Archive for January, 2010
Buy A Used Engine Not A New Car!
Today people everyday are purchasing either a new or used car to replace an older one that may have had previous problems with the engine. Buying a used engine is a great alternative to getting into a new car note but it can be risky business if you don’t know what to look for. One of the things that makes it so risky is the fact that there is no legal requirement to maintain the engine to any standard or to keep any kind of accurate log.
So the first thing to look for some kind of service record on the engine or a CarFax statement showing the mileage as listed by the DMV. If it’s not there the engine might not be what you think you are getting. I see at least one engine every month that was bought used and was misrepresented as being much fresher than what it actually was. Nearly every such case the buyer was told that the engine had just been “rebuilt” or that it has only been “broken in.” In actuality the engine had over 100K miles and had been sitting in the rain for 2 years rusted up solid.
“Rebuilt” is a relative term and should not be relied on as an indication of quality unless there is a detailed service record describing exactly what was done with the engine and when it was done. The service records that get sent back with one of my rebuilds is usually about 2 3 pages single spaced and every little detail of the engine service is in there. Without that kind of records “rebuilt” could mean new seals and gaskets or it could mean new crank pistons bearings seals and gaskets. That is a big difference.
Just be sure to find out if paperwork comes with a rebuilt engine and find out who did the rebuild and see if that is a reputable company.
Something else to consider when buying a used or rebuilt engine:
The age in years of the engine: If the engine is 10 years old make sure you don’t get a quote as if it had 20000 miles on it as this is highly unlikely. Consider the number of years old x 12K miles per year. Also find out how long its been sitting compression tests if possible and a carfax certification on the VIN. If the engine has not been ran in a while be sure to ask them to start before sending it. Even on an engine that is ran if it’s not ran a few miles per year there is too much down time and pistons can lock up etc.
Additionally do a check up of the company you are buying from. I’m not suggesting going on a witch hunt to see if they have every had a complaint but maybe check the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a satisfactory record. This just means that though they get complaints what business doesn’t they handle them according to BBB standards which by the way are fairly stringent. You just can’t go around selling junk engines and get away with it for long.
Overall buying a used engine is definitely the way to go before you replace your car unless the cost of the engine is more than the value of the car if sold. That is where I suggest you to purchase something new.
About the writer: Ronnie Tanner has been in the used engine industry now for over 5 years specializing in the sale of Chevy Engines Ford Engines and Used Honda Engines.
Bmw Saubers Kubica Hopes To Race At Indy
Robert Kubica the first Polish Formula One racing driver intimated his desire to race at Indianapolis this weekend. After a horrific crash in Montreal in which it was suspected he had a broken leg Kubica is still aiming to race at the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix.
During the recent Canadian Grand Prix Kubica had a serious accident approaching the hairpin on lap 27 at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The Pole went off the track after hitting Jarno Trulli’s Toyota from behind and hit a hump in the grass lifting the car’s nose into the air and leaving him incapable to brake or steer.
Kubicas car clipped a barrier then smashed headon in to the inside wall of the hairpin. The car then rolled as it came back across the track striking the wall on the outside of the hairpin. Some of BMW performance parts became airborne hitting a wall in the centre of circuit before rolling to halt at the hairpin entry with little more than its monocoque intact. Eventually he was removed from the car and taken to the circuit’s medical centre where he was announced to be stable. He was then airlifted to the SacreCoeur hospital in Montreal by medical helicopter for further checks.
“It seemed a terribly long time even though it was only minutes before I got the information that Robert is conscious and able to talk” said BMW’s Mario Theissen. “According to the first medical reports Robert has escaped this very heavy accident relatively unscathed.”
Trulli was better placed than most to witness the true severity of Kubicas accident. Kubica ran into triggering the crash. I just want to say how delighted I am that Robert Kubica is not badly injured after the accident on lap 27 when we were racing closely. I was shocked about the violence of the accident and very concerned because I had no information said Trulli.
Trulli added I was struggling with tyre graining and lack of grip. Robert was quicker and I gave him the lefthand side of the track. The last time I saw him in my mirrors he was on that side then I just got hit at the back and I have no idea what happened. I saw the medical car out for a long period and I was very concerned.
After a timely and thorough medical attendance the Pole had just escaped such an injury and was suffering from some bruises and a badly sprained ankle. Less than 24 hours after his high speed accident the Pole was released from a hospital in Montreal.
He told reporters: “As you can see I’m in quite good shape and hoping to go to Indianapolis if the doctors clear me to drive. I feel good considering. I was very lucky it was a big accident.” Kubica added “I have no pain and feel well. I want to thank everyone for the medical attention I received and for all the good wishes. I am happy that I have been able to leave the hospital so quickly and will now prepare for the race in Indianapolis.” The Polish driver was given the all clear to leave by the local doctors and drove himself away from the hospital in a BMW X5.
Kubica underwent intensive CTscans and other checks in the Hospital du Sacre Coeur in Montreal. Before being allowed to race in Indianapolis the Pole will have to undergo further medical checks by the FIA Medical Delegate at the track on Thursday. Under the regulations BMW Sauber F1 Team has to announce its driver lineup for the weekend until Thursday.
About the writer: Anthony Fontanelle is a 35yearold automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Bmw Headlights: Helping Drivers To Avoid Accidents
BMW is known for the groundbreaking engineering and mechanical technologies that it employs in the manufacture of its automobiles. Its vehicles are designed to provide optimum performance but aside from that safety is also an integral part of the overall structure and design of BMW units. As part of its safety features every BMW vehicle is equipped with a complete lighting system. The BMW headlights tail lights corner lights and side lights comprise the lighting system that improve road visibility for the vehicle driver and aid him in communicating with other drivers on the road.
Among these components of the lighting system the BMW headlights are the most basic. This pair of lamps is positioned at the front end of the vehicle where it illuminates the road ahead for the driver to see. The BMW headlights come in handy during periods when visibility for the driver is difficult. During the day headlights are of great use in maneuvering across foggy roads. During the night aside from illuminating the road the headlights serve as a signal to other drivers of the vehicles presence. Through this headlights are able to do a lot in preventing accidents.
BMW headlights are mounted as combinations of multiple lamps and reflectors. These lights have the capacity to be switched between two configurations: low beams and high beams. Shifting the BMW headlights to high beams allows them to give more light at a higher angle. Through this the driver is able to see farther. However the glare of the high beams may dazzle other drivers that the BMW comes across with. Hence low beams should be used when coming across other cars and at times when road visibility is not that difficult.
Although BMW headlights are made to last factors like changes in the weather can do damage to it. Weather changes cause temperatures to rise and fall. From these moisture can develop and collect inside the headlight assemblies and on the inner surface of the lens. This compromises the beam pattern and may even affect the headlights electrical connections. To continuously benefit from the vehicles safety features even when this happens it is best to get another pair of BMW headlights as replacement.
About the writer: Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit Mi. she is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
