Why is the CAR WIZARD NOT allowed to fix common item on '08 Vantage? Also Wagoneer & Nova updates

Beautiful 2008 Aston Martin Vantage is in the CAR WIZARD's 🧙‍♂️ shop for a repair that he's done hundreds of times. So why is he not allowed to fix it? Also cam updates on the '79 Nova and the '83 Jeep Wagoneer.
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[@TheJamesicle]

The Aston Martin V8/V12 Vantage Owners group have this figured out. You can indeed do a full clutch R&R on AM SportShift cars without an AMDS or relying on the dealer. If you have a Launch X431 or a ThinkDiag (or similar 2-way communication diagnostic tool) and have paid the ~$40 for the Aston Martin 10.44 software for those units, the clutch reset / learn functions are present under the “Special Functions” menu of those tools when plugged into the correct diagnostic port (as VH-platform Astons have both a Powertrain and Body Control Module port).

[@st_us]

problem is he is sponsored by autel, he can't advertise Launch products.

[@golemtheory2218]

I hope the wizard looks at the troll lists. Seems this is the answer he needs.

[@TheJamesicle]

@@st_us I’d be stunned if an Autel MaxCom or MaxSys with “Service Functions” isn’t capable of doing the clutch re-learn if a $99 ThinkDiag paired to an iPhone can. Matco’s diagnostic tools can do it too. Edit: I searched “Aston Martin” on Autel’s forums: A user reported that the MaxiSys Elite, MS906BT, and MS906TS are confirmed to have the service functions required for AM “drivetrain calibration”, as it was called in the forum post. Given the only calibration for drivetrain needed on these cars is for the ASM, there’s our answer.

[@alanphillips4851]

@@TheJamesicle The Autel's can't , some of the Foxwells can however . I' did it with a Foxwell bi-directional tool ($500) . It's under the Marelli Transmission option.

[@ingresswizard9044]

Hopefully wizard will see this post and be able to help the customer.

[@silverhornet9916]

Right-to-repair for our cars is in very serious jeopardy. A bill in North Carolina, more focused on agricultural equipment, was defeated by lobbying by John Deere and friends, despite having strong farmer support. This does not bode well for cars, as there's no car-repair group with any real power, as compared to farmers. The car makers also retaliate: in Massachusetts, which passed a bill, the makers responded by disabling a bunch of features in their cars sold there (but not lowering their prices, of course), babbling rubbish about it being "too dangerous" to allow us idiots to have access to see and fix issues.

[@trentryan27]

This is why old cars will always be a thing

[@Billhatestheinternet]

I have heard that JD got defeated in their bid against right to repair in other locations. Maybe I'm wrong, or maybe JD won on appeal. There has been one incident where "we will disable your shit if you as much as breathe on it" worked out with comical results. Seeing as the manufacturers can and frequently do this remotely, they disabled a bunch of tractors: The looting thugs stole a bunch of tractors from farmers in Ukraine. The reds loaded them on to trailers and hauled them back to CCCP. JD simply disabled them by satellite link. Now these tractors are 40 ton bricks; the only thing that can be used is by scrapping them for mechanical parts. All of that effort to steal them went up in smoke with the click of a mouse, lol.

[@Techcensorshipbot]

@@Billhatestheinternet Doubtful those tractors can't be reverse engineered if that was a really big issue for any modern country. Hopefully companies that push anti-right to repair will disappear.

[@Billhatestheinternet]

@@Techcensorshipbot In the case I am referring to (Ukraine), the new Soviet bloc countries manufacture their own equipment. These were stolen by a bunch of grade-z dipshits who just wanted something to steal. There is no need to reverse engineer these tractors in the small numbers that were stolen, as domestic equipment is available, and on par with capabilities. This is really no different than if someone stole your new Mustang, Ford could find it (no AirTag needed) and disable it. As far as right to repair, I am totally for it; I work on my own equipment. But this was just a funny example of what can be done by Evil Corp; I totally do not want to see Evil Corp disable someone's shit simply because they want to change a fuel injector themselves and not pay $10k for the "privilege" of needing the shop to do it because it is booby trapped from the factory.

[@Billhatestheinternet]

@@Techcensorshipbot The farmers could have EASILY been far more malicious than just placing a phone call to JD (in a nutshell). Think James Bond's "Burglar Protected" Lotus. This is a farm we are talking about. It would not be difficult to fill the ballast and fuel tanks with AnFO and rig it to the ignition system (fertiliser and diesel being abundant for obvious reasons to farmers). The second the thieves tried to start it, instant Darwin Award for them and anybody within a 500 meter radius (a MOAB built by farmers).

[@scottmackenzie3761]

They have the older CD Nav system. If they need new update disks, don't go to the AM dealer - they cost about $1250. Go to a local Volvo dealer, and get the NAV disks - they are $200. When installed, the AM logo pops up.

[@clintonflynn815]

What's the A stand for?

[@heidelbergaren5054]

@@clintonflynn815 Aston

[@eefm99]

@@clintonflynn815 Alfa Romeo

[@diabolichubais8343]

@@clintonflynn815 Albert

[@cl7510]

@@clintonflynn815 Absolutely nothing

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Wizard & Mrs Wizard, it's a sad state of affairs that so many companies are putting out inferior crap just to add to their bottom line & to screw the customer. You are a rare gem in today's world, you still have integrity!!! Thank you for that!!! 👍👍🙂

[@safffff1000]

People learn then they have no bottom line

[@jondoes7836]

I recently finished a 455 Pontiac engine build for my GTO. The cam & lifters I used were NOS Wolverine Blue Racer pieces made in 1992. For oil, I’m using zinc enriched Brad Penn oil. Ran engine at 2000 rpm for 30 minutes for break in verifying that the pushrods were turning. No issues. Everything worked out. Engine runs strong…

[@CarWizard]

Awesome!! Yeah seems like the older stuff is the solution. For cams / lifters.

[@andoletube]

@@CarWizard It's going to get very hard to source NOS parts though - the word is already out, and people are buying them up if they do a lot of builds. Either somebody is going to have to step up and start making hardened steel parts again, or everybody will have to convert to roller cams/lifters.

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

@@CarWizard Name and shame the shysters !!!

[@andrewdonohue1853]

Clutches dont last in automated commerical truck transmissions either. I haul milk locally and my company has replaced the clutches in nearly every truck with automated transmissions in the fleet of 30 trucks. We also have stick shift trucks and they rarely need clutch replacement. My boss at one time thought he was going to buy all automated transmissions, he went back to buying 18 manual

[@kalashnikov1343]

The autos suck to drive anyways

[@ZboeC5]

@@kalashnikov1343 That's no kidding, they seem to get a little better every year but even after over a decade of constant improvement they drive like trash. The computer just never really knows what gear you need to be in. The computer selects a gear, then realizes it picked the wrong gear, selects a new gear, all the while the green light has already turned yellow and you have managed to just make into the intersection as the light turns red. By the time you're through the intersection cross traffic has lost 10 seconds of their green light thanks to your autotragic transmission. If you are lucky some cop doesn't decide to pull you over for "running a red light". It's usually not bad from a dead stop but if you roll up to a red light doing 5-10 mph as it turns green you are almost better off coming to a complete stop before proceeding given how long it takes the transmission to figure out what gear it needs to be in. Of course if you did that you'd never actually make a green light so bah humbug. I want no part of a automatic transmission in my rig. J-U-N-K Trading out my last auto truck with one with double the mileage just to get a manual transmission was the smartest thing I've done. Actually second smartest but I digress.

[@andrewdonohue1853]

@@ZboeC5 i refuse to drive one, i have told my boss put me in one of those things.... i'll just go HOME. my previous truck was a 2017 T880 18 speed manual with a paccar engine (junk), back in november he put me in a 2022 T880 18 manual with an X15 cummins 565 hp, 1850 torque. it was quite an upgrade. No, i wont drive an autotrash.

[@andrewdonohue1853]

@@kalashnikov1343 they certainly do. they certainly aren't made for fluid product like milk. they also back up like trash

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

@@ZboeC5 Drove an old Mitsubishi with a 4.1 litre turbo diesel engine and a genuine slush box auto.... great truck, fast out of the blocks, economical, and with good top speed cruising....

[@andyd5492]

Uncle Tony's Garage did a video on all the quality problems currently with cams and lifters.

[@jamesdelong6401]

Great Aston Martin. Yes! It's a shame that the software is EXTREMELY high to tune the clutch. That would have been a fun job. On the lifters and cam ordeal. You could see about going with comp cams, BTR, or Linginfelter cam companies. I positive they cut, magnaflux, their cams.

[@agrippa1234]

In between Vettes I seriously considered one; affordable, as elegant as you described it BUT what I could afford to buy, I don't think I could afford to OWN

[@scottmackenzie3761]

That is reason why I bought DB9 - I wouldn't have the clutch issues. Some of the OBDII readers can do the clutch alibration but most can not. Overall other than the clutch, the cars are pretty reliable. You can find a bunchof info on six-speed online on Vantages.

[@nielsdebakker3283]

That goes for most affordable expensive cars. You can buy them cheap but you go broke when maintenance or repairs are coming up.

[@tomg6889]

I'm English, I really appreciate the videos on Aston Martins, Jags, Bentley and Rolls....and thanks for calling it a bonnet... ! 😄

[@WTF1200rt]

They should also ditch the "trunk" and call it "boot" on these cars.

[@JN-ed7bg]

Absolutely gorgeous. For me, that's the prettiest car ever made. The lines, the proportions... Beautiful.

[@valengreymoon5623]

I'd bet that none of those new cams went through a hardening process.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

maybe a hardness tester would confirm that.

[@michaelguzzi1]

Willing to bet the material is so piss poor it won't even take a hardening

[@valengreymoon5623]

That's entirely possible too.

[@user-mm4je1sb9b]

Mr. Wizard, you're truly a gentleman and the folks of Kansas should be counting their blessings for having someone of such high integrity to rely on. Keep on with the great work and amazing customer service.

[@ryancrumley8616]

Mr. Wizard, thank you for all the tips and tricks you’ve given as a mechanic. I use the paper towel trick To put in the bolt and it worked like a charm. Your channel is awesome.

[@MrShepardDog]

Analog clock and 3 knobs for heat/AC look like they came from my 2008 PT Cruiser.... very classy!

[@christianboyd4635]

Wow, this Vantage is in excellent condition, props to the owner for taking such great care of it, it looks amazing.

[@phil4986]

Most infuriating though,every thirty thousand miles ,a $5000 clutch install and program only from the dealer.That's just insane.

[@alexscherr5521]

That is why the true manual transmission ones are going up in price because the clutch last longer, easier to repair, and special independent shops can do it since there isn't any software.

[@rdannyb]

Sir Alex Scherr, that is exactly why I do not want to part with my true manual 07 Vantage….

[@Tedybear315]

With the high costs for the subscriptions, specialty tools, etc... This is how some of the car dealerships and such are trying to tell the "Right To Repair" pundits "Hey, we are supplying the indy shops with x,y and z..." and not telling the panels how severe and restrictive the prices are. Support Right To Repair. These car companies and electronics manufacturers need to ease up on all the draconian efforts to let the end users and shops of their choice do the repairs.

[@terrylessmann2274]

With Porsches they charge a huge subscription fee for their tool but you still don't have 100% of the ability of the dealership scan tool.

[@bozodog428]

It's not easy running a successful auto repair shop. The owner of the shop I take my cars to always comes out to see me when I pick the car up to let me know what's going on and share what he had to go through to complete the repair. Just like a doctor. A doctor of motors!

[@phil955i]

One of the few cars that is beautiful from every angle

[@PhilipSamuelson]

I really appreciate you pointing out that these mileages for clutches are normal for all exotic cars. Most people just hammer Aston for this and act like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati are different. I have a three pedal 09+, clutch has over 20K on it, thankfully no drama at all. But I intentionally stayed away from the flappy paddles.

[@rogerweiland6384]

GM had big cam problems in 1978 when they moved engine production to mexico. I bought a 78 malibu from an old couple in 1989. It had 39k on the clock, and it barely ran. The glove box was filled with service orders. The cat got cherry red when running so we cut it off, ran it down the highway and when it finally got to 60mph it tossed 3 rods. We knew this was coming of course, we already had built a rather stout 350 for it and had it waiting to go in. When we tore down the 305 that was in it we found the roundest cam I have ever seen! It literally ate the entire engine in 39k miles. No compression, no seal on the guides or valve seats, it was blowing so much oil it clogged the cat completely causing enough back pressure to eat the rod bearings. It was hillarious! The car was 11 years old, and garage kept. It was mint, and I got for $700! We already knew all about the small block woes GM had in 78, so we were prepared, I drove that car daily for years after we changed the drivetrain, (trans had to go too it was a TH-200 metric). Years later I put a 396 big block in it with a 4-speed. Still have it and everything still works including the aircon. Still running on R-12! I stocked up on 30lb cans before it dissapeared just for my oun use.

[@louisrauzi3872]

Damn I passed on a trailer load of r12 in the 80's. Probably be a felon now.

[@kevinjekyll1521]

I think this a very important point to make, buying new parts may actually make you car worse, or kill it. It is commonly known lifters must rotate, a flat top doesn't allow this. Also hardening metal is probably now not considered worth the cost, as the parts will probably last out of warrantly - but real cost to the consumer could be very high. Thanks for making people aware of this.

[@talis84]

wizard, the fact that you don't BS your customers is worth everything. I have work I need done and I am considering your shop because of these videos.

[@bmac1205]

The clutch on my 1989 Toyota Pickup lasted 221,000 miles! 4 speed manual! I loved that truck!

[@828findadventure]

Thank you for your honesty as always, and taking the time to make the video.

[@NKPGarage]

There's definitely something to be said for old technology in some aspects. Some of the stuff you're describing in this video just makes me want to avoid newer vehicles. Fantastic video by the way, very well done

[@GeoffreyGodshall]

Vantage to Jeep to Nova. I love the variety. Combined with real-world opinions makes your channel great! Just wanted to say.

[@reneskaaning5751]

You Are right, absolutely beautiful car, thanks for your excellent channel

[@Theoldchum]

This is a prime example of why right to repair legislation is so important.

[@willrall869]

He doesnt have the software it very expensive .He could fix it but the cost

[@Theoldchum]

@@willrall869 Right to repair legislation stops these manufacturers from keeping individuals and private repair facilities from working on their cars. When right to repair legislation is passed, manufacturers have to provide the software free of charge to the individual or shop so the dealership doesn't have a monopoly on repair. After all, when you purchase something and you can't fix it yourself, do you really own it?

[@nielsdebakker3283]

@@Theoldchum Any idea how expensive specialized software is? No way in hell you are getting that for free.

[@Theoldchum]

@@nielsdebakker3283 If the auto lobby, and other manufacturers weren't so strong, they wouldn't have a choice but to share the software necessary to facilitate repairs. Scan tools have been in use for decades and manufacturers are increasingly using using proprietary software locks to prevent independent repair from using diagnostic tools for simple repairs. In this case, a simple clutch reline would probably cost pennies in comparison to a trip to the dealership all caused by a intentional software block. In the past manufacturers shared repair software, provided schematics, and provided repair manuals for a very reasonable price. Today manufacturers go as far as to serialize parts so their software can identify if a repair is done by someone other than them in order to monopolize the repair process and will disable something you are supposed to own once you purchase it. It's intentional and it should be illegal for manufacturers to hold people hostage and take away their ability to choose how to repair something they own. Manufacturers spend millions developing software to run things, and that's paid for every time they sell a product. Releasing repair software doesn't cost a manufacturer a dime, but going out of their way to write additional software programming to prevent independent repair does cost more.

[@ericsmith3996]

But that's big government stepping in and disrupting business

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

I have one of these and it's had its clutch done. V12 clutch to go on eventually. The manuals' clutch lasts a little longer but not much. When originally designed, a twin plate clutch (like the V12 clutch) was due to be used but Aston Martin decided to fit a single plate clutch which is these cars' only real Achilles heel as they're normally very reliable. The manual doesn't need the AMDS system to bleed the clutch line, just the ASM equipped cars although there is a workaround. This blue example is a lovely spec. 👍

[@JustBadly]

I have a 2004 British car and when dealing with a faulty black box, I have had good results opening one up and resolder the various chips inside the box. Cars have unusual conditions for electronics, big variation of heat and a lot of vibration + early electronic boxes use leaded solder which is softer than today's tin/nickel solder.

[@easycrider7453]

I have a 71 Dodge D-100 with a 318 and 4 speed tranny. I'm semi retired and thought I'd tear the engine down and rebuild it just for the heck of it though Ive only rebuilt a top end 327 once before. But after all the horror stories I've seen on KZbin about shotty parts it sounds like it would be a nightmare and not the fun it's supposed to be.

[@tomharriman5051]

Hi Wizard. I enjoy your videos, I hope they inspire more people to raise the quality of their work. I have a suggestion for the camshafts and lifters that have failed. You live in a part of the country with a local aviation industry. These places do medal work to a much higher standard than the average metal use, and so would have the ability test these parts for hardness, quality of manufacture, and the quality of the metal. This info would save machine shops, local repair shops, and consumers a lot time, money, and frustration. It's also my hope that parts importers will start paying attention to the quality of the parts they bring into the county. I recognize your concerns about lawsuits, but with this many people and business affected there's no way that this won't lead to lawsuits. It would be nice if the the companies that made and imported these chose to do the right thing and reimburse people for all the problems they caused, but we no longer live in that world. Thanks. Tom

[@tankertoad1]

On the Jeep and Nova I would strongly recommend having your customers add cam break in additive and use a specialized engine oil at every service. Even original cams and NOS lifters will not last when used with modern engine oils. I am running Shell Rotella T5 (15-40) and a bottle of Comp Cams cam break in additive at every oil change on my 66 289. It has held up so far after I had to rebuild and then replace the original engine after THREE failed cams. All due to oil with little or no ZDDP, not bad parts.

[@WFO.]

Wizard, Thank you for the education about the clutches on these and other exotics. I’ll stick with my ‘03 Mercury Grand Marquis. 😊

[@markrichardson3566]

You and your wife make a great team 🙂, keep going from Victoria Canada ❤️

[@itstheweirdguy]

Knowing about car parts kind of reminds me of my relationship with computer parts. There's a lot to know! There's power in new old stock, and also in used old stock! I appreciate a technical person who appreciates the work the factory and engineers do, they made it they know it. Not that you can't deviate from their plans...you know what I'm saying. Spec matters.

[@31dknight]

Another great video from the wizard. Thanks

[@Unknown-ne9gj]

Thank you car wizard ! Now I know that these cars aren’t meant to be racing, but to drive them only on a Sunday 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@jamesluke7377]

The Jag dealer I remember and may still be there is between 67th St and 64th St/Shawnee Mission Pkwy and I-35 in Merriam, KS (Greater KC Metro). Is that the one you refer to? Yes... I'm in the KC area. Grew up in Olathe, KS. Cruised "The Fe" back in the day. LOL 🤣

[@EffequalsMA]

Yup, has to be crowned or the lifter won't spin and it'll just get machined by the camshaft. I have an epically ground out lifter from an old Pontiac 400 that I kept from back in the day, it's like a hemi head shape, lol.

[@soisaidtogod4248]

Greed, pure and simple. Read yesterday that BMW is charging a monthly user fee for the heated electric seats to function in some parts of the world.

[@CarWizard]

That will only get worse. Subscription based festures will become the norm.

[@funnypranker34]

I’ll continue driving my 1990 bmw. It’s got 200,000 miles but it runs and drives and even the ac still works. Fuck new cars

[@storyteller1749]

My grandson's mother bought a Vantage a few years back. And I thought and said to her "lucky you." Now that I know what it generally costs to fix them I feel that she wad not so lucky. Unfortunately her daughter flipped it while driving (yes flipped it. Nearly impossible I know. ) She came out of the accident unhurt. But what a beautiful car. If I could afford the repairs I'd love to have e one.

[@dragontechgaming6677]

my friend in japan has a 2004 Aston Martin DB9 in Midnight Blue i think the color was and she went threw hell trying to replace her clutch. she eventually broke down and bought the scan tool and software needed to fully diagnose her car herself. she does all the replacement and maintenance of parts herself as the dealerships wanted to charge her like something like 25K USD converted roughly to do the job. good thing though is ether shes had good luck or just been taking it easy on the car but she told me her clutch last roughly around 45k to 55k miles roughly converting that over from kilometers. she loves the car so much and shes happy with it but sometimes regrets ever getting it. this is why there's a saying don't meet your hero's in real life as you will be disapointed.

[@thomasstrickland0]

Car Wizard opened that trunk like he was expecting something odd. Lol! I know the feeling. I wonder who builds the engine for these.

[@henrycarlson7514]

I had an 81 Scirocco that I only got 20,000 miles out of the clutch , Cali driving. On the other hand I have a 96 Cherokee that I put 90,000 moles on the same clutch . so far . I'm old now and live in Mn.

[@daniellebuehner8441]

I agree that the Aston Martin V8/V12 Vantage is truly a special car as with any other Aston Martin and other high end exotics, like the Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini. the quality and craftsmanship of the body and interior don't match with the engine and transmission some can be easy to fix and others the brand makes it difficult with the requirement of their own tools and software.. When they did the James Bond movies.. I read an article that many of the Aston Martin used in the movies were really Ford engine and chassis and only used the body and interior.. if I owned one of these and I keep it garage and bring it out on occasion and not use them as a daily driver but if I chose to daily drive it.. I would put a different drive train under it and hopefully no one will know teh difference. sad you can't fix but totally understand if the brand want $50k to calibrate with their tool and as you said you fix a few in a course of 10 years or more.. its not worth it unless you specialize in that particular car.. thanks for sharing I love Aston Martin I think they are tops .. but maintenance I will stick to my Toyota Camry

[@mro4ts457]

Ms Wizard brings a good balance to the videos. I’m all for it🙌

[@stewkeene]

You would think there would be a contingent group of owners that could do a group purchase of the factory computer and software they could share amongst themselves to provide one another as needed. That could be leased by the shop doing the repairs as well for a small fee so they could make the repairs then sent back to whomever controls the software or computer. It sounds complicated but I believe it could be done.

[@Cheepchipsable]

The vast majority of these owners aren't looking to cheap out on repairs. They would take it to a dealer.

[@TheJamesicle]

There’s a sizeable group of AM enthusiasts that are also DIY types. An AMDS - while it would be cool to have - is overkill for most DIYers. A good deal of us have X431s and ThinkDiags to service our cars ourselves.

[@alanphillips4851]

@@TheJamesicle Yes Sir, we do ! This video gave me agita. I was yelling at the screen. Nooooo......you are so wrong. I've done this very job on my own V8V with a Jaguar alignment tool and a Foxwell bi-dir scan tool. I wouldn't attempt the dual plate though, that can require a bit more calibration work that my scan tool is not capable of.

[@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg]

Samcrac literally did this job in his barn on the exact same car. Wizard is just plain wrong about a lot of things.

[@TheJamesicle]

@@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg Samcrac did it to the 3-pedal manual, not the automated manual, so running the clutch learn calibration wasn't needed.

[@SharonD369]

That paint colour is stunning 👌

[@ManxAndy]

Hey Wizard….I think that colour is Viper Blue Pearl coat…..👍🇮🇲

[@ManxAndy]

Great…..a Car Wizard episode for a Sunday evening…..👍🇮🇲💪

[@mikegreen2229]

On top of all the other cam break in stuff you are supposed to do these days, the other problem is the cam blank has to be compatible with the lifters. If one is too hard or too soft, they get chewed up

[@JP-yp2yw]

Another great video Wizard! I saw a video on the maintenance of a Bugatti. Insane $$$!! I think it would give Aston Martin a run for it's money (no pun intended :)

[@mrknoch]

2:03 Nope. Without seeing the name or the headlights, I'd think it was a Chrysler Crossfire.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks Mr Wizard & Mrs Wizard...That is a very beautiful car.....Shoe🇺🇸

[@ericfleetwood6744]

That Aston Martin is a beautiful, elegant car. I saw that it is a two-seat roadster convertible, with a small trunk and began comparing it to my Miata Grand Touring from the same period. The AM is so much nicer. But, my Miata has 71,000 miles. The clutch still works. If the clutch was bad, the Car Wizard could fix it, as could many less-impressive shops. $10,000 would not sound like a bargain for a new clutch. Parts are readily available. It's fun to drive, easy to work on, cheap to insure, and I don't worry about it much. I think I'll pass on the Vantage and detail my Miata tomorrow. Maybe give it a ceramic coating.

[@lirr408]

Love that Chevelle in the background.

[@jeremyroberts2782]

Biggest gut wrench for me for a manufacturer lockout was the steering lock on my Volvo XC60, It is dealer only part and as it has to be coded to the immobiliser. Cost was £400/$500 just because a cog in the mechanism had worn and the worm drive locked up. Oh and by the way when it fails you can't drive it to the dealer to get it fixed, even though it fails unlocked so you have pay for a tow.

[@RJARRRPCGP]

SOB! Just like a bad key fob component! 🤬

[@darknessislight3689]

Those taillights always reminds me of my Eclipse (92-94) all that’s missing is the center piece 😍 I miss that car 🥺

[@sresto7943]

Why not see about doing a bit of R 'n' R with the lifters and maybe the cam, with a hardness tester ? just to put your mind at rest with what you are receiving, you could also do this with future parts that maybe a bit sus before you go fitting them.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

testing is usally done destructively... by a weighted pin being driven into the surface.... you won't get any supplier taking that back.....

[@d.b.1008]

About the bad duplicat of parts: It seems to turn this problem to a bigger one, also in Europe make the engine shops more and more this experience of bad factory parts..also to my business happened several times, ordered New bicycle chain, measure it..tolerance says worn out..out of max. lengths... Bad duplicat or even fake factory...

[@jameshall4385]

Its crazy that you have to use used parts for a simple camshaft swap. Its insane that reputable business are putting their names on garbage parts

[@Mis73rRand0m]

I think I have to revert my friend's truck back to an original cam if I can't find an older one with the same specs. 390 FE Ford, New Hydraulic Lifters got wiped out within 100 miles despite ample break-in lube. Went back in, inspected the cam and found no wear or grooves despite it munching 2 lifters. All Melling parts, which I've never had problems with in the past. I even instructed him to purchase the mildest of cams so as not to upset the valve train. Now to decide whether to pull the cam, or throw new lifters at it and hope they work. All the lobes check out as good - I drained the oil the instant I saw sparkles so I could just spin up the oil pump with a couple good quarts and no valve train to get out anything that made it past the filter. I'd rather take the chance of dealing with the 75lb intake manifold and some cheap lifters twice than have to remove the 100lb radiator once.

[@BA-gn3qb]

Probably not "reputable" businesses anymore. Also probably made in China now.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

GM has been selling new garbage for years.

[@pclayton5063]

You will note that the Wizard, understandably, doesn't mention the cam and lifter makers he's having the issues with. I'm thinking the whole time this is Chinese junk and not US manufacturers we've been dealing with for years. I thought cam makers, like Crane and Edelbrock made all their own cams but maybe that's not the case anymore?

[@jeffhaskett2766]

@@pclayton5063 Watching channels like kzbin.info, I have learned the metal (metalurgical composition, treatments) used to make the things we used to make is not available in the US anymore. So things are rebuilt. While Crane and Edelbrock may make their own cams, I don't know, they have to source their blanks from somewhere. What is the motive to invest in that if you are going to get undercut and put out of business.

[@TamagoHead]

Funky! I needs to re-watch this when I’m in right zone between drunk and sober.

[@houseofno]

Under the hood and under the car, AM apparently got a volume discount on allen screws. By the way, Car Wizard, Corvette has had transmission in rear since 1997 C5. It's a rear transaxle integrated with the differential inside the rear carrier housing.

[@alexscherr5521]

This is why the True Manual 6 speeds are going up in value. Their clutches last longer, no software is required, and independent specialist centers can do the job at a fraction of the cost. I am hoping to get one next year! Red Pants lol Aston Martin paints a great picture of how much they cost to own and I am certain a 2007 V8 Vantage is less expensive than Ferrari maintenance. Especially because the older models are much easier to work on yourself.

[@GuyChapman]

I had a Volvo 360GLT that had front engine / rear gearbox, with the clutch at the front. You had to treat it with some care because there was a *lot* of spinning mass to slow down or spin up when changing. Does this run the propshaft inside a reaction tube?

[@benlea19]

Aston's are much more common in the UK and there are some affordable used models, but the maintenance costs are also very high here

[@jond1536]

Wizard, I got new old stock dodge voltage regulator that was built in the 80's ( I think) as all the ones I could find are 15.5-16.5 volts and the new old stock Standard Voltage regulator is locked on steady at 14.5 volts. Something to be said about the parts made in the 70-80-90's Oh by the way it is a pre 1991.5 so no ECM D250 Cummins with NO rust, also I purchased it at 72,000 miles, have 352,000 on it now. I have photos no undercoating or any preventive . Great video Thanks

[@landontesar3070]

you might be able to find one that is adjustable. I bought one for my J10 with a 4.0 and Cherokee alternator.

[@brianeno1062]

my customer had a sears drill bit set from the 70's, and I had a new set of Bosch. Needless to say that the Bosch couldn't hold a candle to the old tool.

[@ejgrant5191]

Most lifters are CAST IRON.....Those AC Delco lifters have a Stellite hardened base....GREAT STUFF! I have some old AC Delco SOLID lifters for vintage Z/28 Camaro with that base....They were $24/each when I found them....Didn't even care...Knew they would no go flat like the junk was even 10-15 years ago. Steel Lifters are used in Racing motors...Like NHRA Top Fuel and Circle Track stuff they are $25-30 each....but, don't like to low RPM idle....

[@stephenbell9257]

The official AM colour name is "slate blue". I have the same exterior colour combination on my DB9 Volante and it has a sort of variable colour effect in different lighting conditions.

[@johnyaceyko9775]

It sounds like the owner has more learning to do. But can afford the car and pay to have it maintained. Thanks for sharing.

[@Kevinb1821]

I think the automated clutches burn up so fast is because people are not told to drive them differently than a torque converter car. Inching along at red lights and in heavy traffic is probably terrible for these cars. If you keep stuff like that to a minimum I bet these clutches would last longer. People need to know you can’t drive auto clutches like a typical automatic transmission

[@1983dmd]

Just start by lifting your foot off the gas pedal while shifting would be a good start for the longevity of those transmission...

[@realjordanbelfort]

how would one drive them differently?

[@mitsuturbo]

I miss the "Welcome back to the Wizard's shop" at the beginning. Bring it back!

[@jeremyTallen1]

From the looks of the knuckles it seems there is a awd version also

[@colinthebeard]

Clutch is £3500 in the UK, they are also known for radiator failures £3500, the rear subframe rots out £5000 or so, electrical issues.. corrosion, not really rust but body corrosion especially around door handles and bonnet/boots. Cheaper to buy nowadays but still going to cost a few thousand a year to run.

[@CarWizard]

Wayyyy more in the USA

[@DaveVantage]

I was about to say the same, prices seem crazy over in the US.

[@DaveVantage]

Just had mine serviced by a main dealer here for just over £800.00

[@colinthebeard]

@@DaveVantage What did you get for that?

[@DaveVantage]

@@colinthebeard Not a lot, a nice stamp in the book though 😂 I used the flying technician, a really good service imo.

[@saulespino2510]

That color on this Vantage looks like the heritage blue on the 2018 Subaru 50th Anniversary cars. I have one of those Ann. cars a BRZ and I wonder if the color on the Vantage changes to a darker pearl / baby blue hue at night.

[@JamEZ87]

My favorite Aston Martin are the Rapide and the One-77.

[@colvinator1611]

Have you ever worked on Morris minors wizard ? I can't find the diagnostic test sockets on mine. Great videos and thanks a lot. Colin UK 🇬🇧

[@cedhome7945]

I am sure that samcrak did a Aston Martin clutch a few months back he found a specialist company that built him one from scratch cheaper than OEM parts

[@BlakeMcBride]

I love my Vantage, but it's a 6 speed manual (with 3 pedals) so clutch calibration is my left leg. Much less frustrating to deal with.

[@MikhailScottKy]

All you have to worry about is the relationship between the right pedal going down and the clutch pedal going up.......

[@clnhunter9137]

I too have the 3 pedal Aston .. a joy to drive

[@subiesojourner777]

Do you still have your New Beetle Turbo S and if so have you dealt with the dreaded fuse box (wire coming off the alternator into the box that sits on top of the battery) getting so hot that it melts the box? If so, how did you fix it? I'm on my third box. Thanks!

[@paulmoor595]

That's a good reason why the sport shift is far less desirable than a manual. It's only AM who can program them.with AMDS. At least manuals have the normal clutch, albeit its a big job with torque tube coming out as well.

[@Mrflash222006]

It’s a Ford era AM (tibbe key) surely you can run the AM software through standard J2534 VCI, the Autel maxidas should do it in wired mode over usb

[@Barbarapape]

I live in the UK, and my first experience of this model was when my manager bought a used one at the worst possible millage it had 38k on the clock. My first job was to replace the rear LED light clusters, they were damp inside, and sealed for life, and it was like a flashing christmas tree when they were switched on, luckily he found some brand new replacements online at a sensible price, but had to drive over 200 miles to collect them. Then at 40k youv'e gussed it, the clutch started acting up, after contacting a few Aston specialists, he got a shock with the labour charges involved to fit an uprated new clutch. So with a heavy heart, he sold it after only a few months of ownership. Aston Martins are highly desirable, but need specialists to repair and maintain them, and they don't work for normal labour rates. Unless you have very deep pockets and plenty of savings, don't buy one.

[@vpawlowski]

I am a Florida Astin Martin owner. Where is the renouned service center that you referenced? It is very hard to know if the local dealership is any good. I enjoy your vids. Thanks for the great content.

[@gvet47]

Interesting I have seen a lot of engine builder video that claim the cam and lifters are soft steel. Some will not say though what brand they are. I do reacall in my day you had to "break in" cams and lifters where some of these video they ran hard right off on a dyno stand.

[@texarkana3781]

I drove a 1999 Ford Contour SE with the Duratec 2.5 L twin cam V6 and a manual transmission. Clutch lasted 160,000 miles. One of the most entertaining, best handling, low priced cars I've ever owned.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Sorry to hear you had the drive that boring pile of junk.

[@tonyhaynes9080]

The normal V8 Vantage was far better looking. All the lines just flowed into each other. It was beautiful and perfection from whichever angle you looked at it from. And yes, I was stupid enough to trade it in on a DB9 Volant.

[@imtheonevanhalen1557]

Check Competition Cams.....they have or will do any grind, and are bullet proof.....lifters as well.

[@randyrogas1839]

Reminds one of the famous ford Edsel Learn to shift your sporty car ad Carol Shelby

[@lenbones7940]

I'm with u wiz.. when it come to the coolest modern Aston Martin it's the vantage bar none... theres something to be said about being able to pull up next to bright red and yellow super cars in silver grey coupe and its done you can litterly out class all others... and you can bet one things true when you hear people saying that car isnt this or that's not up to snuff and that's that the nay sayers have never sat in and drove that car lol... is one of those so rare you have a good day becuz you some how saw it cars lol... and the icing on the cake is it's the only car good enough for 007..

[@markim5087]

Ok again another issue I’ve got is why not go ahead and repair the clutch ,and then have the dealer reprogram it ,another job you’re missing ,it would be cheaper to have it towed to the dealer and have them program it and then return it to the customer..we’ve done that for our customers..

[@OldMadScientist]

From what I understand, there is a huge problem of counterfeit car parts in today's market. Apparently, counterfeit parts even make their way into nationwide car part retailers, such as AutoZone, Advanced Auto Parts, NAPA, etc.

[@ws2664]

Keep us informed about the camshaft problem, I have put this problem to a few You Tube Gurus and none of them replied. I wonder why.

[@Jmdp.94]

It's a wise choice (wether people agree or not, but not everybody sees the factor in the decision), you can do an excellent job tearing down an engine and building it back together but the situation with the cams and lifters and parts waiting game is visibly affecting the business when you have a lot of cars taking up space for months just waiting on parts that turn out to be trash and that isn't good for the owners having to wait months while relying on a rental car, another family member's car, a beater car, public transport, lyft, etc until they can get their car back

[@onecoolwhitecatmotorsalesl887]

Hope to hear the conclusion of the jeep and nova story. Nothings easy these days.

[@nawzy202]

U can do the clutch then take it for adaption programing way cheaper then having dealer do everything

[@lexlayabout5757]

Leaving the computer problem aside, I would have thought that the transmission being separated to the rear would have made the clutch easier to work on.