Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Roy Larson, president Beyer Motor Works Inc., BMW/Mercedes driveline experts Chandler, AZ www.beyerdriveline.com and www.beyermotorworks.com Member: BIMRS, Bimmer Tech Group, Mini Tech Group, BMW CCA, ASA, APRA, BBB My 5 favorite tools are: Streamlight Stylus Reach — This pocket flashlight puts the light where I need it, making it ideal to inspect brake pads and
Tech Tip: Understanding Vehicle Electrical Systems Begins and Ends with the Alternator
The alternator’s job has definitely become more complex during the past decade. Years ago, the typical import vehicle could live very happily with 40 amps of electrical current, which was enough to power the ignition, fuel and lighting systems. Today, that threshold is rapidly advancing toward 100 amps of current.
Mitch Schneider: When Bad Luck is Really Good Luck…
About the worst thing that can happen around here is a week where all kinds of bizarre things accumulate. Aside from the absolute chaos it inflicts on everyone, including me, the crush of dealing with multiple crises makes it almost impossible to identify where one calamity ends and another begins.
Tech Tip: Maintaining Belt Tension is Critical
Most late-model engines have serpentine belt drives for the engine-driven accessories. And most people know that belts are a maintenance item and eventually have to be replaced. But many don’t know the spring-loaded automatic tensioner that keeps a serpentine belt tight is also a wear item. Consequently, the automatic tensioner may also have to be replaced when the time comes to change the belt.
Mitch’s World: If it Wasn’t for Bad Luck…
About the worst thing that can happen around here is a week where all kinds of bizarre things accumulate. Aside from the absolute chaos it inflicts on everyone including me, the crush of dealing with multiple crises makes it almost impossible to identify where one calamity ends and another begins. The ability to cope with
Chrysler & Jeep Cooling System & HVAC Service
Every car make has its quirks, and Chrysler and Jeep vehicles are no exception. In researching this article, we found several examples of heater problems in these vehicles that seem to be fairly common. On 2001 and 2002 Sebring Sedan, Sebring Convertible and Stratus Sedan, plus 1993 to 2002 Chrysler Concorde, LHS, New Yorker and
Tech Tip: What to Know When Coolant Leaks Occur
Engines run hot! Almost a third of the heat energy produced by combustion is absorbed by the engine itself. That’s why engines need a cooling system. The cooling system absorbs the engine’s waste-heat and prevents the engine from overheating and self-destructing.
Nissan Tech Tip: Pleasant Surprise – Plugging Head Leak
Any technician who has worked extensively with Asian-made vehicles has more than a casual acquaintance with head gasket replacements. It comes as no surprise that when you put an aluminum head on a cast iron block, the different expansion rates of the two metals will eventually weaken the head gasket.
Standard Plus Club Recognized as Preferred Provider to Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Customers
Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) announces its Standard Plus Club technical support program is recognized as a preferred provider to the service dealer customers of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper).
Chevy AVEO Timing Belt Service
As a rule, General Motors uses timing chains rather than timing belts on most of its engines. Timing chains are long-lived and reliable, and do not have a recommended replacement interval. Not so with timing belts. One GM engine that does use a rubber timing belt is the 1.6L E-TECH II engine in the 2004