Mike Tanaka
Mechanic & Maintenance Lead
Spent eleven years as a diesel and small-engine mechanic in the Pacific Northwest before moving into vehicle export work. Has personally torn down more K6As and E07Zs than he can count. Still does his own oil changes.
Articles by Mike Tanaka (9)
Honda Acty Runs Rough, Hard to Start, Random Stalls? Check the ECU Capacitors
Gremlins that mimic a dozen unrelated faults on an Acty usually trace back to the ECU's capacitors, not sensors or wiring. Suspect them first, not last.
Every Kei Truck Has These 4 Age Problems (and How to Check for Them)
Overdue timing belts, cooling failures, road-salt rust, and unknown brake history — the four checks that apply to any kei truck import, regardless of model.
Subaru Sambar Blue Smoke on Startup: The EN07 Valve Stem Seal Problem
A puff of blue smoke that clears in 30 seconds is usually age-hardened valve stem seals, not a dying engine. Here's the real fix, the cost, and the Sambar's separate cooling quirk.
DA16T CVT Shuddering or Hesitating? The Fluid Is Probably Wrong
Shudder and sluggish response on a DA16T CVT almost always trace back to the wrong transmission fluid, not a failing transmission. Here's the correct spec and the cheap first fix.
Suzuki Carry F6A Won't Run Right? Start With the Distributor Cap
The carbureted F6A's reputation for going through distributor caps is well known among owners — here's the symptom, the cheap fix, and how it differs from the later K6A.
Daihatsu Hijet Overheating but No Leak? It's Probably an Air Lock
The Hijet's most common overheating complaint usually needs no parts — just a proper bleed. But don't stop there if it doesn't hold. Here's the difference, and when to test for a head gasket instead.
Suzuki K6A Timing Chain Rattle: What It Means and When to Worry
A cold-start rattle on a K6A usually means a worn tensioner, not a dying engine. Here's the cause, the fix, and the real engine-killer to watch instead.
Kei Truck Won't Start: A Decision Tree (Cranks but No-Start, and Dead)
A three-question sequence that narrows down a cranks-but-won't-fire kei truck in about 20 minutes with basic tools, plus the separate checklist for one that won't crank at all.
DA63T Pre-Arrival Parts Kit
The complete DA63T arrival-day service kit — every consumable to order before your truck lands, with intervals, OEM part numbers, and where to buy in the US.