Magnum by MSI Gaskets

RockAuto is now carrying Magnum Gaskets. Magnum is the aftermarket gasket brand of Modern Silicone Technologies (MSI), a US-based manufacturer of precision molded gaskets for OEM and aftermarket brands for the past two decades.

	• Magnum Gasket Sets contain all of the gaskets and seals necessary for a complete repair.
	• Magnum Head Gaskets, Head Sets and Head Bolts feature world-class technology, engineered specifically for the application.
	•Designed to handle the most demanding operating conditions, Magnum’s MaxDry STL steel intake gaskets carry a limited lifetime warranty against failure with extended life coolants.
	• Magnum Valve Cover and Oil Pan Gaskets include a number of materials and constructions, each targeting long term sealing of the particular engine design.

Magnum builds premium quality gaskets with sealing and durability as good or better than OEM.  Find Magnum gaskets under the Engine, Exhaust, Fuel/Air, Ignition and Transmission categories in the RockAuto catalog.

RockAuto is Looking for a Few Good Cars

Show off your vehicle and hard work to the world! Submit your car or truck to be considered for the next round of RockAuto Collector Series Magnets. These magnets are sent to our customers worldwide and are given out at car shows and events.

Vintage, high tech street machine, trailer queen or daily driver - all types are encouraged! Send your favorite high resolution image(s), a short story about your car and what parts you have purchased from RockAuto to flamur@rockauto.com.

If your vehicle is chosen, we will make sure to send you plenty of magnets to share with friends and family and make you the envy of your car club.

Tips for taking pictures of your car.

View the full collection of RockAuto Collector Series magnets here.

Forum of the Month

GM Square Body is a forum dedicated to 1973 to 1987 GM Trucks. Join our 5,000 plus members in discussions on a wide range of topics including the suspension, steering, brakes, transmission, transfer case, tech and so much more. Whether you have questions, answers or just want to show off your ride, join GM Square Body. Registration is fast, free and simple! Once you have registered, introduce yourself in the "Introduction" area.

Repair Mistakes & Blunders

When I was 15, I bought my first car, a 1989 Honda Prelude SI that cost me a whole $200.00. The timing belt had broken and bent the valves, there were rats nesting in the passenger floor board and the body was pretty beat up. After a summer of working at a local auto parts store, I had accumulated enough parts and money to repair it.

The engine repairs went well, and I then decided to tackle the brakes. The front brake replacement went smoothly and I thought the rear had gone smoothly as well. But as I would find out later, boy was I wrong!

It went something like this... With a Haynes manual in hand I started on the rear disc brakes, but, the thing that threw me was the parking brake mechanism. Even though I didn't need to remove the cables to change the pads, I did. Apparently, I didn't get the cables fully reinstalled correctly. After the task was complete, I drove it to work to show it off to some of my co-workers. One side of the parking lot had a slight downhill grade. I, of course, parked there. I left the transmission in neutral and when I pulled the parking brake handle, I heard a pop. This should have been a sign! However, I chose to ignore it. I went into work and pointed to the parking lot to show one of my friends my handiwork. He looked outside and asked, "What are you pointing at?" I looked...and my car was gone.

My Honda was rolling downhill. Usually this would not have been a big deal, but on that day, there was a newer Camaro in the parking spot directly in the path of my car.

Crunch! It hit the side of the Camaro. Speechless, I ran outside, and the owner of the Camaro happened to be standing there. Luckily it didn't do much damage.

Moral of the story: check, double check and then re-check your brakes!

Joshua in Texas

Tell us about your most infamous auto repair blunder or unconventional fix. Use your woe to help others avoid similar mistakes or share off-the-wall solutions that worked (at least for a while!). Please e-mail your story to flamur@rockauto.com. Include your mailing address and if you would like a RockAuto T-Shirt (please let us know your shirt size) or Hat if we publish your story. See the T-Shirts and Hats under Tools & Universal Parts in the catalog. The story will be credited using only your first name and your vague geographic location (state, province, country, continent, etc.) so you can remain semi-anonymous!

Automotive Trivia

The first automotive oil filter was patented and built by which manufacturer starting in 1923?

A. Bosch
B. Fram
C. Purolator
D. WIX


Answer below

Oil Filters and Vegetables

DENSO oil filter marketing literature warns against picking an oil filter based on nothing but a “pretty paint job and attractive packaging.” Reading that made me feel a little guilty about the DENSO oil filter I had recently installed on my family's Dodge van. Had I picked that filter only because of its beautiful deep blue paint?

Like many do-it-yourselfers, I enjoy picking out oil filters. With many newer cars, the computer tells the owner if it is time to change the oil. An oil level sensor has even replaced the dipstick on some cars. (The photo below shows an oil level sensor built by Standard Motor Products for BMW engines.) But for now, changing the oil filter remains an easy way to actively care for my vehicles and to perhaps compensate for any recent abuse. Hopefully, that nice DENSO oil filter made my van forget that I had loaded it up with tons of landscaping rocks.

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