The Final Chapter
Finally – my Aston Martin is running without recurring error codes or obnoxious warning messages. After finally diagnosing a front hub sensor failure for the Dynamic Stability Control and related other systems (like ABS) error codes, the stubborn “Service Emissions System” and intermittent “Drive slowly – Service Urgent” service messages have finally been eliminated.
Over the past 16 months I’ve learned a lot more about Aston V12s and some of their idiosyncrasies. For instance, the importance of performing a pre-start routine to get oil pressure prior to firing up the engine for the first time each day. This is related to another issue – poor oil circulation to the aft part of the engine. Another part of mitigating possible oil starvation includes rerouting the PCV valve hoses. Apparently, some engines also suffer from greater than normal oil consumption as part of this symptom, although mine has never exhibited that problem.
The proof of these issues has been borne out in my latest visit to Velocity AP in Oliver, BC, Canada. Stuart Dickinson and his resident gurus including Mike Casorso, the Race Shop Manager, solved the last bit of my error code issues in the space of roughly two days. I’m left to wonder why the Aston dealer seems to have missed something relatively simple in the process. It’s probably worth a conversation with them to figure that out. But, I digress.
In performing his due diligence, tracing error codes and cross-checking issues to eliminate variables, Mike performed a compression check (3 times). The values were all very good and closely matched – except for the aft-most, right bank cylinder 6. Apparently, more ring wear there has created a significantly lower compression number, and it’s most likely related to previous poor oil circulation. So, I have a situation to continue monitoring.
All that said, the car is performing flawlessly now. And our 4-day road trip to the beautiful Osoyoos region of south-central BC was great fun. I ferried the car there while Janice followed in our recently acquired GMC Yukon XL Denali. This allowed us to visit several wineries, bring our bikes to ride the local roads, and try our golf clubs on a little Osoyoos turf while Velocity AP performed its magic.
The wines were excellent and some of the tasting rooms nothing less than spectacular with gorgeous views of the Osoyoos Lake and Valley. Over two brief trips there we have visited the tasting rooms of Burrowing Owl, Vin Amite, Maverick, Synchromesh, Phantom Creek, Painted Rock, Church & State and Platinum Bench. There’s plenty left to find. In fact, we’re told there are 139 wineries in this region, which is now solidly known as the premier growing region for Canadian wines. Being just north of the prime growing regions of Washington State, this is still very viable country for excellent grape production.
Above are the expansive views from the Burrowing Owl tasting room as well as the roadside vineyards among the rolling hills of our bike ride on Black Sage Road.
Make no mistake, this is beautiful country. The views from Highway 97, the major thoroughfare through this area, are utterly breathtaking in their lushness and variety of vineyards interspersed with apple, apricot, cherry, peach, and plum trees. One orchard seamlessly connects to one after another in a seemingly endless parade of trees and vines. As gorgeous as any farming area I have ever seen, including Italy. The lake offers all the usual summer water past times with temperatures typical of the greater Okanagan region of central Washington and British Columbia – anywhere from the mid-80s to low 100s, while cooling at night to very comfortable mid 60s.
This is a great place to visit. And I can’t speak highly enough of the people at Velocity AP – friendly, expert, thorough, innovative; easy to talk to and interested in the best. I’m completely sold, and I will be bringing my Aston here every chance I get – the wine and golf doesn’t hurt either!
