Valve Train Archives - Page 3 of 4 - UnderhoodService
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.

Tech Tip: Honda’s V6 Engine Leaks Oil from Front/Middle/Rear

If oil is leaking from the front, middle or rear of one of the above engines, it may be due to the cast aluminum engine block may be porous in spots. Depending on the location of the leak, seal it with JB Weld or 3-Bond-coated sealing bolts.

Tech Spec: 100 Years of Changing Internal Combustion Technology

It would be interesting to hear what Nicolaus Otto, credited as the father of the first functional four-stroke IC engine, would say after seeing some of the advanced powerplants dropped into vehicles today.

Tech Feature: Valve Timing Terror Tales

While a lot has been written about timing belt replacement intervals, not a lot has been written about diagnosing timing belt and valve timing-related driveability complaints. In this article, Gary Goms reports that he is beginning to see more driveability problems caused by faulty valve timing.

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).

Mitch Schneider: How to Pass the ‘Reasonable Man’ Test

We’ve been doing a fair amount of restoration work lately. Certainly, more than we’ve done in a very long time: a 1962 red Corvette convertible (Like there is another color…), a number of vintage ’50s and ’60s Cadillac Coupes and Sedan De Villes, a few early ’50s Roadmasters, a couple of classic ’60s Mustangs, a 1931 Oldsmobile (I know…How did that one sneak in there?) and more.

Tech Tip: Multiple Cylinder Misfire or Rough Idle on Chrysler Models

This bulletin involves rotating all engine exhaust valves, replacing the valve spring retainer locks with a new design to increase valve rotation at lower rpm, inspecting/replacing the MAP sensor (as necessary), and decarbonizing the combustion

Tech Tip: Hyundai Sonata Runs/Idles Rough/ DTC P0335 Set/MIL ON

This TSB has been revised to add a procedure to index the oil pump/balance shaft sprocket. Not properly indexing the sprocket may cause an engine vibration mostly noticed at 3,500-4,000 rpm.

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: Servicing Ford’s 3.0L Engine

The 3.0L Duratec V6 was introduced in 1996 to replace the aging 3.8L V6 in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Unlike its conventional pushrod predecessor, the 3.0L V6 has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners.