Chris Crowell, Author at UnderhoodService
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Coolant Transfusion: Proper Selection Prevents System Degradation

Coolant is mostly a mixture of ethylene glycol and water, with a small percentage being solvents, additives and inhibitors – but it’s the mixing and matching of those last pieces that really determine what coolant should be used and when. There are three main coolant buckets, defined by their different additive philosophies.

coolant Tank Notice
Refrigerant Revolution: What R-1234yf Means for Service, Equipment, Safety

The new R-1234yf refrigerant is more than just a new jumble of numbers and letters on a label. For your shop, R-1234yf means several new procedures, a certification and new equipment in order to properly handle these new systems. Why the difference in handling and servicing R-1234yf systems versus R-134a? The reason is flammability. Don’t

r1234yf vehicle service
Be Careful When Replacing That Diesel Air Filter

Modern passenger and light-duty diesels with ECMs have mass airflow sensors and precisely control fuel ­delivery. Key to the efficiency and lifespan of the diesel engine is the diesel air filter. A restricted air filter will not affect fuel economy but will drastically affect power output. We asked prominent filter manufacturers for some diesel air

diesel air filter replacement gauge
A/C Oil Service: Avoid Compressor Failure With Proper Maintenance

HVAC systems often fail because the air conditioning compressor fails. Not following the proper service procedures or compressor oil recommendations could be factors that contribute to premature compressor failure. Refrigerant Since the mid-‘90s, all vehicles have been using R-134a refrigerant, but soon, vehicles will arrive at your shop equipped with R-1234yf refrigerant. This is the

AC Oil Compressor failure
Fuel Injector Replacement Tip: Watch For Heat Soak

Fuel injectors play a big role in today’s vehicles, which emphasize precision and timing in order to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. If those fuel injectors are clogged or out of whack, then all of that precision goes out the window. If you missed it, be sure to check out our 10 Signs a Fuel Injector

Fuel Injector Replacement
Using oxygen sensors to identify emissions efficiency

The ASE X1 Certification Test has a section (8 questions) focused on emissions system diagnosis. For that section, among other things, you will need to: • Identify failed catalytic converter(s); determine cause of failure; determine needed repair. • Identify failed oxygen sensor(s) (O2S/HO2S) component(s) and circuitry; determine cause of failure; determine needed repair. • Inspect

Oxygen sensors
Air Conditioning System Advances Change Service Opportunities

The attention-grabbing headline in the world of air conditioning is usually the switching of refrigerants as the industry and regulators continue to search for the next level of environmental friendliness. But the underrated A/C story that’s slowly developed during the same time period is the overall improvement of A/C systems.

Platinum prices, catalytic converter thefts on the rise?

Platinum miners in South Africa went on strike toward the end of January. This situation half a world away could have real impact on the price, sales and safety of catalytic converters. Also, read how some resourceful shops are marketing services to guard against the rise in catalytic converter thefts.