Scott Auto Consulting

25/03/2026

Thinking of throwing a lift kit in your 4WD? 👀

If your vehicle has ESC (Electronic Stability Control) — which is pretty much anything 2016+ — you need to be a bit careful once you go over a 2” suspension lift.

It’s not just about bolting parts in anymore…

ESC systems are calibrated to the factory ride height. Lift it too much without the right engineering, and you can throw the whole system out — which can affect how the vehicle reacts in an emergency situation.

👉 Over 2” lift?
Make sure the kit is properly tested and certified for ESC compatibility.

Not all lift kits are created equal, and just because it “fits” doesn’t mean it’s compliant (or safe).

Do it once, do it right 👍

12/03/2026

⚠️"DIRTY FUEL" Can this hurt my engine???

You may have seen recent media reports referring to “Dirty Fuel” following the Australian Government’s decision to temporarily allow petrol containing higher sulphur levels to be imported to assist with fuel supply shortages.

Until recently, petrol in Australia contained up to 150 ppm sulphur, before new standards introduced in late 2025 reduced this to 10 ppm to align with modern Euro 6 engine and emissions requirements. The temporary allowance permits petrol containing up to around 50 ppm sulphur, which still remains significantly lower than previous Australian fuel standards.

For most vehicles manufactured prior to 2025, this level remains within the fuel quality they were originally designed to operate on and would not generally be expected to cause issues. However, modern engines post 2025 do rely on very precise fuel and emissions systems, however the short-term use of slightly higher sulphur fuel is unlikely to cause immediate damage.

Where higher sulphur fuel can have an effect is typically over extended periods of use, where it may contribute to reduced efficiency or increased wear within emission control systems such as catalytic converters or gasoline particulate filters.

It is also important to note that this change applies to petrol only. Diesel fuel in Australia has remained at ultra-low sulphur levels (10 ppm) since 2009 and has not been affected.

10/03/2026

10/03/2026

Modern high-performance cars like these are already engineered very close to their limits.

Manufacturers spend thousands of hours developing the engine calibration, cooling and lubrication systems to make sure everything works reliably at extreme performance levels.

Recently I’ve inspected a few high-performance vehicles where aftermarket tuning outside the manufacturer’s specifications was present when mechanical issues occurred.

More power always sounds appealing, but even small changes to boost, ignition timing, fuel delivery or rev limits can increase the load on engine components significantly.

If you own a performance vehicle, the safest approach is simple:

✔ Follow the manufacturer’s specifications
✔ Use the correct approved fluids
✔ Have work carried out by authorised dealers or reputable specialists

These cars are incredible pieces of engineering — but there’s often less margin for modification than many people realise.

— Scott Auto Consulting

05/03/2026

🚙A tidy conversion I recently certified on this 75 Series Landcruiser.

Out with the old 3F petrol and in with a Toyota 1UZ-FE 4.0L V8.

Nice clean install and a great upgrade for these old Cruisers — a bit more power and a smoother drive while keeping that classic 75 Series character.

Engine conversions like this still need to meet modification and certification requirements, so it’s always good to make sure it’s done properly.

If you're planning a conversion or modification, feel free to get in touch.

03/03/2026

⚠️ Are You Sure Your Tow Setup Is Legal?

Recent Australian mobile weigh data suggests up to 80% of vehicles like the LC200 and Y62 Patrol are overweight when towing caravans or boats.

Not because they can’t tow the load —
but because they exceed:

✅GVM
✅Rear axle limits
✅GCM

Accessories, passengers and tow ball mass quickly reduce your legal capacity — often pushing the rear axle over limit before you realise it.

👉 If your vehicle is overweight at the time of an accident, your insurer can refuse the claim.

That doesn’t just mean repairs. It can mean being personally liable for third-party damage.

Brochure figures don’t reflect real-world touring setups.

If you tow regularly, know your actual weights — not just the advertised ones.

25/02/2026

⚠️ Using the Wrong Engine Oil Can Destroy Your Engine — Especially in Late-Model Vehicles

Modern engines are built with extremely tight tolerances, advanced emissions systems, and highly engineered lubrication requirements. Selecting the correct engine oil is no longer just a recommendation — it’s critical to engine reliability and longevity.

Many late-model engines are specifically designed for particular oil specifications (e.g. viscosity grade, ACEA/API rating, manufacturer approval). Using an incorrect oil — even slightly thicker or thinner than specified — can result in:

✔ Reduced oil flow and delayed lubrication at critical components
✔ Increased internal friction and heat generation
✔ Reduced oil film protection at bearings and cylinder walls
✔ Poor hydraulic operation (VVT systems, lifters, chain tensioners)
✔ Accelerated wear or catastrophic engine failure

We regularly investigate engine failures where incorrect oil specification was a contributing factor — even when oil changes were performed regularly.

Always follow the manufacturer’s oil specification — not just what “seems close enough.”

22/12/2025

With over 25 years of experience in the mining industry—primarily working with blast hole drills and excavators—my background in hydraulic systems proved critical in a recent forensic investigation involving a dozer with overheating hydraulics.
The issue only occurred when ambient temperatures exceeded 40 °C, indicating a condition-dependent fault rather than a general system failure. Drawing on my hands-on experience with heavy mining equipment, I was able to prepare an expert report based on sound engineering principles and practical industry knowledge.
In my opinion, the overheating was caused by restricted airflow around the hydraulic oil cooler. Under high ambient temperatures and high workloads, the cooler’s location and surrounding obstructions reduced cooling efficiency, leading to elevated hydraulic temperatures.
This type of investigation highlights the importance of real-world mining and hydraulic experience when assessing complex faults and equipment failures.

09/12/2025

A great result for my client following a successful settlement relating to an engine failure that occurred shortly after servicing.
My investigation identified a restriction within the oil filter that significantly reduced oil flow to the engine bearings, ultimately leading to premature engine failure at low kms. This outcome highlights the critical importance of correct servicing practices and quality control in preventing catastrophic mechanical damage.

07/08/2025

I was recently asked to complete an expert report on a 2008 70 series cruiser, with a failed Toyota 1VD crate engine with only 1000kms travelled. I followed the evidence, which included injector testing, the results indicated a score on the injector piston, causing a leaking injector. After checking the fuel system, I found excessive contamination in the fuel bowl. This would indicate a dirty tank, a simple inspection by the tradesmen who installed this engine would have saved a lot of money.
A good reminder to check your fuel systems regularly.

30/07/2025

Good idea to force the pin in place. But not so good for the bearing its going into. That pin looks pretty rough, my guess is a short lifespan for the bearing.