7/1/2003
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Is there a new oil filter for BMWs with extended mile oil change interval engines?
Is there a new oil filter for BMWs with extended mile oil change interval engines?
According to the AERA technical committee, BMW has revised oil filters for its extended oil change interval engines. M52TU, M54, M62 and M73. BMW has approved a 15,000-mile service interval for certain high performance vehicles when service is performed by a BMW dealer and mandated the use of synthetic oil supplied by BMW.
A new filter element has been developed for use with BMW models with 15,000-mile service intervals. This filter must be used whenever these engines are serviced. This new oil filter element utilizes an improved filter paper, which prevents filter deterioration caused by exposure to high oil temperatures over extended time. The new oil filter element was phased into production on M54 powered vehicles in September of 2000 and on all M62 and M73 powered vehicles in July 2000.
(Substitution of another filter or oil in these engines may prove harmful to the engine if the filter element deteriorates) At this time, BMW has not approved any other filter or oil for use on these engines.
Is there a way to effectively clean the carbon out of 1998-2001 Audi 2.8L 5-valve engines?
The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding reduced compression on 1998-2001 2.8L 5V Audi engines resulting in poor performance, hard starting or no start conditions. The cause of this condition may be carbon build-up on engine valves.
To cure and help prevent reoccurrence of this condition Audi recommends installing a "hotter" thermostat and performing an approved carbon cleaning process using Wynn’s X-Tend® V.I.C. Combustion Chamber Cleaner: p/n 61510 (U.S.), p/n 61512 (Canada).
A hotter thermostat was installed in engines beginning with VIN 8DXA279411 for A4 vehicles and VIN 4BXN116771 for A6 vehicles. The thermostat opening temperature was increased from 87° C (189° F) to 92° C (198° F). Also, check to verify the coolant temperature sending unit is later than week 19 of 1998, i.e., 19/98) and is stamped into the side of the sensor housing (arrow) as shown in Figure 1. Replace if necessary.
Note: Inform customers that carbon build-up may be due to fuels that do not contain a sufficient amount of detergent. Audi recommends use of Autobahn Gasoline Additive (ZVW 239 003), to reduce and prevent carbon build-up, even if the fuel used doesn’t contain enough detergent.
Audi also recommends installing new spark plugs, p/n 101000067 AA (NGK BK6EQUPA) and a set of six 4-hole injectors, p/n 078133551BA, identified by their RED color as shown in Figure 2.
When changing oil after carbon removal treatment: Do Not use 20W 50 engine oil. Use only factory approved oil with proper viscosity.
Can you interchange the two Isuzu 1996-’02 3.2L crankshafts?
The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information for 1996-2000 Isuzu 3.2L engines if crankshaft replacement is required. The engine used two different crankshafts during the this time period. Intermixing these crankshafts may produce a no start situation because of a slight difference in the diameter of the ignition reluctor wheel located between the third and fourth rod journal.
The difference in size is only slight and may not be noticed if only a visual comparison between the two is made.
To determine which crankshaft is required compare the outside diameters of the reluctor wheels and refer to the chart on page 16.
The difference is enough to interrupt the ignition signal from the crankshaft to allow a no start condition. Changing the crankshaft to the correct one is one method of correction and removing the old reluctor wheel and replacing it on the replacement crankshaft is another.