transmissions

Caring for Your Reman Transmission

Care for your Gearhead Remanufactured Transmission

Being stuck on the road because your transmission fails isn’t anyone’s idea of fun.

If you’ve had transmission problems, you should always make sure your mechanic gives your car, truck, or SUV a thorough inspection. Your service professional should provide you with reasons there are issues with your transmission. A number of components in your vehicle may end up damaging it and, if not fixed, might result in the failure of your next transmission.

Make sure your transmission fluid is serviced regularly

Modern engineering advances, like the methods employed to remanufacture Gearhead Engines, now extend transmission service procedures to every 100,000 miles. So make sure your transmission fluid is serviced properly and on time.

When your transmission fluid is changed, make sure a reputable facility, shop, or dealership completes the service. These facilities ensure that the transmission filter (the component that traps dirt and metals in your fluid) and the fluid itself will be changed. Some shops may only “flush” your transmission, which could cause issues later on.

The role of a transmission cooler

Most heavy-duty vehicles and some light duty vehicles are equipped with what is called a transmission cooler. This part makes sure the transmission fluid doesn’t reach high temperatures during heavy driving conditions – like when you’re towing a trailer. And high temperatures can cause transmission fluid to break down and not function like it should.

Transmission cooler lines and the transmission cooler itself could leak. This can cause the vital “lifeblood” of the transmission to fall to dangerous levels and that could cause damage. Cooler issues may cause high-fluid temperature issues because of limited flow though the cooler assembly.

Be aware of conditions and your driving habits

Driving conditions/habits are sometimes some of the easiest ways to extend your transmission’s life.
Driving conditions/habits are sometimes some of the easiest ways to extend your transmission’s life.

  • Make sure all acceleration is done at normal and expected speeds.
  • Avoid abrupt start/stop driving conditions.
  • Don’t overload your vehicle constantly, towing a trailer or accelerating to high speeds. Driving like this all the time (whether it’s a contractors’ truck or someone speeding away from stop sign) can potentially shorten the transmission’s life considerably.

Any abuse can damage transmission fluid, possibly burn out transmission clutches, and in the worst case scenario, cause internal components to break.

Wrapping things up

As you care for your vehicle, take the time to inspect your driveway or garage for possible transmission fluid leaks and ensure your transmission fluid is serviced. By following these guidelines, you’ll make sure it functions properly for many years to come.

As the saying goes…

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

If you have to replace your transmission

In the worst case scenario, something may happen to your transmission and it will need to be replaced. Your first stop should be the Gearhead Engines website where you (or your licensed repair facility) can find the exact remanufactured transmission for your needs. You’ll get a transmission engineered to the latest specifications that ensure your new remanufactured transmission lasts.

Of course, Gearhead Engines stands by our remanufactured transmissions with a nationwide, fully-transferable, 3-year, unlimited mile warranty and offers no-fault protection add-ons that extend that coverage.

So when you consider replacing your transmission, remember to GO with Gearhead Engines and More.

BROWSE OUR TRANSMISSIONS

 

Why is my Car Smoking?

Diagnosing the smoke from your engine helps keep it running smoothly

Your car, truck, or SUV engine is the evolutionary result of over a century of refinement and fine-tuning – a perfected recipe. Today’s manufacturers continue to use tried-and-tested methods, although with more technology crammed in.

This doesn’t stop cars today throwing temper tantrums occasionally. On top of this, the extra tech makes diagnosing potential issues that much harder.

One of the more common engine issues you can face today is uncharacteristic smoke – either from the front or out of the exhaust. To top it off, your thermostat may still show a normal reading. So, what’s going on?

Black smoke from exhaust

Black smoke from the exhaust is a fairly common sight on the roads. Often accompanied by a noticeable gas smell or sometimes a rotten egg smell, it may mean your engine is wasting excess fuel by running too rich (a higher ratio of gas to air during the combustion process). Besides your engine working at a poor efficiency, it can suggest more serious issues such as a blockage in the air intake or a broken spark plug.

Blue smoke from exhaust

Blue smoke is unmistakably oil burning in your combustion chamber – you certainly won’t mistake the smell for something different. Blue smoke is most commonly caused by worn piston rings, and if left unattended, could leave your oil levels critically low.

White smoke from exhaust

Blue smoke is most commonly caused by worn piston rings, and if left unattended, could leave your oil levels critically low.
Excessive white smoke often suggests water is entering places in your engine where it shouldn’t be. Water leaks are sometimes attributed to a broken head gasket, which is fixable, but like everything else, drastically lowers the efficiency of your engine.

Oily-smelling smoke from under the hood

Oil is burning on the outside of your engine – likely on the hot metal surfaces of the block itself. That could mean a leak, which again may lower your engine oil levels if left unattended and cause potential damage. It could also be spilled oil from the last time you had your oil changed. In any case, be careful as burning oil can potentially damage important rubber and plastic in the engine bay.

Electrical smoke

The smell of burning electronics is impossible to miss. Play close attention to your alternator – it could be moments away from problems.

Other smoke from the engine bay

Your engine bay plays host to a lot of fluids. Check your reservoirs for proper fluid levels.Your engine bay plays host to a lot of fluids. If the smoke isn’t oily or electrical, check the reservoirs for your power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, etc. A loss of any of these liquids could be critical if left unattended.

Smoke when your engine isn’t overheating isn’t always a big problem, but it’s something you should never ignore. It could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue that’s been unnoticed for a long period of time and could lead to problems with your engine.

Avoiding the Worst Case

Should the worst absolutely happen, it’s good to know your pride and joy doesn’t have to go to scrap. Gearhead Engines supplies professionally remanufactured engines, cylinder heads, transmissions, and more to give a new lease on life for your car, truck, or SUV.

Of course, Gearhead Engines stands by our remanufactured transmissions with a nationwide, fully-transferable, 3-year, unlimited mile warranty and offers no-fault protection add-ons that extend that coverage.

BROWSE OUR PRODUCT CATALOG TODAY!

 

Six Ways to Get the Best Reman Deal

Get the BEST deal on Gearhead remanufactured products

When you’re shopping for a replacement engine, transmission, cylinder heads, etc., it’s important to make sure you’re comparing products “apples to apples.” As you make up your mind, here are six details you won’t want to overlook.

Is it just rebuilt, or is it fully remanufactured?

Reman products are more accurately compared with new.
Rebuilt products are basically products that have had some new parts installed. They still may retain a number of used components, and they’ve had little (if any) machine work done.

On the other hand, remanufactured products are more accurately compared with new – and sometimes better than new. They’re built using all-new components, and they’re machined to current OE specifications or better. Nothing is left untouched.

How complete is a remanufactured build?

Does the engine include things like timing components and gasket sets? Gearhead remanufactured engines do.

Are you getting all the TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) updates?

These updates are improvements to the original design issued by the OE manufacturers. Gearhead remanufactured products include every TSB update.

Have the products been tested? How well?

Every product from Gearhead Engines comes sim-tested to verify proper function and performance.

Do remanufactured products come with warranties? How good are they?

This is important, because warranties can vary hugely between companies. Gearhead remanufactured product warranties are trusted and dependable and range from 12 months to three years with no-fault protection add-ons in some cases. Be sure check out our warranties and feel free to ask if you have additional questions.

What about shipping?

Gearhead Engines charges a low, FLAT shipping fee with every product, and we’ll always pick up the core for return FREE of charge.

BROWSE OUR PRODUCT CATALOG TODAY!