Tech Feature: Oil Pump Technology
Oil pressure is something every engine builder worries about. Low oil pressure or a loss of pressure can cause expensive warranty problems and catastrophic engine failures, neither of which is good for your business. Though the “bigger is better” mentality persists, most engines only need about 10 psi of oil pressure for every 1,000 rpm of engine speed.
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).
Porsche Engine Diagnostics: Misfire Codes, Fuel Trim Faults, Secondary Air Injection
Porsche has been building engines for decades that will literally fit in a suitcase, but are still able to put out horsepower that rivals many larger engines. Find out how to keep the Porsche Boxster engine running smoothly.
Tech Feature: Cooling System and Water Pump Service for the Nissan 3.5L V6
The cooling system on late-model Nissan Altimas and Maximas with the 3.5L V6 engine is similar to many other late-model vehicles in that the water pump is buried and typically takes two to three hours to replace depending on the model, year and your manual dexterity.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Repeat Fuel Pump Failures
During the past several years, I’ve encountered many vehicles that were running on their third or fourth new fuel pump in as many years. As with many repeat failures, the initial fuel pump installations were sloppy or a brand of fuel pump with a known high failure rate had been installed. In the remaining cases, an OE or aftermarket-equivalent fuel pump had been installed, but fuel tank contamination had been overlooked as a cause of the premature failure.
Tech Feature: Replacing Water Pumps as Preventive Maintenance
In today’s import repair market, it’s not uncommon to see a vehicle with well over 200,000 miles on the odometer that still is in cosmetically and mechanically "great" condition. The importance of this trend is that many parts that were formerly being replaced on an as-needed basis are now being replaced on a preventive basis. Water pumps are a good example because they serve as an idler pulley on many engines equipped with timing belts and, due to accessibility issues on many transverse engines, should be replaced during any ….
Tech Tip: Water Pump Installation Precautions
Since most water pump failures are caused by leaking seals, it’s important to inspect the cooling system for the presence of abrasive rust or sand particles. Rust, in particular, will cause early seal failure because of its abrasive qualities. Although rust is difficult to remove, it should be flushed from the system as thoroughly as possible before the old water pump is removed. Adequate flushing is aided by removal of ….
Diagnostic Solutions: Replacing Water Pumps as Preventive Maintenance
In today’s import repair market, it’s not uncommon to see a vehicle with well over 200,000 miles on the odometer that still is in cosmetically and mechanically “great” condition. The importance of this trend is that many parts that were formerly being replaced on an as-needed basis are now being replaced on a preventive basis.
Servicing Solutions: 15 Tips on Servicing Ford F-150s
A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F-150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Beginning with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F-150. It is a new vehicle inside and out.
Cooling System Antifreeze Requirements
When a customer brings you a vehicle that needs a coolant change, what kind of coolant should you use? The type of coolant specified by the vehicle manufacturer? A universal or “all makes, all models” type of coolant? Or should you run the old coolant through a recycling machine and put it back in the
Tech Tip: Tool Needed to Replace Timing Chain-Driven Water Pump
Replacing this water pump requires a special tool to secure the water pump sprocket. Failure to do so could result in misalignment of the engine’s balance shafts or significant engine damage. Remove the water pump access plate from the timing cover and install J 43651 Water Pump Sprocket Holding Tool, or equivalent. Secure tool to the sprocket and front cover and remove the sprocket bolts. Remove the water ….
Tech Tip: Coolant Leak Leads to Unnecessary Pump Replacement
A coolant leak from a source above the water pump or from an improperly installed bypass tube on the water pump itself will cause coolant to pool on top of the timing cover on 1993-2003 Dodge trucks and Jeeps. This coolant then rolls across the front of the pump and behind the pulley, making the pump appear to leak from the weep hole. This often results in unnecessary pump replacement ….