Valve Train Archives - Page 4 of 4 - UnderhoodService
Nissan Tech Tip: DTC for Variable Valve Timing Control Function

On any 1996-2009 vehicle with variable valve timing, if the MIL is on with any of the following DTCs stored: P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P1110 or P1135, do not replace the variable valve timing solenoid valve or the sprocket(s) without performing the complete diagnosis indicated in the EC section of the service manual.

Nissan Tech Tip: DTC For Variable Valve Timing Control Function

On any 1996-2009 vehicle with variable vale timing, if the MIL is on with any of the following DTCs stored: P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024, P1110 or P1135, do not replace the variable valve timing solenoid valve or the sprocket(s) without performing the complete diagnosis indicated in the EC section of the service manual.

Tech Tip: GM Drivers Rattled By Engine Noise

Some GM truck, SUV and minivan owners may complain about a rattle-type noise coming from the engine area at approximately 1,800 to 2,200 rpm. The rattle-type noise may be caused by torsional vibration of the balance shaft. To fix the problem, follow the service procedure below for installing a new tensioner assembly kit.

Tech Tip: Honda Engine Service Essentials

While engine-related complaints aren’t common on Honda’s line of vehicles, problems may still arise from time to time. Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie walks you through head gasket repair, from diagnosis to estimating the job to gasket replacement, and also discusses the intricacies of timing belt replacement ….

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.

Tech Feature: Engine Builders Have More Options Than Ever

The foundation of every engine is the cylinder block. Whether you are rebuilding a stock engine or building up a street performance engine, a circle track engine, drag engine, marine engine or whatever, you have to start with a good, solid block that’s machinable and free from cracks and other defects. That’s becoming more and more of a challenge in recent years because good cores for popular domestic engines are getting harder and ….

Tech Tip: Tackling Timing Belts

Several years ago, the phone rang about 10 a.m. with a voice on the other end introducing herself as the service writer for a well-known import shop in a nearby state. The conversation revealed that the son of a very good customer had broken the timing belt on his 2000 Toyota Pathfinder. Based upon the mileage of the vehicle, the import shop had previously recommended a timing belt replacement on the 3.4 L engine, but the owner had postponed the ….

Hot Tips From Hot Rod Builders

Sometimes the best opportunities are cleverly hidden in plain view. As one example, when Chris Lafferty of Lafferty Engine Creations was asked why he opted to expand beyond race engines into the hot rod and muscle car arenas, he snorted, “Just look outside.” His North Carolina facility sits squarely in the middle of both NASCAR

Servicing Solutions: In the Clutch…Servicing Dual-Mass Flywheels

A dual-mass flywheel is essentially two flywheels in one that provides some spring cushioning to dampen torsional crankshaft vibrations and shock loading when the clutch is engaged. Think of it as a flywheel with some “give.” The two-piece assembly has a front “primary” flywheel and a rear “secondary” flywheel. The primary flywheel bolts to the