What Does A Harmonic Balancer Do? – Mechanic Assistant

Although harmonic balancers are an essential component of any engine, what exactly do they do? Is it necessary to have … More

Rev Counter Marking on my MG ZT

Not suggesting that everyone should do this but it works for me. I have placed 3 colour coded stickers beside … More

Ford 4.6 Modular V8 Guide: A Key Piece of the Ford Modular V8 Family | Lethal Performance

It’s a common misconception that the Ford Modular V8 is called that because its parts are easily swappable. Nope, that’s … More

Ford Modular Engine Identification Guide – DIY Ford

The next level of engine ID is the engine tag. The engine tag includes information on engine calibration, date of … More

The Ford 4.6L (281 CID) Engine – ADTR

The modular motor was originally introduced back in 1991 in the Lincoln Town Car applications, though it wasn’t until 1996 … More

Ford 4.6 Modular V8 Guide: A Key Piece of the Ford Modular V8 Family | Lethal Performance

Ford invested a lot of cash into the engine’s development, so they had to make sure it paid off. The … More

Ford 4.6L 2/3/4-valve V8 Engine Specs, Problems, Reliability as used in Mustang GT, F-150, Cobra and MG ZT 260

Ford’s Modular 4.6 V8 has earned a highly positive reputation amongst owners in terms of reliability and longevity. The engine … More

How to Jump-Start a car

To perform a Jump Start on the car is an important technique that you definitely have to prepare yourself for … More

Fitting New Auxillary Belt

I’ve been waiting for an improvement in the weather to replace the auxiliary belt (or serpentine belt as it’s also … More

MG-ZT (2001 – 2005) engine oil capacity – Oilchange

Reference chart for oil capacities for the MG ZT range of engines. MG-ZT (2001 – 2005) engine oil capacity For … More

MG ZT V8 Serpentine Belt

Also known as the Auxiliary Belt. I noticed a few days ago that the gap between pulleys 7 & 8 … More

Gunsons Antifreeze Tester

Tested the antifreeze today with my new Gunsons Tester. Easy to use and it appears that the engine is protected … More

Replacement Engine Mountings

Since I’ve had the car I have been disappointed with noise levels during hard acceleration – the” drone/ resonance” noise … More

Centre Exhaust Clamp Replacement

I have been told by a person who knows a lot about these cars that this is a common problem … More

How Long to Warm Up Your Car | Engine Damage Warming Up Car Before Driving?

The long-held notion that you should let your car idle in the cold is only true for carbureted engines. But … More

Battle Of The V8s: Flat-Plane Vs. Cross-Plane | CarBuzz

What’s the difference between these 2 different crankshaft profiles – one American the other generally European – which is better? … More

Symptoms of a Failing Engine Mount

Considering the engine is a mass of moving parts, some vibration is to be expected. To minimize noise, vibration, and … More

Throttle Cable Adjustment!

Having lubricated the throttle cable to take away the “sticking” I checked whether I was getting the full throttle opening … More

Coolant flush and Antifreeze

Well after my previous post where I tested the antifreeze to find it zero and topped it up with the … More

Exhaust System Maintenance

Today’s exhaust systems consist of a lot of expensive parts. There are one or more catalysts, an oxygen sensor, maybe … More

Ford 4.6L 2/3/4-valve V8 Engine specs, problems, reliability, oil, Mustang GT, F-150, Cobra

The Ford 4.6L V8 engine, the first member of Ford’s Modular overhead camshaft engine family in the production, was introduced … More

Accelerator Cable Lubrication

One of the niggles i have with the car is a sticky accelerator. The throttle valve moves smoothly from shut … More

Can You Mix Different Anti-Freeze with Each Other? – Mechanic Base

Many drivers are unsure about mixing the two brands because the ingredients are different. Most antifreeze products use ethylene glycol … More

Testing for Antifreeze

Having only had the car a week or two and the weather getting considerably colder as we head towards winter … More

Review: ‘Proper’ Exhausts for the ZT 260

One of the most evocative aspects of owning a V8 engined car is the intoxicating sound from the exhaust; it … More