Water Pump Replacement: Nissan VQ-35 Series
At the top of the list of the most difficult water pumps to replace are those found in the Nissan VQ-Series V6 engines. The pump is turned by the timing chain and is nestled in the engine block. This can make for a very difficult job no matter if the engine is mounted transversely or longitudinally.
VIDEO: Replace The Thermostat With Every Cooling System Job
Andrew Markel discusses the limited lifespan of thermostats, and how that makes it necessary to replace the thermostat as part of a cooling system task. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Auxiliary Water Pump Diagnostics
A car or truck comes into your shop with a complaint of poor heater performance. The driver complains that on cold mornings the heater will blow cold during the drive to work in rush hour traffic. The car is not overheating and the air is coming from the correct ducts. Your first reaction might be to install a new thermostat and inspect the heater core for a blockage. On the test drive, the system may perform great for you. Is the customer just cold blooded?
VIDEO: Diagnosing The A/C Compressor Clutch
Andrew Markel discusses the clutch on the A/C compressor, and the signs to look for in your diagnostic to confirm its operation. Sponsored by Valeo.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Water Pump Replacement
Toyota’s original Land Cruiser was the company’s version of a Jeep that could go anywhere. In its time it was highly rated and collected, which led the Japanese juggernaut to bring back an updated SUV in 2007 called the FJ Cruiser. The retro-styled vehicle was again a go anywhere machine powered by a 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) used in the Tacoma. The engines are durable and considered relatively robust for the time.
Long-Life Coolants Explained
Different types of coolants cover a range of applications from diesel to domestic, Asian and European vehicles. Each one is formulated to a specific manufacturer’s specifications to keep their engines at an optimal temperature. But, changes to the old one-size-fits-all formula has led to confusion for consumers and even some technicians.
VIDEO: Engine Efficiency Brings More Hoses
Andrew Markel discusses hoses and the necessity for several of them to route fluids to all parts of the vehicle due to the growing efficiency of engines. Sponsored by Dayco.
Diagnosing Intelligent Cooling Systems
The majority of cooling systems on the roads react to what is happening inside the combustion chamber. After the engine is stressed, the heat causes the thermostat to open. Increases in temperatures will also cause the cooling fans to come on. The heat carried by the coolant is the trigger for operation of the fans and thermostat.
Modern Cooling System Design: It’s Not About Temperature; It’s About Powertrain
Given the advanced state of internal combustion engine technology, some recent cooling system innovations will actually increase engine torque and fuel economy while reducing exhaust emissions. Let me simplify that idea: new cooling system technology will make engines run better and cleaner. So, let’s get on the same page by reviewing some basics.
Modern Cooling System Design: It’s Not About Temperature; It’s About Powertrain
Reading engineering papers tends to be a boring exercise, but they do give a technician like myself a new perspective on how a common automotive cooling system could actually be improved. Of course, our immediate thought is how the cooling system can keep the engine cooler. Not so, according to one paper.
HFO-1234yf: Regulations And Requirements
SAE standard J2843, for “R-1234yf (HFO-1234yf) recovery equipment for refrigerants used in mobile air conditioning systems,” establishes the minimum equipment requirements for the recovery, recycling and recharging of R-1234yf.
VIDEO: Winter Effects On Radiators
Andrew Markel discusses how winter can be tough on radiators, and the importance of checking the radiator cap after replacement. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
