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

Last Week’s Friddle: What is the longest-running, uninterrupted, automobile nameplate still in production?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Suburban

JET Transit held its 2010 1st Quarter drivers’ safety meeting on March 20th for its Crawford facility drivers, and March 27th for its Kingman, Arizona, drivers.  Two drivers were recognized for their efforts in reaching different levels of accident-free driving.  John Owen received an award for 500,000 Accident-Free Miles.  Dwayne Keck was honored with a plaque for 750,000 Accident-Free Miles.  Congratulations to both of these drivers for their achievements.

In these meetings, the drivers were introduced to the new CSA2010 program which will be implemented in November by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  CSA2010, or Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010, is a program that will replace the current Safestat safety system.  Companies will be rated for their safety compliance in seven basic areas.  The rating will be based on roadside inspection data and compared to companies in peer groups, or companies the same size.  For the first time, drivers will also have a safety measurement system that inspectors can view.  The goal of the new program is to insure that drivers and companies comply with FMCSA regulations.  This new program will alert drivers & companies if they are deficient in an area that is identified by roadside inspections.  By giving notice, corrections can be made to issues identified before intervention measures are taken.

JET Transit has viewed its roadside data collected in the past 24 months and is within standards at this time.  It must be an on-going effort to continue to have good roadside inspections, because the data will be downloaded much faster than the Safestat system and the rating can change quickly either way.

It is important that JASPER has a clear definition and policy that reflects the best interest of our customers and our company.  Past failure to address this issue has allowed misunderstandings within our company and among our customers.

Cooler free flow can range from one and one-half quarts to over four quarts in 20 seconds.  It all depends on the transmission.  We have established the average acceptable flow as two quarts in 20 seconds.  However, we also know that this is not true in all situations.  For example, the Dodge 47RE transmission requires up to four quarts in 20 seconds.

Replacing the vehicle’s system with an external cooler isn’t always the answer.  Consider the fact that the original manufacturer’s system uses the engine’s radiator to transfer the heat from the transmission’s fluid to the vehicle’s cooling system.  Under all conditions, this is consistent, since it is thermostatically controlled.  An external cooler depends on its ability to transfer the fluid’s heat to air, which is a less-effective method.  It is not monitored by a thermostat and depends on constant air flow to be effective.  There are two situations where they could cause a transmission failure.  One is where the air flow over the cooler is interrupted (snow plows, low-speed towing, stopped in traffic, etc.)  A second problem arises in extremely cold conditions where the transmission fluid is unable to warm-up.  In fact, under extremely cold conditions, it could contribute to the jelling of the fluid.

Flushing the system is no longer effective.  The newer-style coolers have complex internal grids used to enhance heat transferal.  These systems collect debris and are impossible to fully flush. Some systems have thermostats that open at 190 degrees.  The bypass on these systems causes a misleading appearance that the cooler itself is being flushed.

Comparing cooler flow as it exits the transmission to the flow after it passes through the cooler is not always effective.  Some Chrysler 41TE and 46RE coolers, that have contamination, could pass a flow test at normal operating temperature.  However, under load or hot conditions, the cooler will restrict the fluid flow to dangerous levels.

The point is, there is no single answer that fits all circumstances.  So, the next time you purchase a JASPER transmission go ahead and ask about adding a new Spectra radiator, cooler kit or flusher rental to your order.  Listed below are three blanket statements that are considered JASPER’s position.  They are listed in order of preference:

1. REPLACE WITH A NEW SYSTEM (RADIATOR).  Check flow to assure lines and check valves are OK.

2. REPLACE WITH AN EXTERNAL.  Keep in mind the above information and flow test.

3. FLUSH THE ORIGINAL SYSTEM.  A heated, hydraulic shock system is the best.  Flush in a can is not acceptable. Always flow test at operating temperature.

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

Last Week’s Friddle: Besides Pontiac, what other automobile manufacturer produces a GTO?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Ferrari

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

Last Week’s Friddle: What type of engine is pistonless and has a crankshaft that remains stationary while the block rotates around it?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: A Rotary Engine

Jasper Engines & Transmissions will donate ten remanufactured differentials to the Institute for Affordable Transportation (IAT) for use in their Basic Utility Vehicles (BUV).

The ten GM 7.5″ rear end differentials include drum brakes, axle shafts, an emergency brake cable, and lubricant.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the IAT is a not-for-profit public charity devoted to improving the lives of people in developing nations by providing simple, low-cost vehicles.

The BUV is a three-wheeled vehicle that is powered by a 10hp gas or diesel engine and uses common off-the-shelf automotive parts. It’s top speed is 20 mph; can carry up to 1,200 pounds, and has the capability to power water pumps, mills, compressors and other external machinery.

“IAT utilizes JASPER because they have high quality remanufactured differentials

and axles,” says IAT Director Will Austin. “I had heard JASPER President Doug Bawel give a speech in Indianapolis and really liked his heart for work, family and the Lord.”

The BUV has many applications and can be tailored to meet specific community needs for people in developing nations. The BUV allows for faster water delivery to remote villages, for quickened access to medical care, and for the safe transport of people and goods through rugged terrain. The most common uses include a delivery truck, school bus, water/food transporter, and an ambulance.

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

Last Week’s Friddle: What is the historical significance of the earliest known motor vehicle to feature a mounted rear-view mirror?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Ray Harroun’s Marmon “Wasp” which won the inaugural Indy 500

Jasper Engines & Transmissions has recognized a high-wear item on the rear-wheel drive Chrysler overdrive transmission cases.  And ironically enough, it’s the hole for the dipstick tube.

“When cores come in for remanufacturing, JASPER has found RWD Chrysler overdrive transmission cases with an enlarged hole for the dipstick tube,” says Craig Leuck, JASPER Transmission Division Manager.  “The hole becomes enlarged over time because the dipstick tube will move around inside the case.”

JASPER will use a special reaming tool to oversize the diameter of the dipstick tube hole.  A brass bushing is then driven into the case and held in place with sealant (see Figure 1).  “This update is made before the assembled transmission undergoes submersion testing in water, and checked for leaks,” added Leuck.

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

Last Week’s Friddle: Can you name BMW’s one and only mid-engine designed supercar?

Last Week’s Friddle Answer: M1

Our crew left Indiana this past Monday for the 20th Annual Cruisin’ Ocean City in scenic Ocean City, Maryland, which is scheduled May 20-23. Jasper Engines and Transmissions is one of ten new sponsors appearing in this year’s event. Visitors can expect to see: up to 6,000 cars, live on-stage DJ’s, daily on-stage trophy awards, automotive and pop culture trivia contests, special give-aways and door prizes.

Activities will begin Thursday morning, May 20th, with the Cruisin’ Ocean City Parade on Ocean City’s Beachside Boardwalk. Special guest Henry Winkler, who played Arthur “the Fonz” Fonzarelli on the television sitcom Happy Days, will be available for photo and autograph opportunities during the event. Check out the Motown sound of The Four Tops, as they are to perform live in concert on Friday night at the Ocean City Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the Convention Center Box Office. Cruisin’ Ocean City 2010 will be featured on two half-hour television segments, which will air Sunday June 6th at 11AM, with a re-air on Monday June 7th at 4PM and Sunday August 15th at 11AM, with a re-air Monday August 16th at 4PM on FOX Sports Net.

Visit our JASPER exhibit for the latest product literature and pricing, informative videos and network video game racing. We will also have a variety of new performance engine parts and accessories available for sale. Our experienced and knowledgeable sales staff will be on hand to answer your drivetrain component questions. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

For more information about this event, click on the following link: www.specialeventsponsorships.com