Mitch Schneider: Did You Just Say What I Think You Just Said?
I just finished writing a piece for our sister publication, Counterman. This particular article centered on a warranty issue for a defective master cylinder that we purchased and installed just the other day. In and of itself, there shouldn’t be much to write about. But, unfortunately, in this case there was. It turns out this particular master cylinder had been purchased years before by the supplier who got the call. And, again, there shouldn’t be much to write about. After all, it’s not like we’re talking about chicken or fish: something likely to "spoil" over time.
Tech Tip: Grand Am Rattles League Bowler
Mark, an accomplished bowler, is known for "rattling" the pins with his monster strike ball. But lately, his 2001 Pontiac Grand Am has been rattling his nerves. Mark said the rattle comes from the transmission while parking at the bowling alley before his league begins. When he leaves, the noise is gone. I had seen this problem before on another customer’s Sunfire, and I advised Mark that all he needed was a little oil.
Tech Tip: Reconditioning Connecting Rods
When you’re looking at connecting rods and considering returning them to service, there are many things you must consider. They are one of the most critical pieces of the engine puzzle and under great strain when in operation, so you must pay attention to the details during the rebuilding process.
Tech Tip: Shifty Camaro Strands Salesman
As a traveling salesman, Gerry spends a lot of time on the road in his 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. Just last week he was in Southern California when he started having transmission problems. Gerry called and said that the MIL lamp came on and the car wasn’t shifting correctly. I suggested he take the car to a local transmission shop owned by a friend of mine. I also prepared Gerry for what may be an expensive repair.
Tech Tip: Selling Performance Modifications
The sport compact car market is hotter than ever. The market has moved beyond the simple bolt-ons such as wheels, tires, brake rotors and spoilers. It’s not unusual today to see sport compact engines producing upward of 400 horsepower on the street. With so much power under the hood, the challenge is getting the horsepower to the tires and maintaining reasonable traction and handling.
Tech Tip: Life, Liberty and the Solution to Trouble Codes
Kathy enjoys hiking with her dogs. Recently, she traded in her old SUV for a 2005 Jeep Liberty that could comfortably carry the three of them. On a recent drive home from hiking in the mountains, Kathy noticed that the ABS lamp was on. She stopped by my shop a few days later, and after testing, we determined that the rear wheel speed sensor had failed.
Tech Tip: Performing Profitable Radiator Service
Unlike their soldered-brass predecessors, today’s aluminum-core, plastic-tank radiators are not only environmentally friendly, they are lightweight, easy to service, less costly to produce and very efficient at keeping modern, high-output engines operating at optimum temperature. Because of their affordability and because they can be inspected while removed for a timing belt replacement or other front-mounted engine accessory service, aluminum radiators also make a good add-on sale during any major engine service.
Cadillac Tech Tip: Knocking Sound from Catera’s A/C Compressor
Some customers may comment on a knocking sound from the air conditioning compressor. This condition may be caused by an internal tolerance stack-up in the compressor. Perform the following A/C system checks and correct any concerns that may be found. Only after these checks have been done and any concerns found are corrected should the A/C compressor be replaced.
Electronic Fuel Injection Turns 40, Remains Vital Technology for Vehicle Performance
It’s turning 40 this year, yet electronic fuel injection continues to be a viable technology extremely beneficial to our everyday driving experience. That’s hardly surprising, as it plays such a pivotal role in determining the smooth driving and performance most of us take for granted in our cars, vans or SUVs.
Mischievous Cats
By definition, a catalytic converter should last the lifetime of the vehicle. It can last this long because a catalyst is something that, just by being present, causes a reaction to other materials without itself being a participant in the reaction. However, real life has proven that the life span of a catalytic converter varies