Down the Road: Advances in Engine Technology
Two engine technologies that have been around for years are generating plenty of interest these days as the automakers look to create better fuel efficiency, without sacrificing power — direct injection for gasoline engines and turbocharging. Direct injection for gasoline engines is where fuel is injected right into the combustion chamber of each cylinder, as
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Getting In-Sync with a Couple Wranglers
It’s axiomatic in the diagnostic trade that, as soon as one thinks he has command of a particular system, the gods of technology pitch a curve ball that unerringly slips under the swing of the diagnostic bat. Not that I’ve never seen a 4.0L Jeep engine before; I’ve serviced dozens, perhaps hundreds of them. The
Tech Tip: Pleasant Surprise – Plugging Nissan 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.
Good Good Vibrations
Wouldn’t it be great if various vibrations in the car were something that we could measure, sort through, select one, and assign numbers to it that can be used to find its source? Wouldn’t be even better if we could determine by the numbers whether the vibration was a balance issue or excessive runout with
Tech Talk: Positioning Yourself to Handle TP Service
Although conventional throttle position sensors attached to the throttle shaft are considered basic technology on modern engine management systems, the conventional throttle sensor plays an important role in its relationship with other sensors. The voltage inputs of most throttle position (TP) sensors may, for example, be coordinated with the barometric pressure (BARO), manifold absolute pressure
Timing Belt Replacement: Tried and True Repair Method Works Every Time
and below the intake manifold. When this unit fails, it tends to look like the head gaskets are blown. The oil mixes with the coolant and so on, leading to catastrophic engine bearing failure. Saab recommends flushing the cooling system with Shout, a cleaning agent found in many stores. Saab also recommends changing the timing
Diagnostic Solutions: Oil Filters… Are Working Harder Than Ever to Supply Clean Oil to Vital Engine Parts
Although oil filtration isn’t a new science, it’s important to remember that modern engine technology is placing new demands on oil filters. At the very least, modern engines require extremely clean oil for maximum reliability and longevity. But, more important, the use of synthetic lubricants and on-board monitored oil change intervals has allowed manufacturers to
Diagnostic Oddities
This article is dedicated to some Ford specific issues that, after being brought to light, can save your shop thousands of dollars in wasted time and liability. There may be some other makes out there with some similar designs and quirks, but the only technical references will be for Ford vehicles. By Glen Beanard Giddy
TechTravel: A Speedweek Racing Diary
Jim Linder “Fuel Injector Guru” needs no introduction to the readers of Underhood Service. His reputation as a technical writer and as a provider of quality technical training and electronic fuel injection service extends industry-wide. By now, many of Linder’s fans know that his record attempt was rained out by the third day of qualifying
Carley’s Corner: Which Is Better, a Diesel or a Hybrid?
I received a call the other day from someone who wanted to know if I thought they should buy a Toyota Prius hybrid or a diesel-powered VW. Which is best? I said drive both cars, then buy the one you like the best. Hybrids and diesels are getting a lot of buzz these days as