In the automotive industry, most gears are lubricated with engine oil. Timing chain gears, distributor drive gears, and oil pump gears all operate within an oil bath. Transmission and differential gears also require special lubricants and are continuously bathed in oil. However, the starter drive gear, which engages with the flywheel, is exposed to hot air, mud, dirt, rain, and snow, and is not lubricated at all, yet it lasts for years. Other types of chains, like those on bicycles and motorcycles, need regular manual lubrication, and chainsaws even have an oiler for the chain and gears.
Despite these examples, gears and chains not constantly lubricated by engine oil still seem to have a satisfactory lifespan. Conversely, the gears and chains in car engines, which are always lubricated during operation, should theoretically last indefinitely—but they don’t.
**Timing Chain Problems**
Recently, Car Lift Repair Orlando disassembled the upper engine of a 1995 Lincoln Town Car with 170,000 miles on its 4.6L V-8 single overhead cam engine. The car had suddenly stopped while driving at 45 mph and backfired when trying to restart. A computer scan showed no fundamental issues, and the fuel and injection systems were working. Compression tests on four cylinders revealed three with little or no compression, indicating a possible timing chain problem. This diagnosis was surprising since similar engines have exceeded 200,000 miles without timing chain issues.
Despite its complexity, the Ford 4.6L engine has generally been reliable. However, upon disassembly, I discovered several rocker arms (cam followers) had dislodged, preventing valve operation and causing the backfiring and failure to start. The chain was intact but loose due to tensioner, chain, and gear wear, exacerbated by sludge composed of dirt and waxy oil residue. This sludge was partly due to a cracked PCV hose and the customer’s neglect of regular oil changes. The savings from skipping oil changes had resulted in a costly $3,500 repair, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance.
**Why Customers Neglect Maintenance**
Customers often neglect maintenance because they cannot see the lubricated components. The reliability of these components creates a false sense of security. Unlike a bicycle chain, which is visible and requires regular attention, car components are hidden, leading to neglect. Regular Car Lift Repair Orlando maintenance could prevent expensive repairs and downtime.
**Education is the Answer**
Educating customers on the benefits of preventive maintenance can save them money and increase the resale value of their vehicles. Selling maintenance services is challenging, but it is essential. Well-maintained cars are easier and more satisfying to repair, and mechanics often put in extra effort for customers who take pride in their vehicles.
**Job Satisfaction**
Mechanics enjoy working on well-maintained cars, and providing the same level of service to poorly maintained ones can be challenging. However, professionalism should not vary. Older cars, like a well-maintained 1969 Buick Electra owned by one of my senior customers, show that regular maintenance pays off in the long run.
**Preventive Maintenance**
Readers of this magazine, as preventive maintenance specialists, likely face similar challenges in promoting preventive maintenance. Jim Fitch’s article “Dipstick Oil Analysis” is an excellent resource for understanding engine health.
**Maintenance Schedules**
Other car components, like differential and manual transmission gears, have maintenance schedules that should be followed. These Car Lift Repair Orlando schedules can be influenced by local conditions and driving habits. It’s crucial to listen to your mechanic’s advice for tailored maintenance schedules. As professionals, we aim to serve your best interests, so please consider our recommendations.
Machinery may remain unchanged throughout its useful life, but this isn’t necessarily true for the lubricants it requires. Lubricant formulation and management are continuously advancing, and good manufacturing practices in lubricant development can prevent breakdowns.
Ironically, many plant managers only aim for adequate lubrication, accepting breakdowns as part of normal operations despite the high costs of mechanical repairs, lost production, and downtime.
According to the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM), machinery breakdowns should be rare. Proper and effective lubrication can prevent most mechanical failures.
**Total Productive Maintenance**
Car Lift Repair Orlando’s principles for total productive maintenance encourage manufacturers to strive for production perfection, aiming for zero accidents, defects, and failures. Achieving this requires full support from all employees, from executives to factory workers, and participation across the company, including in product development, marketing, and administration.
Correct and adequate lubrication of all Car Lift Repair Orlando machinery is essential. Failures often result from using the wrong lubricants, or the incorrect amount of the right lubricants. Problems can arise from using the wrong oil or grease, failing to change or top off fluids regularly, oil contamination, and using lubricants with incorrect viscosity, weak oxidation resistance, or poor thermal stability.
Car Lift Repair Orlando Plant operators should ensure their lubricant suppliers help meet these requirements. Major lubricant manufacturers typically offer a comprehensive portfolio of oils and greases, supported by extensive technical support and research capabilities.
The Car Lift Repair Orlando lubricant provider should have experienced specialists available to understand a plant’s operations and help manage specific problems.
Specialists should guide manufacturers on products for specific equipment and applications, suggest ways to consolidate and minimize the number of products without compromising performance, survey machinery lubrication needs, provide lubricant diagnostics, train employees, and offer on-site lubricant reclamation and filtering.
**Supplier Responsibilities**
It’s crucial for the supplier to maintain a close working relationship with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and industry associations regarding the current and future performance requirements for machinery lubricants. Often, the manufacturer’s operational specifications for its lubricants, such as water separation capability, may be more stringent than OEM or general industry standards.
In essence, the Car Lift Repair Orlando lubricant supplier should not merely provide drums of oil and grease but should act as a partner dedicated to adding value to the manufacturing process. The supplier’s personnel should be capable of evaluating total plant systems to determine which services will optimize processes and deliver the highest return on investment.
The supplier’s goals for the customer should include improving product quality, ensuring environmental compliance, fostering continuous process improvement, reducing inventory, optimizing the procurement and supply chain, and enhancing business controls.