ISSUE 20 DECEMBER 2019
THE VOICE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
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Culture change rewarded KEY BAPCOR NEW ZEALAND STAFF JOINED AUSTRALIAN COLLEAGUES IN A CONFERENCE ON CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT — AND COLLECTED AWARDS apcor group’s commitment to continuous improvement in customer service, safety and business performance drives the company’s investment in staff training and development. Bapcor NZ executive general manager Martin Storey says one of the highlights of the year in staff development is the opportunity to attend the 2019 Bapcor Conference and Expo, held this year on the Gold Coast in Australia from 17–21 October.
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“It’s an opportunity to work closely with the leaders in our business away from the challenges of day-to-day business,” says Martin. “They also get to focus on developing the knowledge and skills that will make their teams more effective in a series of training sessions, and it gives us the chance to recognise and encourage outstanding performances. “While most of the attendees are already in leadership roles we are also looking to develop
Bapcor NZ Group delegates at the 2019 conference and expo
leaders of the future and the opportunity to go to these conferences is keenly sought across the team.” Bapcor NZ invested in taking nearly 100 Bapcor Group branch and functional leaders from across New Zealand to the Gold Coast conference. The Kiwi contingent took part in four days of workshops and training sessions on leadership, continuous improvement in customer service and product training, as well as an extensive supplier expo. The conference culminated in a gala awards dinner attended by around 1000 people from across Bapcor in Australasia, including nearly 200 supplier representatives. Martin Storey took the opportunity to recognise outstanding performances from his team, presenting the 2019 Bapcor NZ awards at the dinner.
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Balancing and vibration analysis since 1946
ARGOS
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orld famous for wheel balancing and recognized by major tyre manufacturers worldwide, CEMB is known for innovation, high performance, superior accuracy, operational simplicity and reliability.
That same philosophy has been carried into CEMB wheel alignment where innovation is increasing profitability for business. Their top of the range ARGOS clamp-less wheel alignment system can give accurate measurements in just 5 seconds - without having to get out of the car. It measures toe, camber and thrust angle and has revolutionized the world of alignment by eliminating manually applied clamps, targets and detectors. Advanced user-friendly software automatically preselects the correct specifications simply by driving the vehicle between the Argos columns. It’s all managed by remote control from inside the vehicle and makes it extremely simple and convenient. Their software supports over 55,000 different vehicles and is constantly being updated. CEMB’s desire to provide smart solutions across the automotive market sees 4 models in wheel alignment available in New Zealand that are well suited to the professional workshop. From businesses looking to introduce wheel service to their clients; to those looking to upgrade and up-spec their existing service; to the business who wants to provide the world’s leading wheel alignment service and an awesome experience for their clients (and technicians). If it’s time to wheel in the new, then talk to a CEMB expert and find out exactly why CEMB is right for your business.
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Contents
From the Ed.
8 Culture change rewarded
Cover & 6
Value Tyres asking workshops to promote safety checks
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Get access to uncommon expertise in common rail diesels
9
Fergusons for sale
18
Radiators to the core
20
Old Holdens just get faster
24
Car news
31
Diagnosis: Female trouble
34
Life inside a vacuum
36
Product profiles
42
Situations vacant
44
Compliments of the season
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Occasionally, Hollywood turns its attention to motorsport and sometimes it does the subject justice. It’s not easy to recreate motor racing convincingly on screen but Hollywood can do a good job of showing high points of the action and the drama behind the scenes. That’s one of the real strengths of the new Ford v Ferrari film, which brings two great motorsport personalities vividly to life, as they battle car company bureaucrats threatening to wreck the whole enterprise with their own selfish agendas. The era, the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1966, is beautifully captured by the classy cinematography and the race action is properly visceral. Be warned though. If you know this was one of the greatest days in New Zealand motorsport history when Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme and Chris Amon — well, the cars they co-drove — crossed the line together, don’t expect this to be celebrated in the movie. They are very much bit players in this great American victory. And real motorsport fans will not be surprised to see that all the finesse involved in guiding a race car on the limit is, as usual, represented by stamping the pedal to the metal and changing gears with a straight arm punch to the gearbox. Despite those predictable shortcomings, it’s a great watch for fans of human will triumphing over the odds, great acting, great pacing and great cars. Auto Channel is therefore delighted to be giving 10 lucky winners the chance to enjoy both on a great night out with double movie passes going to entries from Delta Automotive, Ford Motor Company, Nutsnbolts Ltd, Newfield Autos 1996 Ltd, Wairarapa Mitsubishi, Tony Richards Toyota, Partmaster Whangarei, Kingsway Automotive and Electrical ltd, Autocolour European (1999) Ltd, and Continental Cars BMW. Enjoy!
Ian Parkes, Editor
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Auto Channel is distributed 11 times per year. To receive your free copy or to change your address simply visit autochannel.co.nz.
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Bapcor NZ Group delegates at the 2019 conference and expo AUTO CHANNEL IS DISTRIBUTED TO 11,367 New Zealand BUSINESSES
THE FY19 FINALISTS & WINNERS Bapcor NZ ‘Look After Your Mates’ Safety Award Winner: BNT Hamilton, branch manager Bruce Fairburn Bapcor NZ Branch of the Year – Trade (BNT, TATP) Finalists: BNT Papakura, branch manager Andrew Watts; BNT Porirua, branch manager Keith Ives; BNT Hastings, branch manager Dean Brown. Winner: BNT Porirua. Bapcor NZ Branch of the Year – Specialist Wholesale (Autolign, HCB, NZ Brake Co) Finalists: Autolign Palmerston North, branch manager Les Kuiti; Autolign Wellington, branch manager Brad White; Autolign Mount Maunganui, branch manager Glen Kenny. Winner: Autolign Palmerston North. Bapcor NZ Overall Most Improved Branch of the Year (all operations) Finalists: BNT Thames, branch manager Kalem Bruce; BNT Wellington, branch manager Aaron Williams; BNT Nelson, branch manager Chris Wagner. Winner: BNT Wellington Bapcor NZ Emerging Leader Award Winner: Branch manager BNT Queenstown Nicole Butler
SAFETY AT THE CORE Bapcor’s human resources manager, Erin Parkinson, says training and development doesn’t
2019 Wheel balancers and tyre changers training session
ONLINE autochannel.co.nz EMAIL editor@autochannel.co.nz PHONE 09 360 1480 MAIL PO Box 46,020, Herne Bay, Auckland 1147
EDITOR Ian Parkes, editor@autochannel.co.nz DESIGNER Day Barnes
Bapcor NZ executive general manager Martin Storey
just happen at the conference. Bapcor is launching a 12-month programme focusing on safety to close the gap between the current culture and “where we want to be as an organisation”. The company has developed a course with outside consultants which puts the emphasis on leaders’ courage and trust. She says the programme is designed to ingrain safety by increasing engagement and participation in all aspects of safety, and ‘walking the talk’ — so all team members can see and understand what a culture with safety at its core looks like.
FUELLING UP SALES FORCE The training and development programme is also ramping up specific skills. Fifty sales reps were chosen to ‘Fuel Up’ in a new sales training programme. It took the form of two two-day workshops on the foundations of sales, sales strategies, and account planning. The programme concluded with sales reps presenting their key learnings, and showcasing client interactions where a change in their approach to sales and account planning had made a real impact. The Bapcor NZ Group is represented through automotive aftermarket brands BNT, Autolign, TATP, NZ Brake Co., HCB, JAS, Diesel Distributors, and a relatively new addition, Precision Equipment. Bapcor New Zealand has 635 staff in 81 locations nationwide.
PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Croy MEDIA SALES Mike White, michael.white@parkside.co.nz ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Renae Fisher
AUTO CHANNEL IS PUBLISHED BY
PUBLISHER
Greg Vincent, greg.vincent@parkside.co.nz
BUSINESS DIRECTOR
Michael White, michael.white@parkside.co.nz
GENERAL MANAGER
Simon Holloway, simon.holloway@parkside.co.nz
DATA ANALYST Isobel Woudberg PRINTING Ovato
NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Parkside Media uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, misprints, omissions, or typographical errors. Parkside Media prints advertisements provided to the publisher but gives no warranty and makes no representation to the truth, accuracy, or sufficiency of any description, photograph, or statement. Parkside Media accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Parkside Media reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Parkside Media, the publisher, or editor. All material published, gathered, or created for Auto Channel is copyright 2019 Parkside Media Limited. All rights reserved in all media. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher.
Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to 11,367 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors: Automotive workshops, parts importers and distributors, transmission specialists, automotive recyclers, towing operators, panel beaters and painters, crash repairers, tyre dealers, suspension and underbody repairers, steering specialists, towing operators, auto-electrical repairers, newand used-car dealers, air-conditioning repairers, heavy-machinery dealers, trucking and transport
The Bapcor gala awards dinner
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
Value Tyres asking workshops to promote safety checks TYRE-SAFETY CHECKS COME FIRST WHEN AIMING TO KEEP CUSTOMERS SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON t’s hard to get hard data but Blackfern Cooperative’s Auckland manager Tim Peters says that since the WOF renewal periods were extended in 2014, the people he deals with in the repair industry believe the number of accidents related to a lack of vehicle maintenance is increasing. “The driving public is just that, the driving public, not technicians,” says Tim. “Most people look to their professional repairer for guidance in this area and if a long trip is planned it would pay to get the family car serviced or at the very least, safety checked prior to travelling.” Without the prompt of a warrant check, Tim says customers may need reminding to get their vehicles checked. For this reason, he says communityminded and New Zealand–owned Value Tyres and Blackfern Cooperative have teamed up to encourage repairers to promote road safety and in particular to check tyre-tread wear and alignment. Tim says multiple prizes are on offer, the largest of which will comprise a $1K Bunnings voucher.
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Entering is easy. Repairers should simply call their local Value Tyres representative on 0800 825 838 or go to valuetyres.co.nz and staff will place an entry on their behalf. Alternatively, visit blackfern.coop and click on the Value Tyres promotion tab on the Blackfern home page to register. In addition, every Blackfern purchase in November and December 2019 goes into the draw for the Blackfern Formula 1 competition, offering free air fares, event access plus hosted trackside events for the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix.
SPECIALIST RADIATOR SUPPLIER OFFERS SPECIALIST PRICES TO BLACKFERN MEMBERS Blackfern’s Tim Peters with Value Tyres’ Naomi Louw, Varghese Mathew and Joey De Leon
Get access to uncommon expertise in common rail diesels REPCO AND APPCO PARENT COMPANY GPC NEW ZEALAND OFFERS THE ULTIMATE COMMON RAIL DIESEL TRAINING COURSE PC New Zealand is open for bookings for The Ultimate Common Rail Diesel Training Course. These one-and-half-day events, starting late February 2020, are a mix of theory and practical knowledge. They will be delivered in association with Diesel Help Australia. Clinton Brett, who says he is in effect a fifth-generation mechanic, established Diesel Help Australia in 2013. He has 28 years’ experience and has delivered training to thousands of technicians in Australia and, this year, in New Zealand. Clinton’s techniques of mechanically diagnosing electronic diesel systems give automotive technicians and electricians the skills and confidence to work through and resolve issues with the latest diesel technology in light passenger, heavy transport, earthmoving, agriculture, and industrial engines. His successful diagnoses are documented in hundreds of technical bulletins and have been published in automotive journals including Australia’s The Automotive Technician (TAT), Australian Workshop Manager, Australian Diesel Mechanic, and New Zealand’s Transport Talk. Clinton has also been a guest speaker for several trade shows including the Australian Aftermarket Automotive Association (AAAA) Expo for the past three years, and, such is the popularity of his talks, he is on the programme again at next year’s AAAA convention in Brisbane. Clinton’s expertise is constantly refreshed by
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
Blackfern Cooperative appoints Kinga Radiators as supplier
helping 180-plus Diesel Help members in both Australia and New Zealand with daily diesel diagnostics on both common rail diesel and older diesel engines. The courses, held at trade education campuses, are also well-regarded by lecturers from polytechs, universities and TAFE, says GPC New Zealand’s Tony McKenzie. He says Repco New Zealand and GPC New Zealand are pleased to help with the ongoing professional development of the motor-trade workforce by putting recognized industry leading training providers, like Jeff Smitt from TAT and now Clinton Brett, in front of New Zealand technicians. Bookings are limited. For dates and locations see your Repco, Appco, or ASL sales rep or email t.mckenzie@ repco.co.nz for more information.
Clinton Brett
inga Radiators NZ Ltd’s appointment as supplier to Blackfern Cooperative gives another competitive pricing option to members wanting radiators. Kinga manager Mike Spiess says unlike other radiator suppliers, Kinga just does radiators: “We know our products really well and that’s the level of service we want to maintain. Until we can be sure we could support other products at that same level, we’ll stay with radiators.” Kinga began making radiators in China back in 1998 and Kinga Radiators NZ Ltd was established in Auckland in 2015. The company specialises in car radiators and its 86,000m2 factory supplies markets around the world with radiators for most Japanese, European, and American cars. New Zealand has one of the world’s most diverse car parcs, but Mike says the New Zealand company only needs to stock a portion of Kinga’s range to cover the New Zealand market. Kinga NZ is based in Otahuhu in Auckland but supplies radiators nationwide. “We can supply almost anywhere in New Zealand on a next-daydelivery basis,” Mike says. Blackfern director Roger Castelton welcomed Kinga to the co-operative, saying Kinga gives members excellent quality at very competitive pricing. To celebrate this appointment, Roger says any radiator bought from Kinga Radiators in December 2019 and January 2020 will go into the draw to win 10,000 reward points. To create an account see kingaradiator.co.nz, or for more information call Kinga on 09 634 0140.
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Exact-fit kit from Ryco
and tough Aussie conditions, and tested them in high-temperature, towing, and off-road conditions RVSK brackets are made from 3mm laser-cut steel, which is also powder coated for added toughness. Additionally, added abrasion-resistant
insulation has been used on all of the PCV and fuel hoses to ensure they’re protected from the elements and piercing. For more information go to ryco.co.nz, or speak to Ryco’s customer service team on 0800 838 222.
the wheels up or pushing them down, individually and actively. This means the two inner wheels can be retracted and the outer ones extended to counteract body roll. The predictive element comes from camera images. A vehicle equipped with Flying Carpet 2.0 can detect irregularities in advance as well as obstacles and objects like road-traffic signs. And when leaving residential areas, the car automatically switches to Sports Performance or Comfort mode depending on the driver’s preferences. Supplemented by ZF’s steer-by-wire powersteering system and active Integrated Brake Control system, the combination of these four integral chassis components makes it possible to optimize nearly every driving situation. The Flying Carpet 2.0 also includes ZF’s rear-axle steering system, which steers the rear axle in the
opposing direction to the front wheels at low speeds and in the same direction at higher speeds, which also translates into smoother vehicle movement.
INTRODUCING RYCO’S NEW VEHICLESPECIFIC FITMENT KITS FOR FUEL–WATER SEPARATORS AND CRANKCASE FILTERS yco’s new vehicle-specific fitment kits (RVSKs) can mount fuel–water separator filters and crankcase filters to diesel-powered passenger vehicles precisely. To develop the kits, 3D engine-bay scanning was used on a number of popular diesel-powered 4WDs and SUVs to ensure the best location was chosen to fit the mounting bracket. The result is a twin-filter mounting kit that requires no drilling. Each bracket has been designed for exact fitment using existing mounting points in each engine bay. Plus, the included PCV hose is purpose-moulded for a precise fit. Fitting fuel–water separators and crankcase breather filters to vehicles is a popular way to add extra protection to engines from water and other contaminants and chemical build-up from crankcase gases. However, the installation of these filters is usually problematic when using universaltype mounting brackets in limited engine bay space. The release of RVSKs rectifies this issue for popular diesel vehicles. The RVSKs can mount either, or both, fuel–water separators and crankcase filters. Ryco designed these kits in Australia for rough
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Reinventing the flying carpet ZF IS COMBINING MOTION-CONTROL TECH TO CREATE A NEW CHASSIS CONCEPT he ‘Flying Carpet 2.0’ concept helps liberate occupants from unpleasant vehicle movements by predictively helping to smooth out bends, bumps, and potholes. It’s an integrated system linking sensors, a smart control unit, and intelligent actuators that lay essential groundwork for the automated vehicles of the future. While concentrating on work, reading, or watching a film in the car may be possible in theory, it is still inconceivable to many people, due to unwanted car body movements. The technical basis for Flying Carpet 2.0 is the intelligent combination of active and semiactive systems that predictively iron out adverse movements of the vehicle body. It relies on the sMOTION fully active damping system that uses four actuators to adapt the suspension movements of each individual wheel according to road surface features, and how the vehicle is being driven. They use an external electric motor and pump unit that works as a bi-directional actuator lifting
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
Repco ticks every box for pre-delivery workshop fit-out WHEN IT COMES TO WORKSHOP FIT-OUTS IT WILL RARELY GET BIGGER THAN THIS utomotive Holdings Group (AHG) has just opened a pre-delivery (PD) check centre at Auckland’s Airport Oaks that carries out PD checks for all the group dealerships’ six brands: Ford, Mazda, Holden, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai. AHG’s group fixed operations manager Aaron MacDonald says planning and setting up the new centre took the best part of a year. After deciding to combine PD operations on one site, the dealership group took over a vast existing building, which was otherwise a ‘clean sheet’ site.
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Design of the new facility was carried out by the group’s own designers and refined by the team on the ground. Eleven hoists were planned, giving the team of 22 workshop staff the capacity to process up to 60 new cars a day, with room to expand. The project offered a great opportunity to achieve economies of scale but significant investment was at stake in the fit-out. AHG went directly to its preferred supplier, Repco, or more accurately Repco’s parent company GPC Asia Pacific, which also includes Appco, Ashdown-Ingram, and Sulco Tools. Aaron says without GPC’s one-stop-shop sourcing and supply capability the project would have been significantly more complex and time-consuming.
“They can supply anything and everything,” says Aaron. His team drew up lists of the equipment needed — from hoses to hoists, wash bays to work benches, diagnostics to dustpans, and tyre machines to everything apart from technicians’ own toolboxes. Then they presented their wish lists to the GPC team. “They would send us suggested solutions with a few different options then we’d decide between us what would work best,” Aaron says. GPC’s automotive dealer solutions manager Maria Donnelly is part of the team managing the relationship with AHG, along with Sulco Tools business development manager Steve Greer. Maria says GPC will partner with AHG on other workshop fit-outs or upgrades at dealerships throughout the country as required. In the meantime, the companies have an ongoing relationship managing new equipment purchases and consumables supplies through an integrated online ordering system. “Having a close working relationship like this makes it easy for our customers to focus on their core business,” says Maria. “We just help make it happen.”
Aaron MacDonald
he manufacturers supply products to OEM and OES customers which ensures they meet the quality, performance and fitment standards demanded by car makers, and have the credentials to be stocked and supplied by Repco and Appco. In line with OEM requirements, Flokool radiators are manufactured in world-class facilities that comply with ISO/TS16949 quality accreditation. They incorporate the latest radiator quality and performance characteristics. They are also validated by state of the art thermal cycle testing equipment, vibration and salt-spray tolerance, endurance and leak testing. In over 95% of applications fin pitch and height is as per OE specifications. Flokool radiators also feature brazed, not mechanical jointed cores, making them more durable and more tolerant of vibration. The range includes both aluminium cores, which offer enhanced performance and lighter weight, and copper and brass construction as per original equipment on older vehicles. Aluminium used is the same grades as OE and only virgin material is used in the tanks. There is no recycled polypropylene in Flokool radiators. All Flokool radiators come with a 2-year, 50,000km warranty. They are available from all Repco and Appco stores throughout New Zealand.
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Repco adds Flokool Radiators to aftermarket catalogue THE FLOKOOL RADIATOR RANGE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE AUSTRALASIAN MARKET
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Automaster spares service is second to none SPARE PARTS IS THE BEATING HEART OF EQUIPMENT SALES AND SUPPORT utomaster, suppliers of Corghi, Powerrex, Peak lifts, its own Automaster line of workshop equipment like tyre changers and balancers — and now Maha lifts — says its comprehensive parts service is a key strength of its business. Automaster’s Gary Cotterell says says the company aims to ensure it stocks every part and every consumable associated with those machines so that it can offer next-day delivery to customers in almost any part of the country. They will airfreight parts if necessary. The part numbers run into thousands. “We have what we believe to be the largest, most comprehensively stocked spare parts department in New Zealand,� says Gary. “We try to have everything on the shelf just in case.� One of the key differences is that Automaster still carries spares for and support machines it sold many years ago, even though it no longer sells them — and
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Brad Miller, master of the Automaster parts domain
having taken over some agencies, Automaster stocks parts for machines sold by previous suppliers. “That means we are supporting some of our competitors’ old customers as well,� says Gary. “Machines can run for 15 or 20 years — or even longer — and we have the parts to keep them going. But we know of some other equipment out there that’s just five years old and is no longer supported.� Automaster also offers good old-fashioned personal service where calls go through to its full-time parts manager, Brad Miller, who is expert at identifying the correct parts. Gary says online ordering would just result in too many wrong parts being ordered, adding unnecessary time and cost for everyone. “What people value most is the prompt service,� says Brad. “Given my experience, I can help diagnose a problem over the phone. I do the research and get back to them very quickly. I sometimes get them to send photos, because in this industry everyone has a different name for things. We take care to make sure they get the right part first time.� Brad says he also works closely with the technical service staff and they help build each other’s knowledge. Gary says if a machine needs repairing most parts are specified by the after-sales service technicians but Brad also works directly with equipment owners to help diagnose and identify necessary parts. For more information on Automaster brands and equipment or after-sales service, see automaster.co.nz, email info@automaster.co.nz, or call 0800 214 604.
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Synthetic elastomer ends noise complaints
re-greased very often. Whiteline Chassis Control Bushings’ unique design and material technology improve performance without affecting the way a vehicle rides. The bushing kits are resistant to chemicals, oils,
and weathering, and they are backed by a lifetime warranty (conditions apply). Whiteline is available across New Zealand through SAS Autoparts. For more information visit whiteline.com.au.
REDRANGER’S WHITELINE CHASSIS CONTROL BUSHINGS USE SYNTHETIC ELASTOMER FOR IMPROVED ARTICULATION, PERFORMANCE, VIBRATION, AND NOISE DAMPENING hiteline Chassis Control Bushings use engineered synthetic elastomer for both functional and cosmetic purposes. The synthetic material provides durability as well as added safety through road-holding stability and improved handling at both lower speeds and higher speeds when cornering, accelerating, and braking. Cosmetically, the neutral appearance is for restorers and racers. The bushings have been through extensive testing to ensure there’s minimal effect on ride quality, maximum effect on handling precision, higher speed reaction when cornering, and improved noise dampening. The synthetic elastomer removes the complaints of bushings being too noisy, groaning, and squeaking. They also don’t dry out or need to be
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WHITELINE CHASSIS CONTROL BUSHINGS WHITELINE engineered “Synthetic Elastomer” bushings feature the quality ride of rubber at lower speeds and at higher speeds react when under cornering, accelerating and braking loads, for CHASSIS CONTROL and improved handling. Backed by a LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY. Ideal for: SERVICING - It provides the reliability, durability, added safety and ride quality characteristics for everyday vehicles and servicing. PERFORMANCE - The road holding stability, handling and abrasive resistence for performance and 4x4 vehicles. RESTORATION – The neutral (black) appearance for restorers and racers.
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The evolution of Garrett turbo technology FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS, NEARLY EVERY MAJOR GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE BRAND HAS USED GARRETT TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIONS ince 1936 — when Cliff Garrett started his company in a small office in Los Angeles, US — Garrett has been through names such as AiResearch, AlliedSignal, and now it’s known as ‘Garrett Advancing Motion’. It produced the world’s first turbocharged production car in 1954, and Garrett Advancing Motion has supported the overall winning teams of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for 19 years since 2000. In 1967 Deere farm tractors chose the Garrett T04 turbo for its farm tractor range, and in the ’70s when turbo hit the mass market in the diesel engine world, the Garrett T04 appeared in more and more commercial diesel applications. This turbocharger provided better performance, greater torque, and improved fuel efficiency. Garrett Advancing Motion now has more than 60 years of experience in crafting turbocharging systems for gasoline and diesel. The Garrett Gasoline Turbochargers range covers the full range
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of engine sizes from economy passenger vehicles to high-performance V8s and V12s. Garrett Diesel Turbochargers are designed to help improve fuel consumption and reduce nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide. Garrett Advancing Motion turbocharger technology is the preferred choice for many original equipment manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Fiat, Ford, and more. Garrett is also providing solutions for hybrid electrification and fuel-cell power trains, and it’s ready for the era of connected and autonomous vehicles, as it works with cybersecurity and prognostic software systems creating secure operating environments. Alltech Diesel & Turbocharger stocks Garrett Advancing Motion turbos. For more details, visit turbo.co.nz.
Lamp installation made easy HELLA INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE LED LAMP DISTRIBUTION BOX FOR COMMERCIAL TRAILER LIGHTING magine your trailer had a lamp failure or circuit failure and it caused the whole trailer lighting to malfunction. This would make the trailer inoperable and finding the cause of the issues could be timeconsuming and expensive. Hella New Zealand has designed a simple solution that not only makes connecting lamps to a wiring harness simple, but also quick and reliable. Plus, should a fault occur, any lamp outage is limited to the single circuit meaning faster fault finding and easy replacement. The innovative LED Lamp Distribution Box has integrated Deutsch DT connector sockets for simple plug-in connectivity. This ensures a secure and reliable connection. If faults with a lamp, cable, or connection should occur, each output circuit is individually protected,
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
so a malfunction won’t affect the other lamps connected to the distribution box. This makes it easy to trace faults to the relevant circuit and results in a faster repair time, getting the trailer back on the road quickly. Internal thermal fuse protection isolates a fault to the single circuit it’s occurred in, and resetting the fuse is as straightforward as removing the power for a few seconds and waiting for the fuse to reset when cooled. Hella designed the LED Lamp Distribution Box with its focus on commercial trailers and custom vehicles so the box is built for heavy-duty conditions. It features a completely sealed I6K9K-rated housing
to protect the internal electronics from moisture, dust, and other contaminants. This also helps avoid potential damage when changing lamps, as there’s no need to open the box to do this. Hella has long been a leader in LED lighting design, and the release of this new distribution box enables faster lamp connectivity for builders and electricians while offering owners and operators increased reliability, productivity, and safety on the road. The LED Lamp Distribution Box is designed for low-voltage LED lamps. To find out more about Hella and the LED Lamp Distribution Box, visit hella.co.nz.
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R&J opens in the South Island NEW R&J BATTERIES DISTRIBUTION CENTRE TO OPEN IN CHRISTCHURCH, WITH RUSSELL ARMSTRONG APPOINTED SOUTH ISLAND MANAGER &J Batteries continues to expand its presence in the New Zealand market with the opening of its new South Island distribution centre in Christchurch. The location will be headed up by newly appointed South Island manager Russell Armstrong. South Island R&J Batteries customers have previously been serviced from the Auckland distribution centre. The new Christchurch site will allow easier access to existing and new customers throughout the South Island, explains R&J Batteries NZ general manager Warrik Skulve. Having a distribution centre in Christchurch means the R&J Batteries team will be able to deliver increased service levels, and Russell will be able to build stronger relationships across the South Island. Russell has worked in the autoelectrical market for his entire career, so has a good understanding of the battery market and technical grounding to support R&J Batteries’ products, Warrik tells us. The distribution centre, based in Wigram, will
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R&J Batteries’ South Island Manager, Russell Armstrong
be set up in December. It will provide direct access for local Christchurch customers, and it will have the close support of freight companies for wider South Island distribution. R&J Batteries has been operating in Australia for more than 24 years and its distribution centre in Auckland has been running for almost two years. It distributes leading brands of specialist batteries
and accessories like Delkor, Optima, US Battery, Hardcore, Fullriver, Odyssey, and ReLion Lithium. With R&J’s research and development team committed to providing the latest battery technology from around the world, the company is continually refining and improving its product offerings. For more information, call 09 636 5980 or visit rjbatt.co.nz.
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Upgrade your workshop and keep your working capital PAY-AS-YOU-GO WORKSHOP LEASING DEAL AVOIDS BIG COSTS AND STRANDED ASSETS ease Solutions offers workshops a new way into new equipment for minimal cost. Lease Solutions leases all makes and models of workshop equipment, from scan tools through everything required for a complete workshop fit-out or overhaul. Lease Solutions’ John Jenkins says the technology in some workshop equipment, like scanners and wheel aligners, is developing rapidly. “That means you can invest thousands of dollars in new tools only to find in a few years’ time it’s already out of date and practically worthless, if you want to update.”
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LEASE SOLUTIONS
Other types of equipment like lifts might have a longer service life but can represent a significant capital outlay, especially if you need a range of new gear. Getting the equipment you need now on lease means you can still use that money elsewhere, while the new, leased equipment is also earning for the business. Todd says leases are usually arranged on a 36-month contract with all costs like delivery, installation, servicing, and yearly certification (where applicable) included in the monthly cost. “And once the 36 months are up, you can opt to keep the equipment but the cost drops by
50 per cent and the contract rolls over monthly.” Besides avoiding lump-sum payments, like rent-to-buy arrangements, leasing has a long list of other benefits, including fixed and regular costs; no maintenance expenses; peace-of-mind servicing; calibration and equipment management; and, as mentioned, not being left with outdated, worn-out or valueless equipment — and leasing costs are 100 per cent tax deductible. Contact Lease Solutions through Century Distributors. Call 021 614 421, head online to https://centurydistributors.co.nz/, or email jjenkins@centurydistributors.co.nz.
EQUIPMENT LEASE We Lease All Leading Brands and Models
Wheel Balancers from $24 + gst per week Tyre Changers from $38 + gst per week Wheel Aligners from $159 + gst per week Two Post Hoists from $45 + gst per week 4 Post Hoists from $102 + gst per week Scan tools from $26 + gst per week
Contracts include delivery, install and all servicing / repairs. We lease ANY workshop equipment. For a quote call 021 614 421
Workshop fit-out and peace of mind TREADWAY EQUIPPED PROVIDES GARAGE AND WORKSHOP FIT-OUT SOLUTIONS WITH A “100/100 COMMITMENT” etting up your workshop with all the right gear doesn’t have to be a headache. Treadway Equipped’s sales manager, Loren Bill, says the company specializes in listening to customers needs and working out solutions that are best for each business, not just selling what the customer likes the look of. And they know what works well together. Treadway’s alignment combo fit-out includes a Fasep wheel aligner together with a Steiner fourpost alignment lift. The Steiner alignment lift can handle all LWB commercial vans and pick-ups. The set-up is fast with no run-out compensation required. The wheel aligner, being one of the world’s fastest, uses intuitive technology to provide easy and accurate wheel alignment. This results in a fast turnaround for customers and greater productivity for the business, reducing preparation time by up to 80 per cent. Loren says Treadway Equipped is so confident in its service it offers a “100/100 commitment” to ensure workshops are happy with the gear installed. “Because we ensure the right gear is recommended, we are completely comfortable in
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Don’t boil this summer PORTACOOL KEEPS US MILITARY COOL — TOUGH ENOUGH FOR WORKSHOPS vaporating water is the most efficient way to cool air and these plug-in, US-made units can cool 100m2, or up to nearly 600m2, for an average power cost of around $5 a day (based on average consumption of 264kWh), depending on tariff. Unlike misters, atomizer fans, foggers, and
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
saying that after 100 days you will be 100 per cent satisfied that you have got the right equipment for you to do your job the best way you can,” he says. “If not, we will replace, repair, or refund in full.” For more information on Treadway Equipped’s workshop fit-out service, the great alignment combo, or to learn more about the leasing options they have available, see treadwayequipped.co.nz.
vaporizers, Portacool evaporative coolers don’t blow water mist that settles on people, equipment, and floors. Portacool coolers keep the air dry and equipment rust-free, and they work in dry or humid conditions. They also avoid spreading droplets that can collect and host microbial contaminants. Portacool warns customers not to be fooled by coolers that use less water, as it’s the evaporation of water that powers the cooling performance. A litre of water can remove around 2000BTU of heat from the air. To remove more heat, you need to evaporate more water. Portacool coolers come with built-in water reservoirs ranging from 190 litres to 280 litres, and hose connections for a continuous feed if desired. They also have an automatic low water shut-off to prevent damage. No chemicals need to be added. The units use only water and electricity, making them safe for any industrial environment. Portacool coolers are charged with Kuul evaporate media. The media will last five years with proper maintenance. The robust moulded housings have built-in handles, and no latches, locks, or pins to rust or get damaged or need replacing. They roll on heavy-duty castors, making them easy to position or store when not required, and they come with a three-year warranty. Portacool evaporative coolers come in a variety of sizes, distributing cool air that can be felt up to 90m away See your local Repco or Appco store for more information or to arrange a trial.
Engine-bay installations made easy REDARC HAS RELEASED A RANGE OF VEHICLE-SPECIFIC MOUNTING BRACKETS TO HELP ENGINE-BAY INSTALLATIONS OF ITS AWARDWINNING BCDC IN-VEHICLE DC-DC CHARGERS he new BCDC mounting brackets allow installation of in-vehicle DC-DC chargers into the front of specific vehicle models to allow for cooler airflow and ensure optimal performance away from high-temperature areas. Seven popular 4WD makes and models benefit from the six new variants of BCDC mounting brackets from Redarc. The vehicles are Toyota Landcruiser 200 (11/2008 onwards), Toyota Landcruiser 70 (03/2007 onwards), Toyota Landcruiser Prado 150 (10/2009 onwards), Toyota Hilux (03/2005–’09/2015), Toyota Hilux (10/2015 onwards), Isuzu D-MAX (06/2012 onwards), and Holden Colorado RG (06/2012 onwards). Constructed from durable 304 stainless steel, the mounting brackets are designed to fit existing mounting points in the vehicle. Each bracket ships complete with instructions and fasteners to complete the installation process. Because they are vehicle-specific, the bracket size and mounting style are tailored for secure fitment within the engine bay. Redarc’s managing director, Anthony Kittel, says both installers and customers were looking forward to the addition of customized mounting brackets. “The addition of a range of mounting brackets for our BCDC range is a logical fit for our product offering, with feedback from the field indicating that there is strong demand for a ready-made, vehicle-specific installation solution,” he says. The brackets are built in Australia and designed to function in the harshest conditions. They are engineered to handle everything from extreme heat to deep-water crossings. BCDC mounting brackets come with New Zealand– wide support, including a two-year hassle-free warranty and after-sales service to answer any questions that may arise. For more information visit redarcelectronics.co.nz/battery-chargers/ mounting-brackets.
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Big opportunity for Ferguson fans TRACTOR FANS WILL DESCEND ON MASTERTON IN FEBRUARY WHEN A COLLECTION OF FERGUSON TRACTORS AND FARM IMPLEMENTS GOES ON SALE etired tree nurseryman Peter Cameron started collecting Fergusons in the early ’90s. It all began when he needed a tractor for his new lifestyle block. He sought out a Ferguson, as he learned to drive one on the family farm. Now he has 14, dating from 1946 to 1958, which will go under the hammer at 20 Boundary Road, Masterton, on 1 February 2020. The legendary TE20 ‘little grey tractor’ featured Ferguson’s revolutionary hydraulic three-point hitch, which subsequently became the standard farm-implement connection system. Peter also has TEA 28s and Massey Ferguson 35s and a 165. He says he doesn’t have favourites but perhaps the
most unusual is one with a narrow track for work in vineyards. It’s not the biggest collection of Ferguson tractors in the country, but it is the biggest collection of Ferguson farm implements, says Peter. Seventy of them, including eight ploughs, potato planters, post-hole diggers, a baler, harrowing discs, and cultivators will also go on the block. “Harry Ferguson believed in having a complete system,” says Peter, who, over the years, has become such an authority he’s also known as ‘Mr Ferguson’. He’s a member of the 5000-strong UK-based Friends of Ferguson Heritage organization, and he’s expecting most of
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the association’s 80 members in New Zealand to be ‘looking for a bargain’ at the auction. Peter says most of the tractors are in running order. While he has mastered spray painting himself and applied most of the elbow grease, he says restoration work requiring special skills has been carried out by experts. The most comprehensive restoration was to a three-ton Ferguson tipping trailer. It was damaged when a digger accidentally hooked it up while working in a local river, where it had lain hidden beneath the gravel for years. The timber and a lot of the metal had to be replaced but Peter’s dedication brought it back from the brink. Peter is downsizing on the hobby front. While his entire Ferguson catalogue is for sale, he has another passion, which fills a smaller, but still substantial shed: model railways. Wakefield Auctions will conduct the sale. The catalogue will be available from wakefieldauctions.co.nz from 24 January. To register, email greytown.auction@gmail.com or call Mike on 0274 453 152 or Steve on 0274 422 502.
After 30 years of collecting owner says time to let go
are pleased to present the
Peter Cameron Ferguson collection An auction not to be missed with many items unique to New Zealand and available in limited numbers only Held at 20 Boundary Road, Masterton, Saturday, 1 February 2020 at 10am. Viewing from 10am till 4pm on Friday, 31 January 2020 and 9am day of sale Phone Mike 0274453152 Steve 0274422502 Peter 063771080
www.wakefieldauctions.co.nz
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Wakefield Auctions Greytown
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greytown.auction@gmail.com
Smartwasher real world test GLENN TORPEY PLANNED TO PUT THE SMARTWASHER THROUGH ITS PACES BEFORE DECIDING TO REPLACE HIS OLD SOLVENTBASED PARTS WASHING BATH hat was Glenn’s original plan anyway. He said a friend had moved to a warm detergent wash system and the idea intrigued him. He’d happily give up washing parts in kerosene, if the alternative did the job, after a decent comparison. So he did a bit of reading, liked what he saw, and got in touch with CRC, which markets the Smartwasher. “I thought I’d give it a bit of a run and see how it goes,” he says. The Smartwasher uses its own-brand detergent.
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That’s necessary to be compatible with the clever environmentally-friendly part of the system. Instead of having to clean the bath periodically and dispose of the solvent, the wash water in the Smartwasher drains into a tank containing as special blend of bacteria that eat the grease and oil. The bacteria are continually cleaning up the wash water so it (and its detergent) can be re-used over and over. The tank is kept at around 40°C, the temperature at which the bacteria are the most active.
But any idea Glenn had of a side-by-side trial didn’t survive the first week. “I thought I’d give this a crack but I’d never go back,” he says. “Almost as soon as it arrived I got rid of the old one. I couldn’t be bothered with it, it was so chemically.” “This one, [the Smartwasher] you can be welding right over the top of it and it’s not a problem. There’s no fumes, the water’s warm, and it’s not harming your hands. The other would just about take your skin off.” Although gloves are recommended when dealing with oil- and grease-covered parts, Glenn admits he sometimes doesn’t use gloves for some small jobs. “With the kerosene bath you are forever gloving up,” he says. “And the shed always reeked of kero.” Disposing of dirty kero was another headache, but based out at Manukau Heads, Glenn fortunately had some land that produced scrub cuttings to burn off. Maintaining the Smartwasher also takes no effort: “I just change the filter mats as recommended and that’s it. It keeps itself clean.” For more info on Smartwashers, see crcsmartwasher.co.nz, contact colsons@crc.co.nz, or call 021 747 606.
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The SmartWasher Bioremediating Parts Washing system is both self-cleaning and safe for the user. Through the process of bioremediating the SmartWasher constantly maintains the cleanliness of the OzzyJuice cleaning/degreasing solution without the need for hauling away used fluid.
REDUCE YOUR HEALTH & SAFETY HAZARDS & RISKS CONTACT CRC INDUSTRIES NEW ZEALAND TO HAVE A SMARTWASHER EXPERT REVIEW & ADVISE ON YOUR PARTS WASHING NEEDS
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SMARTWASHER RANGE AT WWW.CRCSMARTWASHER.CO.NZ
PH 09 272 2700
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RADIATOR CORE MANUFACTURE WORDS: CONNAL GRACE PHOTOS: ADAM CROY
Cool to the core This issue we check in with radiator experts Adrad on how radiators are made, taking a behind-thescenes look at radiator core manufacturing at New Zealand’s biggest radiator plant. Chances are that, at some point in their life, everyone will encounter a vehicle overheating problem. How often they come across such a problem is another issue altogether. The problems arise more often in the performance field: if you pull your motors out and hot them up — no pun intended — then you’ve probably also dealt with about as many cooling problems as motors. These problems arise because internalcombustion engines inherently generate heat, and engines built for performance are, by default, going to generate more heat. The heat is a byproduct of the combustion events that keep the motor running and the friction between moving parts that results from the engine running — often at many thousands of revolutions per minute — in a typical automotive engine. To dissipate the heat generated, most engines are water cooled. The casting process for engine blocks, heads, and intake manifolds will almost always incorporate water channels to allow coolant to circulate through the areas most exposed to extreme temperatures, dissipating any heat that is generated. The coolant mixture is commonly an ethylene glycol–based solution
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
that expands as it heats up, increasing pressure, which in turn increases its boiling point to beyond that of plain water. Even so, the coolant itself still needs to be cooled continually in order to dissipate heat properly. This is where the radiator is involved. The water pump pushes coolant through the water channels, and the heated mixture eventually circulates through the radiator, which is positioned for maximum exposure to ‘cold’ air. The flow of cold air through the radiator reduces the temperature of the coolant by dissipating the heat to the atmosphere; the coolant is then recirculated through the system to absorb more heat. While the entire cooling system represents the effectiveness of a fundamentally basic concept, there is quite an art to how the radiator core — where the magic happens — actually works and is assembled. For this we were lucky enough to check out Auckland-based Adrad National Radiators to observe first-hand how the radiators work and are assembled; here’s what we learned. The general automotive radiator ‘CT’ core contains a large number of finned, narrow coolant channels, giving a large surface area to volume ratio. The resulting convection effect allows for rapid heat dissipation. However, there is a process involved in turning a stack of raw materials into a radiator core, and, looking at the materials involved — rolls of copper, lengths of brass tubing coated in solder, and brass sheets — it can be tricky to see how it all goes together.
3 HEADER PLATES
#1
The header plates are an interesting place to start, since they are unlikely to resemble anything that comes to mind when you think of a radiator. However, as the conduit between the header tanks and the actual core of the radiator, they are a very important component.
#2
The header plates begin life as sheets of brass, which are cut to the correct size according to the radiator’s specifications. A job sheet will state the number of rows required, as well as the radius of the corners
#3
The brass sheets, having been cut to the correct size, are pressed for what are known as ‘piercings’ — holes through which the coolant will flow. The die used in the press is chosen to suit the radiator core requirements. From here, the brass sheet, with fresh piercings, is brought to have the corners cut to the appropriate radius. The header plate is then brought to the radius forming press, with a number of different radius dies, depending on the corner radius required by the header plate. This essentially gives the header plate a folded edge, along both the flat edges and the corner radii.
#4
The completed header plate is ready to be attached to the rest of the core, the assembly of which is covered next. These can be made in different mounting styles, including bolton, weld-on, or with castellated edges that lock
into place in plastic header tanks, sealed by a rubber O-ring. Adrad carries a range of header tanks for a variety of applications, from plastic header tanks for daily-drivers through to bolt-on brass tanks for a Kenworth truck.
THE CORE
#5
The first step involved in the actual core of the radiator involves a machine called the ‘CT fin machine’, which is fed a large spool of copper that will eventually form the fins. The machine stamps the copper, allowing for the accordion-like zig-zag shape, and punches louvres in it if required, before compressing the length to an appropriate fins-perinch measurement. All of this is pre-programmed into the machine according to the radiator being assembled, and each aspect here is important in its own way.
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#6
The number of fins per inch is calculated based on the bigger picture of the radiator’s application. If it’s a narrow-core radiator, the convection effect could be enhanced with a narrower pitch, whereas a thicker core would function better with a more open pitch — “Having too tight of a finsper-inch on a thick-core radiator would be like hitting a brick wall; not good for airflow,” explains Tara Maylin, Adrad’s New Zealand manager. Louvred fins are great for most road-going vehicles, with enhanced cooling capabilities, but would not be used in certain applications. “On a hay baler or machinery working in lime works, for example, it’s likely that louvres will not be stamped, and will have a more open pitch, due to the likelihood of seeds or foreign matter being lodged between the fins,” Tara explains. These radiators also use a tubular-style core, rather than the CT cores we’re looking at, and the design will make it easier to waterblast or manually clean the radiator core without damaging the fins.
#10
With the radiator core held in place within the baking frame, the header plates can be applied. As described before, these are manufactured concurrently in a different part of the factory known as the ‘press shop’.
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#7
Once the copper fins have been produced, they are arranged into what begins to resemble a radiator core. The tubes through which the coolant is channelled are brass that has been coated with solder — the solder coating is there so that, when the core is baked in a special oven, the solder melts and fuses the fins with the tubes. At this stage, the core can still be touched up cosmetically, if it needs to look perfect, even though aesthetic blemishes don’t adversely affect performance. Once the core has been baked, it stays as is.
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#12
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#13
#9
At this stage, the rows are stacked loosely, and the core assembly is clamped together from top to bottom to achieve the specified core height. Once the height has been achieved, the core assembly is held in place within a baking frame.
The header plates will eventually be connected to the header tanks, whether by welding, bolting, or locking tabs in plastic tank applications. With the header plates in place on either side of the core, and the ends of the tubes poking through, the tube ends are flared to increase the water-channel openings for optimized fluid flow.
FINISHING
#8
The fins and tubes are stacked alternately until the radiator core specifications are met, with galvanized side plates on the top and bottom edges. A roll of solder is also applied between the galvanized side plates and top and bottom fins, as well as between the next row of fins. This is for adhesion, as stated earlier, since the uppermost and lowermost rows are most susceptible to damage from flex or pressure
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The assembly is now ready to enter the baking oven, where the solder that coats the tubes will melt and adhere to the copper fins and to the header plates. Essentially, this process renders the core a complete assembly, and it no longer needs to be supported by the baking frame. This core has just been baked, and is being allowed to cool before it progresses to the next step.
From here, the baked cores are left to cool before they move to the next stage. The cores are then secured in such a way that the header plates are immersed in a tub of molten solder for a few seconds before being blown out with compressed air. These header plates have just been dipped, as evidenced by the silver finish of the brass. The core assembly is manually inspected and touched up, with any pinholes around the header plate soldered up, as well as the reinforcing plate — if applicable — between the side plate and the lowest copper fins.
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#14
Some radiators require corner reinforcing plates, some require fulllength reinforcing plates, others require none at all — if any are required, though, this is where they are soldered on. The example here has reinforcing plates at the corners only.
#15
An ID tag is also attached, stamped with the date of manufacture as well as the job number, for easy future identification of the radiator.
TESTING
#16
It’s looking like a complete core now, but it’s not quite ready for the shelf yet, as it still needs to be tested. The radiator’s header plates will be closed up and the whole core submerged in water. Any air bubbles will indicate leakage, which must be rectified before the radiator core goes any further. From here, the radiator is washed out in fresh water, to clean any flux or chemicals that may remain in or on the core, before it enters the drying oven. This is set at a much lower temperature than the baking oven, as the last thing needed is melted solder
18 — it simply allows for the radiator to be properly dried and made ready for final quality-control check.
#17
After being dried, the cores are moved to their final quality-control check, where any minor problems are fixed — for example, bent fins are straightened. Once the core has passed its quality checks, it is ready to be inventoried or dispatched to the customer.
CUSTOM ENGINEERING If a complete radiator, not just the core, is required — for example, if an off-the-shelf unit can’t be sourced — that can also be arranged. Usually, the old header tanks are cut off the old core and
Vintage-style cores There’s a little room in Adrad’s facility that deals solely with vintage radiators, with either hexagonal (honeycomb) or cellular cores. Before being purchased by Adrad 15 years ago, National Radiators was a New Zealand radiator manufacturer founded 82 years ago. As such, Adrad still has tooling to produce genuine vintage radiator cores. The machines used for each different style are date stamped ‘1914’ — realdeal OEM tools from back in the day. The copper spool is fed into each machine, as it is with the more modern CT fin machine upstairs, and is pressed in the appropriate pattern. The hexagonal style comes out as half hexagons with integrated cooling passages, which are stacked one above the other, making what looks like a honeycomb pattern, with water channels within. A cellular core is ‘folded’ into itself in an elongated rectangular formation, with a finned insert placed
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
inside. These cells make up the radiator core. With either style of core, it is common for a template to be provided for the core to fit within. Since Adrad is one of the few companies that possesses this tooling, there is a huge demand for
rewelded to the new core, although new header tanks can also be custom fabricated. “The engineering guys do any job that is ‘too hard’, whether it’s repairs, custom work, or jigs,” Tara says. “They’re not allowed to say no — they just have to figure out a way to do it!”
#18
This example is in for a re-core. Since only the core is being replaced, with the existing header tanks being reused, it is having a jig made up before being taken apart. The jig will allow the header tanks and fan shroud mount to be perfectly lined up with the pre-existing holes once the new core is in — failure to get this right will almost certainly result in a radiator that does not fit.
these products in the US when the dollar is weak. Likewise, whenever Motat requires a radiator core, it’s going to be Adrad that comes up with an authentic solution. Thanks to Adrad National Radiators for their assistance in preparing this article. For more details see radiators.co.nz or contact Adrad on 0800 628723.
For more information contact Scott Brokenshire 022 401 8651 – sbrokenshire@filpro.co.nz Filpro Automotive 0800 465 855 – info@filpro.co.nz
Check out the new range at narva.co.nz
WORDS: CONNAL GRACE PHOTOS: ADAM CROY
GLORY DAYS OLD HOLDENS DON’T DIE, THEY JUST GET FASTER — AND IF THE OLD HOLDEN IS AN EX-BATHURST RACER, IT MIGHT BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET THE RODNEY HEADS TREATMENT TO DO SO emember the good old days of motor racing? The days when the race cars on your little television screen, or blaring through the radio speaker, actually held far more than just a passing resemblance to something you could purchase off a showroom floor? The days when that old ‘win on Sunday, sell on Monday’ saying actually meant something? Tauranga’s Rodney Heads’ race car does, and those good old days are the reason Rodney’s poured so much time and money into a VL Commodore race car that is unlikely to see much track time at all. Huh? Well, this is a genuine VL Group A homologation model that was raced in the Australian Touring Car
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Championship and AMSCAR series. It isn’t a replica or tribute car. It’s the real deal and, as Rodney puts it, “When you restore cars like this you don’t make them better or faster. The value is keeping them original.” He’s the right man for it, too, as the fella behind Heads Racing Supplies — well known for building elite race and street cars. Yeah, the majority of those have been Toranas, but as you can see, Rodney is far from a one-trick pony. Anyway, originality; as far as that goes, we’ll need to step back to 1987, the year Trevor Ashby and Steve Reed — the owners/drivers of the Lansvale Smash Repairs privateer team — destroyed their VK Commodore race car in an accident.
Moving on, they started around a Holden Motorsport race-only shell of what was, at the time, a brand-new VL Commodore Group A. As was the norm for the Lansvale Smash Repairs team, the VL was built at the Lansvale shop, but is reported to have originally run a carburetted 304 built by Perkins Engineering. By August 1987, the new and improved Lansvale racer was ready to race, debuting at the Pepsi 250 at Oran Park, and going onto a 10th placing at Bathurst. It was the following year that things took a step in the serious direction — not that it wasn’t already! In anticipation of that year’s Tooheys 1000 at Bathurst, the team converted the 304 to Group A–spec injection, using a twin throttle–body intake and Haltech ECU — strange, given Perkins’ involvement with the engine, and penchant for the MoTeC unit. It is this iconic specification to which Rodney has elected to restore the Lansvale Smash Repairs VL. The 1988 Tooheys 1000 at Bathurst may not have been its best race outcome — let alone its best Bathurst placing; 16th, had it completed enough laps to class as a finisher — but is by far the most
appropriate guise for such a car; Walkinshaw kitted and fuel injected. The VL’s final year of racing in Australia was 1994, under Greg Fahey, who then sold it to John Christie in Timaru. It was sent to New Zealand with its original CAMS logbook and pretty much every spare part, due to Australian teams upgrading their cars and componentry to the later VN and VP series. “It came with a spare engine, gearbox, Bathurst overhead fuel rig, rotors, springs, and numerous sets of BBS rims, just to name a few,” Rodney reveals. Rodney didn’t get his hands on the car until 2017, though — more than 20 years after it was shipped across to New Zealand. It turns out that John had raced the VL at a few meetings until the year 2000, when it was parked in the shed for the next 17 years. After the VL had sat idle for such time, a full restoration was the only way Rodney could complete the build to his standard. It’s running a full genuine Walkinshaw body kit, and has been painted by Cody McGregor at Triple C Cars in the correct shade of yellow, and with the periodcorrect livery as verified by Trevor Ashby from Lansvale Smash Repairs.
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SPEC 1988 HOLDEN VL COMMODORE GROUP A WALKINSHAW
Trevor also provided a tonne of helpful information regarding the vehicle’s specification as raced in its fuel-injected and Walkinshaw-kitted guise at the 1988 Tooheys 1000, almost all of which has made its way to this version under Rodney’s capable hand. One key difference is that Rodney has gone with a MoTeC M48 ECU rather than the Haltech used at the time, but the engine it manages is every bit the Larry Perkins–built 304 of the day. If you don’t know, these Group A motors are a far cry from the carb’d 304s that came out in VL street cars. They have more of a similarity to the injected motors of the VN series, but even that’s a stretch. The race-spec VL Group A 304 featured factory four-bolt main bearing caps, A9L-spec ‘spike’ rods, double-row timing chain, and modified standard oil pump supposed to be good for over 8000rpm, not to mention the obvious VN-style high-flow heads and trick twin throttle body intake. With a custom-profile Crane Cams roller cam and that MoTeC engine management, the tough little 304 should be good for somewhere just over 500hp — not bad for an aspirated, pushrod V8! The Getrag 265 five-speed is a dog-leg unit built by HRT with Holinger internals — all real deal V8 supercar gear of the day. It’s a race-ready piece of kit fed via a Group A–spec single-plate clutch — and that isn’t where the custom engineering ends. While the kit up front all bears at least a passing resemblance to a Group A street car, the rear end is pure race car — all beef, and with no qualms about its Blue Oval origins. Yes, it’s a 9-inch diff turned up to 11, featuring an integral diff oil cooler and pump, Harrop billet axles, and Harrop full-floating hubs providing 2.5 degrees of camber. In addition to the cambered rear, the suspension is road-based and race-spec — think four-linked rear with coilover shocks, with Harrop Group A front uprights using Bilstein shocks and King springs, and custom Harrop sway bars at each end. You won’t find any fancy billet gear begging for style points as far as braking is concerned. She’s 100 per cent function over form, comprising the standard pedal modified to actuate two brake master cylinders with a balance bar, monster Harrop four-piston calipers, and equally large AP Racing discs at each corner. After over a year of consistent late nights getting
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Engine: 304ci Holden V8, genuine Group A block, four-bolt mains, custom Crane Cams roller camshaft, OEM cast-iron heads ported to Group A regulations, genuine Group A twin-throttle intake, Perkins-spec air-box, Holley lift pumps, Bosch 044 high-pressure fuel pump, Group A swirl pot, Bosch injectors, GM distributor, crank trigger, Bosch ignition coil, MoTeC M48 ECU, Group A flanged header primaries, single exhaust, GM radiator, Setrab oil cooler Driveline: Getrag 265 five-speed manual, Holinger internals, Group A single-plate clutch, Ford nine-inch diff, Harrop 2.5-degree fullfloating hubs, Harrop billet axles, diff cooler, and pump Suspension: Harrop uprights modified to Group A spec, four-link rear, Bilstein shocks, King Springs coils, custom Harrop sway bars Brakes: Standard pedal modified for dual master cylinders and balance bar, Harrop four-piston calipers, 14-inch AP Racing front discs, 13-inch AP Racing rear discs Wheels/Tyres: 17x10-inch BBS magnesium centre-lock wheels, 280/670/17 Dunlop front tyres, 290/650/17 Dunlop rear tyres Exterior: Group A Walkinshaw body kit, dry break fuel filling system, yellow paint, livery as raced at Bathurst 1988 Chassis: Genuine Holden Motorsport body Interior: Race seat, Momo suede steering wheel, VDO gauges, custom roll cage Performance: 510hp (380kW), Historic Touring Cars
DRIVER RODNEY HEADS this Group A to where it needs to be, is Rodney ever even going to get those full blown brakes warm enough to do their job? Yeah, he reckons so. “The plan is to do a few laps then consider putting it on the market if the right buyer comes along,” he claims. “The car has had seven Bathurst starts, which I believe only one other car has achieved, and Trevor Ashby and Steve Reed from Lansvale Smash Repairs were arguably the best privateers around at that time.” Given that level of prestige under its belt, we’re privileged to be able to feature this piece of history in the magazine, let alone see it on the track sometime soon: that twin-throttle 304 screaming through an unrestricted exhaust. Old Holdens don’t die, they just get faster — something that wouldn’t happen to a dust collector in the garage of someone who isn’t Rodney Heads!
Car club: BOP Motorsport Club Age: 50 Occupation: Car builder and Simmons wheel distributor Previously owned cars: Toranas (many), Mazda RX-3, Datsun 180B SSS, Commodores (many) Dream car: Got it Build time: 18 months Length of ownership: Two years Rodney thanks: Cody McGregor at Triple C Cars, Micam Auto Electrical, Dave at Dtech for the tune and ECU wiring, Trevor Ashby for his help on colours and livery to original spec of the day
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Toyotaz Galore keeps the hardestworking Toyotas on the road TOYOTAZ GALORE SPECIALISES IN NEW AND USED TOYOTA PARTS AND PUTS ITS EXPERTISE TO WORK KEEPING TEAM JENKINS DRIFT CARS ON TRACK he team, brothers Troy Jenkins and Ben Jenkins, run near identical Toyotaz Galore-liveried GT86 drift cars in the D1NZ series. Sales manager Troy Jenkins (29) has been drifting for eight years but breaking traction in cars is as natural to him as breathing. Growing up on a farm Troy started riding motorbikes at five then got behind the wheel of his first paddock car at 13. It had to be rear-wheel drive and the VW Beetle fitted the bill just fine. He bought his first drift car 2010 and never looked back. Brother Ben Jenkins (25) saw how much fun Troy was having and after helping Troy with his car, couldn’t wait to get his own. He saved every penny until he was old enough to buy himself a proper one — a Nissan Silvia S13. He entered his first D1NZ Pro Am in 2014
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
and took his first win Auckland’s Pukekohe Park Raceway the next year.
2013 TOYOTA GT86 COUPE SPECS • Forged 2JZGTE 3L six-cylinder engine • BorgWarner EFR8374 turbo set-up • Turbosmart fuel pressure and wastegate • Link Fury engine management system • TTi five-speed sequential transmission • Winters quick-change differential • Full six-point homologated roll-cage • OMP racing seats with five-point harnesses • STANCE USA suspension set-up • Wisefab steering system • Genuine 18” Work XT7 wheels • Elwood cooling system • Rocket Bunny V3 bodykit
THE CARS GT86-01 is the car Team Jenkins built and refined before taking on a second car. It develops a reliable 700 HP (530kW) at the rear wheels thanks to 2JZ engines built by Top Tune NZ which also called on Completely Forged Motors for some of the world’s best engine parts. Ben’s car GT86-02 has some small refinements over Troy’s. It produces the same power as Troy’s car but features a Tilton Twin Rally Plate Clutch. Ben proved himself right at home after jumping into this more powerful car, as shown by his first place in at the Wellington Speedway in the 2018/19 season.
• Custom E85 fuel system
Toyotaz Galore managing director Steve Trevett says most of the team at Toyotaz Galore are keen on motorsports. Sponsoring race cars provides an outlet for their passion and helps bring the team together both at work and after hours. “We could talk about our business — and that is our focus when we are on the job for our customers — but then ... drift cars!” For more information on any part, now or used, for any Toyota, contact Toyotaz Galore at toyotaspares.co.nz or call 0800 480 094.
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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT US: Toyotaz Galore and Mitsi Galore have over 50 years experience in selling spare parts. We have 43 dedicated team members waiting to fulfill your orders. Toyotaz Galore and Mitsi Galore have over a million parts in stock for cars, Vans, Utes, 4X4, Second hand, Aftermarket and new parts are available. We have 2 yards holding over 1000 vehicles. We have 6 warehouses holding stock prepared for sale with fast efficient service.
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CALL THE SALES TEAM AT TOYOTAZ GALORE OR MITSI GALORE TOYOTAZ GALORE - 0800 480 095 | MITSI GALORE - 0800 52 50 50 29 *invoices where parts have been returned for credit will be excluded from the draws. The prizes cannot be redeemed for cash. Parts Connection will advise winners
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99 reviews “The team at Mike’s Workshop were very helpful. Made the whole process a pleasure. Thanks.” - Phillip B, Auckland.
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
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Car news
Hyundai i30 N and Santa Fe win 2019 Australia’s Best Cars awards
Hyundai’s i30 N has won Australia’s Best Cars awards Sports Under $62,000 category for the second year running. And the Santa Fe Highlander made it a double for Hyundai winning Australia’s Best Cars AWD SUV ($55,000 to $70,000) category. The i30 N beat out the Honda Civic Type R and VW Golf GTI for its combination of high performance, practicality, handling involvement and value for money. Its class-leading five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty, which extends to casual track-day driving, also drew praise. ABC chief judge Mark Borlace said a second win was a respectable feat considering the quality of the finalists. “The i30 N’s overall user-friendliness and onroad balance delivers the goods for enthusiasts, while Hyundai’s renowned value for money and
Jaguar technology is a wake-up call for drivers One in eight UK drivers admits to having fallen asleep at the wheel — and this causes up to 25 per cent of fatal accidents. The admissions came from AA Charitable Trust research after an online poll of 20,561 drivers and the crash stats were reported in the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) Fitness to Drive 2016 report. As part of a wider vision to enrich and improve the lives of its drivers and passengers, Jaguar has developed a Driver Condition Monitor, which alerts the driver if it detects the tell-tale signs of drowsiness. The system takes inputs from thousands of data points, some of which are measured every thousandth of a second, including the electronic power-assisted steering system, pedal inputs, and general driving behaviour to determine whether a driver is becoming fatigued. It is fitted as standard across the Jaguar range, and if the Driver Condition Monitor decides the driver is starting to feel drowsy it provides a warning to take a break. The E-Pace’s instrument cluster displays a coffee-cup icon and sounds an alert when a prompt is needed. Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, said: “The statistics around drowsy drivers are shocking, even more so when you realise it is an under-reported issue. Any measure that helps reduce the risk of tired drivers, such as Jaguar’s driver condition monitor, is to be welcomed. The only real cure for tiredness is to rest — if drivers feel tired, or are alerted to possible tiredness by their car,
they should pull over at the next safe place, drink a caffeinated drink and take a short nap.” David Willey, Assisted and Automated Driving Attributes Senior Manager, Jaguar, said: “At Jaguar, we continuously review the latest advances in vehicle safety and develop innovative technologies to improve the driving experience, making it safer and more enjoyable. Driver Condition Monitor, along with a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are offered as standard across the Jaguar range.”
warranty further enhance its credentials,” he said. Santa Fe’s cabin space and comfort, and standard safety technology also won favour with the judges over the Kia Sorento and Volvo XC40. “The panel was impressed with how Hyundai has built on the positives of its popular predecessor, with larger dimensions in almost all areas, a notable lift in interior space and comfort, and more safety tech,” Mark said. “It’s a perfect all-rounder for buyers that need the flexibility of a genuine seven-seater, but who also appreciate an engaging drive experience.” The Australia’s Best Cars awards is Australia’s largest independent new-car assessment and awards programme, based on a week-long test adjudicated by representatives of Australia’s peak motoring organizations.
Women’s World Car of the Year is …
The Mazda 3 has been named supreme winner of the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year awards. In addition to taking the top award, the model also won Women’s World Family Car of the Year. Established in 2010, Women’s World Car of the Year is voted on by a panel of female judges from over 30 different countries who are asked to vote according to criteria women use when buying a car. The Mazda 3 exemplifies Mazda’s new ‘Kodo’ design language, which aims to embody the essence of Japanese aesthetics. While the overall form is simple, “subtle undulations” make light reflections that glide over the body. Mazda says it has designed the car around the human being and changed its driving attributes to make accelerating, turning, and braking feel more natural.
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‘Bring back the full-size spare wheel’ demand deflated motorists OTORISTS have given an overwhelming thumbs down to space-saver spare wheels and puncture-repair kits, new research by independent expert car-buying guide Carbuyer.co.uk has revealed. Introduced to save space and weight, the ‘space saver’ spare — or no spare wheel at all — tops the chart of drivers’ irritations about the latest cars. More than a thousand motorists were asked which modern car features annoy them most, with two out of three listing no full-size spare as their biggest gripe. Ranking second in the list of annoyances was the engine stop-start system. Automatic handbrakes came third on the list, followed by keyless entry, inaccurate satellite navigation systems, and interior hazard warning sounds. Carbuyer.co.uk editor-at-large James Batchelor said: “Modern cars bristle with innovations designed for efficiency and convenience, but our research proves the adage that you can’t please all of the people all of the time.
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Driver knowledge about tread depth is shallow at best new study has revealed that just a quarter of drivers can correctly identify the legal minimum tread depth for a car, making tyre checks a worthwhile service to customers. In research carried out for Kwik Fit, the UK’s largest automotive servicing and repair company, only 25 per cent of drivers stated that the legal minimum is 1.6mm. The results show that 32.2 million drivers are unaware of the basic legal requirements when it comes to tyres. Forty per cent gave an incorrect figure for the legal minimum tread while a fifth admitted they did not know. Even more worryingly, more than one in ten drivers said they didn’t know what tyre ‘tread depth’ meant. Four per cent of drivers said that it depends on the make of tyre. The reality is the minimum is 1.6mm for all makes of car tyre, from premium to budget. To highlight the importance of regularly checking tyres, Kwik Fit sent out tyre inspectors disguised as traffic wardens to ‘clamp’ cars with dangerously low tread depths. Hidden cameras were set up to capture
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“The absence of a full-size spare appears to be overwhelmingly unpopular with drivers, doubtless because both alternative solutions are such inconvenient temporary solutions to a flat tyre. Removing the standard spare does allow for more storage space and helps to cut CO2 emissions by reducing weight, but these benefits don’t impress most motorists. “Continuing your journey on a speed-limited wheel — or using a temporary repair kit — are deeply unpopular options for an overwhelming majority of drivers.”
Tips on fatigue for older drivers
he Institute of Advanced Motorists RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, shares his insights and tips on staying alert and avoiding tiredness. Extreme tiredness can lead to micro-sleeps, whatever your age. This is a short episode of drowsiness or sleep that could last a fraction of a second or up to 30 seconds. A car driving at 113kph will travel 31 metres per second, giving plenty of time to cause a serious crash during a micro-sleep. The effects of losing one or two hours of sleep a night regularly can lead to chronic sleepiness over time. So, ensure you are well rested and feeling fit and healthy before you set off. Make sure you take regular rest breaks to split up the journey. It’s good practice to stop at least every two hours and it’s essential to take a break before drowsiness sets in. If necessary, plan an overnight stop. It’s good to note that a caffeine high may be a quick fix, but it’s not a long-term solution and certainly no substitute for proper sleep. Older people can get tired quickly, even when they haven’t been physically exerting themselves for long periods. So, avoid setting out on a long drive near the end of the day. It’s best to start your journey earlier, when you’re more alert. If possible, avoid driving between the two peak times for sleepiness. These are between 3am and 5am and between 2pm and 4pm. If you’ve taken prescribed medication, then seek advice from your GP as to whether you should be driving or not. If bought over the counter, then read the instructions on the pack or speak to a pharmacist. Richard said: “Whatever your age, you need regular sleep to perform at your highest standards. Driving requires full concentration at all times and if you’re tired, your ability to concentrate is reduced. Internal body clocks (circadian rhythms) are usually set to deal with normal lifestyle patterns, so extra care needs to be taken when you’re driving during a time you would normally be at rest. Stop, rehydrate, and rest if you need to. This is particularly true for those who are driving in later life, but the rule applies to all.”
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the reactions of the drivers on discovering the clamp. The drivers’ emotions went from anger when they found they had been clamped, to concern when it was highlighted to them how low their tyre tread was, and gratitude that they had been saved from the potential of a costly penalty and awarded a free tyre for being a good sport. Many drivers will be in the same position as the motorists caught on camera, as over 12 million say they check their tyre tread less often than every six months, with 15 per cent of drivers admitting to never checking it. When it comes to other tyre checks, one in five (20 per cent) of drivers have never checked their tyre-wall condition and 12 per cent have never checked their tyre pressures. Only 44 per cent of drivers say they check the pressures in their tyres at least once a month. By not checking their tyres, drivers could be more susceptible to tyre problems, which could leave many stranded at the roadside as 38 per cent of drivers are not confident in their ability to swap a tyre on their vehicle for the spare.
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The two recordings we received showed zero amps when there was clearly a 10.4V difference across the injector. Yes, it’s not the high voltage you would expect on a coil type of common-rail system, but there should be a current all the same. The second measurement showed the same, no current.
Resistance A resistance check was done with the injector disconnected to make 100-per-cent sure that we did not have open loop injectors. The diagnostician measured 0.3Ω. This could only mean that the open circuit was between the two points where the scope probes were fitted.
Dummy
Female trouble AECS TRAINER AND RESEARCHER HERBERT LEIJEN TAKES US THROUGH ANOTHER PUZZLING DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS ECS’s technical support team resolves technical issues faced by its customers. In this series AECS trainer and researcher Herbert Leijen looks at the issues involved and shares how the team resolved the problem. This is an inside look, from the profound to everyday, at the issues automotive workshops encounter.
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Vehicle 2.0-litre common-rail turbo diesel
Problem presented to our technical support team The workshop reported: “We received this vehicle from another workshop on the back of a tow truck. It had a second-hand ECU fitted and coded, a new injector pump, the common rail injectors were tested and working. The vehicle was turning over but not firing up.”
What the workshop found “I found the EFI relay was not switching off when the ECU switched off the relay; the switch gear seemed fused. I have replaced the relay, which now switches on and off as normal. To me it seems that the original fault was the relay and that the newly fitted second hand ECU has been smoked also. “Please note: the 5V rail stays live during cranking, and there is a normal voltage drop across relay during cranking. I have no high voltage going to the injectors, which presumably stop the injectors from working and injecting diesel (no start). “Could you guys please look over our notes and advise where to go next?”
Measure Herbert takes up the story: Thank God for people who invest in decent tools. That is the
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
one thing that makes our life easier and jobs like this possible! This diagnostician is using the ATS 6004XM and the ATS 500XM. We asked the diagnostician to send a recording of the injector (measured differential = across the injector) dual channel with the current measured in one of the wires going to the injector. In the recording which was posted on the AECS Technical Support Forum we could clearly see that the ECU was switching the injectors, albeit with a low voltage (6.1V). However, during the injector pulse (engine winding over), there was no current measured.
Test the equipment After running several tests with the current clamp which has an auto power down function, we concluded that the scope channel, the scope leads and the current clamp were all in good working order.
Injectors? Our initial response was that the coils in the injectors must be open loop. The diagnostician assured us that the injectors where all working on his diesel test bench, so we could discount that possibility. The thought of a short to ground or open loop in the loom started to creep into our minds. We had to consider the possibility, however unlikely it was that all four wires got into trouble at the same time. I can see why the diagnostician suspected the second ECU. We asked for two more measurements: 1. three-channel measurement, two times offset on both injector wires and one current measurement around the positive wire of the injector 2. three-channel measurement, two times offset on both injector wires and one current measurement around the negative wire of the injector.
We asked the diagnostician to connect a 12V relay coil across the wires to the injector at the point where the scope was connected, just to put a dummy load in place. This measurement proved to us that the ECU and the wiring was very likely okay. It was time to test the ECU and the wiring with a spare 0.3Ω common-rail injector instead of the relay dummy load. That gave us a pretty much a perfect pattern! This was 100-per-cent proof that the ECU and wiring are in order.
Bend? I asked the diagnostician to look inside the injector and the injector plugs of all injectors to see if he could find any bent pins. The injectors had been out and put on a test bench after all.
Bingo What he found was astounding! The injector plugs of this type common-rail injector are very fragile. In the picture it is obvious that the tension of the female contacts was the problem. In the following image that is even more obvious. It was clear the injectors were not at fault, just the female contacts in the plugs. Not in one plug but in all four plugs! Bending all the female contacts into place, then plugging into the injectors made the car start first pop!
What happened? How is it possible that all eight of the female contacts in all four plugs were all bent to a degree that they made no contact with the injector pins any more?
ATS 6004XM differential or offset scope with adjustable earth loop (short circuit) protection
2 x offset and current scope recording
The workshop that had the car in the very first place, and who we assume concluded that the ECU was faulty, had used its own a scope, which is brand we do not use or sell. (In other words, it wasn’t an ATS scope.) What it had done was back-probe the injectors with some big probes that came with the hobby scope and damage all the injector plugs. That is where the journey started. In the end all that was wrong with the car was the power-supply relay; not the ECU, not the pump, and not the injectors.
Conclusion
2 x offset measurement with a relay coil as dummy load
Dummy CR injector fitted parallel to the vehicle’s own injector
This job got out of hand pretty much as soon as the car arrived in the first workshop. I think that the technician in that workshop knew that he had to check for injection — good on them. However, for whatever reason, he was not given the correct tools for the job. And he certainly had a tool which didn’t come with our technical support. The result was another costly ‘give up job’. A give up job leaves the workshop owner and the technician dissatisfied, not to mention the customer, which also doesn’t bode well for that business’s reputation. Also, it’s worth thinking about the impact on the confidence of the technician and how his next job will go. Repairing modern cars is a skill, a valuable skill. There is no place for Google graduates. Many diagnostic-equipment suppliers are too quick to refer technicians to the web, as there is simply no or hardly any knowledge about automotive electronics present in such sales outfits. At AECS we work very hard to make sure our knowledge gets passed on to technicians in the form of training and technical support. And we provide a lifeline. Our ATS scope, AECS Tech Support and an experienced, confident diagnostician, made this job quick and profitable. No arguments at the end of it. For more information, see aecs.net, email info@aecs.net or call 06 8749 077.
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Plenty going on in this vacuum THERE’S MORE TO CRANKCASE VENTILATION THAN JUST GETTING BLOW-BY GASES OUT. IT CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF FUELING ISSUES AND ‘CHECK ENGINE’ WARNINGS rankcase ventilation systems. Many technicians consider them to be pretty simple and trouble free but their ability to cause rather confusing problems on modern powertrain platforms is often overlooked. Writing in Motor Age, Scot Manna delves deep into the murky crankcase atmosphere.
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Figure 5 - Leaking valve cover gasket on right bank of engine causing air leak into crankcase. This issue has played itself out many times on different vehicles and has caused a large amount of unnecessary parts replacement because many technicians do not look at crankcase leaks as a possible cause of fuel trim codes and do not measure crankcase pressure.
Understanding crankcase ventilation Crankcase ventilation is as old as internal combustion engines and has to be addressed in any modern, emission-controlled powertrain. In the past, the crankcase of an engine was vented to atmosphere through a ‘road draft tube’ which poked into the vehicle’s slipstream. Air rushing past the tube would create a low-pressure area drawing engine blow-by gases out of the crankcase. While simple, there were problems. When the vehicle is not moving, they didn’t work and at high speeds oil was drawn out of the engine along with blow-by gases. Crankcase emissions were considered one of the main causes of smog in the Los Angeles basin in the 1950s and ’60s. In 1961, Positive Crankcase Ventilation systems became mandatory which re-routed the combustion blow-by gases into the engine intake manifold. Many modern powerplants have done away with the common PCV valve and now utilize fixed orifice systems or an integrated flow control valve and oil separator.
Figure 2 - Troubles codes stored on the Chevy S-10 Blazer. A new replacement mass airflow sensor had already been tried with no change in fuel trim values. Knowing that false air or unmeasured air can skew fuel trim, it was decided to disconnect the crankcase air inlet hose to see if the trim values changed at idle. They did not. Crankcase air supply is provided after the mass airflow sensor so that this air is measured. If air is being drawn into the crankcase from a leak then this air cannot be measured and the system will be lean.
Testing crankcase ventilation system function The first indication that something may be amiss with crankcase ventilation is an excessive amount of condensation in the crankcase and this is commonly seen during an oil change by milky deposits found on the oil fill cap or seen inside the oil fill hole.
Figure 1 - Excessive condensation deposits from poor crankcase ventilation. The problems I am more concerned with is when crankcase ventilation problems create a “Check Engine” light concern which most often shows up as fuel trim codes. One particular vehicle comes to mind that was sent to me from another shop. The 2001 Chevy S-10 Blazer with a 4.3 VIN W engine had lean fuel trim codes set for both banks. There was a disconnected vacuum hose found but even after plugging the hose, the fuel trim numbers were very high at idle — each bank was positive 24 percent.
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Figure 3 - PCV fresh air inlet hose can be seen connected to the throttle body snorkel after the mass airflow sensor. Disconnecting this hose at the valve cover caused no change in fuel trim values. One final check was made. A vacuum gauge was connected to the dipstick tube and the PCV fresh air inlet at the valve cover was blocked with the engine idling. Almost no vacuum was present indicating there is an air leak into the crankcase. When smoke from a smoke machine was added to the crankcase, the problem became evident. There was an improperly installed valve cover gasket on the passenger side of the engine. Replacing the gasket corrected the high fuel trim values.
Figure 4 - Crankcase vacuum reading with leaking valve cover gasket.
Figure 6 - This is the vacuum reading after replacing the valve cover gasket, quite a difference!
Pressure, vacuum or both? While I have been mentioning measuring crankcase pressure what is normally seen is a negative pressure or partial vacuum. This is because a regulated vacuum is applied to the crankcase in order to draw out combustion blow-by gases. Keep in mind when taking crankcase vacuum measurements that the fresh air intake should be blocked off and that it will take a few moments for vacuum to build in the crankcase.
Do not let the engine run for more than a short time once the vacuum gauge settles to a stable reading as excess under-pressure or over-pressure may damage some seals or gaskets! If engine wear causes too much crankcase pressure it will overwhelm the PCV system and lead to excessive oil leaks. Excess crankcase pressure may also occur if the PCV system vacuum supply becomes restricted. Excessive crankcase underpressure, (vacuum) can occur if the fresh air inlet becomes restricted or the wrong PCV valve is used.
Figure 7 - Snap-on blow by meter connected to a Chevy V8 engine.
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Turbos and crankcase ventilation When a turbocharger is added to the engine the crankcase ventilation system becomes somewhat more complicated due to the fact that the routing of crankcase blow-by gases has to change when the engine is under boost pressure due to a lack of intake vacuum. I will use a case study from a turbocharged BWM to illustrate this issue. Speaking of BMWs, these vehicles clearly display the need to measure crankcase pressures when driveability problems arise. Unlike many vehicles, late model BMWs with Valvetronic intake valve lift control have a regulated intake manifold vacuum. The target vacuum level on any BMW Valvetronic engine is only 50 millibar or about 1.5 inches of mercury. With this small amount of vacuum available, crankcase pressure is closely regulated and can have a major impact on how these engines run at idle. I use a Dwyer series 475 digital handheld manometer to measure crankcase pressure on most European cars and any BMW vehicles. The tool measures pressure in inches of water column but this is easily converted to millibar which is the spec given by BMW. The adaptor seen in the picture is available from a company called AGA tools, or you can make a test adaptor from and old oil cap. There is a service bulletin, #11 05 98, which details testing crankcase pressure on BMW vehicles. I highly recommend printing this out and keeping it handy if you work on these vehicles.
Figure 9 - Using a Pico scope and pressure transducer to measure crankcase pressure on a 2016 BMW X-5 with the N55 engine.
Figure 10 - Scope capture of crankcase pressure pulling into a vacuum after the engine is started. When turned off there is a slow rise back to atmospheric pressure. I must also mention here that while the BMW TSB is mostly concerned with too much pressure, or a lack of vacuum in the crankcase that indicates a leak, there is also the problem of too much vacuum! Many engine faults on a BMW Valvetronic engine can put the engine in throttle control mode and the intake manifold vacuum will be very high, like a conventional engine. The crankcase ventilation system is not designed for high manifold vacuum so the crankcase negative pressure will be very high as well. If you encounter an oil fill cap that is nearly impossible to remove with the engine running, or a high-pitched whistle while the engine is running check for faults that are preventing normal Valvetronic operation.
A BMW case study
Figure 8 - Crankcase pressure measurement on a BMW X-3, N52 engine Not only can you measure crankcase pressure with a vacuum gauge or manometer, you can also use an accurate pressure transducer such as a Pico WPS500 to measure crankcase pressure with a scope. A scope and pressure transducer may also be able to show pressure pulses inside the crankcase that can be caused by excessive cylinder wall to piston compression leakage that escapes into the crankcase. Figures 9 and 10 show a crankcase pressure test performed on a 2016 BMW X-5 with the N55 turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The bottom waveform is crankcase pressure and the upper waveform is cylinder #1 ignition coil firing so you can see when the engine was started and shut off. The time-base is quite slow at 10 seconds per division. When the engine is shut off it takes an amazing 75 seconds for the pressure to return to atmospheric in the crankcase. That is a tightly sealed crankcase!
An interesting problem vehicle was brought to the workshop that clearly illustrates the need to check crankcase pressure. The vehicle was a 2007 BMW X-3 with the N52 six-cylinder, Valvetronic equipped engine. The complaint was a severe idle surge that would also cause the engine to stall at idle randomly. The engine would run alright when driven at cruising speeds. When first checked there were 14 engine control related codes. All four oxygen sensor heaters set codes, there was a Valvetronic servomotor sluggish movement code, all six cylinders set misfire codes and there was an air mass system code and a cold start idle speed plausibility code. With so many codes it is difficult to determine where to start. Codes were cleared and a Valvetronic limit learn procedure performed and then the engine was allowed to idle for several minutes. There was no change in engine idle and codes reset quickly and can be seen in Figure 11.
Figure 11 - Screenshot of codes that reset on the X-3 after running several minutes. After looking at Valvetronic eccentric shaft data it was noticed that the eccentric shaft
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
position was wandering back and forth and this will most certainly cause the engine speed to surge. The question is why can’t the DME control idle speed properly?
Figure 12 - This is the crankcase pressure measurement on the surging BMW X-3. An air leak can certainly have an effect on idle speed control but, before pulling out a smoke machine to check for intake system leaks, a crankcase pressure measurement is performed. The result is a failed test. The crankcase pressure wanders between -2.5 to 4 inches of water column. This is a range of -7 to 10 millibar, well below the specification for this engine which is -30 millibar, plus or minus 5 millibar. If there is less vacuum in the crankcase, this would be an over-pressure condition which means air is leaking into the crankcase. This false air is not measured by the mass airflow sensor. A smoke machine was connected to the same test fitting used to measure crankcase pressure and smoke began to pour out from behind the engine crankshaft pulley. Upon pulley removal, the damaged front crankshaft seal was obvious. The seal was damaged due to a serpentine drive belt failure which is a common problem on these platforms but nobody bothered to tell us the belt had recently failed. After replacing the crankshaft seal the engine ran normally even though the oxygen sensor heater issue was not repaired! The customer simply had enough and was told the engine may suffer catastrophic failure if there is more drive belt material still inside the engine. Of course, they stated they were trading the vehicle in.
Figure 13 - Old drive belt material being pulled from behind the damaged crankshaft seal. I hope this discussion of crankcase pressure measuring helps you to diagnose some troublesome driveability issues and adds another test to your diagnostic toolbox.
EMCO is an Industry Leader in the distribution of lubricant and fluid equipment including: • Hose Reels • Pumps • Mobile dispensing equipment EMCO is a one stop shop, specialising in advice, installation of pipework and equipment as well as servicing of fluid management systems. We distribute and sell a great range of lubrication equipment from leading brands including RAASM, GRACO, ReCoila and Macnaught.
Contact EMCO on 07 8505240, email sales@emco.co.nz or visit our website www.emco.co.nz
Pure Kiwi
For all your ABS ISSues L e a k s , B y p a s s e s , O b s t r u c t i o n s , V a lv e T e s t i n g , M oto r R e b u i l d s a n d E l ec t ro n i c R e pa i rs
blackfern.coop
Powering on for longer CENTURY’S RANGE OF BATTERY CHARGERS AND MAINTAINERS GETS THE MOST LIFE OUT OF YOUR CUSTOMER’S BATTERY esigned to keep batteries in peak condition, Century’s range of performance chargers are instrumental to the longevity and reliability of your customer’s battery. Incorporating a multistep process to maximize recharging absorption and extend battery life, Century chargers include models that can be used on all types of 6V and 12V lead-acid batteries, including flooded, absorbed glass mat, and gel battery technologies. Capable of recharging batteries up to 240Ah and maintaining batteries rated up to 360Ah, all three models also include an eco-power mode for ultra-low power consumption, and an internal safety timer to prevent overcharging and selectable charge rate options for maximum versatility. Backed by Century’s five-year warranty (conditions apply), the Century range of chargers provides the ultimate rechargingsolution for whatever your battery needs are. Don’t get caught short; recharge with a Century battery charger. For more information on Century’s range of chargers and batteries, visit centurybatteries.co.nz or call 0800 93 93 93 to locate your nearest reseller.
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In summer, car people collect in Kumeu HOT CARS, COOL CARAVANS, BIKES, BEARDS, AND BARBECUES — THE KUMEU CLASSIC CAR AND HOT ROD FESTIVAL IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS SUMMER
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
he hottest of hot rod festivals is gearing up with new attractions but retains the magic that has made it one of the country’s biggest car events for the past 26 years. The 2020 Jack Daniels Kumeu Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival will take place on the weekend of 18 and 19 January at the Kumeu Showgrounds north of Auckland. The display sheds, swap and trade sites, and the chance to see hundreds of polished and primped classics, V8s and hot rods, and great bikes, will remain the heart of the show but each year, organizers also ring in the changes. This year they have allocated more space for classic car and caravan combos, which instantly evoke holiday nostalgia and have even made caravans cool again. Also new is the Pedal Car Race and an inflatable race — that is, a foot race wearing inflatables … There’s also a host of regular sideshows including a display of drag racers; a retro fashion pageant; a best beard competition; a strongman competition; a cartoonist and airbrush artist at work; the Retro-O-Rama Market; a prize-giving on Sunday for the various events; the People’s Choice award for best car; and, of course, great live music and great food. Show cars and drivers get in free, passengers pay $15 a head, while normal entry is $20. The event regularly brings together the best in cult car culture, and usually attracts around 30,000 over the two days. Organizers advise people travelling from Auckland to turn off the main highway early at Taupaki Road, before Kumeu village, to help reduce the usual traffic jam in the middle of Kumeu. Visit kumeuhotrodfestival.co.nz or email inquiries@kumeuhotrodfestival.co.nz to book a trade site.
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Supplying to the Trade
New Zealand Wide - Wholesale Only Warehouses in Auckland, Christchurch, Geraldine and Invercargill
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Quality brands Prices to the trade Premium and budget tyre options available Excellent profit centre for tyre shops and garages Online ordering 24 hours
FREE PHONE: 0800 80 90 96
EMAIL: blairs@blairs.co.nz WEB: www.tyreorder.co.nz
Auto Channel has unsurpassed reach into the wider Automotive trade, direct mailed to over 11,000 business owners in New Zealand. Call me to today to discuss ways I can help you grow your business through NZ’s highest circulating automotive trade publication! Mark Everleigh - 09 222 1729
VACANCY For a National Parts Supplier
ALIGNMENT
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Helping you do your job the best way you can
5.5 Ton 4 Post Alignment Lift Code: LT455A
To join Blackfern Co-operative
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Lifting Time: 60S Overall Length (Inc Ramps): 6012mm Overall Length (No Ramps): 5100mm Overall Width: 3208mm Width Between Columns: 2852mm Lifting Height: 1915mm Motor: 4.0 HP
VCO-K Wheel Aligner • • • • •
Code: A669.002 The world’s fastest, most accurate wheel aligner 100% Italian designed and built Powerful computer, with easy-to-operate software 24” Widescreen LED Colour Monitor Wintrax 2 Sensors Combo Deal of Wheel Aligner & Lift
$35,000+GST *Price includes freight and installation.
Contact: Roger Castleton 027 252 2533 or roger@blackfern.coop
Call 0800 436 436 or email sales@treadway.co.nz to secure the combo deal ! www.treadwayequipped.co.nz
Products
The latest automotive products
Hella quality heard as well as seen
TRW brake disks stay black and shiny TRW’s Black Painted Brake Discs provide increased corrosion resistance and performance. The special black paint is a protective barrier which, together with moisture-inhibiting VCI paper packaging, means they do not need to be coated in oil or rust preventative that then has to be cleaned off before fitting. For more information, see trwaftermarket.com or call ZF Aftermarket on +61 (2) 9679 5555.
HELLA’s dual Sharp and Super Tone horns look and sound like nothing else on the road. These disc-type horns use a combination of low and high tones and project a powerful sound and feature a sporty design with distinctive red or yellow grille. The horns are also corrosion and water-spray resistant, so ideal for rugged off-road usage. HELLA has over 100 years of expertise working with German luxury brands and their horns, and air trumpet horns comply with ECE and OEM requirements for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Check them out on the HELLA Horns app or at hella.com/horns. They are available from auto electrical outlets nationwide.
Top tier touch-free Sice The hydraulic drive S 1000 Evoluzione tyre changer will change tyres on alloy, chrome-plated, wheels, without touching the rim. This ‘leverless-contactless’ tyre changer uses hydraulic drive for rims up to 32” with preselection of rim diameter and automatic demounting cycle. The synchronized movement of the work tools and the wheel also reduces tension on the tyre considerably. The automatic demounting cycle means no touching for the operator either. He or she only has to supervise the work. Includes integrated wheel lift, tyre pressure monitor check system, automatic pressure inflation. RRP: $32,995 + GST. For more information, see centurydistributors.co.nz.
Restore hydraulic seals Rislone Hydraulic Seal contains a premium, highquality, durable, zinc-based additive package for both low- and high-pressure hydraulic systems, formulated to work with ISO22, 32, 46, 68, 100 viscosities, and others. It does not thicken hydraulic fluid so the oil stays in grade. Additional rust and oxidation inhibitors reduce sludge, varnish and acid formation. Rislone’s signature stop-leak technology reconditions and restores hard, shrunken and wornout seals, o-rings and gaskets, reducing fluid leaks during operation. For more information, contact the Smits Group team on 0800 227 422, or head to www.smitsgroup.co.nz.
BNT stocks Dayco coolant hoses
Penrite gets it right
Get a grip Titan Max-Grip Ratchet Tie-Downs have an open handle with a rubber grip, and a quick and easy thumb release for easy handling. The durable heavy-duty cast-aluminium body and 3.6m of 25mm webbing are rated to a lashing capacity of 450kg. The J-hook makes for easy attachment and they are manufactured to AS/ NZS 4380 standards. Smits Group team on 0800 227 422for more information.
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
Penrite Oil makes it easy to meet oil requirements that preserve vehicle warranties. Penrite has developed Enviro+ C3 5W-30 to meet over 300,000 vehicle manufacturer requirements. Enviro+ C3 5W-30 is a fully synthetic SAE Mid SAPS engine oil that meets European ACEA C3 and ACEA C2 specifications as well as API SN. It may also be used where fuel economy and long life grades such as ACEA A5/B5 are needed, and where petrol grades API SN, API SM or API SL and ILSAC grades GF-4 or GF-5 fuel economy specifications are required. Available in pack sizes from 1 litre to 205 litres including in the innovative and environmentally friendly Enviro-Box. See penriteoil.co.nz or call 0800 533 698.
Dayco radiator and engine coolant hoses are now available from BNT branches. Dayco moulded coolant hoses, designed to replace OEM hoses, are built with knitted reinforcement and EPDM construction which provides high strength and resistance to oil, mud, salt, road debris, ozone, coolants and large temperature variations. The inner base tube is reinforced with knitted rayon for burst resistance. They meet SAE J20R4, Class D-1 requirements, and Type EC electrochemical requirements as specified in SAE J1684. Call your local BNT branch to find out more about BNT Cooling System Solutions or see bntnz.co.nz.
Move to Launch Pad V Launch Pad V is the next generation in premium and professional diagnostic equipment. This fullfunction scan tool, re-engineered from the inside out, has a new user interface and best-in-class intelligent features. The new OBD Smart Box can be used on both 12-volt and 24-volt vehicles. Integrated technologies and unified protocols include accurate real-time data (CAN FD) and vehicle module reprogramming in cars and commercial vehicles. Price: $7295 + GST. To find out more, call AECS on 06 874 9077 or see aecs.net.
Steiner ST260 Automatic Tyre Changer The Steiner ST260 Automatic Tyre Changer is the perfect option for Car Dealerships, Workshops and Garages that have a tyre changing facility. This workshop-ready, highspec unit incorporates Italian design and technology. The model here is shown with a helper arm and has a clamping range of up to 24” outside and 26” inside. It has oversize steel sections in the tilting head to eliminate flex and wheel damage. Options available include a three-phase two-speed motor, leverless head and helper arms for low-profile tyres. These machines come with quality accessories like the PCL inflation gauge, brush and lube set and are delivered assembled so you’re all set to go. Also backed by Treadway Equipped’s 100% satisfaction, 100-day service promise. Trade prices starting from $3360.00 + GST excluding optional extras. Check it out online! treadwayequipped.co.nz/products/tyrechangers/car-tyre-changers/
Seeing is believing Designed for 4WD and camping enthusiasts, Redarc’s 52mm gauges are ideal for monitoring vehicle health indicators like battery voltage, current draw, exhaust gas temperature, manifold boost and vacuum pressure, oil pressure and include temperature gauges for outside, cabin, oil, water, coolant, and fridge. These Australian gauges combine needlepoint and digital displays on the one dial and each gauge can be customised with 13 different backlit colours and multiple alert levels. Redarc also offers a range of optional sensors, mounting solutions and accessories. Prices start from $212.57. For more information, see redarcelectronics.co.nz/gauges.
Air-Operated Grease Dispenser Kit The Raasm 64031 is the gear you need to dispense grease directly from a 18–30kg drum in any workshop. Compact in size, the 64031 enables easy changing of the container (drum or bucket). It fits drums with an internal diameter of 260 to 300mm, and has a pump ratio of 50:1 allowing quick greasing of any motor vehicle or mechanism, 65:1 ratio is also available. These dispensers are also equipped with grease follower plates that protect the lubricant. Contact Emco for further information on 07 850 5240 or email sales@emco.co.nz.
New low viscosity stabilizer
Brake lathe for discs and drums The Auto Pro-Up DBL Star Off-Car Brake Lathe, manufactured in South Korea, is an off-car machine designed for machining both brake discs and drums. Its heavy-duty cast construction, solid tool assemblies and premium features, promises years of service and it features LED lighting in its safety cover so you can closely monitor what is going on. Check out the video on the website automaster.co.nz or call 0800 214 604 for more information.
Lucas Oil has introduced a new low viscosity stabilizer for modern engines that use lower viscosity engine oils, a trend driven by tighter machining tolerances. Modern higher power engines can operate at higher temperatures and generate higher sheer forces which can translate into oil breakdown. Lucas says this product improves fuel economy and power by reducing the level of friction which improves any premium quality motor oil. It improves dispersancy to fight carbon deposits, sludge and varnish and contains antioxidants to help motor oil resist thermal breakdown. It also reduces wear, extending the life of the engine. For more information phone 06 280 1300 or visit www.lucasoilnz.com.
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Situations vacant AUTOMOTIVE PARTS SPECIALIST | TAURANGA About Us It’s an exciting time at Extreme Automotive as we build on our strategic plan to launch the NAPA business in NZ. We are backed by GPC Asia Pacific, who own many automotive trade and specialist businesses, and have been serving customers for up to 90 years. To meet the growing requirements of our customers these businesses will form NAPA. Collectively, this positions us to continue to provide the first choice for automotive and specialist parts, accessories and solutions to our customers. About the Role As an Automotive Parts Specialist you will be delivering exceptional customer service over the counter and via phone to a number of key automotive trade clients - Our clients are experienced automotive trades people, therefore you will need a strong understanding of car parts and suppliers to hit the ground running in this busy environment. • Providing professional and accurate advice on parts queries and interpreting the customers’ requirements • Upselling on associated parts and informing customers of relevant promotions • Processing parts orders and dispatching in a timely manner • Developing and maintaining customer relationships Skills & Experience We are looking for experienced Automotive Parts Specialists in order to understand our various products and be able to tailor a solution to suit each customer’s unique needs. Previous experience in the automotive industry is essential – Ideally in parts sales or as a mechanic or similar. Combine with you your strong communication skills, you will have a natural ability to build strong relationships with customers.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN NEW ZEALAND’S WIDER AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR AUTOMOTIVE PARTS SPECIALIST | NEW LYNN
About the Role As an Automotive Parts Specialist you will be delivering exceptional customer service over the counter and via phone to a number of key automotive trade clients - Our clients are experienced automotive trades people, therefore you will need a strong understanding of car parts and suppliers to hit the ground running in this busy environment. • Providing friendly and accurate advice, predominately on hard part queries • Processing trade sales and organising delivery • Answering phone queries and offering technical advice o ensure the right parts are received • Servicing and building lasting relationships with our trade customers Skills & Experience We need someone to hit the ground running, therefore you will have either automotive parts sales experience or have been in the automotive trade industry as a mechanic or similar. Complimented with your strong communication skills, you will have a passion for customer service and the ability to build rapport with ease. About Us We need someone to hit the ground running, therefore you will have either automotive parts sales experience or have been in the automotive trade industry as a mechanic or similar. Complimented with your strong communication skills, you will have a passion for customer service and the ability to build rapport with ease. Send your CV to our Careers Team – careers@repco.co.nz
SALES REPRESENTATIVE | SOUTH AUCKLAND About the Role In this role you will be on the road visiting our trade customers and developing new business in the area. As the main point of contact for those key customers, you will ensure their account is well looked after, assisting them with all of their product/ ordering needs and ensuring that we provide a level of service superior to our competitors. You will strive to look after the needs of our customers whilst also growing profit margin and market share for the store. Duties include: • Ensuring the established customer base are receiving exceptional service and growing those relationships • Working with the Area Manager/s on building new business in the area • Developing and maintaining a structured call cycle • Being efficiently and proactive in providing support and solutions to customers’ needs • Involvement in planning activities to drive sales and exceed budgets • Liaising with our in store Trade Specialists to ensure our key clients are well looked after
AECS is Hiring Are you an automotive technician who is looking for a change in your career?
Skills and Experience To be successful in this role you will have proven sales and account management experience and enjoy working towards KPI’s and targets. Our clients are experienced automotive trades professionals, so experience within the industry, or strong automotive parts knowledge is essential. Building relationships will come naturally to you, the ability to work within a fastpaced business.
Skill-Set The ideal person would have the following skills and background: • Either technical education, electronics or automotive, (although alternative education and experience will be considered). • Good communication skills in English is a must. (Use of standard Chinese (Mandarin) would also be a bonus). • Experience in the automotive industry. • Have a clean car drivers licence (truck licence is preferable, this can be undertaken on employment). • Being a good human to those around you.
Send your CV to careers@repco.co.nz
Send your CV to our Careers Team – careers@gpcasiapac.co.nz
BRANCH MANAGER | TAKAPUNA In this role you will report to the Sales Manager and will be responsible for the management of the Autostop Takapuna branch team, overseeing all branch operations and the business profitability. You will oversee all aspects of the branch, therefore will have a flair for business, managing sales targets, budgets and new initiatives, whilst also being the key point of contact for both customers & team members. Duties include: • Managing store to increase sales and improve EBIT • Ensuring the store is highly competitive and attractive in the market • Developing staff to deliver exceptional customer service and product knowledge • Building strong relationships with customers to ensure continued market leadership • Ensure the branch safety standards adhere to OHSE policies, procedures and legislative requirements, through effective communication with the team and an active approach to hazard identification and risk management • Creating a supportive and motivating environment clearly understanding their role and accountabilities • Effectively manage inventory to minimise costs Skills and Experience Previous experience in a management position as well as experience, knowledge or an understanding of the automotive trade industry are essential for this position. We need a leader with a passionate and engaging management style that will drive our staff to succeed as well as someone with proven experience developing relationships with their customers. You must also be able to demonstrate your strong business and financial acumen in both sales and reporting. Send your CV to our Careers Team – careers@gpcasiapac.co.nz
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
HORIZON GLOBAL BDM Rare Account Management and BDM opportunity with an NZ manufacturer in the automotive industry. • Highly respected and successful business on a growth path • National role representing top brands • New product introductions The Business A well known engineering and manufacturing business in the automotive industry, not only in NZ but also with strong global ties. The business is part of a wider group and is currently going through a very exciting time of expansion as it realises big opportunities in the market. This growth role is critical to their plans! The Role The Business Development Manager Aftermarket is responsible for key brands nationally. There is huge growth potential as you’ll own brands with strong recognition but which have been underrepresented. You’ll work with a broad range of B2B customers segmented into 3 categories – trade, wholesale and retail. To maximise success of these product ranges you’ll develop new business by opening up new distribution and through growing share of wallet with existing accounts. Being a national role there is likely to be up to 6 nights away travelling per month. What You’ll Bring • A track record of striving for and achieving results • Strong background in B2B selling (ideally through distributors or resellers) • Mechanical/technical aptitude is a must • Experience in automotive, industrial, marine or similar industry • Maturity to work autonomously and own your results Next Steps If the above resonates with you and you’re ready to take the next step in your career, please apply by calling on (09) 250 9720 or 027 224 2460 for a confidential conversation.
AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN
MECHANIC / AUTOMOTIVE MACHINIST Do you know somebody looking for a change within the Automotive Industry? We have positions available within our company for an: • Automotive Machinist • Automotive Mechanic Experience with V8 Performance Engines and American vehicles would be an advantage with the opportunity to grow within the company. West Auckland Engine Reconditioners is an iconic Automotive and Engine building workshop, well known within the Performance Industry. Majority of our work is with American vehicles and if you are passionate about performance vehicles, this is a great opportunity to learn and further your career. Training will be given to the successful applicants. Please send your CV to: waer@xtra.co.nz or contact Eric or Daniel on 09 838 7536.
Opportunity The role will be proactively working with our customers providing equipment service, repairs and at times sales. Although the role will be based out of our Hastings office, you have the opportunity to service the lower North Island and at times travel throughout NZ. Our customers are important to us, within this role you will need to be highly relatable to our customers, this will be shown through your interpersonal skills and industry experience. From day to day you will be: • Advising workshop owners and technicians about AECS equipment. • Outbound customer engagement through face to face visits, phone calls and emails. • On-site maintenance and repairs. • On-call for high priority repairs. • Annual service and calibrations thought out NZ.
You must have a desire to travel within NZ, be adaptive and able to work unsupervised. We would prefer you to reside or relocate to Hawkes Bay. We are passionate about what we do for our customers and have a go-get attitude. We will supply you with: a Laptop, company credit card and vehicle for servicing and visits. Remuneration will be salary with possible performance-linked incentives. This role can lead to future possibilities, depending on personal strengths, and interests. All training necessary will be provided. Contact Us If you have read all the way through and you believe you’d make a great fit for our team, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@aecs.net. Find out more about us: Facebook: fb.com/aecsltd Youtube: bit.ly/aecsltd Insta: instagram.com/aecsltd
Auto Channel has unsurpassed reach into the wider Automotive trade, direct mailed to over 11,000 business owners in New Zealand. Call me to today to discuss ways I can help you grow your business through NZ’s highest circulating automotive trade publication! Mark Everleigh - 09 222 1729
Supplier Directory
PA R Be TS
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YOUR GUIDE TO NEW ZEALAND'S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE TRADE SUPPLIERS
0800 472 787 0800 200 100 0800 445 889 0800 333 125 aecs.net 06 874 9077 bntnz.co.nz 09 414 3200 hcb.co.nz or 0800 422 228
precisionequipment.co.nz 0800 246 478
jasoceania.co.nz or 0800 527 335
dieseldistributors.co.nz or 09 265 0622 09 836 6673
autolign.co.nz or 09 574 2288 tatp.co.nz or 0800 268 266
smitsgroup.co.nz or 0800 227 422
griffithsequipment.co.nz or 09 525 4575
parts@1stautoparts.co.nz or 09 638 6439 mountshop.co.nz or 0508 866 686
bmw.co.nz or 0508 269 727 cyb.co.nz or 09 978 6666
0800 465 855 0800 549 429
automaster.co.nz or 0800 214 604 centurydistributors.co.nz
smitsgroup.co.nz or 0800 227 422
patchrubber.co.nz or 0508 837 248 dtm.co.nz or 0800 621 233 penriteoil.co.nz or 0800 533 698 nzmotoroils.com or 0800 942 645
0800 383 566 06 306 8446 or blackfern.coop redarcelectronics.co.nz 0800 757 333 or fenixautoparts.co.nz
crc.co.nz or 09 272 2700 rjbatt.co.nz or 09 636 5980
treadwayequipped.co.nz 0800 436 436
The Auto Channel supplier directory is your easy reference for sourcing a range of automotive products and services. This directory is a paid service for businesses who supply to the New Zealand automotive trade. To secure your inclusion, contact Mark Everleigh on 09 222 1729 or mark.everleigh@parkside.co.nz.
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Season greetings, and thank you! AS WE SIGN OFF OUR FINAL ISSUE OF 2019 I’D LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU. USUALLY WE WOULD DO A GENERIC THANK YOU TO THE WIDER INDUSTRY BUT, THIS YEAR, WE’RE GOING A BIT MORE PERSONAL THAN THAT uto Channel is a bit different to other publications focusing on the automotive trade. The majority of the content within these pages is created by our in-house editorial team who work closely with the import distributors and workshops to create specific content of interest. It’s a busy time nearing the Auto Channel deadline; copy and images flying everywhere as the design process cranks up. Laying out the magazine involves solving a political jigsaw — trying not to have similar products on the same pages and, more importantly, avoiding placing competing businesses next to each other. This can be challenging sometimes although so far, we have done a pretty good job at keeping the peace and giving everyone the space they need. Auto Channel has clearly hit the right note with the New Zealand automotive industry, offering better content than titles of the cut-and-paste variety; we create content in partnership with our customers that we then combine with more affordable advertising, especially when compared with the extortionate amounts the industry used to be forced to pay.
A
Auto Channel has resonated well, and the support you see within these pages from our advertising base reflects that. There were some businesses that supported our ambition for a better product from day one, and they deserve specific recognition. We really appreciate the relationship we are continuing to build with them and it’s true to say that without them we could have never achieved the success we are experiencing today. They are: GPC, (Repco, ASL, Ashdown Ingram and Sulco) Bapcor (BNT) GUD (Griffiths Equipment, AA Gaskets and Ryco) Partmaster Along with the corporates we have an amazingly supportive group of businesses that continue to work with us on a regular basis. We thank each and every one of you and we will continue to work hard for you into 2020 and beyond. So, from everyone here at Auto Channel, we hope you manage some time away from the workshop or office over the summer holiday period — drive safe, and we look forward to delivering our first issue of 2020 to you in February. Seasons greetings Michael White Business director and publisher Parkside Media Ltd
Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to 11,367 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors: Automotive workshops Parts importers and distributors Transmission specialists Automotive recyclers Towing operators Panel beaters and painters Crash repairers Tyre dealers Suspension and underbody repairers Steering specialists Towing operators Auto-electrical repairers New- and used-car dealers Air-conditioning repairers Heavy-machinery dealers Trucking and transport
Auto Channel Issue No. 21 distributed 4 February Editorial: editor@autochannel.co.nz Advertising: Mike White michael.white@parkside.co.nz All other enquiries to: autochannel.co.nz Auto Channel is produced by Parkside Media, publishers of NZ’s three biggest-selling automotive magazines, NZ Performance Car, New Zealand Classic Car, and NZV8.
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Auto Channel Issue 20 December 2019
SERVICE • KNOWLEDGE
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
AIR INTAKE HOSES ALUMINIUM PIPING BALL JOINTS BUMP STOPS COUPLINGS CRANK PULLEYS DAMPERS DIFF MOUNTS ENGINE MOUNTS HANGER MOUNTS IDLER ARMS IDLER PULLEYS LOWERING BLOCKS SILICONE HOSES
from
QUALITY • LATEST RANGES
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
SPRING SEATS / PADS STEERING RACK ENDS STEERING RACK MOUNTS STRUT MOUNTS SUBFRAME MOUNTS SUSPENSION ARMS SUSPENSION BUSHES SWAY BARS SWAY BAR BUSHES SWAY BAR LINKS TENSIONERS TIE ROD ENDS U-BOLTS UNIVERSAL MOUNTS WHEEL HUBS & BEARINGS
CLASSIC to NEW
Rsts A C li
Recia E Dp
UN S
WHANGAREI . HENDERSON . PENROSE . HAMILTON . PALMERSTON NORTH . LOWER HUTT . CHRISTCHURCH