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    '93 E36 BMW - Differential Carrier Bearing

    Perhaps only two weeks ago, I started noting a 'melodic' sort of whine at speeds from around 60km/h (37mph). I took the vehicle to a mechanic I trust (who I know through a friend) and the verdict, after some investigation, was a carrier bearing in the differential. He suggested I drive it till...
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    School Me on Penrite HPR30/20w60

    Am curious about the Penrite HPR30's formulation. It carries the following OE approvals: ACEA A3/B3 API SJ/CF API SL/CF API SM/CG-4 Ford M2C153-E GM 6094M VW 501 01 VW 502 00 VW 505 00 And has the following typical data: Code: Density at 15°C, kg/L 0.884 Viscosity, Kinematic...
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    Penrite Oil Additive Video

    Particularly discusses oil composition, and especially Zinc content. YouTube Linkie to Clickie
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    My Luck with Coolant Hose Clamps!

    With the help of a friend, I recently replaced the heater hose, flange and flange gasket (paper) on the back of my BMW's M50 engine. Given this necessitated removal of the manifold, it wasn't exactly a "fun" repair. Here is a photo of the 24 year old, leaking heater hose: http://gdurl.com/mQPC...
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    Zerex G48 Coolant Australia

    Have found that G05 concentrate & premix is generally reasonably accessible in consumer-grade packaging through heavy vehicle outlets (truck stops, truck/heavy vehicle parts dealers) and some select automotive shops. Would personally like to use G48 for added peace of mind; but have had a lot...
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    E10 in a 24y/o Car

    Okay, so to preface this, I thought I'd point out that I know people in the USA with E36 3-series BMWs seem to run the stuff without issue; not that many have much choice in the matter. The difference is in Australia, at least in my state, E10 is only sold through one chain of fuel station...
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    Australia: How "Clean" is our Fuel?

    Just something that bears asking, I often read the U.S. posters discuss Top-Tier vs. regular fuels and wonder whether Australian fuels are regulated to be cleaner (i.e. additional cleaning additives) in the first place, or if the fuel we have is equivalent to non-TT in the States. Or is it...
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    A Monograde Question

    Out of nothing other than curiosity, I've been looking at the monograde offerings in Australia of late. One such example was Penrite Mono Truck 30, which is an API SG rated oil, but carries many other specifications. Are the specifications pasted below quite recent, and thus exceed the API SG -...
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    Group 1 Oils & Cleaning

    It was with interest that I recently read a post from SonOfJoe discussing the potential cleaning effects of an oil with Group 1 basestocks. This certainly raised some questions of mine; specifically whether the oil can remove all manner of deposits, or only a few select types. What else came...
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    Valvoline Engine Armour Data Sheets

    Dated from 2013, this datasheet covers the 10w30, 10w40 and 15w40 "Engine Armour" products from Valvoline. Of interest is that all three grades are definitely on the higher end of the acceptable range for their viscosity at 100ºC, particularly the xW40s on offer. The 10w30 is naturally...
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    Helix 15w-40 vs GTX 15w-40

    Doing a bit of sleuthing, it seems the PDS for both the oils are rather vague. Neither list many of the "key" bits of data bandied about BITOG (terms which escape me at present). The PDS for GTX does list HTHS as 3.95cP, the Helix lists neither. Obviously with both being A3/B3 oils, there is...
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    Potential Regular Petrol (Gasoline) Phaseout (AU)

    SMH News Link Rather than flat-out "banning" the lowest octane fuel, 91RON (about 87 on the scale used in the US), why not simply limit the levels of sulphur as in other countries? I knew our fuel wasn't low-sulphur by any means, but I hadn't thought it be the "dirtiest in the developed...
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    Today's Annoying Discovery

    Was cleaning up relative's '03 Toyota LandCruiser Prado this afternoon. Over time, have noticed the front wheel-well plastic trim pieces protecting the engine from splashes has disintegrated. At the point now where the only trim left is the little square bits underneath the screws that...
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    The Renault Two-Stroke Prototype

    Not sure if this has been posted before... Certainly an interesting concept, being a fan of the older 2-stroke stuff, I await to see what this engine might be like, or the potential application. http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/12/renault-two-stroke-twincharged-diesel-engine/ What would be even...
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    Hi-Tec Oils

    Recently became aware of this independent oil manufacturer here in Australia. It seems their specialty is particularly in Industrial and Fleet oils, although a number of PCMO's exist as well. Any thoughts or opinions? http://www.hi-tecoils.com.au/
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    True Diesel Oil in Petrol Applications

    Over time, have read about the apparently unsuitability of diesel-only rated oils for use in gasoline/petrol engines. Using a dual-rated product has been the suggestion for anyone wanting to run diesel oil and reap the benefits of a (supposedly) stouter oil with a better/stronger additive...
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    Late Model Cars Pinging?

    I walk to Uni each day, part of the walk is along the campus driving area, particularly near where there is a speed reduction or increase, depending on the direction of travel. So lots of cars speeding up and slowing down. What I notice is a significant number of late-model cars, not just old...
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    Early BMW OLM / Service Indicator 2

    Since purchasing my vehicle nearly 3 years ago, I have been watching the BMW Service Indicator intently, with the overall plan of figuring out what makes the system "tick." A quick recap so as you all know what I'm talking about: - Prior to the introduction of "Long Life" oil in 1998, Special...
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    Shell Helix Conventional / Semi-Synth Oils

    I've noticed these oils are not discussed very often here on BITOG, presumably as they are not available in the U.S.A., and the user-base here is mostly from North America. Of particular interest to me is Shell's Conventional HX5 15w40 (A3/B3)...
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    Penrite HPR10 (10w50) 5442km/3381mi BMW E36

    Decided to do a UOA on my 1993 BMW as prior to this sample, I had the VCG leak and the PCV hoses were in bad shape. I was also curious to see how the Penrite oil was holding up after some longer trips. Seems nothing appears to be amiss. Only trouble I note with the car is lifter tick...
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