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
Is There Enough Pressure? Fuel Injection Diagnosis & Service
One of the first questions that should always be asked — and answered — when diagnosing a fuel-related complaint on a fuel injected engine is, “What is the fuel pressure?” All too often, technicians assume fuel pressure is “good” without actually measuring it with a gauge. If the engine runs, they assume the injectors are
Staying On Track
You’ve seen the “Advance Trac” badges on the backs of Explorers and Expeditions, but what is it? Have you ever been asked by your Ford dealer parts department if a vehicle you are working on has “IVD”? What’s IVD? Not all vehicles that are equipped with Advance Trac carry the Advance Trac insignia. Advance Trac
Toyota’s 50 Years in the Limelight
Hollywood, CA — What began as a barely viewed Halloween “premier” at a little independent dealership in Tinseltown has really grown into a “blockbuster” for the aftermarket. On Oct. 31, 1957, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, opened its American headquarters in a former Nash Rambler dealership in Hollywood. Nine months later and going on sale in
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Got a Light?
Every diagnostic technician experiences operational complaints that are more bizarre than they are technically complex. The problem is made difficult when the technician fails to stand back from the problem and look at what I call, “The Big Picture.” As you will see in the following case study, The Big Picture is a collection of
Brake Tools: Brake Service Tools & Equipment
Brake work is one of the cornerstones of the automotive repair business, so it’s important to make sure you have the right tools and equipment to service the brakes on today’s vehicles. Most shops that do brake work have some type of brake fluid flushing and bleeding equipment (a power bleeder, vacuum bleeder or injector
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Ken Peavy, owner Peavy’s Garage Katy, TX www.peavys-garage.com Peavy’s Garage is a family-owned and operated shop, AAA approved since 1970. We also have Peavy’s Tire & Automotive in Houston. About five years ago, we discovered BG products and equipment, which increased our business by 30% and profits greatly. General service techs operate the equipment, which
Wheel Bearing Service Tips
rvice could come back in fashion on vehicles instead of just on boat trailers. Since serviceable wheel bearings are rare, they often fall victim to wives tales and urban legends. One of the most prevalent is the myth of spinning a bearing with compressed air. Proper service required the bearing cage and roller assembly not
2006 Ford Explorer Pointers
Photo 2). Another change for the 4.6L in 2006 is that it no longer uses a knock sensor. Both, the 4.0L and the 4.6L use a PCM-controlled heated PCV valve. The PCV valve on the 4.0L SOHC engine is located in the back of the left valve cover, mounted horizontally, and is well hidden from
Tech Tip: Battery Discharge at High Temperatures
Some 1998-2001 1.8L Kia Sephia vehicles built between October 1997 and May 2001, and some 2000-2004 1.8L Spectra vehicles built between February 2000 and March 2004, may exhibit battery discharge when operated in high ambient temperatures for extended periods of time at low speeds or at idle with the A/C, headlamps and other accessories on.