Anyone doing engine work?
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Anyone doing engine work?
Maybe kind of an odd question or request, but is anyone doing some work involving taking the engine apart? Maybe a head gasket replacement or something? The reason I ask is I may eventually need to replace some seals or gaskets and such in my engine, and I'd like to have some idea of what I'm doing.
I'm putting synthetic oil in both of my cars. My understanding is that the worst that could happen is the engine gets cleaned out, and any already cracked seals or gaskets would begin to leak. If that happens, I'll likely need to replace them, hence the interest in being prepared.
I know watching someone do the work on another kind of car won't give me the best experience with it. But every bit of experience would help. I would be willing to help as much as possible, even if just as a backup car to run to the store if something was forgotten.
Anyhow...I am off every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. If anyone is planning on doing any kind of engine work one of those days in the future, could I at least watch?
I don't know any other way of gaining a little experience with this stuff without tearing into my car, which I'd rather not do witout at least having a clue what to expect.
I'm putting synthetic oil in both of my cars. My understanding is that the worst that could happen is the engine gets cleaned out, and any already cracked seals or gaskets would begin to leak. If that happens, I'll likely need to replace them, hence the interest in being prepared.
I know watching someone do the work on another kind of car won't give me the best experience with it. But every bit of experience would help. I would be willing to help as much as possible, even if just as a backup car to run to the store if something was forgotten.
Anyhow...I am off every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. If anyone is planning on doing any kind of engine work one of those days in the future, could I at least watch?
I don't know any other way of gaining a little experience with this stuff without tearing into my car, which I'd rather not do witout at least having a clue what to expect.
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Synth is just thinner so it finds leaks easier and its supposed to make seals shrink up a little. If you are that worried do a mix of regular and synth.
it really depends on what needs to be replaced, most common ones are front or rear main seal. Valve cover and oil pangasket.
it really depends on what needs to be replaced, most common ones are front or rear main seal. Valve cover and oil pangasket.
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Supposedly it does not make seals shrink. The first synthetic oils did that, because they screwed up. Now they formulate the oil to not cause shrinking or expanding. I don't think the seals will be affected themselves. But if there's already a crack, or a bad seal, then the gunk that is plugging it up now will be cleaned away exposing the leak. Cleaning is good, and long term is good for the engine, but the leak would need fixed, I just want to be prepared.
Mixing synthetic and regular oil would be pointless. I'm getting this oil for the extended drain, if I mix regular oil, I'm back to 3,000 mile oil changes.
Response from Amsoil tech-
"We certainly understand the initial reaction of those who are surprised at the consistency of synthetic lubricants. Outwardly they do seem “thin” in comparison. All petroleum oil has a certain look and pour rate that we are all familiar with. The molecular structure of synthetic oil is such that the pour characteristics are much superior and makes them appear thin, but actually the high temperature protective film strength is many times higher than petroleum. It does take some getting used to."
I'm not worried about the oil itself, I'm more concerned with the present condition of my engine.
Mixing synthetic and regular oil would be pointless. I'm getting this oil for the extended drain, if I mix regular oil, I'm back to 3,000 mile oil changes.
Response from Amsoil tech-
"We certainly understand the initial reaction of those who are surprised at the consistency of synthetic lubricants. Outwardly they do seem “thin” in comparison. All petroleum oil has a certain look and pour rate that we are all familiar with. The molecular structure of synthetic oil is such that the pour characteristics are much superior and makes them appear thin, but actually the high temperature protective film strength is many times higher than petroleum. It does take some getting used to."
I'm not worried about the oil itself, I'm more concerned with the present condition of my engine.
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My Horizon was starting to lose MPG, detonate very easily, smoke on startup. i pulled the head off my Horizon, dropped the oil pan, and pulled all 4 pistons. De-carboned them, lubed up the rings good, new rod bearings, took all the valves out, de-carboned them too, new valve guide seals, but it all back together yesterday. Thing runs like a champ now!
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I have 2 cars- 1991 Tempo and a 1988 MX-6 GT. Performance work on the Tempo? 
It's a TEMPO!
I may need to replace my CV joints/axles/boot/other mysterious things eventually as well.
If I were to get to the point of needing to replace the seals and gaskets, I'd be asking for someone to basically DO the work for me. And then when they're done I'm gonna look at it and think "I coulda done that."
My oil and stuff came in today. Probably Monday I'll get to work doing the oil and filters, but I'll need at least 1 other person to help with the transmission fluid in the Tempo (automatic).
"If its worth doing performance work too..why not do it?"
I probably would, if I could. Mainly my concern is replacing worn parts.
It's a TEMPO!I may need to replace my CV joints/axles/boot/other mysterious things eventually as well.
If I were to get to the point of needing to replace the seals and gaskets, I'd be asking for someone to basically DO the work for me. And then when they're done I'm gonna look at it and think "I coulda done that."
My oil and stuff came in today. Probably Monday I'll get to work doing the oil and filters, but I'll need at least 1 other person to help with the transmission fluid in the Tempo (automatic).
"If its worth doing performance work too..why not do it?"
I probably would, if I could. Mainly my concern is replacing worn parts.
