulations. For full, official rules and regulations
visit. www.canadiantechnician.com
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15
16
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Congratulations
21
24
For further details,
contact your local
Goodyear Engineered
Products Rep. or call
1–800–ASK–GDYR
www.goodyearep.com
The GOODYEAR (and Winged Foot Design) trademark
is used by Veyance Technologies, Inc. under license
from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
Goodyear Engineered Products are manufactured
and sourced exclusively by
Veyance Technologies, Inc. or its affiliates.
©2011 Veyance Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
36
22
Congratulations to Bev Stone
of Metro Chrysler Dodge
Jeep in Ottawa for solving our
April 2011 puzzle.
23
25
Across
1. Drivers
6. Trucker’s workplace
8. Cops’ weapon in auto-theft campaign (4,3)
9. Traditional colour of London’s licensed cabs
10. Gasoline brand
11. Name of “Gone in 60 Seconds” star car
12. Highway loop around a city
14. ‘73-’75 Buick for a Greek god
17. Freeway access points
19. ‘84-’94 Mercury for a gemologist
21. Michigan city with GM plants
22. ‘71 movie with GTO, “____ Blacktop” (3,4)
24. Workshop wiper
25. A former fuel (6,3)
Down
1. UK-built ‘62-’80 sports car (1,1,1)
2. Three-wheeled motorcycle, slangily
3. Automakers’ defect-related actions
4. Urban thoroughfare
5. Mercury clone of ‘86-’05 Ford Taurus
6. CB-radio setting
7. ‘03 motorcycle street-racing movie (5,4)
10. Auto-stereo component, sometimes
13. Downtown-driver’s dilemma
15. Road crater
16. ‘55-’62 BMW microcar
18. Roadside stopover option
20. Slang term for car collision
23. ‘09 VW hardtop convertible
APRIL 2011 AUTO PUZZLE
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M O
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L
E
E
L
6
S
T
S
T
25
5
A
E
11
O
N
T
R
16
K
E
24
A
A
L
4
T
A
O
21
I
L
Y
W
17
C
L
U
12
R
E
K
10
3
A
N
N
D
G
23
E
O
A
S
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Question of the month: What was your
worst customer service experience?
continued from page 38
pulled the plugs first, just to make sure. But there’s no sign of
coolant in the cylinders, so that ain’t it.” He took another shot
from the thermos and smacked his lips appreciatively. “Hmm, I
think I mixed this a little strong.”
Beanie sat down on the steps. “So now you figure it’s a bad
starter?”
Tooner shrugged. “Has to be. It pulls the battery down to
four volts, so I’m thinkin’ the windings are shot.” He got to his
feet unsteadily and began to stack some wooden blocks under
the raised car.
Beanie was thoughtful. “Before you pull the starter, have
you tried turning the engine over by hand? Maybe it’s
seized up.”
Tooner stopped. “You got a point.”
He grabbed a socket and breaker bar from his battered
toolkit and gave the crankshaft a hard pull.
“Nope,” he wheezed. “Can’t budge ’er. Ol’ Bertie must’ve
seized ’er up solid.” The thought cheered him considerably
until he remembered who would have to rebuild the engine.
Beanie coughed politely. “Uh, have you turned it the other
way?”
Tooner glared at him. “What for? An engine can’t be seized
frontwards and not backwards.” To prove his point, he reversed
direction on the breaker bar. “Sheesh, I never heard such…”
However, to his surprise, the engine turned freely in the
counterclockwise direction – two full revolutions, in fact. But
as soon as he turned it clockwise again, it stopped dead. He
spun around.
“How did you…?”
But Beanie had quietly slipped away. Showing up your
mentor isn’t wise, especially if your mentor is Tooner.
Since the car was jacked up anyway, Tooner pulled the
starter to make sure something wasn’t jamming the flywheel
and acting like a one-way clutch. As a precaution, he “benchtested” the starter with some jumper cables while it was out. It
worked perfectly.
Setting his thermos aside, he ordered up a gallon of
Rolph’s strongest coffee and went at the car with a passion.
In desperation he finally pulled off the serpentine belt, and to
his utter amazement the battered old Taurus fired right up
and ran smooth. Further investigation revealed that the AC
compressor clutch bearing had packed it in, causing enough
drag on the serpentine belt in the clockwise direction to stall
the starter motor.
“So just like that, with no warning?” It was late afternoon,
and Rolph was perched beside Tooner on the steps, sharing the
last contents of the thermos.
Rick Cogbill is a licensed technician and
former shop owner in Summerland, B.C. To read
more about Slim and the gang, order your copy
of Rick’s book, A Fine Day for a Drive at
www.thecarside.com. Special thanks goes
out to Kevin Stein, a technician from Fruitvale,
B.C. for this month’s technical puzzle.
ADVERTISER INDEX
Affinia – Raybestos..........................................12
www.raybestos.com
800-665-4741
Bars Products – Rislone...................................13
www.rislone.ca
Blue Streak-Hygrade ..........................................3
www.bluestreak.ca
Delphi Products.................................................6
www.delphi.com
Goodyear...................................................26, 36
www.goodyearep.com
888-275-4397
Honeywell – Celsius.........................................39
800-243-2323
Honeywell – Autolite ........................................28
www.autolite.com
Imperial Oil – Mobil ...........................................4
www.mobil.ca
800-567-3776
Matco Tools ....................................................30
www.matcotools.com
866-289-8665
NewTek ..........................................................34
www.ntadi.com
866-650-1700
Ross-Tech
Ross-Tech........................................................11
www.ross-tech.com
Rotary Lift .......................................................21
www.rotarylift.com
1-800-640-5438
Shell ...............................................................20
www.shell.ca
Snap-On Tools of Canada ...................................2
www.snapon.com
1-800-734-2676
Valvoline .....................................................9, 15
www.valvoline.com
1-800-TEAM-VAL
Wakefield Canada – Castrol ............................24
wakefieldcanada.ca
1-800-268-5339
WORLDPAC
WorldPac ........................................................40
www.worldpac.ca
800-463-8749
Wrenchmasters
Wrenchmasters ...............................................25
403-340-9500
37
The
Car Side
By Rick Cogbill
All In The Family
A 1993 Ford Taurus belonging to Tooner’s troublemaking mother-in-law just won’t turn over –
until Beanie comes up with a solution (for the Taurus, that is, not the mother-in-law.)
The slamming of the screen door echoed through the alley as
Rolph appeared, battered coffee pot in one hand and a serving
plate in the other.
“How ’bout a refill, Tooner? It looks like you’re gonna be
here a while.”
Buried deep under the hood of a ’93 Taurus, Tooner
grimaced and muttered a few nondescript phrases. It was just
plain bad luck that his mother-in-law’s car had broken down
right behind Rolph’s Diner. Not only was the flaccid Ford
bloodying up his knuckles, but Rolph’s potent brew was
ravaging his gut.
Straightening up, he mopped his face with a dirty rag.
“Hold the coffee, Rolph, but I’ll take seconds on those dinner
rolls.”
Rolph was ecstatic. “Finally! Someone who appreciates my
culinary talents.”
He beamed as he gently laid out two rough looking
specimens on the roof of the car. “Would you like ’em
toasted?”
“Nope, I’ll take ’em raw.”
As soon as Rolph was out of sight,Tooner took the rolls and
placed them behind the rear tires.
“Gotta make sure this heap don’t roll away when I jack ’er
up,” he muttered.
Tooner’s troubles began when his mother-in-law parked
behind Rolph’s Diner on Saturday afternoon. Her actual destination was the secondhand shop three stores down, but when
it’s “Thrift Shop Day” in town, parking is at a premium.
Rolph didn’t mind having his loading bay being blocked on
a Saturday – there are no weekend deliveries in Slumberland.
But Monday morning would be a different matter entirely,
forcing Tooner to waste a perfectly good Sunday on familyrelated car repairs. That – and the coffee – wasn’t sitting well.
He was fighting with a rusty scissor jack when Beanie came
sauntering down the alley.
“What’s up,Toon?”
“Mother-in-law’s car,” he grunted.
Beanie nodded and surveyed the cluttered alleyway.
“Why don’t you tow it up to the shop? I’m sure Slim
wouldn’t mind.”
“Slim ain’t the problem. Mabel’s ma figures the only
reason I exist is to fix her car for free, and I ain’t payin’ for no
tow truck… especially for her.” He sat down on a wooden
crate and opened his thermos. “Want some? It’s my special
weekend blend.”
Beanie took a whiff and backed away. “N-no thanks. So
what’s the story? No start?”
Tooner took a long swig.
“Well, it tries to start, but then it stops dead like it’s hydrolocked. The rad is low, and being a 3.8L head gasket special, I
continued on page 37
38
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* SEE PRODUCT LABEL FOR AUTOMOTIVE, LIGHT AND HEAVY DUTY APPLICATIONS.
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© 2010 Honeywell International Inc.
Largest selection of OE THERMAL products for
import vehicles and now including domestic
USA (800) 888-9982 ext 5470
WESTERN CANADA (800) 644-9129
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Wholesale Distributor of OE Parts for Import and Domestic Vehicles

The future of the automotive drive belt. - Canadian Technician

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