Engines & Transmissions

The most important, and usually the most expensive two parts of any vehicle are the engine and transmission. We use only the best rebuilt engines and transmissions with best warranty on the market. We also make sure that we find or rebuild your system in the least amount of time possible. In the event that your vehicle might need one of these two major systems replaced, JJ Tracks is here to ensure the least painful experience and the best possible service.

Click Here for Car Care Tips for Your Engine

Click Here for Car Care Tips for Your Transmission

F.A.Q.’s

Q. Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

Q. What does it mean if my “check engine” or “service engine soon” light comes on?

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

Q. What should I do if my car starts to overheat?

This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop.

Q. What Can Make an Engine Overheat?

Overheating is caused by anything that leads to a loss of coolant, prevents the cooling system from getting rid of heat, or causes excess heat in the engine itself:

Coolant leaks (water pump, radiator, heater core, hoses, freeze plugs, head gasket, engine internal).
Weak radiator cap (does not hold rated pressure and allows coolant to boil over). Pressure-test the cap to check it out.
Cooling system clogged (deposits built up in radiator or in engine due to maintenance neglect or use of hard water). Use a cleaner, then reverse flush system to clean it out. A badly clogged radiator may need to be replaced.
Thermostat stuck shut (replace).
Inoperative electric cooling fan (check fan motor, relay and temperature switch for correct operation).
Bad fan clutch (replace if slipping, leaking or loose).
Missing fan shroud (reduces cooling efficiency of fan).
Slipping fan belt (tighten or replace).
Too low or too high a concentration of antifreeze (should be 50/50 for best cooling).
Bad water pump impeller eroded or loose – replace pump).
Collapsed radiator hose (check lower hose).
Debris in radiator (remove bugs and dirt).
Late ignition timing (reset to specs.)
Restricted exhaust system (check intake vacuum readings and inspect converter, muffler and pipes).
Radiator and/or fan undersized for application (increase cooling power by installing larger and/or auxiliary cooling fan).

Q. What is that milky brown engine oil?

Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly.

Q. What do I do when there are delays going in gear?

The problem may be caused by an external part that needs to be adjusted or replaced. It may be an electronic control hindrance. It could also be a problem with the transmission fluid level, which may be low because of leakage. These could potentially require only minor repairs. If your automatic transmission has been overheated or the transmission fluid has become contaminated, internal parts may be damaged. If this is the case, the transmission may need to be disassembled and rebuilt. This would be a major repair. Whatever the cause might be, transmissions never fix themselves. Transmission problems always become worse with time, so having the problem fixed immediately will cost you less. It will be beneficial to you in terms of time and money, in addition to safety. A delay in your transmission is a warning that something is not functioning properly. See a transmission specialists as quickly as possible. If you live in the Tri-Lakes area, we are just around the corner.

Q. What should I do if my car won’t move?

With a vehicle that won’t move, more than likely the vehicle will need to be towed to JJ Tracks. Transmissions are extremely complex and vary according to year, make and model. You will want to be sure to select expert home town technicians to work on your vehicle and a transmission center that guarantees its work. We have serviced more than 50,000 transmissions and stand ready to get you back on the road.

Q. What should I do if my car will not go into gear?

If your transmission is not going into gear, you have a transmission problem. You will probably need to be towed to JJ Tracks where the transmission will need to be examined for the cause. If your vehicle may still be driven and you do not want it to be towed, go directly to JJ Tracks for a Basic Diagnostic Check. When a transmission will not go into gear, various components of the transmission or clutch system are not functioning properly. The problem may be one of a few possibilities, such as an external control needing adjustment or replacement. This is considered to be a minor repair. Take care of this before the damage becomes worse and to avoid being left with a vehicle that won’t operate and is not safe.

Q. How do I know if I have water contamination?

The introduction of a limited amount of water into the engine or differential for a relatively short period of time does not necessarily spell disaster. On the other hand, even a cup of water in an automatic transmission almost always results in serious failure and major repair bills. To avoid this type of trouble, steer clear of deep puddles. Should you park your car, only to return to find that it is submerged in 16 inches of water or more, do not attempt to start or operate the vehicle. At that point you may have a good chance of avoiding a big repair bill. Call JJ Tracks for a tow vehicle! JJ Tracks will evaluate the damage, if any. If you’re fortunate, draining and servicing the transmission may be all that is necessary. If you are not so lucky, in many cases depending on the circumstances, your auto insurance coverage may cover part, if not all, of the damage. A JJ Tracks professional will be pleased to supply the technical information to your insurance carrier to register a claim.

Q. How Often Should I Receive a Tune-up?

Most cars require regularly scheduled tune-ups yearly and require major maintenance at 30K, 60K, and 90K miles.

Q. Why should I change my transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, ect.?

Just like engine oil, the other fluids in your vehicle break down and need to be replaced. New fluid has certain heat baring and seal conditioning characteristics that become less effective over time. When a fluid gets too hot, it starts to burn, and this burnt fluid builds up into what we all know to be called “sludge,” and sludge creates a lot of stress on moving parts. Seals and gaskets, especially in Colorado, need to maintain a certain degree of moisture. Fluids, when cycled on a consistent basis accomplish this, but a fluids ability to remoisten seals and gaskets lessens over time as well. When a rubber seal gets dry it starts to crack and this is when you start to see fluid leaks, so always stick to your manufacturer’s recommended fluid replacement intervals for all of your vehicles fluids.

Q. My Car Is Making A Pinging Sound. What Does It Mean?

Most likely, a pinging sound coming from your engine indicates timing problems. Sometimes pinging is caused by poor quality or low octane fuel. Pinging can cause damage. We strongly advise that to have your car checked out by a professional to determine what whether it’s causing damage.

Q. How Often Should Belts and Hoses Be Replaced?

Most hose manufacturers recommend replacing hoses every four years. With V-belts, every three years or 36,000 miles. The incidence of failure rises sharply after the fourth year for hoses and third year for belts. A typical serpentine belt lifespan is about five years or 50,000 miles. Serpentine belts are thinner and more flexible than V-belts. They run cooler and last longer, but they cost about twice as much to replace.