Tech Tip: Performance Diesel Engine Service Notes
Diesels are setting all kinds of records from land speed to elapsed time. So if you’re not already dabbling in diesel performance, you may be soon. Diesel engines are a different type of animal when compared to gasoline engines. While both use the same four-stroke cycle of combustion, diesels use the heat of compression rather than a spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture.
Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensor Diagnosis
Nothing is more frustrating than diagnosing an intermittent cranking, no-start complaint with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and no apparent failure pattern. Much of the time, the cranking, no-start complaint lies with a failing crankshaft or camshaft position sensor. Many of these failures can be heat-related and might require several warm-up cycles to duplicate.
New Master Catalog Available from Crane Cams
Performance enthusiasts, racers and engine builders can get a jump on 2011 with the new Master Catalog from industry icon Crane Cams. In addition to providing complete specs on the thousands of camshafts – including more than 350 new profiles – and a wide range of valve train and ignition components, the Crane Cams Master Catalog is loaded with page after page of valuable technical information.
Tech Feature: General Motor’s Ecotec 2.0L Turbo Engine
General Motors introduced its powerful Ecotec 2.0L direct
Tech Feature: Taking it to the Streets
We have all seen in our industry that a “streetable” racing engine or a “raceable” street engine appeals to a broad spectrum of potential engine buyers because of its flexibility. Yet, everyday street driving is not the same thing as serious drag racing.
Racing Report: NASCAR Belt Technology is ‘On Track’
Goodyear engineer Mike Gregg has played a part of the four-straight championship trophies the No. 48 team has hoisted — not to mention the great racing all NASCAR teams entertain fans with every weekend.
Tech Feature: The Variables of Valve Timing
Today’s cylinder deactivation designs are used to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of an internal combustion engine during light load operation.
Tech Feature: Northstar Supernova
Introduced in 1993, GM’s 4.6L 32-valve dual overhead cam all-aluminum V8 engine – housed in the Cadillac Allante, Eldorado and Seville STS – was considered a quantum leap forward for U.S. automakers. Initially rated at 295 horsepower, the Northstar V8 has grown over the years to an incredible 469 hp at 6,400 rpm (STS-V Supercharged Northstar engine).
Misfires in OBD II Engines: How to Detect
With OBD II, there’s no missing misfires. Most engine control systems with OBD II monitor the speed of the crankshaft between cylinder firings to detect misfires. The powertrain control module (PCM) notes the relative position of the crankshaft via the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) each time a trigger pulse is sent to the ignition system.
When Parts Collide: Volkswagen and Audi Engine Repairs
In the early 1970s, VW/Audi designed a small, efficient and reliable engine that was easy to work on and made use of the then fairly new technology of a rubber timing belt without the possibility of damage if it failed. This two-valve-per-cylinder engine produced excellent power and economy, and really set the standard that many other manufacturers couldn’t match.
Tech Tip: An Economical And Effective Way To Refinish A Seal-Worn Shaft
Grooves from shaft wear can allow oil to leak out, which can result in bearing damage and failure.
Tech Feature: Cooler ‘Heads’ Prevail – Pouring Over GM’s LT1 Engine and Reverse-Flow Technology
The LT1 engine was used in a variety of General Motors models, including 1992-’96 Corvette (Y-body), 1993-’97 Camaro and Firebird (F-body), and 1994-’96 Chevy Caprice and Impala (B-body), Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood (D-body).