Larry Carley
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Tech Feature: Active Motor and Trans Mounts

Motor mounts serve an important function: They support the weight of the engine and transaxle (or transmission), and also isolate engine vibration from the rest of the chassis. With so much emphasis on controlling noise, vibration and harshness in late model luxury vehicles, it was inevitable that sooner or later motor mounts would go electronic.

Tech Feature: Diagnosing Push Button Keyless Start Systems

Push button keyless start systems began appearing on several import cars about six years ago, and are now being offered on more and more new vehicles, both import and domestic. Motorists say they like the push button keyless start systems because they are convenient to use. There’s no ignition key or switch to fumble with, and you don’t have to do anything other than have the smart fob in your pocket or purse when you get in the car.

BRAKE JOB: 2005-Current Ford Mustang

Many of these cars are now reaching the point where it’s time for their first brake job. The original equipment front disc brake pads are typically lasting about 45,000 miles with normal driving. But many people who buy Mustangs don’t drive “normally.” Consequently, they may be wearing down the front pads in as little as 25,000 miles.

Tech Feature: Why Aftermarket Belts are Lasting Longer

Serpentine belts made of EPDM may last up to 100,000 miles or more before they have to be replaced. But that doesn’t mean they will last forever. A serpentine belt that’s aging or slipping may develop a hard glazed surface that makes the belt noisy. Aerosol belt treatments may quiet the noise for a while, but sooner or later you’ll have to replace your customer’s belt.

Tech Tip: Timing Chain Service on Ford 3.0L Duratec Engines

If you have to remove or replace a cylinder head for any reason, or replace the timing chain on a 3.0L Duratec, it can be a bit of a challenge because Ford doesn’t provide a Top Dead Center (TDC) timing reference mark on the crankshaft. You will have to use a dial indicator to find the TDC position of the number one cylinder on Ford’s 3.0L Duratec to make sure the crank and camshafts are all properly aligned.

Tech Feature: Family Ties – Servicing Chrysler’s Versatile 3.3L and 3.8L Engines

First introduced as a family back in 1990, these engines have been upgraded and improved to provide good torque for the necessary applications, reasonable fuel economy and a reputation for durability and appropriate performance.

Giving Off Bad Vibes: Motor Mount Replacement Tips

Most motor mounts are relatively simple in design and consist only of metal attachment plates and large rubber insulator blocks. But, some vehicles have “hydraulic” or “hydro-mounts” with hollow chambers filled with glycol or hydraulic fluid.

Troubleshooting Wideband O2 Sensors

Many late-model imports such as Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and others use Air/Fuel sensors rather than conventional oxygen sensors to monitor the exhaust gases coming out of the engine. What’s the difference? An air/fuel sensor can read a much wider and leaner range of fuel mixtures than a conventional O2 sensor. That’s why they’re also called “wideband” O2 sensors.

Component Connection: Manifold Destiny

As engine designs continue to evolve, so do the gaskets that the auto makers use to seal the cylinder heads to the intake manifold.

Tech Feature: Cylinder Sleeve Installation Procedures

Cylinder sleeves are nothing new, but materials and installation procedures have changed in recent years so it’s important to be up to speed on the latest techniques.

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.

Timely Timing Chain Service: ‘Advancing’ Your Position in the Market

Timing chains and gears are engine parts that are usually replaced when an engine is rebuilt or when it has reached a high mileage total. Over time, gear teeth wear and chains stretch. This can cause noise, retarded valve timing (and ignition timing if the engine also has a cam-driven distributor), and a noticeable loss of performance and fuel economy.