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.
Drive Belt Checklist: What Are You Missing?
You might have only one chance to sell a customer a new serpentine belt. With belts lasting roughly 90,000 miles, proper inspection at the time of failure is critical not only for selling the belt, but also for ensuring add-on sales and better customer satisfaction.
VIDEO: Why Are There Certain Coolants For Certain Vehicles?
Andrew Markel explains how coolant is not meant to be mixed or switched. There are certain coolants for certain vehicles that must be used for long engine and gasket life. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
VIDEO: Using Airflow To Sell Cabin Air Filters
Andrew Markel introduces an inexpensive tool that can assist in selling cabin air filter replacements. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
VIDEO: Coolant Temperature Sensor Diagnostics
If you have a vehicle in your shop with the fans running all the time, there may be a problem with the coolant temperature sensor. Andrew Markel explains. Sponsored by Bosch Automotive Service Solutions.
Selling Timing Belt Replacement Jobs
When pricing the job, don’t overlook additional and necessary related sales. The timing belt drives the water pump on these engines. Although very reliable, I would consider it a bad bet to think the pump will last 180,000 miles.
Air Conditioning Odor Causes
Air conditioning odors typically result from the uncontrolled growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in the evaporator. Research by independent laboratories has found fungi such as Aspergillus, Cladesporium, Penicillium and others growing on cooling coils and other A/C system areas.
Sealing Modern Water Pumps
Over the past 20 years, we have seen water pumps and cooling systems evolve to improve start-up emissions. We have also seen a revolution in the material used for engine blocks, cylinder heads and cooling system components. Today, coolant may flow through an iron block, aluminum cylinder head and plastic thermostat housing.
Preventive Cooling System Service: Keeping P0128 Codes Away
Of the engine’s two vital fluid systems, lubrication and cooling, the cooling system might need more routine maintenance. If we don’t inspect and service the cooling system as required, the system might fail well before the next extended interval oil change is due. With that said, let’s explore a few ways to inspect cooling systems on extended maintenance interval vehicles.
VIDEO: Overheating In The Summer Heat
Andrew Markel shows how you can diagnose the overheating vehicles that will be coming to your shop in the hot weather. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
