The air conditioning system in a truck provides the best temperature for those in the truck’s cabin. When turned on, it warms the vehicle in cold weather, and when turned on in hot weather, it provides cool air. It creates a conducive environment for those in the cabin of the truck. The failure of the AC system is a common problem, especially AC on old trucks. You can fix the AC failure at by yourself, but if you are not able to, knowing the possible causes of why AC could fail, is very important.

Common Reasons Why AC Could Fail in Your Truck

When the AC system breaks, you will hear funny sounds and bad smells from your mini truck. Let us analyse some of the reasons for AC failure.

Weak Airflow

When you turn on your AC and realize a weak airflow, you should repair your AC system as soon as possible. The inadequate airflow can be due to blockages on the refrigerant hose, a broken condenser, blower motor, or broken fuses or switches. Weak airflow may require minor or major repairs.

Dead AC

Sometimes you will switch on your AC and realize that nothing is happening to the temperature in your cabin. It can be a result of the compressor clutch failing to move. The compressor clutch coordinates the pulley to engage or disengage the engine power to make the compressor turn what it should turn. But when the clutch is not in good condition, the compressor will likely not receive power from the engine.

When the AC Produces a Burning Smell

If you turn on your AC and it produces a sound like something is burning, there is a problem with the wiring, and they might be burnt. The burnt wire will make your truck’s AC not effectively function. You will have to do new wiring to rectify this.

The AC Starts Blowing Cool Air, then Suddenly Blows Warm Air.

When the refrigerant is blocked due to a clogged expansion valve, the AC will feed cold air, but with time it will start bringing warm air. Sometimes you might switch on your AC, which will begin by serving you cold air but changes and starts to get warm air. A broken compressor clutch might cause this; another possible cause is a blown a fuse. 

The water inside Your Truck

After driving for a long distance with the AC on, you will see water under your mini truck, which shows a healthy air conditioning system. The hose blockages prevent condensed water from flowing outside your mini truck. If you see water inside your truck, it results from water condensing and not flowing out instead of getting logged inside the vehicle. Water in the cabin of your truck signals a severe problem with the air-conditioning system, which you should address as soon as possible. 

Conclusion

Your AC system might malfunction due to some of the reasons mentioned above. It is necessary to ensure that your AC runs perfectly because you never know when and when you might need its services.

The demand and use of mini trucks are growing throughout the entire world. The use of these small trucks started in Japan, but now you will find them on various roads worldwide. The market demand for mini trucks is because they are reliable and robust. It is common to experience gearbox issues with a mini truck. What is a gearbox? It is a box that houses various gears responsible for transferring energy from the engine to the wheels. It regulates the speed and torque of your mini truck. Mini trucks, like other vehicles, develop issues, especially after loyally serving the owner for a certain period. This guide focuses on the common mini truck gearbox problems and how to fix them. 

Common Mini Truck Gearbox Problems and How they are Fixed

The definition has enlightened us on what a gearbox is and its role. Let us now look at some of the problems associated with the gearbox and how you can solve them. 

Filter Congestion

The filter plays the role of removing impurities from the oil that lubricates the gearbox. As the filter prevents the contaminants in the oil from reaching delicate parts of the gearbox, the contaminants congest and clog the filter, becoming less effective with time. You can solve this by buying and fixing a new filter.

Burning Smell

When your gearbox has a problem, your mini truck will produce a burning smell when moving due to overheating transmission fluid. The transmission fluid becomes hot as it conducts heat from the friction in the gearbox. When the temperature of oil increases, you will feel a burning smell in your mini truck. To solve this, you must buy an appropriate transmission for your mini truck and refill it to lubricate the entire gearbox.

Slipping Gears

If you realize that your mini truck cannot hold gears and goes to neutral whenever you engage gear is an indication that the gearbox is having a problem. Slipping gears can result from broken shift lock, worn-out bearing retainers, and a faulty gearbox. To solve this, take your mini truck for a mechanical check-up and repair all the defective parts.

1. Hard Gear Shifting
2. Hard gear shifting results from any of the following.
3. Faulty gear teeth
4. Faulty main shaft splines

To solve this, take your mini truck to the nearest mechanic to repair and replace the damaged gearbox parts.

Noise when Shifting Gears

When shifting your gears, your mini truck might produce funny noise from the gearbox or shake. When the levels of oil in the gearbox reduce as a result of leakages might result in noise when shifting gears. You will likely experience this problem when you press the clutch pedal. It requires immediate replacement of faulty gearbox parts.

Conclusion

The gearbox is a complex system in your mini truck. The gearbox plays a significant role in controlling the torque and power transmitted to the wheels. Fixing problems, such as hard shifting requires a professional mechanic. Whenever your gearbox shows any of the above behaviors, consider taking it for a mechanical check-up and fixing it before things get out of control.

The rear-end gear ratio is obtained by determining the relationship between two gears: the driven gear (ring) and the drive gear (pinion). To calculate the rear-end gear ratio, you need to divide the driven gear tooth count by the drive gear tooth count. To do this math accurately, you must know the number of teeth the driven and the drive gear. For example, if ring gear has 41 teeth and the pinion gear has 10, then the rear end gear ratio is 4.10:1. This means that whenever the ring gear makes a single rotation, the pinion will make 4.10 rotations.

The rear-end gears can be equated to mechanical levers that offer mechanical leverage for multiplying the torque. Therefore, this facilitates the movement of the power from the engine to the wheels of your truck. Higher the gear ratio provides more leverage to facilitate the acceleration of your mini truck. Such gear ratios are known as the “lower” or “deeper” gears. When the gears ratio drops, the gear set will offer lesser mechanical leverage because it becomes taller. 

This illustration explains how the rear gear end works in a truck. The relationship between these gears is similar to fixing a tire using a socket wrench versus using a long beaker bar. You will use more force when using the small socket wrench (tall gears). Consequently, you also use minimum force when using long beaker bar (deep gears).

Calculating the Rear End Gear Ratio

The drive gear is the first gear attached to the motor shaft, and the driven gear is attached to the load shaft gear. Have the following to calculate a correct gear ratio for your mini truck.

1. Get the ring and pinion and count the number of teeth each has. You will realize that the two have a different number of teeth. The experts will refer to the one with many teeth as gear while the one with fewer teeth as the pinion.
2. After obtaining the number of teeth, each has, divide the number of teeth the driven gear has by the number of teeth the drive gear has, for example, 28/21 or 4:3

Low gear ratio is a term used to refer to a high numerical gear ratio. While a lower numerical ratio is referred to as higher gear. The low gears are suitable for small engines because they facilitate faster acceleration. On the other hand, the higher gears are suitable for powerful engines because they cause higher top speed and provide better cruising.

 The above ratio shows that when the driven gear rotates once, the drive gear will rotate 1.3 times.

If you are thinking of changing your gear ratio, think of the factors that impact the gear ratio below.

1. The torque converter stalls speed.
2. The type of transmission narrows down each gear ratio.
3. Your truck’s tire diameter. 

Conclusion

Knowing how to calculate the appropriate gear ratio will help you understand relationship between the driving and the driven gear. This is in terms of the number of teeth each has and rotations they make to generate power for rotations.

The power from the engine of your mini truck is transmitted to the wheels through the drive and the driven shafts. The two shafts are responsible for ensuring that the power from the engine facilitates the rotation of the wheels. The two shafts rotate at different speeds; one rotates faster, and the other rotates slowly. What is the axle ratio? The axel ratio refers to the number of revolutions the driveshaft makes for the rear axle to make a single turn. It is easy to define the axel ratio because we have a brief knowledge of the shafts, which facilitates the rotation of the wheels. Choosing the right axle ratio for your mini truck is very important. The transmission and the differentials of your mini truck have gears that perform a similar task of different sizes. The differential gears receive the rotational force of the driveshaft and transfer it to the rear wheels through the axles. 

Choosing the Right Axle Ratio for Your Mini Truck

Here are considerations and things to keep in mind when choosing the right axle ratio for your Japanes emini truck.

The Right Axle Ratio 

The right axle ratio for your mini truck depends on the nature of work your mini truck performs. The axle ratio comes in handy when using your mini truck for towing in terms of general fuel economy and performance.

Fuel Economy

When shopping for a mini truck with the best fuel economy, think of the axle ratio as the quantity of fuel the mini truck will burn while moving on the highways at high speed. For example, a mini truck with an axle ratio of 3.31 will consume less fuel than one with an axle ratio of 3.55. The 3.31 ratio keeps the engine’s rpm low compared to the 3.55 ratio. The 3.55 ratio will have the best mpg at highway speeds compared to the 3.31 ratio.

Performance

A mini truck with a higher axle ratio moves faster compared to the one with less axle ratio. When the mini truck accelerates faster, it will make more revolutions per second. For example, a mini truck with an axle ratio of 3.55:1 is faster than one with a 3.31 axle ratio. Similar to this, a mini truck with a 3.73 axle ratio moves faster than that with a 3.55 axle ratio. The acceleration rate remains constant whether the mini truck is loaded or empty. 

Good Towing Ratio

Towing needs good power which comes from acceleration and a good axle ratio for towing for mini trucks made after the year 2010 ranges between 3.55 and 3.73. The axle ratio here makes the mini truck accelerate better and increases its ability to tow. A higher ratio will give your mini truck more revolutions per minute.

A Better MPG Ratio

When you need a mini truck with a good fuel economy, consider one with a lower MPG ratio, such as 3.08, 3.23, and 3.31. Such ratios will provide fuel economy for both city and highway driving. 

Conclusion

The right axle ratio will affect the rate at which your mini truck consumes fuel, generate power for towing, and the general performance of your mini truck. When choosing the right axle ratio, consider the daily activities your mini truck performs.

People rely on trucks to perform various duties; there are several sizes of trucks in the market, large, medium and small. The major classification of trucks is based on the physical and engine size. The mini trucks are the smallest in this category. These light trucks have smaller engine capacity but can perform the duties of a pickup truck.

Suzuki carry is a mini truck with a good reputation worldwide. In our guide, we will focus on the clutch system of the Suzuki mini truck. What is a clutch? Many drivers conversant with the manual transmission understand what a clutch is and its role. However, the clutch does the role of cutting the power from the engine on the shafts to facilitate the process of changing gears. The main parts of the clutch system fit three main categories.

1. The driven member
2. The driving member
3. Operating member

How A Mini Truck Clutch System Works

A clutch is one of the mechanical components in the transmission system of a Suzuki mini truck. It disconnects the transmission system from the engine; therefore, it is located between the engine and the transmission. 

When the clutch is engaged, the power moves freely from the engine to the transmission system. It is this power which will rotate the wheels and initiate motion.

If it is disengaged, the power will not be transmitted from the engine to the transmission, and the vehicle will stop moving, but the engine will be running.

You will disengage the clutch when you need to stop your vehicle, when you want to start the engine, when shifting gears and when idling the engine. If you press the clutch pedal, your Suzuki mini truck will disengage the clutch. 

When your vehicle starts to move or is moving, the clutch will be engaged. The engagement enables it to take up the load continuously. Therefore, the driver should properly operate the clutch to avoid overstraining the entire transmission system and jerking your mini truck.

Friction is the working principle of the clutch system. But if two surfaces on friction come into contact or are pressed against each other and one of them is revolving, the other stationery will have to revolve too. 

Requirement of a Suzuki Mini Truck Clutch System

1. It should transmit maximum torque from the engine to the wheels.
2. It should be engaged gradually to avoid jerking and damaging the transmission system.
3. It should be able to withstand a lot of heat generated when it is functioning.
4. It should have a mechanism for eliminating noise and vibration when transmitted power.
5. It should be small in size for it to occupy minimal space.
6. It should have a free pedal play, minimizing the wearing of the carbon thrust by reducing the clamping load.
7. Operating it should be very easy and effortless.
8. The driven member should be made of light materials. But if it is light, it will immediately stop motion when the clutch is disengaged.

Conclusion

Understanding the clutch system of the Suzuki mini truck is necessary. Knowledge is power, and investing in it is worthwhile.

Vehicles getting old is inevitable to mini trucks and human beings as well. Many basic parts will stop functioning normally when your mini truck starts getting old. For example, the engine might fail to perform as it used to, and the AC might fail. Sometimes, you might buy a mini truck without an AC system; this is the greatest mistake. AC comes in handy during summer. Driving in hot weather is cumbersome and disguises, especially when your AC is dead, or your car has no AC. If your AC is dead or your cars do not have it, don’t worry because there are many aftermarket AC kits you can purchase and install in your mini truck. The advantage of aftermarket AC kits is that they are easily available from authorized dealers, affordable, and you will get a warranty certificate. 

You can get an aftermarket AC kit from authorized dealers or other vendors. But doing this has advantages and disadvantages. It is better to buy and install this kit from an authorized dealer because you need not worry about the quality. If you buy and install it from other vendors, you are likely to spend more because they have no price control, and you might fall into the trap of counterfeit AC kits. 

Adding Air Conditioning to Old Mini Truck

Always be cautious not to buy substandard, used or refurbished AC kits. When buying the kit, ensure its components are new and sealed by the manufacturer. This guide has listed some of the things to keep in mind when you are adding air conditioning to old mini truck vehicles.

Pipes

The air-conditioning system has several pipes which are held by jubilee clips. Pipes are made of materials like metal and rubber. The pipes play the role of moving the hot and cold liquid throughout the entire air-conditioning system. 

Evaporator

Evaporators resemble radiators, but they are smaller and thicker. Evaporators are located deep below the instrumental panel. At the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant turns into a gas blown by a fan into your mini truck.

Dryers

Also known as the receiver, it resembles a metal can but has an inlet and outlet. The inlet lets the liquid refrigerant into the dryers. Here any moisture in the refrigerant is removed. 

Expansion Valve

The expansion valve monitors the temperature, so the exact quantity of refrigerant gets inside the evaporator. The role played by the expansion valve makes it be located next to the evaporator.

Compressor

The compressor is connected to a crankshaft pulley with a belt. It is this pulley which supplies it with the power from the engine. It is here where the refrigerant gas is converted to liquid.

Condensers

They resemble radiators, but they are thin and small. They are located behind the radiator and are made of aluminum. Their location enables them to receive maximum air as the air conditioning system operates.

Conclusion

You can fit an AC kit for your mini truck, but before doing this, it is vital to understand the various basic components of the AC kit. Knowledge of AC components comes in handy when purchasing the entire kit.

The motion in a truck originates from the engine. In the engine, the combustion chamber produces the energy which rotates the wheels. Have you ever asked how power is transmitted from the engine to the wheels? First, it is the combustion chamber that drives all the moving parts of a machine. Some shafts transmit the motion to the wheels. The CV axle between the shafts and the wheels transfers the motion torque to the wheels.

Initially, front-wheel vehicles used axles similar to four-wheel drive vehicles. Such axles had a cross-shaped metal pivot fitted between two forked carriers. They varied the speed transmitted to the wheels but were not CV joints. They were very strong, and making them was easy. Automakers still use them for flexibility in some prop shafts with minimal movements.

What does the CV Axle do in Your Truck?

When a car is in motion, the wheels on the left and right sides will move up and down, and this motion will depend on the nature of the surface you are driving on, making independent suspension necessary. But if your truck has independent suspension, a CV axle will be required. The CV axle has joints that effectively transfer the torque to the wheels in constant up and down motion. 

The CV axle has inner and outer joints. The inner CV joint has three rollers on a spider that slides to enable the CV axle to contract and extend freely. The outer CV joint transfers the rotational motion at larger angles. Both inner and outer CV joints are greased and housed in CV boots.

CV joints allow the drive shaft to transmit power through dynamic angles, keeping the speed and friction constant. It also ensures that the energy from the engine is transferred to the wheels regardless of the wheel’s position while in motion. 

CV Joint Boots Repairs

The CV joint boots usually get damaged. If it happens in your truck, you must replace the boot and apply fresh grease on the CV axle. Doing this is more economical than replacing the entire CV joint, but replacing it is a little cumbersome. 

Sometimes the entire CV joint might be worn out. In such a case, you have to replace the whole of it. Occasionally, you might not buy the CV joint alone but the entire drive shaft. In such a scenario, replace the whole drive shaft of your truck. 

You can replace the CV joint boot alone or seek help from a professional mechanic. If you are doing it alone, you need a strong breaker bar and sizable socket to loosen the lock nut in the CV joint and this nut is also called the hub nut or axle nut. 

Conclusion

The CV axle is one of the vital components that facilitate the rotation of the wheels as the wheels move up and down depending on the nature of the terrain which one drives. However, the engineering work behind it enables it not to be affected by the vibrations from the wheels as you navigate through various terrains.

Japanese mini trucks are becoming popular on our roads, and owners enjoy the services given by such vehicles. Their reliability makes everyone have them for life. As you use your mini truck, it will manifest some issues like exhaust smoke with time. The exhaust system is made to expel the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber. Such gases are dangerous if released directly into the environment. The exhaust system has a catalytic converter, which neutralizes the exhaust gases from the engine. A mini truck with an effective catalytic converter will release water or very harmless fumes into the environment. Sometimes, your mini truck might release excess fumes through the exhaust pipe. Depending on the color of the smoke, it might signal a problem with the engine. Here is how to go about troubleshooting exhaust smoke in a mini truck.

Troubleshooting Exhaust Smoke in a Mini Truck

Blue Smoke

When you witness blue smoke from your exhaust pipe, it indicates that your mini truck engine is burning oil. Oil can find itself in the combustion chamber when the piston rings and other engine components are worn out, allowing oil to flow into the combustion chamber and burn together with the fuel to produce the blue flame. 

To fix this, do a thorough engine cleaning to eradicate the sludge accumulated inside the engine. You can replace your valve seals and fix a new glow plug and the PVC valve.

Black Smoke

When your mini truck starts to produce black smoke, these are some of the possible causes;

1. Blocked air filter
2. Blocked manifold 
3. Bad fuel injector

Both petrol and diesel engines might produce black smoke due to different reasons. The petrol engine produces black smoke when the filters are dirty, and the computer and oxygen sensor becomes faulty. Conversely, the diesel engine will produce black smoke when the air filter is blocked. The fuel injector becomes faulty, and too much carbon deposit.

To fix this issue, clean your air filters. Fix new oxygen sensors, and replace the ECU for the petrol engine. For diesel engines, clean the entire combustion system and the filters, replace the piston rings, fix a common- Rail fuel injection system, and you can as well use the fuel detergent additives.

White Smoke

Diagnosing white smoke from the exhaust system is relatively hard. If you witness it, there is a possibility of water mixing with the fuel in the engine or faulty fuel injectors, the head gasket being filled with water, or leakage on the fuel line enabling moisture to get in, overheating the engine. To fix this, confirm if the intake manifold gasket, the cylinder head, and the engine block have cracks, fix new fuel injectors, and fix a new fuel pump in case your mini truck uses diesel. 

Conclusion

You should not witness any abnormal fuel coming out of your mini truck. In the morning, in the cold, you might witness smoke when you start your engine, which is normal. If the smoke intensifies and has any of the above colors, your engine might have a mechanical issue, and you should seek a mechanical check-up.

Truck drivers and businesses value their trucks since they are the sources of success for their businesses. These vehicles are good for delivery as well as hauling. Trucks are never turned by distance. They can travel several miles from state to state. Keeping your truck in check is better since any problem can greatly affect your business. In this guide, we will go through some of the things on how to know when engine needs maintenance.

How To Know When Engine Needs Maintenance

Always listen to your truck, and in case you note any sign that the engine might be starting to malfunction, consider repairing it early enough so that it does not escalate to bigger problems. Let me share with you how to know that your engine needs maintenance.

When Lights Appear on the Dashboard

The engine check lights appear on the dashboard to warn you that there is a problem with the engine worth paying attention to. The dashboard produces several flush lights, which helps us to identify where the problem is in the engine. There is an engine warning light, engine oil level, and pressure light, coolant level light.

Occasionally, these lights may be similar. If you find yourself in a dilemma, check the user manual.

Check Your Mileage

Truck manufacturers recommend that owners perform service maintenance after their trucks have clocked a specific mileage. Some conditions will force you to take your truck for servicing; such conditions can be normal or severe. 

As you drive your truck, check your mileage and maintain a regular service to your truck by changing the oil and checking the general health of your engine.

High Fuel Consumption

A standard semi-truck consumes a gallon to cover six to nine miles and might move to eleven miles if you drive on the highway. You will realize this by checking the fuel gauge on the dashboard, or if your truck has an electronic onboard computer (EOBC), you will see the fuel consumption on your dashboard. If you note that the rate at which your truck consumes fuel has gone high, consider doing engine maintenance.

Coloured Exhaust Gases

If your truck starts to produce colored exhaust gases, it is a warning that something serious is happening to the engine. A blue smoke signals oil leakage, black smoke shows that it is burning a lot of fuel, and white smoke indicates a problem with the coolant.

Colored smoke is very risky. Ignoring it can result in serious engine problem which might force you to perform a full overhaul or swap engine.

Performance

A regular driver knows how their truck handles or performs. Suppose there is a change in the performance, like a late response when you step on the accelerator pedal, a change in sound when going up the hill, or even high fuel consumption. Poor performance interferes with smooth driving. And you should visit a mechanic for a thorough checkup if you experience reduced performance.

Conclusion

Servicing is necessary for your engine. It will the engine serve you long and also help in maintaining the power of the engine. Always listen to the above signs and take the necessary precautions to save your engine.

Locked mini truck steering wheel can be disappointing, especially when driving. Mini trucks with turnkey ignition have an ignition lock feature. When you turn the steering after removing the key from the ignition, your steering will automatically lock to prevent the steering wheel from moving while the mini truck is parked. Lack of power steering fluid can make your steering lock while your mini truck is in motion. Mechanical problems related to the steering column or the steering arms can also lock the steering. When you experience this challenge, never hesitate but consider doing the following.

How To Fix a Locked Mini Truck Steering Wheel

Here are things to do to unlock a steering wheel of a vehicle.

Insert Your Key in the Ignition

When removing the key from the ignition, your steering can lock if it is tense. To unlock it, you will have to insert the key to the ignition. The steering wheel should turn as soon as you insert the key into the ignition. Your wheel will unlock as soon as the key ignites the vehicle. 

Gently Turn the Key

After inserting the key into the ignition, gently turn it. Sometimes both the key and the wheel might get stuck. If this happens, use a little pressure as you turn the key to the direction where it usually ignites your mini truck. Never apply too much pressure because this might twist or even break the key. Doing this should unlock the ignition.

Apply Force on the Steering Wheel

Sometimes, the steering might lock on a single side with a PIN. If this happens, the wheel will not quickly move on the locked side. In such a scenario, identify the area which is not locked and use some force as you turn the key using one hand. Doing this will unlock the steering wheel.

Never Shake the Wheel

When the steering locks, desperation will likely make you shake or bang the steering wheel. Instead of shaking the wheel, turn the wheel as you turn the ignition key. If you do this, the chances of unlocking your steering wheel become minimal because it might interfere with the locking pin.

Partially Pull the Key Out and Turn the Ignition

If in case the key of your mini truck is old, it might not have enough grip to turn the ignition. To effectively achieve this, push and pull the key. When you partially pull it out, it will be able to unlock the steering pin as you start your mini truck. If it works, your keys are worn out, and you should consider replacing them.

Turn Both the Wheel and the Key simultaneously

It might not work once, but you must use force on the steering as you turn the key in the ignition. Performing the two activities at the same time should unlock the steering pin. If you realize that both the wheel and the keys are unwilling to turn, do not force them.

Conclusion

It is usual for the steering wheel of your mini truck to lock. If it does not unlock, consult a professional mechanic to diagnose what the problem might be. This article has given home-based remedies to unlock your steering.

Troubleshooting the braking system of a mini truck may be a daunting task, especially to those with no experience. For one to perfectly perform it, you must be knowledgeable about what you are doing. Troubleshooting involves the identification of the problem and coming up with a possible solution to this problem. You can diagnose the braking issue of your mini truck by giving it a systematic approach referred to as the elimination process. The elimination process involves identifying and solving the most common problem and advancing to the most complex one. This guide will address two common ways of troubleshooting braking system in a mini truck and have the vehicle back in form.

Troubleshooting Braking System In A Mini Truck

Here are two common ways to troubleshoot a mini truck braking system.

Dragging Brakes

Dragging or brakes hanging up happens when they fail to disengage. You will notice this when you feel a burning smell when applying brakes. It is hazardous to drive when your brakes are hanging as it can damage your minitruck. 

The caliper can drag brakes if they rust due to salt used during winter and when they are old. It is easy to change brake calipers, and the process cannot take more than one hour. You can avoid this problem by not driving your minitruck in pools of water and areas where salt has been used to clear roads. If this doesn’t offer a solution, always clean your wheels and underneath of your minitruck after every winter season.

When the fluid return hole in the master cylinder is dirty, all four wheels of your mini truck will drag. This is because the brake fluid will not effectively function by either not returning or not being able to release the excess pressure it goes to the wheels with. Use denatured alcohol and wire to clean up the hole. 

Failing Brakes

Brake failure is a common problem that is experienced up to date. However, technology has advanced to curb a complete brake failure on your minitruck. The master cylinder has two seals and pistons that control both front and back brakes. These two pistons and seals do their work independently so that only front or rear brakes can be affected in case of brake failure. Brake failure can be felt when the brake pedals are soft or hard.

When the Pedals are Soft, they will quickly move to the floor without stopping your minitruck. If this happens, check if the brake fluid is leaking, as this might reduce the level of the brake fluid. Check if there is air in the hydraulic brake system as this can make the brake pads soft.

When Brake Pedals are hard, you will use a lot of energy to press them to the floor. At times they might resist when you press them. It happens when the power boost system is faulty. In this case, check if the valve or the vacuum hose is in good condition. 

Conclusion

As an owner of a minitruck, it is necessary to equip yourself with the primary brake troubleshooting mechanisms that will bail you out if you experience any braking problem. When your brakes have started developing problems, never depend on troubleshooting, but you should visit a mechanic for a thorough brake checkup.

The Mazda Scrum is a minivan and a mini truck produced by Mazda, one of the largest automaker. The target market for its first production was the Japanese market. The popularity of this mini truck grew, and later it started finding its way outside the Japanese market. The appetite for Mazda Scrum grew because of its unimaginable capabilities and fewer demands. It has the basic features of a manual transmission in the driver’s cabin, such as the accelerator, the foot brakes, and the clutch pedals. Besides these, it also has a gear lever. Many Mazda scrum uses the manual transmission system. In this guide, we will go through a guide on when to do Mazda Scrum clutch replacement.

An Overview Of The Clutch

A standard engine is composed of two shafts, the one from the engine and the one that rotates the wheels. The two rotating shafts are what transmit the power to the wheels. A manual transmission has a clutch in between the two shafts. The primary function of the clutch here is to engage and disengage the two shafts as the vehicle moves. When the clutch pedal is pressed, it will disconnect the driving shaft and the driven shaft, but the engine will still be running. The clutch enables drivers to shift from one gear to another as they drive smoothly. As much as the clutch plays an important role, it sometimes malfunctions. 

Signs of a Faulty Clutch 

When the Clutch Pedal becomes Soft

As you drive the Mazda Scrum, your clutch pedal will become soft with time. Never take it for granted if this happens because it signifies the clutch is faulty. How will you know that the clutch pedal is soft? When you press it, it goes to the floor smoothly. Sometimes, the clutch pedal itself might be hard to press. It is also another sign of a bad clutch. 

When your Gear Slips

The inability to hold gears is a sign of a faulty clutch. The gears sometimes might slip, this happens when you change them, but your Mazda Scrum cannot hold and run on the new gear. For example, you shift to gear three and realize that it goes to gear two on its own. It might also move to neutral apart from moving to the next gear.

When you Hear a Grinding Sound when Changing Gears

The metallic components of the clutch that holds gears wear out with time, and this is another cause of the grinding sound when changing gears in your Mazda Scrum. The grinding sound results from the poor timing between the shifting gears and the clutch pedals. If this sound persists, then you should consider checking your clutch.

Sticky Clutch Pedal

The clutch pedal is made so that it automatically goes to its original position when you press and release your foot. If you step on it and it refuses to leave the floor, it indicates that your clutch is faulty, and you should seek a mechanical check-up. 

Conclusion

Always give your Mazda Scrum listening ears. The clutch might be faulty when you hear and feel the above signs. The only solution to a faulty clutch is taking your mini truck to an experienced mechanic to check it up.

Many Kei truck owners find themselves at the crossroad regarding which fuel pump to choose for their minitrucks. Most know that the electric fuel pump is more efficient than the mechanical fuel pump. But this is not enough when choosing a fuel pump. There are some minor details that you have to consider, and failure can lead to serious engine problems. The electric fuel pumps vary depending on the type of engine. For example, the turbocharged engine will use a fuel pump different from the naturally aspirated engines. Choosing the best fuel pump depends on how conversant you are with your engine. This guide focuses on crucial things to consider when choosing the best mini truck fuel pump to get.

Choosing the Best Mini Truck Fuel Pump

Here are the considerations to keep in mind.

Voltage

The electric fuel pump uses electricity to function, and the fuel injectors only need a required amount of voltage to function properly. When purchasing a fuel pump for your mini truck, make sure you buy that one that is compatible with the voltage output of your engine. For example, if your engine output is 14 volts and you buy a fuel pump that works with a 13.5 voltage output engine, there is a high probability of an increase in the fuel being pumped. The voltage difference can make the pump develop issues and also interfere with the fuel pump relay.

The Fuel Volume

When choosing the right fuel pump for your minitruck, it is important to know the fuel volume. You can obtain this value by multiplying your minitruck’s horsepower by BSFC. The amount of fuel required by your vehicle depends on the horsepower. If you are buying an electric fuel pump, ensure you know the horsepower of your minitruck. And if you do not, consult a mechanic with experience. If you make a wrong fuel volume calculation, you will fix a fuel pump incompatible with your engine, which can result in serious mechanical issues.

The Engine Fuel Efficiency(EFE)

EFE is the quantity of fuel required by your engine to generate one horsepower within one hour. Engine fuel efficiency can also be referred to as the Engine’s Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC). Using the BSFC classification, it is worth noting that most engines used by minitrucks fall in the naturally aspirated engine category. The naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and supercharged engines use different fuel pumps. It is necessary to know the type of your engine based on BSFC classification, and you will be able to choose the right fuel pump.

The Fuel Pressure

The various engines require fuel under different pressure depending on the nature of the engine. The high-performance engines used by the sports cars will require fuel under high pressure. The fuel pump does the role of giving the engine fuel as per the required pressure. These pumps vary in the amount of pressure they produce. Before buying one, you must know the exact pressure requirement of your mini truck.

Conclusion

When choosing the best fuel pump for your minitruck, understand the above factors. These factors are derived from your engine, and the correct fuel pump must be compatible with your engine. Choosing an incompatible engine is likely to damage your engine.

The fuel pump in a minitruck supplies the engine with the fuel. Fuel tanks and engines are purposely engineered in a linear position, so the pressure is required for fuel to move to the engine because of the engine. The fuel pump is specially designed to perform this role. The engine of a minitruck requires a constant supply of fuel to function without stopping. The fuel pump’s role is to feed the engine with fuel. The fuel pumps can either be mechanical or electric. These two have different working principles. This article will focus on comparing mechanical vs electric fuel pumps.

Mechanical vs Electric Fuel Pumps

The major difference between the two fuel pumps is the mode of operation. The mechanical pumps depend on the moving parts to generate the energy to suck fuel from the tank to the engine. On the other hand, the electric pump relies on electricity and the ECU to generate power that delivers fuel to the fuel injectors.

The Generation of the Vehicle

Mechanical fuel pumps are common in old vehicles, which use a carburetor to supply fuel in the combustion chamber. On the other hand, modern vehicles use the electric fuel pump because they have powerful engines that rely on fuel supplied under high pressure. The electrical pump relies on a computer system to control the pressure of fuel supplied in the engine.

Location

The mechanical fuel pump is found at the side of the engine. This pump supplies fuel by sucking it from the bottom of the fuel tank. The diaphragm creates the sucking energy, and valves prevent fuel backflow. The sucked fuel is then transmitted to the carburetor, which dispenses the fuel into the combustion chamber. This pump has an arm that drives it and ensures the fuel supplies at a constant rate when the vehicle is at high speed.

The electrical pump is found on the top of the fuel tank. It is mounted on a bracket in a case in the fuel tank. They can operate when submerged in the fuel tank. It depends on the electricity to stimulate the pump and propel the fuel to the fuel injectors. These electronics determine the rate at which fuel is supplied depending on how it is needed.

Mode of operation

The electric pump produces some sound when working. This sound depends on the size, design, and where and how the motor is installed, while the mechanical pump never produces any audible sound when operating.

The electric pump is the best for vehicles sitting in the parking lot for a long time. The electrical pump is quick and starts pumping fuel as soon as it receives the required power. It gets this power from the ignition switch. The mechanical pump does not easily pick up. Thus it is hard to start vehicles using it after being parked for a long time.

Conclusion

The differences discussed above will aid you in understanding the two types of pumps. You will thus be able to make an appropriate decision on the pump to choose for your minitruck.

One of the most loved mini trucks is the Daihatsu Hijet. This vehicle is popular among the Japanese because of its unbelievable capabilities. Its ability to perform roles similar to a standard-sized pickup truck, yet its small engine capacity, classifies it as a legendary mini truck. Due to its capabilities, the love for Daihatsu Hijet has spread worldwide. Thanks to the Japanese car dealers. This vehicle requires regular check-ups and maintenance for it to serve you better. Monitoring the fuel pump is essential. Here, we will be looking at when you need to be replacing fuel pump in a Daihatsu Hijet mini truck.

The Functioning Of a Fuel Pump In a Vehicle

Have you ever asked yourself how the fuel gets to the engine yet the fuel tank is not in the engine? The fuel pump facilitates fuel movement from the tank to the engine’s combustion chamber. It provides the pressure that pushes fuel to the fuel injectors and ensures a regular fuel flow to the combustion chamber. The fuel pump only works better when it is in good condition. 

Purpose of a Fuel Pump

The fuel pump plays the role of pumping fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors. As they pump, they generate adequate pressure to transmit fuel through the pipes. The engine cannot generate pressure to suck fuel from the tank to the injectors, which is why a fuel pump is required.

The Engine Electronic Control Unit does the role of controlling the modern fuel pumps. The fuel pump is vital as it generates the necessary pressure and wears out with time making it faulty.

Signs of a Faulty Fuel Pump

When you need to be replacing fuel pump in a Daihatsu Hijet mini truck? The Hijet will most likely some signs when the fuel pump malfunctions. This guide looks at some common signs your mini truck will show.

Noise Coming From the Fuel Tank

The fuel pump produces a typical sound that should not worry you. If the noise persists and becomes loud, the Daihatsu Hijet is trying to communicate that there is a problem with the fuel pump. The fuel tank can make noise when the fuel is contaminated or the fuel levels have gone down. 

The Hijet Mini Truck Becomes Hard to Start

When starting your mini truck becomes a nightmare is an indication that there is a problem with the fuel pump. As you try to ignite the mini truck, the ignition process will not be complete because there will be less or no fuel to burn in the combustion chamber.

The Hijet Mini Truck is likely to Stall

When the engine receives little fuel, it will go off unexpectedly while in motion. This might embarrass you when driving on a busy highway. If your Hijet experiences this, there are high chances that the fuel pump is faulty.

The Mini Truck Becomes Less Powerful

If you realize that the engine power of your Daihatsu Hijet goes down when you are going up a hill or carrying a load, it’s an indication that the engine might be receiving less fuel to burn. In this case, check the condition of your fuel pump.

Conclusion

The engine that Daihatsu Hijet uses is very senstive. To make it increase its lifespan, pay attention to the warnings it might be sending. A faulty fuel pump, if ignored, might destroy the entire engine.

Timing in this context refers to an interval at which two events cause an event. The first event is ignition, the second event is firing, and the caused event is combustion. Timing in a mini truck is the duration between the ignition and the start of combustion in the engine cylinders. When you ignite the engine, the spark plugs receive the signals, which produce a spark to burn the mixture of fuel and oxygen in the combustion chamber. So, how do you go about setting engine timing in a mini truck? Here we delve deeper into that.

The production of sparks should be simultaneous to the compression stroke. If sparks come early or late, your engine is likely to develop complications with time. It is essential to adjust your engine’s timing to increase your mini truck’s horsepower. A mini truck only needs horsepower and good torque to serve you better. Therefore it is a requirement to check the engine timing to achieve this. The best thing to do to your mini truck is to check on the timing. If the need arises to adjust it, purchase the tools available at the auto shops, such as the timing light and a set of wrenches. 

Setting Engine Timing in a Mini Truck

It is essential to practice before handling any engine. Fire and oil spill-related accidents are common while handling car engines. Ensure your engine is off and cool before working on it. Wear the necessary protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and overalls. Consider the following to adjust your engine timing. 

Observe Your Mini Truck if Its Engine Timing Needs to be Adjusted

The new mini trucks have electric ignition. They do not require timing adjustments. If you own an old mini truck, you have to check whether timing adjustment is necessary or not. When observing your mini truck, take note of backfiring and pinging. These are the common signs that your timing requires adjustment. 

Ignite the Engine

Let the engine run for it to achieve the 196-degree temperature. You will be able to know that the temperature is reached by looking at the temperature gauge. After reaching the required temperatures, connect the timing lights to the number one spark plug and the battery. Let the timing light shine in the crankshaft pulley. As this happens, have your manufacturer’s manual compare the readings and what is in the manual.

Make the necessary adjustments

Adjust when you note a difference between the readings and what is on your mini truck manual. Ensure the adjusting bolt is loose to offer space for the rotation of the distributor. You can rotate the distributor as you use the timing light to identify the timing marks on the crankshaft and the timing cover. 

As you rotate the adjusting nuts, the required adjustments will take place. After achieving the idle position timing, consider tightening the adjusting nuts. 

Conclusion

Upon performing the procedure in this guide, you will have set your ignition timing. Your Japanese mini truck will likely show timing symptoms due to overstretched timing belts. When this happens, try to seek a mechanic’s services. 

When the engine parts work to produce the energy for the wheels, there is friction causing them to produce heat. Friction can damage the engine if not maintained. Engine oil plays the role of lubricating the engine parts and cooling the heat generated as they move. Oil is necessary for the engine to cool and prevent it from wearing out. This task is not easy. With time, engine oil becomes unable to perform its roles effectively. After covering a specific mileage, the oil wears out, and it is essential to change it together with the oil filters.

Why Checking The Oil In A Mini Truck Is Important

When you experience a knocking sound, the oil pressure lump appears on the dashboard and smells of burning oil in the cabin. Slow down and check the level of the engine oil. These are signs that the oil level has gone down, and you should top up.

Regular checking of your vehicle’s condition and oil level will remind you of the most important thing when to change the engine oil. It will also help you to know what happens to your engine oil. Checking on the oil level whenever you fuel your mini truck is essential. After changing the engine oil, place a sticker on the windshield to remind you of the following date to remove the old oil and fill in a new one.

Regular checking of the engine will help you to know the age of your engine oil. Thought observing the color of the oil. The oil starts aging when you realize the color gradually turns from golden to brown. When the oil is black, it has become old and less effective. Consider replacing it. Dark brown or black oil indicates that oil and filters are old and new ones are necessary.

Regular oil checking in your mini truck will determine whether the oil is contaminated or pure. Contaminated oil causes congestion on the oil filter. If it gets into the engine, a small portion of dirt can completely ruin the engine, which may make you spend a lot of money repairing it.

Inspecting the engine oil is essential when buying a second-hand mini truck from a dealer or checking the general health of your engine. This will help you to know whether the owner observed servicing the vehicle. How do you know this? Remove the oil filler cap to check the engine using a spotlight. If you observe black deposits in the engine, it indicates poor servicing, and the engine is likely to collapse. If there are no carbon deposits on the engine, it is healthy, and you can consider buying such a vehicle.

Conclusion

Many mini trucks are for commercial purposes or for running personal errands. For this matter, their engine is always running. Regular checking of the condition of the engine oil is essential in increasing the lifespan of the engine. Engine oil supports the engine. Regular checking, maintaining the levels, and replacing the engine oil is essential to give your engine more life and power.

Mini trucks, like other vehicles, can develop mechanical issues that may require fixing. Fixing a mini truck may be cheap or expensive, depending on the nature of the problem. Problems developed by mini trucks may vary from the general body to engine problems. These problems have got specific mechanics that can fix them. This guide gives overall considerations before choosing the right mechanic for your mini truck.

Choosing a Mechanic For your Mini Truck

You have just bought a new mini-truck, and unfortunately, it has broken down. You are worried about which mechanic to trust with your mini truck. Do not worry. The guide here got you covered. Consider taking these simple steps while selecting the best mechanic.

Expertise & Reputation

Consider the mechanic’s reputation. Doing thorough groundwork about whom you want to trust to handle your mini truck is essential. What matters in reputation is the mechanic’s level of experience in terms of the number of years he has handled the mini trucks and reliability. You should know how reliable is this person. Can you trust them with your mini truck? If you leave your mini truck in their hands, then are you likely to find every part replaced?

Know The Fixes To Be Made

Know the part of your mini truck which requires to be fixed. The mechanic has different specializations. Some specialize in the general body and electric system, and those specialize in handling engine issues. Knowing which part of your car requires a mechanical check-up will help determine which mechanic to approach. For example, if your mini truck starts producing fumes, it will likely have engine problems. In this case, take your mini truck to a mechanic who specializes in engine repair.

Consider the cost of fixing your Mini Truck.

Mechanics vary in charging labor costs. The variations depend on the cost of purchasing the mini truck spare parts to replace the damaged ones. Most mechanics will charge you a percentage of the amount spent on buying the spare part. Some will charge higher, while others will charge relatively lower. The current economic times favor only those who know how to spend their little. First, shopping around determines the charges of various mechanics and then settles on the one that suits your pockets.

Mechanic’s Availability

It is in order to put into consideration the availability of the mechanic. Before choosing to settle on one mechanic, ensure they are a person that will respond very fast when needed. Consider that person who values you as a customer and will sacrifice whatever they do to serve you first. This will reduce the time your mini truck will stay broken.

Conclusion

After choosing a mechanic to trust and rely on, ensure your mini truck is always maintained and serviced with a single mechanic. Having a single mechanic to handle your mini truck will give it more life because this person understands the Kei truck better than a foreign expert. The mechanic will be able to know the history of your vehicle and put it into consideration as they repair it.

Overheating is a common issue many Kei truck owners face. You hop into your truck excited for the day ahead and a few miles down the road, the thermostat climbs towards “H”, the dashboard warning light flashes, your engine spews steam or smoke and you have to pull over. Generally, your truck overheats because the cooling system is failing to allow heat to leave the engine. This might be caused by leakage or blockage somewhere in the cooling system, which includes the radiator fan, coolant, water pumps, hoses and thermostat. Are you wondering what should do when your Kei truck overheats? This guide is dedicated to helping you on what to do when your kei truck overheats.

Steps to Take When Your Kei Truck Overheats

1. Turn on the truck’s heater

Do not turn on the air conditioning of your mini truck. As counterintuitive as that sounds, turning on the heater instead will pull the heat from your engine into the passenger compartment, lightening the load off the cooling system. You’ll know if it’s working if the temperature gauge goes back to the neutral position or the warning light goes off. However, sometimes this is not enough.

2. Pull over

If the engine continues to overheat, even with the heater on, find a safe space away from oncoming traffic, pull over, and turn off the engine. Don’t cause more permanent damage to your engine.

3. Don’t open the hood

Sit tight! The hood is hot, the coolant is boiling and the water is now high-pressure steam. Opening the hood immediately may lead to serious burns. Let the car sit for about 10 – 15 minutes and allow everything to cool down, then go ahead and look for leaking coolant or unusual wear and tear on your drive belt. Some engine problems aren’t difficult to identify.

4. Add Coolant

If there are no leaks, you might be you’re running low on coolant.

Put on gloves, and locate the radiator cap (consult the user manual where necessary). Place a wet towel on the cap, and slowly remove it to release the pressure build-up from when the coolant expanded from heating. Fill up the coolant – most engines use half water, half antifreeze. Replace the cap and start the engine. If the temperature returns to neutral, drive on with caution while checking the temperature gauge.

5. Get your car serviced

Adding coolant may not address the root cause of why your engine overheated but it often allows you to start your car. Drive to the nearest mechanic and have your truck’s engine professionally serviced.

If the coolant was full, and you found leaks or unusual wear and tear on the drive belt, call your mechanic.

Conclusion

Give love to your Japanese Kei truck, and it will give you good service! So before you get your Kei truck on the road next time, take the time to check the coolant levels, make sure it’s fresh and schedule regular visits to the mechanic. An overheating engine indicates a serious problem developing in your truck.