Diagnostic Solutions: Cylinder Head Service, Restoring the Engine to Precise OE Tolerances
Although cylinder head repairs have been a staple of the import repair shop for many years, modern technology has changed the way we should sell and perform cylinder head services. In years past, for example, a cylinder head repair need last only 30,000 or 40,000 miles until the vehicle was retired from service. Today, however,
Who’s at Fault?…Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes & Fixes
A Check Engine Light that’s illuminated is always a sign that something is wrong. But what? You usually can’t tell until you plug in a code reader or scan tool and read out the code(s) that have turned on the light. At least then you have a starting point for further diagnosis. Some people think
National Cylinder Head Specializes in Rebuilt Cylinder Heads for Import and Domestic Vehicles
National Cylinder Head specializes in completely rebuilt cylinder heads made of aluminum and cast iron. Cylinder heads are available in both import and domestic, for only $199. Most heads are complete with cams, lifters, rocker arms, valves and springs.
Tech Tip: Honda Ticking Noise from the Engine
A ticking noise may come from the V6 engine of 1994-’97 Passports during normal operation. According to Honda, the probable cause is one or more hydraulic lash adjusters (HLAs) does not fully extend due to varnish buildup inside. This condition results from exceeding the required oil and filter change schedule.
Diagnostic Solutions: Fluid Maintenance…Selling Needed Services Vs. “Wallet Flushing”
Good import shop managers stay on top of their annual workflow by placing jobs like timing belt and brake replacements into categories that can be tracked on a historical basis. If a shop has faithfully tracked the kinds of work flowing through its service bays during the past 10 years, it might become apparent that
Tech Info For Servicing Parts
Central Port Fuel Injection Diagnosis
Tech Feature: Dialing in on Today’s Engine Bearing Trends
When selecting engine bearings, engine builders often focus on getting the proper clearances and maintaining sufficient oil pressure, but other bearing characteristics should also be considered in certain applications. Durability is less of a concern today because the aftermarket and OEMs demand bearings that can last 150,000 miles even under severe stress from a neglectful vehicle owner.
Tech Tip: Common Mistakes to Avoid when Resurfacing Cylinder Heads and Blocks
Cylinder heads and blocks may need to be resurfaced to restore flatness or to improve the surface finish, or milled to change the deck height for a variety of reasons. The deck surface on the head or block may need to be resurfaced if the surface isn’t smooth or flat. A head may need to be resurfaced after welds or other repairs have been made, or milled to increase the compression ratio.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Symptom Diagnosis…The Journey Begins
When I first began my automotive career way back in 1957, the symptoms of an ailing engine were very apparent. A carburetor with a worn accelerator pump, for example, would characteristically stumble on acceleration and a closed-up set of distributor contact points would cause the engine to become very sluggish. Low fuel pressure caused by
Pro Motor Engines Team Sets Another Record, Wins 2007 MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder Showdown
Dennis Borem and Darrell Hoffman of Pro Motor Engines walked away with the top prize at the 2007 MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder Showdown. The top prize included the Randy Dorton Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of $26,000. Kevin Webber and Scott Vester of Hendrick Motorsports received $9,000 in their runner-up effort.