Chevron Global Lubricants Offers Technical Assistance for Treating Flood-Damaged Vehicles
28 July 1997
Chevron Global Lubricants Offers Technical Assistance for Treating Flood-Damaged Vehicles
SAN FRANCISCO, July 28 -- Flood victims who have suffered
property damage due to the recent storms now have some relief in preventing
their vehicles from becoming inoperable due to water damage. Chevron Global
Lubricants, a division of Chevron Products Company, announced today the
availability of a toll-free information service for people in flood-ravaged
areas who are dealing with water damaged vehicles or equipment.
By dialing 800-LUBETEK 800-582-3835, questions regarding the repair of
any gas or diesel powered motor, stationary or mobile, will be answered by
Chevron experts. Whether it's a water damaged tractor used in farming, an
automobile caught unexpectedly when a levee broke or a power lawn mower
drowned in a flooded garage, specialists in dealing with vehicles or
lubricated equipment are available now Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. PDT, MDT.
Although it is always best to consult with a qualified mechanic, Chevron
offers the attached tips for identifying and dealing with water damage to
vehicles (see below).
Chevron Global Lubricants is a business unit of Chevron Products Company,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chevron Corporation . Headquartered
in San Francisco, Calif., Chevron Global Lubricants is an international
marketer of lubrication products including engine oils, greases, gear oils,
hydraulic oils and a number of other products and services for a variety of
consumer and industry applications.
The technical tips for dealing with water damage can also be found on
Chevron's home page on the Internet at http://www.chevron.com in the "Products &
Services" section.
CHEVRON'S TIPS FOR DEALING WITH WATER DAMAGED VEHICLES
Chevron Global Lubricants recommends towing your car, truck or equipment
to a qualified mechanic for inspection. Remember, the following steps offer
general guidelines for checking potentially damaged equipment. If there is
any doubt how to perform these procedures safely, be sure to consult a
qualified mechanic.
HOW TO CHECK AND DEAL WITH POSSIBLE WATER DAMAGE ENGINE CRANKCASE
* Check the dipstick for water.
* Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine. If the oil
level is too high, chances are that there is water in the crankcase. If any
water is present, before starting the engine, drain and replace the crankcase
oil and filter.
* A vehicle that has been submerged in water may have water in the engine
cylinders. This can cause damage when the engine is turned over. To avoid
problems, remove spark plugs and turn the engine over several revolutions with
the starter to expel any water present.
* Replace the power steering fluid.
FUEL SYSTEM
* Remove air cleaner and ducting as required to determine if water is in
the manifold, or the carburetor float bowl.
* If water is found, flush out injectors or carburetor, fuel pump and
lines.
* Replace fuel filters and air cleaner.
* Check for water in the fuel tank.
* If water is found, drain the fuel tank and lines and refill with
uncontaminated fuel.
TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL
* Drain and replace lubricant.
BRAKES
* Inspect master cylinder reservoir for water. If found, flush system
with air and then fresh brake fluid.
WHEEL BEARINGS
* Clean and repack grease-packed wheel bearings. Replace seals.
CHASSIS POINTS
* Grease all chassis fittings, including universal joints, clutch shaft
linkage, parking brake cables, etc.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
* Dry out the vehicle. Water in electronic controls, electrical
connectors and light sockets can result in corroded connectors and electrical
malfunction.
* Remove battery cables at the battery. Inspect and replace if necessary,
otherwise, clean, reinstall and tighten the cables.
* Remove distributor cap and remove all moisture from cap, rotor and other
components, as well as plug-wire connectors.
* Remove moisture from alternators. Inspect bearings, repack, or replace
as necessary.
* Remove moisture from starter motor, and starter solenoid.
* Pull spark plugs, and dry or replace as necessary.
* Further electrical work may be needed. The importance of a qualified
mechanic cannot be stressed enough.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
* Be sure to check any unused petroleum products for possible water
contamination.
* Make sure that any drained vehicle fluids are disposed of in a legal and
environmentally sound manner.
Call Chevron's Technical Hotline at 800-LUBETEK 800-582-3835 if you have
questions on your vehicle or any other lubricated equipment.
SOURCE Chevron Corp.
