AERA Weekly Technical Bulletins – March 16, 2021

Thread Repair Caution on 2011-2021 Jeep 3.2 & 3.6L Engines 

The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information on thread repair for 2011-2021 Jeep 3.2 & 3.6L engines. While thread repair can occur on most all engines, a caution has been expressed deep in the service information for these two engines.

If stripped/pulled threads are found during removal of a cylinder head or a main bearing cap bolt, the cylinder block must be replaced. DO NOT INSTALL A THREAD REPAIR KIT (Heli-Coil™).

Engine Identification for GM LS Engines

The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information on the identification of current GM model LS engines. These engines began limited use in the 1997 in the Corvette and in 1998 in Camaro and Firebird vehicles. This engine family is now approaching 25 years in existence and has been offered in six different displacements in three different generations. 

Anatomy of an Engine Oil

The importance of application-specific fluids

BY MIKE MARCELLA

There is certainly no shortage of engine oil varieties on the market, from full-synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral oil to break-in, hot rod and racing oil. With such a plethora of choices, it’s understandable how one could be confused as to which oil to choose, which marketer to trust and whether there really is much of a difference between oil types. Undoubtedly this applies to the general consumer much more than an engine builder, whose livelihood depends on the quality of all the components in the engine. But, even the most seasoned professional has probably asked themself, “Is there really that much of a difference between a passenger car oil and a racing oil?” The answer is unequivocally, yes — and the logical follow up is then, of course, “Okay, so what makes them different?” This article will attempt to answer just that, discussing the different ingredients used to make an engine oil, their function and how different oils are made to perform in vastly different applications.

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Steve Fox, Chuck Lynch and special guest AERA Senior Technical Specialist Dave Hagen discuss the evolvement of the diesel engine — older diesel engines compared to the newer diesel engines and how things have changed over the years. 

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