Gearing Up for Timing Belt and Chain Work
Timing belts are a maintenance item on engines that have them, but what about timing chains? On most overhead cam engines that use a timing chain to turn the cams, there’s usually some type of chain tensioner or adjuster to keep the chain tight and to compensate for stretch as the chain ages. But on pushrod V6 and V8 engines, there is no chain tensioner to compensate for chain stretch. Consequently, after tens of thousand of miles, the chain loosens up, starts to make noise as it rattles against the front cover, and causes cam timing to retard. At this point the timing chain needs to be replaced.
Joel Steinberg, Jole’s Auto Services
Joel Steinberg, owner Jole’s Auto Services Kailua-Kona, HI Redline Detection Smoke Pro — Smoke Pro is the best smoke machine I’ve ever used. It’s easy to set up and I’ve found numerous uses. Just found an evaporate leak in a matter of minutes. Have used it for vacuum, exhaust and even oil leaks. I would
Actron and Sunpro Announce the ‘Muscle Car Sweepstakes’
Have you ever dreamed of owning an original, all-American muscle car? Now’s your chance! The Actron and Sunpro "Muscle Car Sweepstakes" has arrived! One lucky winner will drive away in a beautifully restored 1969 Dodge Coronet R/T armed with a 440 Magnum V8 – a 375 horsepower MOPAR legend ….
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Ken Peavy, owner Peavy’s Garage Katy, TX www.peavys-garage.com Peavy’s Garage is a family-owned and operated shop, AAA approved since 1970. We also have Peavy’s Tire & Automotive in Houston. About five years ago, we discovered BG products and equipment, which increased our business by 30% and profits greatly. General service techs operate the equipment, which
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Jeff Hume, John Partipilo, Terry Kirschbaum and Jesse Hernandez CMJ Automotive Addison, IL We went through an extensive study of the tools we use most often and the ones we just like a lot. Our list is in no particular order. Snap-on MODIS Scanner — Helps us diagnose vehicles faster and more efficiently. Huth Pipe
Have You Developed an Automotive Tool? Turn Your Tool Idea into Money
If you have an original tool idea which others may need, Lisle Corporation is interested in evaluating your idea. Your idea may be produced and sold by Lisle Corporation under an attractive award or royalty agreement that will bring you income for years to come.
Stolen 1968 Corvette Returned 37 Years Later!
Three months after buying a brand new blue Corvette for $6,000 in 1968, Alan Poster’s ‘Vette was stolen from a parking garage in Manhattan. Unable to afford car insurance at the time, Poster thought he had lost his prized possession forever.
Mopar Announces New Top Eliminator Award for Best Mopar Cars of 2007
Mopar Performance Parts announced a new year-long program to recognize the most passionate and skilled Mopar enthusiasts and their restored cars. Eight owners will be named "Top Eliminators" and will accompany their vehicles to the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.
Avoiding Those Hi-Tech Returns
One of the more common complaints these days from jobbers and retailers when dealing with electronic powertrain control modules (ECMs/PCMs) is the relatively high number of defective returns, exchanges or warranty claims demanded by repair shops. Yet, of all electronic parts that come back defective, ECMs tend to be the ones most often misdiagnosed. This
Favorite Tools of the Country’s Top Technicians
David E. Link, owner Quality Racing Toledo, OH ALLDATA – I’ve tried the others, but nothing out there is as comprehensive – especially for auto-electrical. Blue-Point Rechargeable UV Leak Detector Light and Dye Injector – A definite must-have for A/C work. Blue-Point EEDM504B Multimeter – I don’t know how I went so long without