14 minute read
Engine & Cooling
SPECIALISED OIL PRODUCTS FOR YOUR 4WD
From Gulf Western Oil
Gulf Western Oil says it has been supplying the 4WD and Towing industry for over 30 years. During this time, Gulf Western reports it has seen some major advancements within engine designs and has continued to work on its range of products specifically tailored to this market to ensure it is up to date with the technology and formulations required. Gulf Western’s well-known Top Dog range has been protecting engines and 4WD enthusiasts over the past decade. This product range has been specifically designed to handle the stress and heat within your engine. Gulf Western says this protection comes from the robust additive pack and advanced base oil technology which allows your engine to disperse heat quicker and eliminate hot spots within your motor. Another Gulf Western product created specifically for 4WD enthusiast in mind is its Euro Energy 5W-30 product. It says this fast-flowing engine oil will protect your engine from excessive heat expelled from the engine. It states that although this viscosity seems foreign to the 4WD market, it has been proven to offer far better protection to these new vehicles seen in the Australian market. Gulf Western’s national distributors and retail partners are supported by five company owned and strategically located warehouses and a distributor network allowing for reliable and timely supply throughout Australia. For more than three decades, Gulf Western Oil says it has proven to be a reliable supplier of high quality, Australian made and Internationally approved lubricants to the industry to both the Australian market and to more than 20 countries around the world. For many years, Gulf Western has supplied product into New Zealand, China, Vietnam, New Guinea, India and throughout Asia Pacific. During 2020, Gulf Western opened a distribution hub in Asia allowing for further expansion into new locations to grow its distributor footprint into new markets within the Philippines, Myanmar, Korea and Russia.
For more information, please visit www.gulfwestern.com.au
YOU AND YOUR TRANSMISSION
You like to stay cool and so does your Auto Transmission
The lifespan of your transmission can be greatly affected if it gets overheated. While all automatic transmission equipped vehicles normally have a transmission cooler, this might sometimes not be enough to properly cool your transmission fluid. Depending on how your vehicle is used, DirectionPlus says it would be best to think about adding an external transmission cooler if you use your vehicle for towing, carrying loads, driving in sand, snow, off-roading, or driving in hot conditions. Further, if you have increased the performance of your engine, Direction-Plus says an additional transmission cooler can help keep your vehicle running longer and more efficiently. Key benefits of a transmission cooler: 1.
Protect your transmission from overheating: the primary purpose of a transmission cooler is to keep the hydraulic fluid inside the transmission cool. The optimal temperature for this fluid and your transmission is 760C or lower. But when the temperature increases beyond this point, it can lead to permanent damage and costly repairs.
Subsequently the life span of the ATF, seals and internal components of the transmission are significantly reduced. Higher internal temperatures also increase the wear rate of the friction and clutch plates. 2. Prolong the life of your transmission: under normal driving conditions, your vehicle’s cooling system should be able to properly cool your transmission’s hydraulic fluid before it returns to the transmission. But if you drive aggressively or regularly tow heavy loads, this might not happen. As a result, hot fluid returns to the transmission, which can cause gear issues. A transmission cooler can help your transmission last longer by reducing transmission temperature. 3. Save money: A broken transmission can be a costly repair. But when you invest in a transmission cooler, you can prolong the life of your transmission by keeping it cool and preventing unnecessary damage to its internal
parts. That also means fewer trips to the mechanic. Direction-Plus says it has the best in class Transmission Cooler kits for your vehicle and invites you to jump on to the Direction Plus website to buy the Transchill Transmission Cooler kit and protect your vehicle against costly repairs. Direction-Plus states it is one of Australia’s most trusted brands for supplying technically superior, best in class kits and accessories for dieselfueled passenger 4x4 vehicles.
For more information, visit www.directionplus.com.au
GOSS TALKS EGR SYSTEMS
The primary function of the EGR system is to reduce Nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions by redirecting exhaust gases back into the engine, resulting in the reduction of combustion temperature and reducing nitrogen oxide gases. This process is known as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and is one of the principal methods used to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions to the atmosphere from diesel engines. The gas recirculated by the EGR system can be considerably hot, especially in vehicles with diesel engines. For this reason, many diesel engines are fitted with EGR coolers to lower the temperature of the exhaust gases before they enter the engine. The addition of the recirculated gas back into the engine lowers the heat ratio during the power stroke; Goss says this can slightly reduce the amount of power produced by the engine. Often this is the motivator for people to fit an EGR blanking plate to counter this marginal loss in power. Goss says the slight gains in power certainly do not outweigh the potential problems which may arise by fitting a blanking plate. It explains that EGR blanking can lead to a build-up of unburnt fuel and oil residue in the intake system and can also cause damage to other components in the EGR system and the engine itself. Goss suggests the best solution is to maintain the vehicle’s factory EGR system and avoid modification. Goss says it has seen many EGR Coolers fail due to increased EGR temperatures when the system has been tampered with or modified in some way, with the most common cause being an EGR blanking plate restricting the correct flow in the system. Another common reason is restrictions in the engine’s cooling system, for example, a heater core deliberately bypassed or a blocked radiator. Many late model diesel engines are also known to have issues with OE manufactured EGR coolers failing prematurely, mainly due to a flaw in the original design. Goss says it has redesigned and developed a new process in manufacturing EGR coolers to produce a product less prone to cracking and leakage. When fitting a new Goss EGR cooler, Goss says you should ensure the vehicle’s entire EGR system is working efficiently and correctly to prevent any future issues. It says that Goss EGR Coolers are heat, stress, pressure and resonance tested to meet or exceed OE specifications and offer substantial cost efficiencies to the aftermarket. They are supplied with fitment gaskets where required. Goss – vehicle mechatronics says it offers the aftermarket a truly genuine alternative when searching for quality products.
To see the full range of Goss EGR Coolers, visit www.goss.com.au
CASTROL’S EXPANDED 10L RANGE
Castrol says the expanded range scores ’10 out of 10’
Ensuring you’ve got the right product, for the right car, without flooding your workshop with engine oils is no easy feat. Castrol says life has just gotten a little easier, thanks to its new-look 10L range which has been extended to incorporate four of Castrol’s most popular Magnatec products, including: • Magnatec 10W-40 – one of Australia’s most trusted and popular engine oils, Magnatec 10W-40 is a part-synthetic engine oil recommended for use in petrol/diesel vehicles where a higher viscosity is preferred. • Magnatec Stop-Start 5W-30 – a full synthetic
SAE 5W-30 petrol/diesel product, for use across a broad range of Japanese, Korean, US and Australian cars where a fuel-efficient oil is not required. • Magnatec Stop-Start 5W-30 A5 – a full synthetic fuel-efficient petrol/diesel product, carrying Ford WSS-M2C913-D approval making it suitable for a range of Ford vehicles including Ranger, Mustang and Focus. • Magnatec SUV 5W-30 C3 – a full synthetic ACEA C3 product, specially formulated for
SUV vehicles and suitable for use in vehicles fitted with DPFs - carrying dexos2 and MB-
Approval 229.31/ 229.51. Also available is Edge 5W-30 A3/B4, Magnatec Diesel DX 5W-40, Magnatec Diesel 15W-40 and GTX Diesel 15W-40. With the days of a one-size fits all engine oil long gone, making sure you’ve got the right product for the right car in the workshop can be a real challenge. For many, this means having to carry more lubricants than ever before with 10L and 20L “small packs” often needed to fill the gap. Castrol says its range of 10L packs is designed to make life in the workshop, and inventory management, easier than ever before. Designed for both upright and side-pour, Castrol’s new 10L packs also feature Smooth Pour Technology; delivering a smooth and easily controlled flow. Gone too is the need to awkwardly ‘tip’ the oil you need with just one handle: Castrol’s new 10L packs have two handles to give you ultimate control while filling. Castrol’s new 10L packs are designed with a much smaller footprint to free up space in the workshop, leaving more space on the floor, on the workbench, and on the drum stand. Castrol’s new 10L packs are available from all good lubricant retailers, or directly from Castrol.
To find out more, speak to your local Castrol rep, call Castrol on 1300 554 890, or visit www.castrol.com.au
WILL YOUR SUV/4WD MANAGE THE HEAT?
Davies, Craig says it has a range of products to keep your vehicle cool
Australia’s automotive market continues to evolve with the three segments of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) along with the 4WD segment accounting for approximately 60 percent of sales this year to date, far outstripping passenger vehicles. With the demise of local car manufacturing Australians will be reliant on imported vehicles to fulfill their various transportation requirements. SUVs and 4x4 Utes have now become the popular vehicles of choice by a broad cross-section of the community including businesses and tradies. Loading up these vehicles is the ‘Australian way’ and consequently the stress placed on the engines and transmissions should not be underestimated, says Australian manufacturer Davies, Craig. A good many SUVs/Utes are packed to carrying capacity (GVM) and/or tow trailers, caravans, and boats. While some SUVs and 4WDs have a factory transmission oil cooler, in a good many cases these coolers are ill-equipped to cope with the increased heat generated by the higher hauling and tow loads in on and off-road environments. Australia serves up some of the harshest climactic, road and terrain conditions and as such vehicle drive trains, specifically the automatic transmission, comes under enormous stress which, in turn, generates excessive heat. An over-heating transmission may suffer premature failure and lead to an expensive rebuild. Davies, Craig says this dilemma can be mitigated with the installation of an auxiliary or indeed a full replacement transmission oil cooler. It states that a simple installation of a transmission oil cooler kit is a very economical and cost-effective way to help safeguard costly transmission repairs. Davies, Craig explains it offers “an ideal range” of aftermarket transmission oil cooler kits directly targeting SUV and 4WD vehicles.
From Terrain Tamer
Terrain Tamer has recently released two new kits, featuring vehicle specific air filter inserts designed to help combat the issue of dusting. Terrain Tamer explains that the original design of the airbox, or upper filter housing, of some Toyota LandCruiser models features a seal surface which is too narrow to match the seal of the filter itself. As a result, the filter is not able to be fully effective, as it does not properly seal. This allows dust to pass through the airbox and enter the engine intake, causing havoc with The Davies Craig Hydra-Cool Combo Pack models, parts #679 with an eight-inch fan and #691 with a 10-inch fan now complement the “extraordinarily successful” Hydra-Cool range, injecting more cooling ‘muscle’ for harderworking automatic transmissions. Simple DIY Installation Instructions accompany each kit and there are a good number of FAQs also listed on the website, www.daviescraig.com.au When it comes to rough terrain, rock crawling and driving in sandy, muddy conditions where low engine revs and slow travel is essential, Davies, Craig explains this can be quite taxing on the engine. It says the installation of a Davies, Craig remotemounted Electric Water Pump has several advantages over the engine-driven mechanical pump. Firstly, it states an EWP will offer improved cooling capacity, a more consistent coolant flow rate at idle and/or low travel speeds when there is little or no ram air, and the elimination of heat soak after a hot engine shut-down. The EWP operates independently of the engine’s speed, with Davies, Craig stating this is a major benefit over traditional mechanically operated water pumps that are only able to circulate coolant only while the motor is operating. When used with the Davies, Craig LCD EWP/Fan Digital Controller (part #8002), Davies, Craig says the pump speed is increased and decreased based on the engine’s operating temperature, instead of RPM. This means the engine’s heat output will determine the pump’s flow rate. If the motor is cold, it will run the EWP at a reduced speed to allow a faster engine warm up. Once the engine temperature begins to climb, it will
FILTER INSERT KITS
increase the pump’s speed accordingly. engine components. To combat this problem, Terrain Tamer has developed a Design Protected range of stainlesssteel filter inserts. When fitted, these inserts create a surface area to perfectly match the filter, aligning in the correct position to seal effectively and reduce the issue of dusting. The inserts are available for the LandCruiser Prado 120/150 series, VDJ76/78/79, and VDJ200 models. At the moment when the engine’s temperature reaches -5◦c below the pre-selected targeted/set operating temperature, the EWP will ramp up to 100 percent flow rate to control the temperature within the desired temperature range to bring the temp down. When the temperature rises +3◦C above the set/targeted temperature, the LCD EWP/Fan Digital Controller will automatically activate the electric fan/s to support the engine cooling process. The original mechanical water pump can be either left in place and operate in conjunction with the EWP or it can be blanked off completely. To simplify the EWP Combo Kit installation, Direct Fit Adapter Kits are available for some engines that free up valuable space and take weight off the front of the engine. When used as an idler, the impeller from the OEM water pump is removed and the EWP is installed in the lower radiator hose. In this situation Davies, Craig says the user will gain all the excellent benefits of utilising an electric water pump, while retaining all the factory pulleys and belt configuration. Davies, Craig says its electric water pumps are light, compact and easy to install and may well be the answer for difficult to cool SUVs and utilities while offering increased performance at the same time. When used with the LCD EWP/Fan Digital Controller engine temperatures, pump speed and electric cooling fans are automatically controlled.
For more information, visit www.daviescraig.com.au
They come in a kit, which also includes the corresponding air filter, as well as sealant required for fitting.
For more information, visit www.terraintamer.com
YUASA 4X4 BATTERIES
Built tough for the Australian outback
Keeping your vehicle powered is essential, especially when driving long distances or off road. Unlike drivers with a sedan, motorists with Heavy Duty Off-Road 4x4s and SUVs need a more robust battery to meet these tough demands. The Yuasa Overlander 4X4 range, which is available exclusively at Australia’s leading battery retailer, Battery World, lets rough terrain explorers crank up the power. Battery World explains that the Yuasa Overlander 4x4 batteries are designed and built right here in Australia, and they pack a punch. Built from incredibly strong internal components and advanced manufacturing processes, they reportedly deliver superior reliability and performance to withstand the rigors of four-wheel driving and are equipped to handle the extreme climate and harsh off-road conditions of the Aussie outback. Battery World says the added benefits of these Overlander lead acid batteries include having increased resistance to corrosion from high under bonnet temperatures as well as superior vibration endurance from driving on uneven roads and surfaces: both major culprits of shorter battery life.
Key features include:
• Hybrid technology for better corrosion resistance in higher temperatures. • Dual purpose design – starting and semi-cycling capabilities for powering 4WD accessories. • Platelock technology provides superior shock and impact endurance. The Overlander range covers most of the popular four-wheel drive vehicles in Australia and comes with a 30 and 36-month warranty for greater peace of mind and value for money. Battery World says its vast range of battery solutions has helped power the passion of many Australian motorists.
For more information head into your nearest Battery World store or to order online for pick up or delivery, visit www.batteryworld.com.au
