Tag: Japanese Mini Trucks

Engine Timing in a Mini Truck

How To Set Engine Timing in a Mini Truck

Timing in this context refers to an interval at which two events cause an event. The first event is ignition, the second event is firing, and the caused event is combustion. Timing in a mini truck is the duration between the ignition and the start of combustion in the engine cylinders. When you ignite the engine, the spark plugs receive the signals, which produce a spark to burn the mixture of fuel and oxygen in the combustion chamber. So, how do you go about setting engine timing in a mini truck? Here we delve deeper into that.

The production of sparks should be simultaneous to the compression stroke. If sparks come early or late, your engine is likely to develop complications with time. It is essential to adjust your engine’s timing to increase your mini truck’s horsepower. A mini truck only needs horsepower and good torque to serve you better. Therefore it is a requirement to check the engine timing to achieve this. The best thing to do to your mini truck is to check on the timing. If the need arises to adjust it, purchase the tools available at the auto shops, such as the timing light and a set of wrenches. 

Setting Engine Timing in a Mini Truck

It is essential to practice before handling any engine. Fire and oil spill-related accidents are common while handling car engines. Ensure your engine is off and cool before working on it. Wear the necessary protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and overalls. Consider the following to adjust your engine timing. 

Observe Your Mini Truck if Its Engine Timing Needs to be Adjusted

The new mini trucks have electric ignition. They do not require timing adjustments. If you own an old mini truck, you have to check whether timing adjustment is necessary or not. When observing your mini truck, take note of backfiring and pinging. These are the common signs that your timing requires adjustment. 

Ignite the Engine

Let the engine run for it to achieve the 196-degree temperature. You will be able to know that the temperature is reached by looking at the temperature gauge. After reaching the required temperatures, connect the timing lights to the number one spark plug and the battery. Let the timing light shine in the crankshaft pulley. As this happens, have your manufacturer’s manual compare the readings and what is in the manual.

Make the necessary adjustments

Adjust when you note a difference between the readings and what is on your mini truck manual. Ensure the adjusting bolt is loose to offer space for the rotation of the distributor. You can rotate the distributor as you use the timing light to identify the timing marks on the crankshaft and the timing cover. 

As you rotate the adjusting nuts, the required adjustments will take place. After achieving the idle position timing, consider tightening the adjusting nuts. 

Conclusion

Upon performing the procedure in this guide, you will have set your ignition timing. Your Japanese mini truck will likely show timing symptoms due to overstretched timing belts. When this happens, try to seek a mechanic’s services. 

Troubleshooting Fuel Pump Issues in a Mini Truck

Troubleshooting Fuel Pump Issues in a Mini Truck

Mini trucks are fantastic small vehicles. They will innocently and loyally serve all your needs. As they serve you, they will only demand a little from you. Proper servicing and little fuel are just enough for them. These vehicles will realize the returns on investment very fast in case you use them to run businesses. In this guide, we will be looking at ways of troubleshooting fuel pump issues in a mini truck.

The mini trucks will likely experience fuel pump problems after a while in use. When you realize your Kei truck is becoming less powerful, it stops while in motion and becomes hard to start. The fuel pump is likely to be faulty. When the fuel pump is faulty, you are supposed to repair or replace it in time for your mini truck not to develop other significant problems.

Troubleshooting Fuel Pump Issues in a Mini Truck

Most engine parts share similar symptoms when faulty. This article will help you identify the issue related to the fuel pump of your mini truck. The below tests will enable you to troubleshoot the problems and fix them.

Perform the Preliminary Checks 

You must perform a general check-up for your mini truck before concluding that the fuel pump is faulty. Check the following.

  • Check if there is Adequate fuel in the tank.
  • Listen to the swishing sound produced by your fuel tank when you turn on the Engine.
  • Check whether the timing belt is in good condition, which is not very loose.
  • Check if the fuel filter is not clogged or not.

After performing the following general checks, you can start the process of troubleshooting. 

  1. If the Engine goes Off After Running for a Short Time

When the Engine of your mini truck runs for a short time and goes off and refuses to start until it cools, do the following.

  • Remove the hoodie and the spark plug wire.
  • For safety, use insulated pliers to hold the spark plug wire.
  • Attach the tip of the wire to any metallic part of the Engine.
  • Ignite the Engine. If it does not spark, then there might be a problem with the ignition coil. In case it sparks, then the fuel pump is faulty. 
  1. Perform the Fuel System Pressure

If the fuel pump is not functioning correctly, perform the fuel system pressure to determine where the problem is. You will require a fuel pressure gauge to do this. Perform the following.

Some system pressure has a test port valve. Cover this valve with a rag to prevent any fuel from spilling. If your system does not have the port valve, remove the fuel pump fuse and the Engine. You can insert the fuel pump fuse if it goes off due to a lack of fuel.

Join the fuel pressure gauge to the Schrader valve in the test port, put on your Engine, and observe it as it idles. As this happens, compare the fuel pressure from the fuel gauge and that on your manual. 

Conclusion 

It is pretty tricky to diagnose issues related to the fuel pump because they are similar to other engine problems. The guide has provided some common problems you will likely experience with your fuel pump.

The fuel pump controls the pressure. In this guide, we will look at the symptoms of a faulty fuel pump in a mini truck

Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Pump in a Mini Truck

The internal combustion of a mini truck works when it receives adequate fuel. Every vehicle has a fuel tank, either one or more, to store fuel. The fuel pump generates the energy to move fuel from the fuel tank to the Engine’s combustion chamber. This fuel gets into the cylinders through fuel injectors or the carburetor. The Engine needs adequate fuel pressure for it to function as it should. When the fuel pressure is high, the Engine might flood, and when it is low, your engine is likely to misfire. The fuel pump controls the pressure. In this guide, we will look at the symptoms of a faulty fuel pump in a mini truck.

Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Pump in a Mini Truck

If your fuel pump becomes faulty, your mini truck’s performance will reduce, and you will experience a lot of issues while driving the mini truck. When the fuel pump is not functioning correctly, the fuel-to-air mixture in the combustion chambers will not be proportional. If the fuel pump is not supplying adequate fuel, the pistons will not fire correctly, and the vehicle will experience difficulty moving. If the fuel pump is completely damaged, your mini truck will not even start. When your fuel pump is faulty, you feel the following signs

Experience Difficulty when starting

When starting your mini truck becomes difficult, or if it completely refuses to start, the fuel pump is probably faulty. If it produces the cranking sound, the Engine is not getting fuel. The fuel pump is faulty if your mini truck is cranking, but it takes time to start.

The Engine Goes Off When Driving

It feels terrible when your mini truck dies in the middle of the road. When this happens, your fuel pump does not generate adequate pressure to transfer fuel to the combustion chamber. Your mini truck will not get enough fuel and air to burn. Therefore your vehicle will stall.

Surging Engine

When your Engine surges as you drive, it receives a lot of fuel. You will note this when your mini truck picks up and drops speed without necessarily stepping on the gas pedal. A lot of fuel can result in engine flooding. 

Poor Fuel Efficiency

When your mini truck consumes too much fuel over a short distance, there are high chances of your fuel pump being faulty. A faulty fuel pump will supply too much fuel into the engine, making your mini truck less economical.

Your Engine becomes Weak as You Drive Uphill or Towing

When your mini truck goes up the hill or is loaded, its engine will strain and require more energy. The fuel pump delivers more fuel into the combustion chamber to generate more energy. If the fuel delivery into the combustion chamber is inadequate, you will feel your mini truck is getting weak when loaded or moving up the hill. 

Conclusion

It is essential to be careful and observant before and while driving your truck. Being observant will help you to determine the early signs of a faulty fuel pump. If you never replace your fuel tank in time, your engine might develop complications. 

A clutch is one of the components necessary for it to move. In this guide, we will focus on the clutch replacement in a mini truck.

Clutch Replacement in a Mini Truck – When To Do It

The Japanese mini trucks are utilitarian vehicles used in many industries. The manufacturers never focused on the aesthetic parts but wanted to make something valuable and practical. Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi, Mazda, and Honda realized that the market demanded a small and practical truck. Handling these vehicles is similar to other standard trucks. How? You will operate a mini truck efficiently if you have basic driving skills. Most mini trucks have a manual gearbox. A clutch is one of the components necessary for it to move. In this guide, we will focus on the clutch replacement in a mini truck.

What is a Clutch?

A car engine has a driving shaft and the driven shaft. For the wheels to rotate, the driving shaft has to transmit the power to the driven shaft. The clutch performs the role of coordinating the power transmission between these two by engaging and disengaging. It connects and disconnects the two rotating shafts. The clutch plays a significant role in a mini truck.

  1. Performs a role similar to the electric fuse of protecting the drivetrain.
  2. Reduces vibrations that may develop when driving.
  3. Delivers the engine power to enable the vehicle to move smoothly.

Linking the driving shaft, and the driven shaft exposes the clutch to a lot of stress which in turn wears it out.

Signs of a Worn Out Clutch

You will feel the following signs in your car when it wears out.

When it starts slipping

Slipping occurs when accelerating when you have loaded your truck or going up a steep hill. When you note this, your clutch is wearing out. How will you realize this? The engine will move very fast, but the truck is moving slowly. When a clutch slips, it overheats and is likely to destroy other parts of the engine.

Soft Clutch Pedal

When you press the clutch pedal and feel it is softer than usual, there is a probability that it has started to wear out. You will feel this on an old mini truck or high-performance car. The soft pedal signals a problem with the clutch pressure plates.

Difficulty when shifting the gears

When the gearbox and the clutch are healthy, the gears will quickly shift without any difficulty. The clutch eases the force that exists between the engine and the transmission. This will help the driver to shift the gears quickly. It becomes challenging to shift the gears when the clutch fails to release the tension between the engine and the gearbox.

Noisy Clutch Pedal

When you press the clutch pedal and feel funny noise from the engine, there is a problem with the pressure plate or other components.

Conclusion

Since mini trucks are powered mainly by manual transmission, a clutch is an essential system part. Explained in this article, are the signs that you will notice when your clutch is wearing out. It will enable you to take the necessary actions to save your vehicle from further damages that may result from a bad clutch.

Mazda scrum engine swap

Mazda Scrum Engine Swap – Making The Engine Swap

Mazda Scrum belongs to the Kei trucks family, made by a popular Japanese automaker. The production of Mazda Scrum is to serve the Japanese middle-class people. These people need a vehicle to serve them in the pickup truck category but cannot afford to buy one. Mazda is producing the Scrum as a multipurpose mini truck. The market demand for this mini truck is high because it is easy to maintain and does a lot. Medium-scale businesses prefer it for this reason. As discussed in this guide, it is possible to do a Mazda scrum engine swap. Here is how to do that.

Mazda scrum has an excellent and reliable engine. It can run for several years without completely dying if well serviced and maintained. However, you can decide to swap the engine if you need more power or if the engine has developed a severe mechanical issue.

How To Make an Engine Swap

The process of engine swapping involves removing the old engine and replacing it with a new engine. This guide will discuss how to do an engine swap.

Remove the outer engine Protector

The outer Protector of an engine is called the hood. To remove it, two people should be present. Unscrew the hood and safely put it down. 

Make Sure You Drain All the Engine Fluids.

The engine uses several fluids for its smooth operation. To drain the fluids:

  1. Start with the engine oil first.
  2. Drain the radiator coolant.
  3. Do not use the fluids from the old engine in the new engine. However, you can take them for recycling.

Locate the Coolant, Intake, and Exhaust Line and Disconnect them

The intake pipe moves from the filter to the throttle body. Detach this pipe from the throttle body. Remove the bolts located at the lower areas of the exhaust pipe.

Dismantle the Wiring

Modern engines have several wires in the engine, some of them being the sensor wires. Before starting to disconnect these wires, check your motor vehicle guide first.

Detach the Engine from the Transmission

The location of the transmission depends on how the engine sits in the engine bay. Locate all the bolts in the engine block and the transmission’s bell housing to start the process. Ensure the transmission jack is on hold to support it while removing all the screws.

Detach the Motor Mount Bolts

A standard engine has three motor mounts that offer it support. Remove these bolts using two wrenches. One wrench for holding the motor bolt and the other for loosening the motor bolt. You can remove the engine by either raising it or lowering it.

Fix the New Engine

Before inserting the new engine into the bay, inspect it to ensure it is similar to the old one or ideally fits the engine bay. You can fix it by raising it or lowering it. Use the motor bolts to attach the engine into place. Follow the reverse procedure of how to remove the old engine.

Conclusion

This guide explains the process of engine swapping. The procedures are simple and easy to perform. However, seek assistance from a professional.

Checking The Oil In A Mini Truck

Checking The Oil In A Mini Truck – Why Checking the Oil Level is Important

When the engine parts work to produce the energy for the wheels, there is friction causing them to produce heat. Friction can damage the engine if not maintained. Engine oil plays the role of lubricating the engine parts and cooling the heat generated as they move. Oil is necessary for the engine to cool and prevent it from wearing out. This task is not easy. With time, engine oil becomes unable to perform its roles effectively. After covering a specific mileage, the oil wears out, and it is essential to change it together with the oil filters.

Why Checking The Oil In A Mini Truck Is Important

When you experience a knocking sound, the oil pressure lump appears on the dashboard and smells of burning oil in the cabin. Slow down and check the level of the engine oil. These are signs that the oil level has gone down, and you should top up.

Regular checking of your vehicle’s condition and oil level will remind you of the most important thing when to change the engine oil. It will also help you to know what happens to your engine oil. Checking on the oil level whenever you fuel your mini truck is essential. After changing the engine oil, place a sticker on the windshield to remind you of the following date to remove the old oil and fill in a new one.

Regular checking of the engine will help you to know the age of your engine oil. Thought observing the color of the oil. The oil starts aging when you realize the color gradually turns from golden to brown. When the oil is black, it has become old and less effective. Consider replacing it. Dark brown or black oil indicates that oil and filters are old and new ones are necessary.

Regular oil checking in your mini truck will determine whether the oil is contaminated or pure. Contaminated oil causes congestion on the oil filter. If it gets into the engine, a small portion of dirt can completely ruin the engine, which may make you spend a lot of money repairing it.

Inspecting the engine oil is essential when buying a second-hand mini truck from a dealer or checking the general health of your engine. This will help you to know whether the owner observed servicing the vehicle. How do you know this? Remove the oil filler cap to check the engine using a spotlight. If you observe black deposits in the engine, it indicates poor servicing, and the engine is likely to collapse. If there are no carbon deposits on the engine, it is healthy, and you can consider buying such a vehicle.

Conclusion

Many mini trucks are for commercial purposes or for running personal errands. For this matter, their engine is always running. Regular checking of the condition of the engine oil is essential in increasing the lifespan of the engine. Engine oil supports the engine. Regular checking, maintaining the levels, and replacing the engine oil is essential to give your engine more life and power.

How to Remove a CrankShaft in a Mini Truck

How to Remove a Crankshaft in a Mini Truck

There is no doubt that the Japanese mini trucks are among the best when it comes to the lightweight truck class. A mini truck’s engine has seven significant components. The crankshaft is among the most basic parts of an engine. It converts the motion energy to rotational energy. However, the crankshaft might need a replacement. In this guide, we will go through steps on how to remove a crankshaft in a mini truck.

Steps To Remove a Crankshaft in a Mini Truck

Unfasten the Belts in the Engine

The engine has belts that connect and transmit power to the accessories of the engine. These accessories have adjustment brackets, locate and loosen the bolts in the adjustment brackets. Doing this will aid you in removing the engine belts.

Detach the Pulley

Three bolts attach the pulley to the harmonic balancer, locate the bolts and remove each one. After successfully removing the bolts, you can remove the pulley.

Dismantle the Harmonic Balancer

The pulley is attached to the harmonic balancer. Removing it leaves the harmonic alone. There is a bolt connecting the balancer and the snout. Use a wrench to remove it. In the middle of the puller, there is a threaded rod, turn this rod in a clockwise direction, and the harmonic balancer will gradually detach from the crankshaft.

Drain the Radiator

Untighten the plug at the bottom of the radiator to drain all the liquid in it. Using s wrench, turn the plug in an anticlockwise direction and it will let the water from the radiator.

Detach the Water Pump

Check the front of your engine to see the water pump. Many bolts firmly hold it. Remove all these bolts, and the water pump will quickly come out.

Detach the Timing Chain Cover

Removing the water pump will expose the timing chain cover. It is attached to the engine with several bolts, remove them, and it will come out smoothly.

Detach the Timing Chain

Removing the timing chain cover will expose the timing chain, which is composed of a chain and two sprockets. A bigger sprocket is attached to the end of the camshaft with three bolts. Gently removing the bolts will remove the sprockets, and the timing chain will come out.

Detach the Oil Pan

Below the engine, there is the oil pun. It is attached to the engine with many bolts around it. Remove all these bolts, and the oil pan will come out. At this level, both the crankshaft and oil pump are visible.

Detach the Oil Pump

Two bolts from the engine support the oil pump. Remove these bolts, and oil pump will come out.

Detach the Connecting Rod Caps

At this point, the crankshaft is visible. The connecting rods attach the cylinder to the crankshaft. Each cylinder has a connecting rod cap. Remove the two nuts attaching the connecting rod caps to the crankshaft.

Detach the Main Caps

Main caps attach the crankshaft to the engine block. They are usually four in number. Removing them one by one will let the crankshaft drop down.

Conclusion

It is effortless to note a problem with the crankshaft in your Japanese mini truck. If the engine check light appears on the dashboard, it becomes hard to start your engine, or you experience a weak acceleration. Consider the steps in this guide to check your crankshaft.

Suzuki Carry Gearbox Oil

Suzuki Carry Gearbox Oil – Considerations To Choose Gearbox Oil

Suzuki Carry is a lightweight vehicle in the class of mini trucks. In Japan, they are called the Kei Trucks. Suzuki carry is famous for its unique features, reliability, affordability, and the power its small engine produces. What kind of gearbox does this mini truck use? It has a manual transmission with either four or five-speed options. Manual gear enthusiasts will find it fun to drive this mini truck. The gearbox itself is just a casing. Inside this casing, several components make it perform the duty of regulating the speed and torque. These components are interconnected, and for them to function smoothly, they need oil. Here, we will go through ways to find Suzuki Carry gearbox oil.

Considerations When Choosing Gearbox Oil

Oil plays a crucial role in the gearbox. It prolongs its life as well as maintains it. This is only possible if you choose the right gearbox. This guide will give tips for choosing gearbox oil for your Suzuki carry.

Physical Properties of the Oil

Gearbox oil has various notable physical properties—the most important one to consider when buying is the thickness of the oil. Many activities take place in the gearbox when your Suzuki Carry is in motion. These activities contribute to tearing and wearing as a result of friction. It is essential to choose thick oil that will not quickly evaporate due to heat and that oil that can withstand high pressure.

Consider The Best Basic Type

Gearbox lubricants are classified into the Anti scuff, compounded, and Rust and Oxidation. Consider compounded gearbox oil to reduce friction as the components of the Suzuki Carry gearbox are running. Compounded oil comprises a percentage of fats that allows it to reduce friction. The antiscuff lubricants have the capability to work under extreme pressure. The addition of sulfur phosphorous allows them to prevent the wearing and tearing of the components of a gearbox.

The rust and oxidation oil are general-purpose lubricants manufactured in different thickness levels. The R & O gearbox box oil mainly prevents breakdowns caused by high temperatures generated when the gearbox components run.

Consider Choosing Mineral Based Oils

This oil is good for your gearbox because of its unique property of high pressure to viscosity coefficients. This makes them efficient in various temperatures. This feature will relieve you from changing the gearbox oil due to temperature changes.

Conclusion

A gearbox is a unit within a car composed of several gears working within a casing. The gearbox performs the role of changing or varying the speed or torque of an automotive. Suzuki Carry mini truck uses a manual transmission system. Speed is how fast a vehicle can move from point A to B. Torque is the energy the engine produces at low speed. Torque is essential for activities like towing. For the components of the gearbox to effectively function, they need oil to lubricate them and act as a coolant of heat produced in the gearbox. When shopping for gearbox oil for your Suzuki Carry, this guide will help you make the right decision.

how to remove brake drum from the hub in a mini truck

How to Remove Brake Drum from The Hub in a Mini Truck

Brake drums are containers made of cylindrical iron and attached to a mini truck’s wheels. It is the same case for any other vehicle out there. Brake drums make a similar rotation to the wheels. In the brake drum, there is a drum brake which are other essential components making up the entire braking system like the brake shoes. The drum brake system is standard in various cars and trucks. In cars and mini trucks, they are attached to the rear wheels and are essential when parking on sloppy ground. The drum brake is an old-style but still used today in mini trucks. This guide discusses how to remove brake drum from the hub in a mini truck.

How to Remove the Brake Drum from the Hub of a Mini Truck

The drum braking system stops the vehicle by pressing the brake shoes against the inner surface of the brake drum. To safely remove the brake drums consider performing the following steps.

Remove the wheel

Before removing the wheel, ensure your mini truck is on a flat surface, and the hand brake is engaged. Put on eye and hand protective equipment such as gloves and goggles. Ensure you have the required tools, then loosen the nuts on the wheels. Use a jack to lift your mini truck. Before lifting your mini truck, support the jack using a hard wooden material. Wood is preferred because the jack cannot easily slide off it. Do this gradually until the jack suspends the wheel. For the safety of your mini truck, use wheel chocks. Altogether remove the nuts you had loosened previously before lifting the mini truck. After removing all the nuts, gently pull out the wheel.

Dismantle the drum

After removing the wheel, you see the drum and dismantle it. The first step is locating the hole on the drum. Align the hole to the adjuster screw, then insert the screw into the hole to loosen the brake shoes. Turn the adjuster screw in an anticlockwise direction until you feel it has reached the maximum. The shoes will detach from the wheel. At this point, try to pull out the drum. If it is hard, unscrew it, and it will quickly come out. Is Dismantling the Brake Drum becoming Hectic? There are alternatives if the drum does not want to come out quickly.

  1. Consider sliding your screwdriver below the flange of the drum.
  2. Hit the screwdriver using a mallet. Do this gently.
  3. When using the brake drum puller, evenly place the three hooks around the drum.
  4. Fasten the puller using a screwdriver, but you should not tightly tighten it.
  5. Gently hummer the drum and it should come out.

Conclusion

Inside the brake drum, there are the brake shoe and other components. These components may malfunction due to dirt or wearing out. The steps above will aid you in removing the brake drum without involving a mechanic safely. Accessing the brake drum is handy when you want to check the brake shoes’ condition and other components of the drum braking system.

Suzuki Carry Oil Filter

Suzuki Carry Oil Filter – How to Choose The Right Oil Filter

Suzuki Carry mini trucks are suitable for daily activities. Their engine has moving parts, and they require oil which performs various functions in the engine, such as lubricating and cooling the engine. The engine is very delicate and can easily break down if it comes into contact with impurities. It is hard to tell whether the preferred oil for your Suzuki Carry, is 100% pure or not. The benefit of the doubt that comes with engine oil has made various automakers fit their vehicles with oil filters. The oil filter prevents impurities from the oil from reaching and damaging your engine. With time the oil filters wear out and need to be replaced. Here, we will go through how to find the right Suzuki Carry oil filter.

How To Choose the Right Suzuki Carry Oil Filter

This guide discusses the four primary factors to consider when choosing the right oil filter for your Suzuki Carry mini truck.

Quality of the Oil Filter

There are various qualities of oil filters in the market. Good quality filters will give you a more extended service, while bad quality ones will wear out as soon you fix them. The best oil filters are generally strong and cannot quickly explode due to pressure from oil. Under the quality, there is that oil filter referred to as a high capture efficiency which can capture more microns.

The Size and its ability to Capture Dirt

Some small particles pass through the vehicles’ air filter and eventually find their way into the engine oil. Good oil filters should be able to trap at least 95% of these tiny particles. When the oil passes through the filter, it should be able to trap 95% of the impurities at 40 microns. Many impurities on the road, such as dust, are very tiny compared to 25 microns. Therefore the premium oil filter will capture and prevent them from reaching the engine.

Ability to Hold Dirt

The oil filter has a bypass valve which is triggered when the filter has a lot of dirt. Once triggered, it will force the oil to pass through the filter to the engine. The ability of the oil filter to hold dirt will determine how long it will take to trigger the bypass valve. Oil filters that can hold dirt for long are good, especially when driving on dusty terrain.

Pressure–Flow Capability

As the impurities accumulate on your oil filter, the oil gauge will indicate the rising pressure, which will trigger the bypass valve to reduce the pressure built up. 10 to 12 pressure differentials trigger the bypass valve, allowing oil flow. The pressure-flow profile might not exist in aftermarket oil filters, but this should not worry you because the oil filters perform within their required limits.

Conclusion

Dirt particles are hazardous to the engine. Some are very tiny that our eyes cannot see. They can damage the cylinders and bearings if they get into the engine. A damaged engine is costly to fix. The oil filter ensures that dirt does not reach the engine by trapping them.

Japanese caravan mini trucks

Japanese Caravan Mini Trucks – Mini Truck Bed Camper

Camping is the best thing ever as far as the outdoors is concerned. It feels good roaming everywhere with your autonomous caravan mini truck doing outdoor camping. Driving while knowing that you have the kitchen together with beddings on board brings some confidence while in motion. Any time you feel hungry, you stop by, prepare food, have a nap, and then continue with the adventure. The Japanese mini truck for camping caters to the needs of those who love camping alone or as a couple and is affordable compared to other campers. Japanese companies like Subaru, Suzuki, Daihatsu, and Mitsubishi are famous for producing caravan mini trucks for camping.

The popularity of Japanese Caravan Mini Trucks for Camping

The caravan mini trucks for camping are becoming more popular. Several reasons can be attached to this. This article highlights the reasons for the popularity of Japanese caravan mini trucks for camping.

Importing them is Easy

What makes people not buy their dream cars is the importation procedure. Because of online scammers, ferrying many cars from the manufacturers to the final owners becomes cumbersome. To avoid this, use an expert who will do everything right for you from the transaction, paperwork, and final delivery at your place. Before settling on an expert, consider their reputation first.

They Can Pass through any Terrain

Those who love spending weekends and holidays away from home prefer a vehicle that can tackle any terrain easily. In this case, either the all-wheel drive or the four-wheel drive is ideal. Such vehicles can quickly go through mad or rocky terrain. The Japanese caravan mini truck for camping is a four-wheel drive. Thus, you can be sure of going anywhere with it and coming back safely.

They are Easy to Maintain

The mini caravan camping trucks have smaller engines that consume less gas than regular pick-up camping trucks. The Japanese caravan mini trucks for camping are cheap to maintain, yet this vehicle will give you more than enough services.

They are Reliable

We all need that vehicle we can develop the confidence to serve us without fail. A vehicle that will complete the service circle without breaking down. Camping needs a resilient vehicle that, when serviced, will give the best performance without breaking up. Caravan mini truck for camping has a rugged body and a well-built engine to take you anywhere and back without breaking.

They are Affordable

The cost of buying a camping van is high, and many opt for second-hand camping vans, which are expensive by the end of the day. The automakers majored in this and made Japanese caravan mini trucks for camping which are relatively cheap to acquire. These mini trucks have all the basic features of a camping van or truck.

Conclusion

The cost of acquiring a camping van is high, and many people cannot afford it. They opt for second-hand vans, which are expensive to insure and maintain. The caravan mini trucks for camping built by Japanese automakers are less costly to acquire yet will give you the best services. They are ideal for camping alone or as a family.

Mini Truck Toolbox

Things To Have In Your Mini Truck Toolbox

Mini trucks are preferred because they never let their owners down in terms of performance and reliability. The Japanese mini trucks, are commonly call them Kei trucks because they are small. As much as these mini trucks are small, they have proven to be strong and agile. For this vehicle to give you better services, you need to ensure that the time for servicing does not pass. However, as the owner, you need to have a toolbox that will aid you in doing minor repairs and maintenance. In your mini truck toolbox, you need some things discussed in this guide.

Things To Have In A Mini Truck Toolbox

You must have the following tools in your toolbox to help you out of a crisis.

A Kit for First Aid

A first aid kit is crucial to saving lives in case of an accident. This kit should have equipment for reducing pain as well as reducing the blood flow and also life savers to alert other road users that your truck has broken down. A first aid kit is essential not only for the mini-truck but also for other vehicles.

A Jack

A jack is an essential component of a toolbox. You will need it to raise your mini truck when replacing the wheels. Wheels are prone to tire burst and puncture, and therefore it is essential to have a jack to bail you out in case of any problem associated with the wheel.

Spanners

The mini truck has got different bolts of different sizes. A need may arise to tighten or loosen any of the bolts. This procedure does not necessarily need an expert to perform. Ensure you have many different spanners in your toolbox to help you do this. The most common spanner that you should never miss is the wheel spanner. You never know when you will need to change the wheels.

Gloves

Gloves come in handy to protect your hands from getting dirty and minor injuries when performing minor repairs for your mini truck. You may find yourself changing wheels in a situation where there is no water to clean your hands. This is when the gloves come in handy.

A Spotlight

Has your vehicle ever broken down during the night? A torch is handy to help you see and make repairs at night. Apart from night repairs, there are dark parts of a mini truck, and you may need to access them. A good spotlight will help you do this.

Pliers

A pliers is a tool that performs functions almost similar to screwdrivers. It is essential because it will aid you in holding or supporting a small screw when either tightening or loosening. It also has an edge that you can use for cutting.

Conclusion

It is time you stop bothering your mechanic anytime your mini truck needs a fix. There are some minor fixings that you can do on your own and learn with time. This is only possible with a well-equipped toolbox. When equipping your toolbox, it is good to know which tools you will need and the roles these tools are used for.

Right Hand Drive Kit

Right Hand Drive Kit – Switching Mini Truck to Right Hand Drive

Driving sides for vehicles vary depending on the country. Some countries use right-hand side drive, while others use left-hand side drive. I have never come across vehicles with central drive. You got a left-hand side drive mini truck and worried about what to do? Please do not panic. Changing your mini truck from left to right-hand drive is possible. All you need is to acquire a right-hand drive kit to shift the entire driving cabin to the right-hand side. This kit has a dashboard and other necessary spare parts that work correctly on the right driver’s side.

Consideration before Switching Mini Truck to Right Hand Drive

Consider the following factors essential before changing your mini truck to right-hand drive.

Possibility of the Conversion

Many automobile companies either manufacture left or right-hand drive vehicles. This is because they target a more comprehensive range of markets which differs depending on the driving side. Most mini trucks are for the Japanese market, but as the demand increased, Japanese automobiles started manufacturing both left and right-hand side drives for the foreign market. It is, therefore, impossible to claim that all mini trucks are left-hand driven. As an owner, you may find yourself changing the driving position of your mini truck, and this procedure is costly. Before doing it, check whether your mini truck will be compatible with the right-hand kit you want to fix.

General Conversation Cost

Converting your mini truck from left to right hand may be expensive because you will be required to ship all the necessary spare parts. You will use money to buy them from the dealer, pay for shipping, the clearance fee, and the final shipping fee to the doorstep. The procedure is complicated. Therefore, you will require the services of a professional mechanic who will charge you depending on the cost of the right-hand drive kit and other spare parts bought. If you find the cost of conversation cheap and you can afford then you can go ahead and do it.

Check for the Availability of the Parts to be Replaced

When changing your mini truck from the right-hand side to the left-hand side, you will be required to change the dashboard, pedals, handlebars, side panels, hoses, and cables. You do not need to purchase the gear shift because they will only require a mirror engagement to function correctly. Before changing your mini truck to right-hand drive, you have to consider many things. You must ensure that all the necessary parts are available. You can visit some popular workshops or check online stores for their availability.

Conclusion

It is difficult to determine the cost of changing the driver’s side for a mini truck. The cost of conversion depends on the age of the mini truck. It is easy to perform the drivers’ side on old mini trucks because their dashboard is not very advanced. The procedure is a bit cumbersome to perform for the new mini trucks due to the complexity of the dashboard. Changing the position of the hand brake, various sensors, and the control unit is hectic.

kei truck winter tires

Kei Truck Winter Tires vs All Season Tires

The market offers a variety of tires that Kei trucks can run on. What brings the variations in the quality which is directly proportional to the price. High-quality Kei truck tires are more expensive as compared to low-quality tires. An example of the variety of tires available in the market is the all-season and winter tires. This guide will focus on the two. Their slight similarities have made people assume they are both suitable for winter. It is for you to know the difference as you plan to choose the best tire for your Kei truck.

Differences between the Winter Tires and the All Season Tires

The two tires have different textures. The winter tires are soft, allowing them to maneuver the Snow and ice quickly. The softness will enable them to absorb the impact generated from hitting black ice. On the other hand, the all-season tires are hard to enable them to sustain the high temperatures, survive damages from rugged terrains, and easily manoeuver through muddy terrains. When shopping for winter, touch as if you feel a soft texture; go ahead and look at further specifications.

Threads & Traction

The two tires have different tread designs. The all-season tires have large treads to protect them from sliding on the mad and for easy driving on wet surfaces; the large treads also give them a long lifespan. The large treads economize fuel and give the Kei mini truck soft and smooth rides on good roads. The winter tires have very many small slits on the major treads. This gives them the best traction through the Snow and ice as they offer the wheels the grip on the Snow and Ice. The different tread designs aid the sense of sight in identifying the tire the buyer wants for winter or general seasons.

Symbols On Tires & Their Meaning

The markings on the sides of these tires show their purpose. The winter tires have a symbol of three mountain peaks. This symbol represents the cold temperature and the Snow that forms at the mountain’s peak and passes a message to the buyer that they are the best tires to buy during winter. The all-season tires have the abbreviation “M +S’ where M means Mud and S means Snow. Although such tires can withstand any time of the season, they are not capable of delivering the best performance during the winter season. Knowing the specific symbols on the tires and what they mean is a recipe to success in choosing the best tire for your Kei mini truck.

Conclusion

The motive for buying tires will drive you to choose the best tire for your Kei mini truck. During winter, opt for the tires with three mountain peaks and snowflakes; these tires offer the best driving experience during the winter season. When shopping for general tires, consider buying the tires with ‘M+S’ marks; such tires will offer the best driving experience in all seasons except winter. M+ S tires are durable and will serve you long before wearing out.

This guide gives overall considerations before choosing the right mechanic for your mini truck.

Finding a Mechanic For Your Mini Truck

Mini trucks, like other vehicles, can develop mechanical issues that may require fixing. Fixing a mini truck may be cheap or expensive, depending on the nature of the problem. Problems developed by mini trucks may vary from the general body to engine problems. These problems have got specific mechanics that can fix them. This guide gives overall considerations before choosing the right mechanic for your mini truck.

Choosing a Mechanic For your Mini Truck

You have just bought a new mini-truck, and unfortunately, it has broken down. You are worried about which mechanic to trust with your mini truck. Do not worry. The guide here got you covered. Consider taking these simple steps while selecting the best mechanic.

Expertise & Reputation

Consider the mechanic’s reputation. Doing thorough groundwork about whom you want to trust to handle your mini truck is essential. What matters in reputation is the mechanic’s level of experience in terms of the number of years he has handled the mini trucks and reliability. You should know how reliable is this person. Can you trust them with your mini truck? If you leave your mini truck in their hands, then are you likely to find every part replaced?

Know The Fixes To Be Made

Know the part of your mini truck which requires to be fixed. The mechanic has different specializations. Some specialize in the general body and electric system, and those specialize in handling engine issues. Knowing which part of your car requires a mechanical check-up will help determine which mechanic to approach. For example, if your mini truck starts producing fumes, it will likely have engine problems. In this case, take your mini truck to a mechanic who specializes in engine repair.

Consider the cost of fixing your Mini Truck.

Mechanics vary in charging labor costs. The variations depend on the cost of purchasing the mini truck spare parts to replace the damaged ones. Most mechanics will charge you a percentage of the amount spent on buying the spare part. Some will charge higher, while others will charge relatively lower. The current economic times favor only those who know how to spend their little. First, shopping around determines the charges of various mechanics and then settles on the one that suits your pockets.

Mechanic’s Availability

It is in order to put into consideration the availability of the mechanic. Before choosing to settle on one mechanic, ensure they are a person that will respond very fast when needed. Consider that person who values you as a customer and will sacrifice whatever they do to serve you first. This will reduce the time your mini truck will stay broken.

Conclusion

After choosing a mechanic to trust and rely on, ensure your mini truck is always maintained and serviced with a single mechanic. Having a single mechanic to handle your mini truck will give it more life because this person understands the Kei truck better than a foreign expert. The mechanic will be able to know the history of your vehicle and put it into consideration as they repair it.

5 Things Every Kei Truck Owner Needs to Know

5 Things Every Kei Truck Owner Needs to Know

The terms Kei truck are interchangeable with mini truck. You may as well come across people referring to them as micro trucks. These light trucks were intended for use in the Japanese market. Now they are popular worldwide. These small trucks are suitable for running small businesses and errands due to their efficiency in terms of fuel consumption, reliability, and less maintenance cost. This guide will unearth some facts about this fancy little truck you did not know. Onto our guide on 5 things every kei truck owner needs to know.

5 Things Every Kei Truck Owner Needs to Know

As a Kei mini truck owner, you should know these 5 realities about the vehicle.

Good Fuel Economy

Kei Trucks are economical in terms of fuel consumption. As an owner of a Kei truck, you need to know that your mini truck consumes very little fuel over a long distance. Kei trucks come with two engine versions, the diesel, and petrol engine. The diesel engine consumes less fuel as compared to the petrol engine.

Agile & Flexible

Kei trucks can give the best services if used as mobile business vehicles. Mini trucks are efficient for delivery businesses such as food and postal. These vehicles have more expansive space for carriage, and they are economical. A full fuel tank can take you several miles before going dry.

Insuring The Mini Truck

The procedure of insuring a mini truck is complex. Obtaining insurance cover for a Kei truck is a little bit complex because of its varied uses. Insurance companies fear insuring vehicles with unspecific usage because, in the case of a claim, it becomes difficult to assess and determine the reason for the claim. To quickly obtain an insurance cover for your mini truck, specify to the insurance firm what you will do with your mini truck.

Powerful & Efficient

The mini trucks are suitable for daily towing. These trucks can pull a load of up to 1000 pounds. Compared to regular pickups, which mostly run on a 2.0 – liter engine, mini trucks are cheap to acquire and maintain. Therefore, they are the best options for towing loads of 1000 pounds and below. Using a 3.2-liter turbo diesel pickup to tow 800 pounds will be less economical, and the torque of the pickup will be underutilized.

The Kei trucks are very popular among the Japanese. In Japan, Kei trucks are very common on the roads. Statistics revealed that only in 2020, there was a new record high for Kei trucks that were registered. The Japanese community loves this vehicle because its engine produces adequate power for tackling rugged terrain. Besides the engine capabilities, the Kei trucks also has adequate space for carriage, and the general cost of maintaining it is low.

Conclusion

Kei trucks are among some of the best lightweight trucks in the market. They are small and compact and are suitable for several uses such as deliveries, towing light equipment, and light vehicles. These vehicles are cheap to acquire and maintain. They serve the same purpose as standard pickup trucks. It is somehow complex to insure in some US States and would be good to always check with your local state laws whether they are allowed before getting one. Otherwise, they have stood the test of time and will surely deliver.

Mini Trucks In Snow - Maintenance Tips for Winter

Mini Trucks In Snow – Maintenance Tips for Winter

Extremely low temperatures and snow falling characterize the Winter season. Driving becomes very dangerous during this time of the year. Every driver should prioritize safety as they drive. Dangers of driving during winter are exposure to black Ice and poor visibility, which can lead to accidents. As winter is nearing, it is necessary to prepare your mini truck to face harsh weather conditions. Doing this will improve how the mini truck will respond to the harsh environment and limit accidents. This guide shares some tips for maintaining your mini truck during winter. Let us look at some maintenance tips for mini trucks in snow.

Mini Truck Maintenance Tips for Winter

When making general winter preparations, such as modifying your home or buying heavier clothes, never forget your mini truck because you will need its services despite the weather changes. Regular mechanical and electrical checks are essential, and any problem should be fixed before winter if assumed it might worsen when cold weather starts. Consider doing the following to maintain your mini truck during winter:

Check the brakes

During cold weather, your brakes will be straining to provide the required services. The breaks make it difficult to stop the wheels on the slippery roads. As the brakes strain, they are likely to wear very fast. It is vital to ensure that your brakes are in good condition during the cold season. Ignoring the brake can damage the braking system and cause the driver to cause an accident.

Change Your Tires

Fixing all-season tires is ideal for your mini truck, but all-season tires cannot withstand cold temperatures. Consider fitting winter tires, specifically for combatting the snow and ice on the roads, to give you a better braking experience and protect the rims if you hit black Ice. These tires can effectively move in the deep snow and icy roads.

Maintain Proper Road Visibility

The windshield might be clogged when driving in winter. To ensure you see the road, ensure your wipers are in good condition and the blades are functioning properly. Replace the summer windshield washer fluids with the winter-grade ones. Ensure the washer tank is always full. Most accidents occur due to poor visibility. Therefore, it is necessary to make visibility a priority when driving during winter.

Battery Checks

Do a regular battery check to clean up the terminals and top up the distilled water. If your mini truck operates on an old battery that has served you for five years or more, consider replacing it. Ensure your battery can hold adequate power because more battery power is required to start the engine during cold seasons.

Conclusion

The best way to protect your mini truck in snow or during winter is by buying the essential winter parts and upgrading other parts. Driving during the winter season is challenging. Therefore, a well-prepared mini truck for the winter gives the driver confidence as they cruise over the snow and ice. If you fail to practice what is in this guide, you will expose your mini truck to harm; it is likely to break down completely.

Improving Daihatsu Hijet Engine Performance

Daihatsu Hijet Engine – Improving Daihatsu Hijet Engine Performance

Daihatsu Hijet is a small vehicle in the mini-truck class. The vehicle runs various engines depending on the generation. For example, the eleventh generation is powered with either 658cc KF-VE I3 or 658cc KF-DET I3-T gasoline engines. These engines are estimated to cover between 15 to 19 kilometers per liter. They are very economical and give the vehicle adequate power for daily activities. This guide will give some tips on improving Daihatsu Hijet engine performance.

Improving Daihatsu Hijet Engine Performance

Performance in this context refers to how long the engine can serve you without breaking down and how much power can it constantly produce as it serves you. Consider the following practices for your engine to serve you for long without experiencing any serious mechanical problems.

Do a Regular Engine Oil change

Oil is a crucial component in the Daihatsu Hijet engine. Oil plays the role of cooling the engine from the heat generated from the combustion between fuel and air. Oiling a vehicle also ensures that various parts of the engine run smoothly. This tedious work performed by engine oil makes it become worn out. When the engine is overused, the engine will never deliver the required power, and if ignored, the engine can completely fail to function. Ensure that you replace your engine oil after completing the required mileage; this will help boost your engine’s lifespan.

Always Change the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are located at the heads of every cylinder in your vehicle. The plugs are essential in igniting the cylinder’s mixture of air and fuel. The combustion in the cylinder produces the power to propel the vehicle. This role makes the spark plugs wear out and develop suit. When they wear out, it becomes hard for the engine to ignite, so it is recommended to change them regularly.

Do regular Engine Checks

Regularly check your engine to ensure that it is in good shape; this will help you know the timing belt’s condition and other components that can kill the engine when it is not in good shape. A regular check-up will help you realize earlier enough complications that your engine will likely develop.

Regularly Clean Your Engine

When your engine is clean, you will quickly note any oil leakage and identify where it is coming from. The valve or gasket cover are common areas that usually leak in the engine. Leakage, if identified early enough, can prevent serious mechanical issues. Regular cleaning of the engine also prevents the accumulation of rust in the engine. If rust accumulates in the engine, then the engine is likely to break down with time.

Conclusion

The engine is like the brain of a car. Without it, then, a vehicle is just a shell. It is what is controlling the entire vehicle and thus should be well taken care of. The above-discussed tips, if well practiced, will help you to improve the performance of your Daihatsu Hijet engine. A well-taken care engine will save the owner from regularly visiting the garage and become less expensive to maintain.

Finding Nissan Vanette For Sale

Finding Nissan Vanette For Sale

Nissan Vanette is not one of the most popular Japanese mini trucks in the market, but they equally pack a punch. They are well-engineered for performance and reliability. They can be used for pretty much anything, and if you get one that has a 4 wheel drive transmission, then it becomes better and also capable of handling any kind of terrain. In this guide, we will go through some of the ways that one can go about finding Nissan Vanette for sale. This should also be helpful for other people looking for other mini trucks as well.

Finding Nissan Vanette For Sale

Here are 3 ways that you can easily find a Nissan Vanette for sale around you. Whether you are in the US, UK, New Zealand and any other place, this should help you find the mini truck.

Local Dealerships

Local dealerships are known for selling used vehicles. These dealerships have been around for many years and have been crucial for people who want to get used vehicles. This is a good place that you can find a Nissan Vanette for sale as well. One of the challenges that you may encounter includes the scarcity of these vehicles. They are not very popular. You can however check out more dealerships to increase the chances of finding the Vanette.

Online Classifieds

The internet is one great thing that has revolutionized how things are done. Among the things that the internet has changed is how shopping is done. Nowadays, you can shop at the comfort of your home and have anything delivered to your doorstep. You can easily find a Japanese mini truck by using classified sites. There are many classified websites on the internet which are very good when it comes to finding pretty much anything. You can therefore log onto one of these and shop for a Nissan Vanette mini truck. Some of the best includes Craigslist among others.

Import The Mini Truck

Another option that you may want to consider is to import the mini truck from Japan. Importing a mini truck is not as hard as many people think. It is an easy process that takes less time. It is unlike a decade ago which would need one to wait for months to have the vehicle. Importing is also the best option because there are many options that one would consider. In short, there s no shortage of these kei trucks. For this reason also, one can get a mini truck that is within their desired budget.

Final Word

Nissan Vanette is a very reliable mini truck that delivers beyond user expectation. Although they are not a popular as other mini trucks like Suzuki Carry or Daihatsu Hijet, they are equally as good. Shared in this guide are some of the ways that you can get the mini truck and have it shipped to you.

Don’t forget to check out some of the Japanese mini trucks on sale in our listing page. There are plenty of them including Nissan Vanette mini trucks.

Mazda Scrum Mini Truck Performance

Mazda Scrum – How to Improve Mazda Scrum Mini Truck Performance

The Mazda Scrum mini truck was first produced in 1989. Mazda Scrum was called Autozam Scrum and only targeted the Japanese market. The scrum shares many similarities with the Suzuki Carry. It is even said that it uses an engine similar to that of Carry. This vehicle is standing in the streets because of its capabilities in cargo handling. To keep enjoying this mini truck’s services, you need to consider some things. Here are ways to improve Mazda Scrum mini truck performance.

Tips on Improving the Mazda Scrum Mini Truck Performance

Just like other vehicles, Mazda Scrum can give you a headache or the best services. But, all that depends on how the owner treats it. Consider doing the following to improve the performance of your Mazda Scrum.

Ensure the tires are in Good Condition

The condition of tires matters a lot in the general well-being of a car. Bad tires can be costly and even lead to loss of life. Consequently, old tires or tires that are not worn out uniformly can make your mini truck consume more fuel. Ensure your tires are well balanced for your mini-truck to give you the best performance. It is essential to change your tires after every six months.

Regularly Clean the Mini-Truck

A clean vehicle gives a conducive environment for both the driver and the co-driver. Besides, a clean vehicle will always look appealing on the roads. Besides the looks, regular cleaning prevents the build-up of rust in specific vehicle parts. Rust is very dangerous for any vehicle. If it is not prevented, it can eat up the entire body of your truck, give it an ugly look, weaken the mini-truck, and cause leakages. Regular cleaning disrupts the formation of rust, and it is advisable to apply wax to your vehicle’s body. This will prevent the formation of rust as well as protect the original paint.

Do a regular check of the radiator

Many car owners forget that radiator is essential to check on your car as you do a regular inspection. So, why is it important? If it is ignored, it can make the engine rust. Occasionally ensure you empty the radiator and clean it also to prevent it from rust that it might transmit to the engine.

Change your oil after a specific mileage

One of the things that are usually checked in general vehicle servicing is the oil. Good oil gives your engine good health and a long life span. Oil plays the role of cooling the engine and ensuring it runs smoothly. Engine oil wears out with time as it performs its roles. When the engine oil becomes less efficient, then the engine of your mini-truck will become less powerful, and it can die if you ignore changing the oil.

Conclusion

Mazda Scrum is among the most common mini-trucks in the lightweight truck class. Owners love them for their cost-effectiveness, high performance and reliability. However, if you own one for commercial or personal usage, you have to take good care of it to serve you better. This guide has shared the fundamental tricks to improve the performance of your Mazda Scrum.

Boosting Subaru Sambar Mini Truck Engine Performance

Boosting Subaru Sambar Mini Truck Engine Performance

Subaru Sambar is a Japanese mini truck by Subaru Company. It is among the leading automakers popularly known today for their production of the forester, outback, legacy, and Impreza. Subaru is also famous for the production of the boxer engine. The Boxer engine is an engine type with cylinders opposite of each other. Subaru Sambar mini truck is a little bit unique because it does not use the boxer engine; instead, it uses the inline cylinder arrangement. The Subaru Sambar mini truck uses the EN series engine with the continuously variable transmission popularly known as the CVT. This guide takes you through what to do as far as boosting Subaru Sambar mini truck engine performance goes.

Boosting Subaru Sambar Mini Truck Engine performance

You can improve the general engine performance of your Subaru Sambar by making it produce more horsepower and torque as well. To achieve this, try doing the following:

Perform Engine Swap;

Swapping an engine refers to the process of changing the original engine of a car with another engine. Swapping can be done for a dead engine or if the owner feels the original engine’s performance does not satisfy them; in this case, you can go for an engine of higher performance. To increase the performance of your Subaru sambar, you can opt for a bigger engine with a turbo or supercharged. Bringing a bigger engine into the tiny chassis must be performed with experienced mechanics because failure may result in significant issues. When correctly done, you will enjoy driving your Sambar.

Increase the wheel size;

Tires are essential when it comes to the performance of a car. After swapping the engine, another critical factor to consider is fitting bigger wheels on your Sambar. Big wheels increase the stability of a car and the same time, make the braking distance short. A car’s maximum load increases when fitted with bigger wheels. However, the bigger wheels have a few disadvantages, such as compromising comfort and likely higher fuel consumption.

You can Perform Chip tuning

Chip tuning is a computerized method of moving the Read-Only Memory files into permanent storage available in the vehicle’s engine management ECU. To do it perfectly, take time to learn and practice first. Remapping and ECU programming increases a car’s horsepower, torque, and general engine power. Some remapped Sambar engine models are ready to be installed, for example, the 0.7 -46- BHP (01/1990-01/1999).

Fit in larger throttle body and Injectors

A larger throttle increases the horsepower by around 10-20. this means that torque will also increase. Fitting a larger throttle can also reduce your engine’s power because not all Engines are built to be compatible with larger throttle bodies. It is in order, therefore, to do a thorough groundwork before performing such a task. Large throttles need more fuel flow; therefore, consider fitting larger fuel injectors.

Engine modification requires to be performed by highly experienced mechanics. This is because any small mistake can completely ruin everything.

Shared here, are some of the things that will ensure that you get the best performance from your Subaru Sambar engine.

Honda Acty Mini Truck Flooding

Dealing with Honda Acty Mini Truck Flooding

The design of Honda Acty Kei trucks adapts them to perform any activity. The old Actys run on carburetor engines, and the new models have computer-controlled fuel-injected engines. Engine flooding is common on old carburetor engines. The fuel-injected engines can also experience the problem but rarely, especially when it is cold. When the engine receives too much fuel with little or no oxygen, it becomes flooded. The excess fuel on the engine wets the spark plug, causing ignition failure. Here, we will go through how to deal with Honda Acty mini truck flooding.

Signs of a Flooding Honda Acty

  1. You will feel the smell of fuel because a lot of it is delivered and not adequately burnt in the cylinders. This smell will come when you try to ignite the engine.
  2. If you start your Honda Acty mini truck in a cold season, turn it off and start it again but it does not pick up, know the engine is flooding.

What do You do With Honda Acty Mini Truck Flooding

Before fixing a flooded engine, give safety priority. Ensure all the doors and windows of any nearby house are closed. If you are doing it in the garage, ensure the door and other ventilation are open for free air circulation. Your engine will likely produce a lot of smoke after a successful ignition. Smoke may chock or be unhealthy to those with severe smoke allergies.

When you realize that your engine is flooding and unable to start, do not worry. Perform these two simple steps to restore your engine.

  1. Engine flooding is not a severe mechanical issue. Time is the best solution to this problem. When you realize that the engine of your Honda Acty is flooding, open the engine for around 20 minutes. When you do this, the excess fuel in the engine will be exposed and evaporate. If the engines refuse to work after doing this, check if the spark plugs were highly soaked. Soaked spark plugs cannot produce an adequate spark to ignite the engine.
  2. Troubleshooting a flooded engine is to establish an equilibrium fuel-to-air ratio. Alternatively, you can step on the gas pedal as you try to start the engine repeatedly. Step on the gas pedal until it touches the floor. Never pump it. Why do this? By stepping on the gas pedal to the floor and trying to start the engine, the throttle will be open and more air will flow to the engine. The airflow through the throttle to the engine will bring equilibrium. If the engine starts, let it run for a while.

Conclusion

All drivers are not mechanics, so you need to understand how to fix potential issues related to your car. If a random guy asks you how you handle your engine when it floods, this overview has given you an answer. If this issue persists, you can visit a mechanic to check what could be the issue with your Honda Acty mini truck.

Replacing the Steering of Suzuki Carry

Replacing the Steering of Suzuki Carry

Made by the Suzuki auto company, the Suzuki Carry ranks top in the class of Japanese Kei trucks. Under this class, the Subaru Sambar, Mazda Scrum, Honda Acty, and Mitsubishi minicab are some of the vehicles that offer stiff competition to the Suzuki Carry. Carry is small in size and maneuvers easily through the congested Japanese cities. Besides the physical size, Carry has a small engine that consumes less fuel making it suitable for the middle-class members of society. Driving the Suzuki Carry is fun because of the power steering. What is power steering? This modern steering uses the power from the engine to give the driver easier handling. Driving vehicles with power steering is fun and comfortable for long distances. The steering might experience mechanical problems. When you walk into spare parts shops, you will find the steering and its parts sold. In this guide, we will look at ways of replacing the steering of Suzuki Carry mini trucks.

Signs of a Bad Steering

The steering is one of the areas of a Suzuki Carry that rarely witnesses problems. However, your vehicle might show signs to signal a problem with the steering.

Hard steering

You are likely to note very fast when the steering of your Carry becomes hard; this is because you will be applying more effort when you want to make a turn or even park your mini truck. When it happens on the power steering, there is a high probability that your power steering has started to fail. Low amounts of power steering fluid cause this. To correct this, top up the power steering fluid and check for the possibility of fluid leakages.

The steering Vibrates

When you feel the steering is vibrating, it is possible the steering is developing problems. The vibrations might be rampant when turning the wheel. Vibration is also possible when the wheels are not correctly balanced, the brake pads are old, the brake pads have become faulty, and the general engine problems.

Pulling Steering

When driving on a straight road, you feel your steering pulling either to the left or right. This is dangerous and might cause serious accidents. When this happens, there might be a problem with the power steering, such as a worn-out steering rack or the steering belt might be loose.

Squeaking Sound When Turning The Steering

It is common when trying to turn the wheel. The noise may signal that the steering belt is worn out or needs tightening. A loose steering belt might also result in power steering failure.

Foamy Discharge from Your Mini Truck

The power steering of Suzuki Carry uses steering fluid to function. When you see a foamy or discolored liquid coming out, there is a probability that the steering fluid has mixed with air or water.

Conclusion

The steering wheel does the function of controlling the vehicle. It enables the driver to make a turn, to reverse, and it also assists in parking. Faulty steering is dangerous and might cause accidents when parking or driving your mini truck. In case you witness either of these symptoms, take your Carry truck for a mechanical check-up in time.

Daihatsu Hijet Mini Truck Flooding

How To Troubleshoot Daihatsu Hijet Mini Truck Flooding

Daihatsu Hijet mini truck is designed for practicality and reliability. These vehicle has never let down their owners. They deliver, under any circumstance, all thanks to the high level of engineering behind them. The mini trucks have minimal mechanical problems. In most cases, all that it needs is proper servicing and oil change in time. This gives it a long life and helps it retain good engine power. Occasionally, the Daihatsu mini truck may develop mechanical problems. This guide will enlighten you about the Daihatsu Hijet mini truck flooding and how to troubleshoot it.

Engine Flooding

Engine flooding is a problem that is common in carburetor engines but very rare on fuel-injected engines. The fuel-injected engine might experience this problem under extreme conditions like low temperatures. It can happen when the engine stays for a very long time without running. A dormant engine becomes cold. If it ignites, the fuel and air will enter the engine as usual. If it goes off, it may strain to restart. At this point, your engine will be experiencing flooding.

Engine flooding occurs when excess fuel flows into the engine and soaks the spark plugs of your Daihatsu Hijet. Spark plugs play the role of producing ignition that initiates combustion in the cylinders. When plugs are wet with fuel, they will not be able to produce a spark in the engine. Engine flooding is not common with diesel engines because they do not use spark plugs to start.

Troubleshooting Daihatsu Hijet Mini Truck Flooding

Before troubleshooting Daihatsu Hijet, consider safety measures first. Ensure all doors and windows close to your vehicle are closed. If you are performing the procedure in the garage, the garage doors should be open, and there should be proper air circulation. Doing this is necessary because the exhaust pipe will produce a lot of smoke if the engine ignites.

Perform the following procedure to troubleshoot your flooding engine.

  1. Expose the engine for around 20 to 30 minutes. Exposing the engine will let the excess fuel evaporate. After seeing all the fuel evaporate, it may fail to start because the spark plugs might still be wet with the fuel. Check the spark plugs to ensure they are also free from excess fuel.
  2. Step on the gas pedal to the floor, and do not release your legs. While your legs are on the gas pedals, start the engine sequentially. Doing this will open the throttle, and air will flow into the engine. The air will mix with the engine’s excess fuel and bring an equilibrium, causing an ignition. After your engine has ignited, let it run for a while before engaging the gears.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a flooding Daihatsu Hijet engine is not a difficult task. Suppose your engine is prone to flooding and has served you for years. Just rush to the showroom and buy a new mini truck. If it refuses to start, call a mechanic to check it. The above procedure is a home-based remedy to help you if you experience a flooding engine.

convert a regular mini truck to a dump bed mini truck

How To Convert a Regular Mini Truck to a Dump Bed Mini Truck

Regular mini trucks are multipurpose vehicles. The Japanese Kei trucks are affordable, cheap to maintain, economical in fuel consumption, and robust and mechanically reliable. Mini trucks are common among many people in different industries across the globe and have a more comprehensive range of use. Some prefer them for domestic use, while others have made them commercial vehicles. Did you know that mini trucks can serve as dumping bed mini trucks? This is why initially, you will hear them being referred to them as multipurpose vehicles. In this guide, we will go through the basics of how to convert a regular mini truck to a dump bed mini truck.

Dump Bed Mini Truck

Dump bed mini trucks perform the work of offloading quickly. These small trucks can transport building materials such as sand, gravel, and building stones and, to some extent, can be used to ferry litter to the dumping site. They have hydraulic rams in front of the dump bed. As the hydraulic ram is lifting the front part of the bump bed, the load slides to the dump bed’s rear part and eventually rolls to the ground. This mechanism makes such a truck a little bit expensive to acquire. However, you can convert a mini truck to a dumping truck.

Basics to Convert a Regular Mini Truck to a Dump Bed Mini Truck

You will need a conversion kit to convert the box mini truck into a dump bed mini truck. The kit has a hydraulic pump and other electrical components, such as the wiring kit. The hydraulic pump will be performing the role of moving the dump bed to dump the load. You will be required to remove the bed of your Kei truck to perform this procedure.

Installation of hydraulic pump

Consider the safety of the hydraulic pump when installing it. The bracket will do this. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not make brackets. You have to fabricate one. Mounting can be done either in or out of the frame. In the driver’s cabin, mount the pump where it will be convenient.

Hook up the plumbing after mounting the pump. To do this, use any pipe sealant. When plumbing, there is no adequate space because of the 90-degree fitting. For effective hooking up of the plumbing, remove the solenoid coil.

After tightening the 90-degree L, try to install it in the required direction so that it does not come into contact with other hardware. At this point, run the hydraulic hose, and it should not come into contact with any moving parts of the mini truck.

In the electrical kit bought, identify various wires for wiring. Rewiring is essential when installing the bed dump because the hydraulic pump requires energy for function.

You can never do the conversion process alone. It is a time-consuming job that requires experienced professionals to be successful. When installing the dump bed, you should be very sure of what you are doing and practice caution.

Conclusion

Converting a regular mini truck into a dump bed mini truck is possible. However, this procedure is complex, and you should involve specialized mechanics. Hopefully, this guide has given you helpful basics to installing the dump bed on your regular mini truck.

Mazda Scrum For Sale In Washington

Mazda Scrum For Sale In Washington

Mazda is without a doubt one of the best when it comes to the lightweight truck class. They were introduced decades ago and have since been gaining popularity. People love the Japanese mini trucks in general for their incredible performance, dependability and cheap cost of running. There are countless things that we can talk of regarding the Japanese mini trucks. But it is also worth noting that most of the mini trucks sold in the US are used. And this sis because there is a 25-year import rule on lightweight trucks like the Japanese mini trucks. In this guide, we will go deep into helping you find a Mazda Scrum for sale in Washington. This should also be applicable in other areas as well.

How To Find Mazda Scrum For Sale In Washington

There are a number of ways that one can use to find the right Japanese mini truck for sale. And here are some of them.

Use Online Classifieds

The internet is one great place where one can find good things to buy. As much as many people do not use classified sites, it is a place that you can shop and find pretty much anything. And this includes vehicles like the kei trucks too. Some of the big classified platforms like Craigslist would be a good place to start. There are also many out there where you can find localized ads that could include the Mazda Scrum.

Local Car Dealerships

Sometimes the best way that one can find the vehicle that they are looking for is through local dealerships. There are many used car dealerships that one can find. They have been around for many years and are usually the go-to place for anyone looking to get a used vehicle. So, if you would like to get a used Japanese mini truck like the Mazda Scrum for instance, this is something that you should consider. It may take you sometime though. And this is because the Mazda Scrum mini truck might not be very popular all over. But searching through multiple of these sales yards should get you the vehicle you want.

Online Car Bazaars

Online car bazaars is an equivalent of the local used car dealerships. Only that this works over the internet and offers more options. For instance, using online car bazaars that list a lot of vehicles does not require one to visit the yard. Instead, one can simply shop online and go though tons of vehicles while in the comfort of their home.

Conclusion

Japanese mini trucks such as the Mazda Scrum are amazing vehicles. They can be used for pretty much anything that on can think of. From being used in the far to hunting, they will surely not disappoint. Shared in this guide are some of the ways that you can find the mini truck the easy way.

Be sure to also check out options on our listing page for some that are on sale in our Japan-based dealership.

Here we will go through the process of changing spark plugs of a Suzuki Carry mini truck

Suzuki Carry – Changing Spark plugs of a Suzuki Carry

Suzuki carry is a Japanese vehicle produced under the Suzuki auto brand. In the Japanese market, it comes as either a mini truck or a minivan. It was first produced back in the 1960s to compete with vehicles such as Daihatsu Hijet, Mitsubishi Minicab, Subaru Sambar, Honda Acty, and Mazda Scrum. For Suzuki Carry to actively compete with other vehicles in this class, it must have a good engine that offers the desired power and reliability. The engine is essential in converting energy from fuel to motion. For an engine to convert the gasoline energy to motion, it has to have a spark plug. What is the function of the spark plug? It ignites the mixture of air and fuel, and the ignition causes an explosion which produces energy for motion. Here we will go through the process of changing spark plugs of a Suzuki Carry mini truck.

Changing Spark Plug for a Suzuki Carry

Most manufacturers recommend that after every 30,000 miles, you should replace your spark plugs. However, the life span of a spark plug can be affected by the driving habit and the general engine performance.

Changing the spark plug for this small Suzuki mini truck might seem a little bit complex compared to other cars where you only open the hood, and there it is. There is a little space where the spark plug is located, which is tilted, making it relatively hard to reach.

In mini trucks, the spark plug exists under the driver’s seat while it is mounted at the rear in the minivan. To safely remove the spark plug, ensure you have a tool called the spark plug wrench. The best one has a rubber inside. This rubber is essential in ensuring the plug does not fall when installed.

Below are the Steps that will Help In Changing Spark plugs of a Suzuki Carry

  • Your mini truck has to be parked on a flat surface that is dry and let the engine cool.
  • Try cleaning the engine parts to ensure that any impurity does not get into the cylinder when removing the spark plug.
  • Ensure your battery is disconnected.
  • Remove the spark plug wire. Do this carefully to avoid damages that may occur, such as tearing the wire terminal.
  • Remove the COP. To do this, ensure the electrical connector is not connected to the ignition. You can achieve this by physically disconnecting it. After disconnection, twist the coil a quarter turn to break the bond. It will pull up and out. Practice caution while doing this to avoid damaging the COP boot.
  • Make sure the engine has thoroughly cooled down, then you can use the spark plug socket to remove the spark plug safely.
  • Install the new plug; before putting the new plug, ensure that the plugs do not have any physical damage and are labeled accordingly. Re-install the COP, and start your engine.

Conclusion

The combustion between air and fuel is what brings motion. Spark plugs play a vital role in the car’s engine by converting the electric current into a spark. This spark ignites the combustion of the mixture of air and fuel. The spark plugs are located at the heads of the cylinders. In the cylinder is where combustion occurs.

Be sure to check out some of the mini trucks on sale in our listing page.

As a servicing routine, always check the valve clearance. Here, we will go through Honda Acty valve clearance procedure.

Honda Acty Valve Clearance Procedure

Honda Acty is one of the most preferred Kei trucks and among the best in the lightweight truck class. It has a small but powerful engine for its size. Pick-up truck owners might look down upon the Honda Acty because of its general physical size. As the say goes, never judge a book by its cover. This small chap is earnest when it comes to performing duties. For most Japanese mini trucks to offer the best services to the owners, they must be in good condition. To achieve this, as the owner, you should ensure that your Honda Acty never misses servicing after the completion of mileage. As a servicing routine, always check the valve clearance. Here, we will go through Honda Acty valve clearance procedure.

To deliver maximum power by your Kei truck, both the camshaft and the combustion chambers have to work jointly. The combined efforts of the camshaft and the combustion chamber harm the parts like the valves. This article will focus on the valve clearance for the Honda Acty.

Honda Acty Valve Clearance

Valve clearance is the space between the upper part of the valve and the rocker arm. This gap will likely to widen or lessen as the valves perform their functions. Maintaining a given length for both the inlet and the outlet valve is essential. The outlet valve should be longer to accommodate the expansion due to heat. It will helpful to do the following to know the measurement of your valve clearance.

  1. First and foremost, practice safety by putting off your engine and letting it cool down. Performing this procedure is only possible on a cold engine. Sometimes, the valves might fail to notify you that there is less or more clearance.
  2. Ensure the crankshaft is in a top dead centre by turning it clockwise. You will determine this by looking at the crankshaft from the flywheel. When you do this, the crankshaft will relax, and the valve will no longer be open.
  3. Use the feeler gauge to determine the space between the valve and the rocker arm.
  4. If the clearance is small, increase it by pulling out the valve and grinding the end of the valve stem. As you grind, ensure you do not remove too much valve stem, check by regularly measuring the length.
  5. After doing this, lubricate each valve stem. While lubricating, ensure no lubricant goes to the tappets or endpoints of the valve stem.

Conclusion

Honda Acty Kei truck is one of the most reliable and liked vehicles in its class. Every owner can rely on it, and it has always proven to be the workmate. This is because of the simple and robust engine it has. Being an excellent mini truck does not put it into 100% perfection. As this vehicle performs its duties, it will develop minor engine issues. The heat produced by the engine is likely to wear out some engine parts with time. It is essential to do valve clearance occasionally to ensure your valves are working perfectly. This guide will help you perform the valve clearance process for Acty mini truck.

changing the spark plugs of Daihatsu Hijet

Changing Spark Plugs of Daihatsu Hijet

If you own or have driven Daihatsu Hijet before, you will definitely agree that it is one of the most economical and efficient mini trucks in the market today. The popularity of Daihatsu Hijet is due to its high-performance engine, which guarantees reliability and impeccable durability. Just like any other car brand, there is a need to regularly service your Daihatsu Hijet’s engine. One of the ways to maintain your mini truck’s engine performance is changing the spark plugs of Daihatsu Hijet. Think of spark plugs as tiny, yet crucial elements that ignite the mixture of fuel and air, causing combustion that powers your engine. So, despite their small size, spark plugs are what keep your Daihatsu Hijet running.

How do I know when to change the spark plugs of my Daihatsu Hijet?

It is hard to constantly check the spark plugs of your Daihatsu Hijet to determine whether they are worn out. But the key to detect faulty spark plugs lies behind the performance of your engine. Some signs are common and hard to go unnoticed, like slow acceleration and a misfiring engine.

One of the causes of slowed acceleration in Daihatsu Hijet is a faulty ignition system. Spark plugs are made of materials that produce a spark that is hot enough to cause ignition of an air-fuel mixture. These materials wear out over time and the spark might not be as strong impairing the combustion and in turn significantly reducing the acceleration of your Daihatsu Hijet. If you notice slow acceleration in your Daihatsu Hijet, you should consider consulting a mechanic to inspect your spark plugs.

A misfiring engine is typically the stumbling sound from your engine and it is usually an indication of a faulty ignition system. Daihatsu Hijet minitrucks have sensors that might malfunction and cause a similar problem, but the main cause of a misfiring engine is a fault with the ignition system. Engine misfires cause an increase in exhaust emissions, a decrease in engine power and relatively higher fuel consumption.

What are the Benefits of Changing Spark Plugs of Daihatsu Hijet?

You have probably seen one, two, or more benefits of changing spark plugs of Daihatsu Hijet by now and the list is much longer.

The fuel efficiency of your Daihatsu Hijet depends on how good your spark plugs perform their combustion function. Essentially, these spark plugs depreciate and wear out over time reducing their efficiency in burning the fuel-air mixture. Changing the spark plugs maintains the gas mileage of Daihatsu Hijet reducing the cost associated with excessive fuel consumption.

Another benefit of changing spark plugs of Daihatsu Hijet is enhancing the combustion of air and fuel in the engine. Weary spark plugs have reduced combustion efficiency making your minitruck to require more power to run. In addition, old spark plugs are the major cause of messed-up minitruck mileage. Changing the spark plugs rejuvenates the performance of Daihatsu Hijet’s performance, maintains the shape of the engine and saves up on repair cost in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Changing the spark plugs of your Daihatsu Hijet has robust benefits especially if you maintain the routine. So be keen on your engine. Watch out for any signs of faulty plugs, consult your mechanic and keep your engine in shape.

how safe is the Japanese mini trucks on the road

How Safe is the Japanese Mini Trucks on the Road

Japanese mini trucks are ideal for driving through the streets, on the highways, on rugged terrains as well as on slippery surfaces such as lawns. Apart from offering a good driving experience, they are the best for varied uses. The mini trucks have saved those who longed to own a pick-up truck but could not afford one. However, mini trucks are common on the roads. Some people question their safety. This article looks at the safety features of a mini truck which you should know and should answer the question: how safe is the Japanese mini trucks on the road.

Misconceptions about the mini truck

Before we delve into the safety features of the Japanese mini trucks, let us look at some of the misconceptions people have about these vehicles.

There is a perception that the mini trucks have a heavy front end. The heavy front might cause the rear end to fly in case emergency brakes are applied. The consumers have attributed the tipping to poor loading and slumming of the brakes but not the heavy front end.

There is a perception that the suspension system of mini trucks is substandard, making them problematic. Tests have revealed that the suspension system of the mini trucks is of a good standard.

Safety Features of Mini Trucks

The design Safety

Many mini trucks have a simple, economical design on the manufacturer’s end. The steel used in their body is more robust than the carbon fiber in most modern cars. This makes them have an ugly box-like shape. Anyway, these vehicles are not for luxury but for practicality. The steel material used in the construction is a safety measure for the mini truck.

Driving Safety

An important safety feature to check when purchasing the vehicle is its drivability. Drivability will enable the driver to have complete control of the vehicle. Mini trucks have power steering, four-wheel drive safety measures, a differential lock-in system, and controlled forward and reverse gears as driving safety measures. They have a very efficient braking system, and a four-speed manual transmission to choose from is safe compared to the automatic transmission.

The Airbags

The best primary safety feature every vehicle must have is an airbag. Airbags have helped to minimize deaths related to head injuries in case of accidents. They are located in various parts depending on the vehicle type. For example, high-end cars and newer versions of Japanese mini trucks have airbags for the driver and all the passengers. A standard newer version mini truck has an airbag on the steering wheel and the dashboard.

Latest Safety Features

Mini trucks have the latest safety features based on technology such as the speed limiter, the anti-lock braking system, the Global Positioning System chip popularly known as a tracker, and flexible side mirrors.

Conclusion

So, how safe is the Japanese mini trucks on the road really? It is the responsibility of those driving the mini truck to prioritize safety. Drivers should keep the mini trucks healthy to drive and avoid careless driving, which might lead to accidents. The Japanese automakers have tried to improve and prioritize safety on most mini trucks. This article has discussed some of the safety features of mini trucks.