Tech Tip: Reconditioning Connecting Rods
When you’re looking at connecting rods and considering returning them to service, there are many things you must consider. They are one of the most critical pieces of the engine puzzle and under great strain when in operation, so you must pay attention to the details during the rebuilding process.
Tech Tip: Brake Fluid Q & A
What are the fundamental differences between synthetic fluid and conventional DOT 3 and 4? Simple, it all comes down to the base stock. Both synthetic and conventional brake fluids start from the same "polyethylene glycol" stock. But, to make synthetic brake fluid the manufacturer will "synthesize" the original base stock and make the molecules better and more consistent.
Tech Tip: Shifty Camaro Strands Salesman
As a traveling salesman, Gerry spends a lot of time on the road in his 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. Just last week he was in Southern California when he started having transmission problems. Gerry called and said that the MIL lamp came on and the car wasn’t shifting correctly. I suggested he take the car to a local transmission shop owned by a friend of mine. I also prepared Gerry for what may be an expensive repair.
Tech Tip: Torque Specs are for Clean and Dry Studs and Lug Nuts
Torque specifications for lug nuts are always for clean and dry studs and lug nuts. That means no oil, no grease, no anti-seize and no lubricants of any kind. Any of these products will reduce the friction between the threads.
Robinair Introduces New Vehicle Information Database Card
Robinair has released the latest version of its Vehicle Information Database Card (P/N 34411) for use with the Robinair CoolTech 34788 refrigerant recovery and recharging unit. The new 34411 vehicle information database card inserts directly into the unit’s onboard Secure Digital slot providing real-time storage and retrieval of field software updates for 1994 to 2007 model year vehicles.
Tech Tip: Use Proper Torque When Installing Wheel Fasteners
It’s not difficult to torque wheel fasteners properly, but it’s not difficult to foul up the job, either. We’re not using double talk here; we’re shootin’ straight from the hip. The easy part of proper wheel fastener torquing is knowing the vehicle manufacturer torque specifications for a particular passenger car, light truck or medium truck, and following those instructions to the letter.
Tech Tip: Selling Performance Modifications
The sport compact car market is hotter than ever. The market has moved beyond the simple bolt-ons such as wheels, tires, brake rotors and spoilers. It’s not unusual today to see sport compact engines producing upward of 400 horsepower on the street. With so much power under the hood, the challenge is getting the horsepower to the tires and maintaining reasonable traction and handling.
Tech Tip: Life, Liberty and the Solution to Trouble Codes
Kathy enjoys hiking with her dogs. Recently, she traded in her old SUV for a 2005 Jeep Liberty that could comfortably carry the three of them. On a recent drive home from hiking in the mountains, Kathy noticed that the ABS lamp was on. She stopped by my shop a few days later, and after testing, we determined that the rear wheel speed sensor had failed.
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.
NGK Introduces New Automotive Spark Plug Catalog
Now available from NGK is the 2007/2008 Spark Plug Catalog (part #99922) covering domestic and import cars, light trucks, SUVs and vans applications. Updated with complete 2007 model year coverage and extensive 2008 applications, this 568-page catalog supersedes Catalog #500-0506 and the supplement 99920.