Tech Tip: Diagnosing and Servicing a Coolant Leak
Water pumps work hard. As the miles add up, so does the wear and tear on the pump shaft bearing, seal and impeller. Erosion inside the pump can wear away the vanes on the impeller, causing it to pump less efficiently as the impeller is eaten away. This may lead to engine overheating on hot days or when the engine is working hard. If the water pump seal becomes worn, coolant will leak past the pump shaft or out of the small vent hole on the housing.
Tech Tip: Understanding How the Air Conditioning System Works is the First Step in Diagnosing a Problem
The A/C compressor is the heart of the refrigeration circuit. It pumps and pressurizes the refrigerant. The compressor is belt-driven by the engine and most have a magnetic clutch that cycles the compressor on and off. Compressor failures are often caused by loss of lubrication, which in turn, may be due to a blockage in the orifice tube or expansion valve. Most compressors do not hold much oil and rely on oil circulating with the refrigerant for lubrication.
Audi: General Maintenance… Vital Checks on Key Vehicle Systems
article, I’ll focus on common repairs we see on at least a weekly basis. The series of cars covered in this article will be the A4 and A6 line from 1998 to 2004. These cars are all very similar in design and equipment, and most repairs are consistent between models. Be aware that many Audi
Time and a Half
One of the hot-button issues in the independent automotive service industry is how to charge for diagnostic time. Currently, the debate is framed by two basic schools of thought. The practitioners of the first school are the shop managers who regard “free diagnostic code reads” as a marketing expense needed to lure potential customers into
Mitch Schneider: Did You Just Say What I Think You Just Said?
I just finished writing a piece for our sister publication, Counterman. This particular article centered on a warranty issue for a defective master cylinder that we purchased and installed just the other day. In and of itself, there shouldn’t be much to write about. But, unfortunately, in this case there was. It turns out this particular master cylinder had been purchased years before by the supplier who got the call. And, again, there shouldn’t be much to write about. After all, it’s not like we’re talking about chicken or fish: something likely to "spoil" over time.
Tech Tip: Performing Profitable Radiator Service
Unlike their soldered-brass predecessors, today’s aluminum-core, plastic-tank radiators are not only environmentally friendly, they are lightweight, easy to service, less costly to produce and very efficient at keeping modern, high-output engines operating at optimum temperature. Because of their affordability and because they can be inspected while removed for a timing belt replacement or other front-mounted engine accessory service, aluminum radiators also make a good add-on sale during any major engine service.
Cadillac Tech Tip: Knocking Sound from Catera’s A/C Compressor
Some customers may comment on a knocking sound from the air conditioning compressor. This condition may be caused by an internal tolerance stack-up in the compressor. Perform the following A/C system checks and correct any concerns that may be found. Only after these checks have been done and any concerns found are corrected should the A/C compressor be replaced.
Mitch’s World: Did You Just Say What I Think You Just Said?
I just finished writing a piece for our sister publication, Counterman magazine, which goes to… well, it goes to countermen… and women; professionals in the industry who live on the other side of the parts counter. This particular article centered on a warranty issue for a defective master cylinder that we purchased and installed just
Toyota’s 50 Years in the Limelight
Hollywood, CA — What began as a barely viewed Halloween “premier” at a little independent dealership in Tinseltown has really grown into a “blockbuster” for the aftermarket. On Oct. 31, 1957, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, opened its American headquarters in a former Nash Rambler dealership in Hollywood. Nine months later and going on sale in
Climate Equipment: Hey, It’s Cold in Here!
Wherever two or more shall gather… Somebody is bound to be too hot or too cold! It seems to be a fact of life, people can never agree about the temperature inside. This one says it’s too hot, while that one says it’s too cold. One thing we can all agree on is that we