Bob & May-The Car Couple

Bob & May-The Car Couple Bob & May – The Car Couple operates with one goal — to do auto repair differently. Services performed independently by appointment only.

Husband-and-wife ASE-certified team providing precision diagnostics, performance tuning, and reliable auto service — thorough, friendly, and by appointment only in Panama City Beach and nearby areas. Bob Patterson, an ASE-Certified Technician and experienced LS-platform tuner, brings over 20 years of hands-on knowledge in precision diagnostics, performance systems, and custom calibration. May Patt

erson, an ASE-Certified Service Consultant, focuses on communication, organization, and customer care — ensuring every job runs smoothly from first message to final test drive. Together, they provide by-appointment automotive care — from general maintenance and diagnostics to specialized performance work across a wide range of applications. Whether it’s a late-model domestic engine, HEMI, LS, or another performance platform, Bob & May combine expertise with integrity to deliver reliable results. Their mission is simple: fix cars the right way, treat people fairly, and build something lasting for their family and community. Independent family mechanics • Not a licensed Motor Vehicle Repair Shop under the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

07/03/2026

2014 Silverado engine swap update! 🔧

The replacement engine is officially back in the truck. On these Silverado 5.3L engine swaps, I like to remove the passenger-side exhaust manifold, A/C compressor, and engine mount to give myself the clearance needed without removing the entire front clip.

The engine goes in at an angle, rotated counterclockwise, then gets carefully maneuvered into position. Once it’s far enough into the engine bay, I can install the mount, continue lowering it, rotate it back straight, and slide it into its final position before setting it down and installing the motor mount bolts.

It’s a slow process, but taking your time helps prevent damage and makes the installation go much smoother.

Tomorrow’s goal is to get everything hooked back up, get the transmission bolted in place, and hopefully hear this truck run again!

As always, thank you for following along with the repair process. If your vehicle needs service, give us a call and let’s get you back on the road.

07/02/2026

Used engine installs are about more than just bolting another engine in and sending it down the road.

Before this replacement engine goes back into this 2014 Silverado, I’m taking care of the hard-to-reach seals that can cause major headaches later. The rear main seal, rear cover gasket, oil pan seals, oil pickup tube seals, and oil filter adapter seals are all being replaced while the engine is out.

Could I install it as-is? Sure. But if one of those seals starts leaking later, the labor required to get back to them is substantial. I’d rather take care of it now while everything is accessible and save the customer from future problems.

I also dropped the oil pan to inspect the condition of the replacement engine. There was a small amount of sludge in the bottom of the pan, but the pickup tube was clean and unrestricted. Everything was thoroughly cleaned, resealed, and inspected before reassembly.

The goal isn’t just getting the truck running—it’s giving this replacement engine the best chance at a long, reliable life.

Still shooting to have this Silverado back together by Friday if the truck cooperates!

If your vehicle needs repairs, diagnostics, maintenance, or an engine replacement, give us a call and let’s get you back on the road.

07/02/2026

🚗 Shop Update from Bob & May The Car Couple 🇺🇸

Welcome back to the shop!

The replacement engine for the Silverado has finally arrived, and we’re working hard to get this truck back on the road as quickly as possible. A big thank you to LKQ for helping us out and allowing us to keep the original engine so we can make sure we have everything needed to complete this repair correctly.

We also have the ‘97 Jeep back in the shop. We’re replacing a window switch and door lock actuator, but we’re still chasing an intermittent electrical issue that only shows up occasionally. The vehicle will sometimes start with gauges acting up and a rough-running condition. Previous ground wire repairs helped significantly, but we’re continuing our testing and currently suspect low battery voltage may be contributing to the problem.

Another vehicle in the shop is a 2005 Toyota 4Runner with a confirmed evaporator core refrigerant leak. Unfortunately, the customer has decided to postpone that repair for now, so we’ll be getting that vehicle back to them shortly.

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, we want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. If you’re traveling, give yourself extra time, stay patient, and make smart decisions on the road. Your safety is more important than arriving a few minutes earlier.

If you need repairs, maintenance, diagnostics, or a second opinion before or after the holiday, give us a call. We’ll do everything we can to help keep you on the road.

🇺🇸 From our family to yours, Happy Fourth of July and stay safe!

📞 Bob & May The Car Couple
🔧 Honest Diagnostics • Quality Repairs • Real Solutions

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07/01/2026

🚨 Got a ticking noise from your truck? Don’t assume you need an engine.

This small roller lifter can cause thousands of dollars in damage when it fails, and it’s one of the most common issues we see on GM LS, GM LT, and Chrysler Hemi engines.

In this video, I explain:
✔️ What a lifter does
✔️ Why these failures happen
✔️ Common warning signs to watch for
✔️ Why “Hemi Tick” should never be ignored
✔️ When an engine can be repaired instead of replaced

Many owners are told they need a complete engine replacement when the actual problem may be isolated to the camshaft and lifters. The key is proper diagnosis and catching the issue before additional damage occurs.

If your truck has a ticking noise, misfire, check engine light, or you’ve been told you need an engine, give us a call. We can help determine the cause and discuss the best repair options to keep you on the road.

📞 Call today to schedule an appointment.

Bob & May | The Car Couple

06/30/2026

Today’s project was this 2014 Silverado engine replacement, and we’ve officially got the old engine out and on the ground.

There are several ways to remove one of these LS-based engines, but over the years I’ve found a method that allows me to get the engine out without removing the entire front clip. It takes a little planning, but it saves time and reduces the amount of disassembly required.

With the engine now removed, the next step is transferring components and preparing everything for the replacement engine when it arrives. Then it’ll be time to get this truck back together and back on the road for its owner.

Every repair has its own challenges, and that’s why proper diagnosis, planning, and experience matter before turning the first wrench.

If your vehicle needs an engine replacement, diagnosis, maintenance, or repairs, give us a call and let’s get you on the schedule. We’re here to help keep you moving.




















06/30/2026

Busy day at the shop today! We knocked out a water pump on a 2020 Toyota Corolla, diagnosed an A/C drain issue on a 2016 Cadillac Escalade, and continued planning for a Silverado engine swap that has to be completed by Thursday.

Sometimes repairs aren’t what they first appear to be. In the Escalade’s case, what looked like a clogged drain turned out to be damage inside the HVAC box from a previous repair attempt. We’ll get the owner a quote and help him make the best decision moving forward.

I also talked about AFM/DOD lifter failures on GM trucks. In many cases, a camshaft and lifter repair is a solid option and can save customers money compared to replacing the entire engine.

As always, if you need automotive advice, diagnostics, maintenance, or repairs, give us a call and get on the schedule. Even if you’re outside our area, I’m happy to point you in the right direction when I can.

06/29/2026

Today we have a 2000 Toyota 4Runner in the shop with a cylinder #2 misfire and extremely low compression.

After confirming the low compression condition, we performed a wet compression test using a small amount of ATF and brake cleaner to see if we could temporarily improve the compression and help determine whether the issue was related to piston rings. Compression remained nearly unchanged, which pointed us away from the bottom end of the engine.

Next, we performed a leak-down test and found approximately 82% leakage on cylinder #2. Air was escaping through both the intake and exhaust ports, indicating the valves are not sealing properly.

Based on our testing, we are condemning the cylinder head on cylinder #2 due to valve sealing issues. Our next step is to discuss repair options with the customer. If they decide to move forward, we would recommend removing and servicing both cylinder heads so everything is fresh and reliable at the same time.

If the customer approves the repair, we’ll be bringing you along for the process in future videos. If not, we’ll catch you on the next diagnostic adventure.

Be sure to like, follow, and share to keep up with our latest repairs and diagnostics. If your vehicle needs service, repairs, or diagnostics, give us a call and let’s get you on the schedule!

06/27/2026

2014 Silverado 5.3L Knock Diagnosis – Part 1

Got an interesting one in the shop today.

This Silverado has a loud knocking noise under light throttle in 2nd gear and above around 1,000–1,500 RPM. At first, I ran some injector balance testing and didn’t find anything unusual.

Then I noticed something I’ve never seen before on one of these trucks.

While monitoring the Active Fuel Management (DOD) system, the knock shows up exactly when the engine switches into 4-cylinder mode. The moment it goes back to V8 mode, the noise disappears.

I’ve worked on hundreds of these GM trucks over the years, and this is the first time I’ve seen a knock that seems directly tied to cylinder deactivation.

Have you ever run into this before? If so, let me know what you found. I’d love to hear your experience.

Stay tuned for Part 2 as we dig deeper and figure out what’s causing it.

Need help with your vehicle? Give us a call and let’s get it on the schedule.

06/26/2026

Another repair checked off the list today! 🔧

This Toyota Avalon came in for a leaking power steering return hose. While I didn’t film the entire repair, I did go over what it actually takes to access the hose. To replace it properly, the front passenger wheel, inner fender liner, and lower splash shield all have to come off to reach the mounting bolt and lower section of the hose.

One important tip: Always use the correct power steering fluid for your vehicle. Using the wrong fluid can damage seals, create leaks, or even lead to steering system failure. A simple mistake can become an expensive repair.

If your vehicle has a power steering leak, is making noise when turning, or just isn’t steering like it should, give us a call. We’d be happy to inspect it and get you back on the road safely.

📞 Call today to get on the schedule!

06/26/2026

Happy Friday! We’re wrapping up another busy week here at the shop.

Today we’re finishing up the Jeep A/C repair and getting it back to its owner, replacing a power steering return hose on a Toyota, and continuing diagnostics on a Colorado while we wait on a backordered GM solenoid. We’ve also got a truck coming in with a mysterious engine knock after an engine replacement.

Looks like y’all are doing a great job keeping me away from the ‘66 project—and that’s a good thing! Your vehicles come first.

If you’ve got something that needs attention before the weekend, give us a call. If we can squeeze you in today, we’ll do our best. If not, we’ll get you scheduled for next week.

Be sure to like, follow, and stay tuned for today’s updates!

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Panama City Beach, FL

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