Ask Xulfiqar - An Automotive Encyclopedia

[ahmedfawwaz250]

Sir i do this on dead cold engine, the needle never goes above 'C' , and hardly take few minutes to do this process.

Please tell the correct procedure.

[Xulfiqar]

The needle will never go above C as the cts is being cooled by tap water.

Correct way is to run a flushing agent as the package says, then wait for cooldown and then open up stuff for flushing out.

[ahmedfawwaz250]

Noted, thanks

[miqdadkanani]

Bosses. Here i am with another query. In Oman currently. Bought a used 2021 elantra (US version), almost 52k km driven.
Everything was good. The engine made the usual typewriter sounds that i looked up and found it to be ok with elantras.

However, i noticed after 2k KMs that the engine started making some more noises than the usual typewriter one. Initially it looked like some gas leak etc (thuff thuff sound). It made that sound oj cold start idle but would then make no such sound after i drove it and then checked at idle again.

I though may be the mechanic who got the car ready poured in some non-spec oil. Purchased the OEM recommended 0-20W addinol oil. Since then, fuel efficiency has increased by 5,8% , but that noise is getting louder and wierder. So here is how it goes:

Cold start: nothing just the normal high rpm engine sounds for 30-50 secs, then the thuff thuff would start. Suddenly after a few secs i can sense some knocking sounds. But everytime it seems like it is coming from a different place in the engine. Sometimes it looks like coming from the area close to water pump, then the other day it looks like its coming from another area. Anyways, it would suddenly stop after like 2 mins (still at idle) for a few seconds, and then start again. Its not very loud though that i can hear while driving, but its very clear and distinct vs. The normal typewritwr sound.

Please check the video. Notice how the sound in the background suddenlt stops at 32/33 secs and then a different sound start after 5,7 seconds.

Exhaust leak can be dismissed because there is no gas smell or any such thing in the engine bay or cabin.

What else can be the problem? Weak oil pump? Spark plugs? Etc..

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uI50g454NtBRgJlFWMDSHf7zdBvHSXKT/view?usp=drivesdk

[Xulfiqar]

Sounds like a regular elantra

[miqdadkanani]

Thanks. You dont sense any knocking or something that goes off at 32 secs ? Or you mean its normal with elantras?

[Xulfiqar]

That sounds like the fuel rail resonating.

[miqdadkanani]

Thanks again. Guess i'll not worry too much.

[xzap042]

So is Toyota pink coolant and caltex xtendend life coolant compatible?

I'm also planning for a coolant change and I dont know which one is already in there.

[sleeper]

I need to ask regarding operation of Sunroof in Toronto winters... I got the car in 3-4 months back and did open and close the Sunroof a couple of times, but haven't done it since last 2 months and now it's winter...... Do i need to open and close it when the temps are above 0 degrees C?, Just to keep it in running condition..... Or i just leave it closed till march April when temp rises.... Car is an 06 Matrix

[Xulfiqar]

Leave it be in the frigid months as a guide can snap, use it in the summers and clean lube it at that time.

[pwuser150520264261]

I need to ask can we use Corolla 2005 model cam sensor as crank sensor for baleno? The original crank sensor of baleno has a metal dot in the center which I think does the job rest is all plastic around so starting becomes problematic if there's any issue with pulleys or sensor position but corolla's cam sensor don't have plastic so can it work better in the long run?

[sleeper]

Understood, thanks.

Today i experienced my first drive in snow too... After parking up, i saw snow accumulation under the foot boards..and the mud flaps... Should I just leave it as it is or tap it off with my shoes?

And when cleaning the windshield with a brush, which way should I clean the snow.... like in downward motion towards the wipers or sideways?

[Xulfiqar]

Wash the car at a drivethrough wash every week to keep it in good shape, make sure the system hits the undercarriage too.

The snow you see is mixed with salt which will corrode steel.

[perspolis12x]

Hi!
My 2013 Prius Alpha has an issue where engine starts rattling horribly, out of random.
180,000 km driven.
Piston Rings weak due to it being the unlucky ones which Toyota offered a recall for until 2020.
Drinks 3 litres of Engine Oil every 5k km.
Checking with my local "Mechanic", no misfires seem to be reported.
Car has had little to none maintainance done by the previous owner.
No Engine Signs displayed.

What should the next step be? Any specific diagnostics, etc?
Thanks in advance. P.S: You are an amazing Mechanic. Love your dedication.

[Xulfiqar]

Hi

Your prius is very brutally hard on the engine, and toyota installed the high performance spec 2 piece oil rings on these with razor thin compression rings (less friction)

The problem is that the oil ring clogs itself solid and then the engine burns a gallon oil every few thousand kms. You are supposed to use a very very lightweight and full synthetic oil in this to prevent such failurez

But anyway

You can rebuild this engine with new parts and it will be fixed, but make sure you are on top of maintenance otherwise it will bite you again. You may need to look for aftermarket piston ring makers to find the updated oil control rings.

[pwuser150520264261]

Hi, what causes an Efi petrol engine to stall at idle for a second or two (check engine and other lights appear and rpm needle on zero) then suddenly start right back up itself, not by turning the key?

[perspolis12x]

The car is in horrible condition. You are on point on OEM parts; but honest mechanics like you just aren't found here. I can't do much except further maintainace myself, and there aren't much options, OEM

Will adding full synthetic oil like " Jurmann Liquid Molvi" (Ustaads love this) change anyhting? I recently changed to 5w-30 as per the manual; before the mechanic duped me into 20w-40 "Haaevy Taill" to "mitigate" oil loss.

Should I cut my losses, and sell this piece of shit, or listen to these "Ustaads" and install a Kabli engine to make do until I financially get better?

P.S: Did you know: I made the mistake of activating B-mode in this Prius while travelling on hilly roads. Safe to say that, I had made it into a 2-stroke Akinston Hybrid, due to massive blowby levels. The (Weakened) Engine doesn't like B mode. A dissappointment from Toyota.

[usman289]

Salam,

Alhamdulillah, I recently bought a Civic X 2019. I have a questions and would really appreciate your insights:
Cold Start Issue:
On cold starts, I’ve noticed a grinding sound when I shift the car into D (Drive) or R (Reverse). The sound persists for a few minutes but goes away after about 5-10 minutes of driving. This only happens when the car is cold.
• Has anyone experienced something similar?
• What could be the possible cause, and how should I address it?

Thank you in advance for your advice and suggestions!

[miqdadkanani]

@Xulfiqar sir. Same elantra. Now experiencing more vibrations at idle and more engine vibrations as well. Rpms dont fluctuate as such (within 50-75 as per my observations).what could be the potential issues, if any.
Thanks