Servicing GM’s 3800 V6 Engines
The Buick 231 cu. in. 3.8L V6 engine has had a production run lasting more than 30 years. Like the small block Chevy V8, this engine has undergone many changes over the years to keep it abreast of changing consumer expectations and emissions regulations. The first Buick 3.8L was offered in the 1975 model year
Tech Feature: Diesel Service… VW Glow Plugs
Diesels are up to 30% more efficient than gasoline engines because they use high compression to ignite the fuel rather than spark plugs. High-pressure fuel injectors spray fuel directly into the combustion chambers when the pistons near top dead center. The heat of compression, combined with residual heat in the piston and cylinder head from
Training Program Updates
State-of-the-art automotive technology doesn’t do anybody much good if technicians can’t get the training they need to fix and maintain today’s systems. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been an industry-wide trend to axe training programs. Parts suppliers are under tremendous price pressure these days, and most are looking for ways to cut costs where
Carley’s Corner: New Stuff from the AAPEX & SEMA Shows
Having just wrapped up a week in Las Vegas at the AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo) and SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) shows, I have some interesting news to report. A company called Green Earth Technologies introduced a new high-quality synthetic motor oil made from dead cows. The oil is made from animal fat (beef
Tech Tip: Understanding How a Fuel System Works is the First Step in Diagnosing a Problem
Electronic fuel injection systems come in several versions. Throttle Body Injection (TBI) was used in the 1980s on many vehicles as an intermediate step from electronic carburetion to multiport fuel injection. TBI uses one or two fuel injectors mounted in a throttle body to fuel the engine.
Diesel Dialog: Dr. Performance Diesel
Drag Truck Sets New Record The Dr. Performance Nitro Series Dodge Dakota drag truck set new Diesel Hot Rod Association (DHRA) Pro Diesel class records in July during the 2007 ATS Diesels on the Mountain/Truck Fest: 8.48 seconds at 164.23 mph. This elapsed time and top speed, set at Denver’s Bandimere Speedway, are both records.
Diagnostic Solutions: Fuel System Pressure & Volume Checks
For maximum efficiency, modern import fuel injection systems require that fuel be delivered at a specified volume and pressure. Because the fuel injector’s job is to mix fuel with the intake air charge, it must produce a finely misted, conical spray pattern through the fuel injector nozzle. Lower-than-specified fuel pressures not only fail to provide
Tech Tip: Import Diesel Service Represents an Emerging Service Opportunity
The introduction of more and more new diesels in the coming years means technicians will have to keep up-to-date with the latest technology. That means more training, investing in the latest scan tools and software, and buying the special tools that may be required to service these engines. But for import specialists who are up on diesel technology, it’s good news because it means more service opportunities and more potential business.
Tech Update: Import Diesel Service Represents an Emerging Service Opportunity
The introduction of more and more new diesels in the coming years means technicians will have to keep up-to-date with the latest technology. That means more training, investing in the latest scan tools and software, and buying the special tools that may be required to service these engines. But for import specialists who are up
Servicing Solutions: GM’s Durable Duramax Diesel
General Motors launched the Duramax Diesel 6.6L V8 engine in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500 Series trucks with Allison automatic transmissions in 2001. The application expanded to the Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium-duty trucks for 2003, with 16,000-, 18,000- and 19,500-lb. gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). According to its engineers,