Friddle: Which automaker manufactured the Karmann Ghia?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: Many vehicles today are equipped with TPMS. What does TPMS stand for?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: Chuck Walker - Las Cruces, NM

Jasper Engines & Transmissions, the nation’s leader in remanufactured drivetrain products, has added the following late-model GM engine to its remanufactured gas engine line-up.

The GM Vortec 2900 (2.9L 4-Cylinder) is available on exchange for the following vehicles:

• 2007-2011 Chevy Colorado

• 2007-2011 GMC Canyon
• 2007-2009 Isuzu i-290

“This engine will include a new variable valve timing (VVT) actuator gear, a qualified or new crankshaft balancer and graphite-coated pistons,” says Chip Helderman of JASPER’s New Product Development Department.

Every JASPER Remanufactured Engine is subjected to strict, high-quality processes:

• Disassembly, meticulous inspection and cleaning of components.

• Moving parts machined or replaced for reliable performance.

• Head surfaces statistically monitored to assure proper sealing with the block.

• JASPER’s research and product development ensures inherent problems in OEM design are corrected.

• Live-Run Testing provides peace of mind and assures reliability.

• An available Premium Service Plan that offers customers even greater value.

Each engine is covered by JASPER’s 3-Year/100,000 mile nationwide transferable parts and labor warranty. Full warranty disclosure is available on our website or upon request.

For more information on the remanufactured products of Jasper Engines & Transmissions, please call  1-800-827-7455.

The HEUI pump, once considered disposable, has become a reliable JASPER remanufactured component. The HEUI pump, pictured above, can be found on the 2003-2004 Ford 6.0L diesel and the International VT365.

The Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injector (HEUI) pump was once considered a disposable piece on a diesel engine. Now Jasper Engines & Transmissions, the nation’s leader in remanufactured drivetrain products, has turned the HEUI pump into a reliable, remanufactured component that customers can install with confidence.

HEUI fuel systems appeared on the market around 1994. Soon the Ford Powerstroke, International DT Series, and the Caterpillar 3126, each had a variation of this system which uses engine oil, under high pressure, to pump fuel into the combustion chamber.

One such pump can be found on the 2003-2004 Ford 6.0L diesel and its cousin, the International VT365. “Oil leaks are one of the biggest issues with these pumps,” says TJ Abrams, JASPER Diesel Quality Group Leader. “JASPER uses critically-sized O-rings to prevent leaks from the rear end sealing plate. Also, 100% of the O-rings within the pump are replaced, along with any discharge fittings, which are a major problem on 1994-2002 Ford Powerstroke diesels.

Another common issue is the loss of flow or pressure. “This is caused by a swashplate turning in the housing when it’s not supposed to,” says Abrams. “JASPER installs a set screw in the housing to prevent the swashplate from turning, and also replaces the thrust washers for the plunger rotor. This is a key wear item that can cause pressure and flow loss.”

Each HEUI pump, just like an engine, is tested after being remanufactured. “Pressure, flow and leaks are scrutinized on a custom-built test stand to ensure a quality product,” added Abrams.

Friddle: Many vehicles today are equipped with TPMS. What does TPMS stand for?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: Oldsmobile debuted which automobile on this day (October 14th) in 1965?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Toronado

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: Donita Hamen - Fairview, OK

Second best was good enough for the championship at the sixth annual Chad Morgenthaler Fishing Tournament to Benefit Special Olympics, July 30th, on Rend Lake in Illinois.

Joe Bullock and Clint Joiner, both of Benton, Illinois, tipped the scales with 16.83 pounds. That was good enough to beat everyone but Morgenthaler and his partner, fellow professional, Dave Mansue with 16.99 pounds. A tournament record 93 boats were entered.

Morgenthaler and his fellow pros don’t compete for the tourney title. Instead, local anglers could enter a side “Beat the Pros” competition. This is the first time in the six years of the tournament Morgenthaler and his partner topped the field.

“I’d be lying to you if I said it wasn’t fun to do it once,” Morgenthaler said. “You always want to weigh in some fish, that’s just the competitive spirit. Trust me, in the last six years I’ve taken my share of ribbing from my friends.”

The team of Danny Schipkowski and Steve Tucker earned the big bass honors with a 5.07 pound fish.

Jeff Henson, director of special events for Special Olympics Illinois, said the tournament is expected to net $30 - $35,000 for Special Olympics. The “Beat the Pros” contest netted an additional $1,200. “The first five years of the tournament has raised more than $133,000,” Henson said.

There are more than 27,000 Special Olympians in Illinois. “They train free of charge all year round because of events like these,” Henson said.

Friddle: Oldsmobile debuted which automobile on this day (October 14th) in 1965?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: What does the automotive acronym tbi stand for?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: throttle body injection

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: MK Hill

Friddle: What does the automotive acronym tbi stand for?

Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.

Last Week’s Friddle: In what year did GM revive the Chevrolet Malibu nameplate?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: 1997

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: David Campbell

The Pontiac Split Head six produced 60 horsepower in 1929, up from 40 horsepower in earlier versions. The customer asked for the red paint job on his engine.

Diving deeper into automotive history, the Engine Department of Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrains recently remanufactured a 1929 Pontiac 200 cubic-inch “Split Head” six cylinder engine. These engines were built between 1926 and 1932, when Pontiac was a branch-off of the old Oakland Motor Car company.

The Split Head had a one-piece cast iron block with three main bearings. Its most unusual feature was the use of two separate cylinder heads, covering three cylinders apiece. The ignition distributor was mounted on top of the block, in the gap between the heads.

Pre-1929 versions of the Split Head were 186 cubic inches; rated at 40 horsepower. For 1929 and later models, the engine displaced 200 cubic inches, producing 60 horsepower.

Obviously, this early drivetrain component is no longer offered, nor does it fit into any production remanufacturing system. That’s where Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrains comes in.

“One type of client that would benefit from our division, for instance, is the individual restoring a car that’s all-original,” says Alex Ernst, Jasper Authentic Group Leader. “They want the serial numbers to match, or they want their engine to be hand-built by experienced professionals”.

“With Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrains, we spend extra time remanufacturing an engine or transmission,” Ernst added. “We give the customer that hands-on, hand-built treatment that our target customer base is looking for.”

In addition, Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrains provides some extras for the enthusiast. “Customers can opt to have their engine dynamometer tested, in addition to the live-run test we perform on most applications,” said Ernst. “And we can provide the customer with documentation of the remanufacturing process.”

For more information on the Jasper Authentic Custom Drivetrain division, call 1-800-827-7455.