Jasper Engines & Transmissions, the nation’s leader in remanufactured drivetrain components, offers the following transmission to its remanufactured lineup. The Ford/Aisin AF21, also known as the TF-81SC front-wheel drive transmission, can be found in the following 2005-present vehicles:

• Ford Five Hundred
• Ford Fusion
• Mercury Montego
• Mercury Zephyr
• Lincoln MKZ
• Mazda 3
• Mazda 6

JASPER’s most significant upgrades to the AF21 involve seven problem areas within the valve body. These areas have lead to valve body failures causing harsh shifts, burned clutches and forcing the transmission into “fail safe mode”. These areas are 100% reamed and upgraded to hard-coat anodized valves that are wear resistant and have more sealing contact area to minimize leakage. These updated valves include:

• B1 Clutch Control
• C1 Clutch Control
• C2 Clutch Control
• C3 Clutch Control
• 2 Solenoid Modulators
• PR/Boost

In addition, the TCC and secondary regulator valve body sections are reamed and upgraded to hard-coat anodized valves that are wear resistant and have more sealing contact area to minimize leakage, TCC slip and overheated fluid.

The solenoid bushings of the AF21 are 100% replaced. PTFE material within the solenoid bushings absorb small contaminants, and causes the bushing clearance to diminish, resulting in harsh shifting.

JASPER also addressed various shift complaints caused by worn accumulator bores within the AF21. The accumulator pistons are replaced with upgraded, anodized aluminum with annular grooves that improve piston centering, preventing wear and thermal expansion-related leakage.

Every JASPER remanufactured transmission is subjected to strict, high-quality processes:

• Disassembly, meticulous inspection and cleaning of components.
• All new and remanufactured parts are carefully inspected for correct tolerances to assure dependability.
• JASPER’s research and product development ensures inherent problems in OEM design are corrected.
• Dynamometer testing of every domestic automatic transmission simulates in-vehicle operation to assure trouble-free product results.
• An available Premium Service Plan offers customers even greater value.

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

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

While on a recent stay at the nearby French Lick Springs Resort, members of the Team Tiger Car Club made the 25-mile drive to tour the Jasper Facility.  Over 20 of the little British-made cars were on display in the grass along US Hwy 231.

Most of the cars that made the trip were Sunbeam Tigers, a two-seat convertible powered by a V8 small-block Ford.  These cars were popular in the United States during the 1960’s.

Friddle: In what city did JASPER open its first branch location?

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

Last Week’s Friddle: Some automobiles come with an additional key that will only operate the ignition and unlock the door(s). What is the name for this key?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Valet Key

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: Gary Catalanotto - East Patchogue, NY

Friddle: Some automobiles come with an additional key that will only operate the ignition and unlock the door(s). What is the name for this key?

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

Last Week’s Friddle: Which automaker manufactured the Karmann Ghia?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Volkswagen

Last Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: Tim Boyes

Cavitation is an issue that has plagued the diesel engine for years. One of the main concerns created by cavitation is the erosion of the metal on the outside surface of cylinder liners. Tiny air bubbles are formed during normal engine operation and implode at an extremely high temperature and pressure and eat into the wall of the cylinder (see Figure 1). This erosion eventually penetrates the cylinder wall allowing coolant to enter, contaminating the oil or even causing the engine to hydrolock. The liner O-rings are also effected by cavitation as well, and can erode or become brittle and break away.

Jasper Engines & Transmissions reminds technicians that supplemental coolant additives (SCA’s), and their concentrations, are important to help minimize this damage. These additives help by coating the surfaces that contact coolant with Nitrites. SCA additives also provide pH control to help fight corrosion, and soften the water to help stop mineral deposits from forming. The proper levels must be maintained in your engine, or it will fail prematurely.

You must be sure to check the levels of your additive package two times per year and test your coolant for replacement once each year.

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

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