Cleaning Carbon from TDI Intake Systems
Volkwagen has been selling diesel-powered cars in the U.S. for almost 30 years. Turbocharged versions have been available for 25. That is a lot of experience and a testament to the development of a reliable, efficient and durable powerplant. The introduction and development of the TDI (turbocharged direct injection) brought the VW diesel into the
Taking Deep Breaths
I had an interesting one the other day. This was a 2005 Ford F-150 4.6L that was setting fault codes for both banks lean, a P0171 and P0174. This vehicle was a trade-in to a used car lot and had only slightly more than 29,000 miles on it. Where to Begin? Of course, the first
Tech Tip: Locating the Source of an Engine Leak
Nothing upsets pernickety homeowners more than driveway stains caused by oil leaking from the vehicles of visiting friends and family. However, many of the vehicles that suffer oil leaks can be cured. It just takes a bit of detective work to locate the leak source and some labor time to make the repair. In essence, those technicians who take on leaking engine work aren’t only providing environmental repairs to the vehicle, they’re repairing relationships among family members and ….
News Update: ALLDATA Celebrates 70,000 Customers
Customer-Centric Focus Heightens Success ALLDATA held a media day event at its headquarters in Elk Grove, CA, on Apr. 3, to celebrate its latest accomplishment — 70,000 customers — and to spotlight how ALLDATA is helping automotive service professionals boost their business success. ALLDATA President Jeff Lagges and other company executives discussed how ALLDATA is
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Faulty Water Pump
The water pump is one of those parts that no engine can run long without. If the water pump shaft seal leaks, the cooling system will lose coolant and the engine will overheat. That means a breakdown – and a sale of a replacement water pump. The water pump circulates coolant between the engine and radiator to keep the engine from running too hot. Almost a third of the heat produced by combustion ends up as waste heat absorbed by the ….
Tech Tip: Larry Carley Covers the Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes and Fixes
Some people think a code is all you need to fix a fault and turn off the Check Engine Light (or Malfunction Indicator Lamp or MIL). A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) certainly helps, but it only tells you that some kind of fault has occurred, and maybe the circuit or component associated with the fault. But no code by itself can tell you which part to replace, because in many instances any one of several causes may have set the code ….
Tech Tip: Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts on 5.4L Engines
The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding broken exhaust manifold bolts on 1999-2005 Ford 5.4L VIN L engines. This information applies to non-supercharged Ford truck engines. Generally, this condition is first noticed because of excessive exhaust noise that is the result of ….
Management: Marketing Muffler Service Can Improve Bottom Line
Have muffler inspections become a low-priority undercar service in your shop? With the introduction of stainless-steel exhaust systems into the import market, it’s easy to forget that muffler and related exhaust parts sales are still a lucrative service that can enhance any profit and loss statement. Muffler replacements can be profitable at any skill or ….
MAHLE Clevite Inc. Announces New Contract with NASCAR Expanding Reach into Grass Roots Racing
MAHLE Clevite Inc. announced its continued support of NASCAR by signing a new contract for the 2008 season. A long time supporter of NASCAR racing, the company has extended its agreement to again sponsor the Nationwide Series, Craftsman Truck Series and at the grass roots levels of NASCAR.
Tech Tip: Multiple Cylinder Misfire on Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler Vehicles
The customer may experience an incident of engine misfire during certain vehicle operating conditions. The misfire may occur when the vehicle is operated between 50-70 mph and under light loading conditions, e.g. slight uphill road grades. This condition may occur at all ambient conditions, but is more noticeable when ambient conditions are less than 0° C (32° F).