Installing Spark Plugs: Avoid Misfires
The potential for inadvertently creating a misfire is very real when installing new spark plugs. I say this because I’ve diagnosed many misfires created by greasy fingerprints, broken insulators and incorrect air gaps — all caused by poor installation procedures. But nothing is as simple as installing a spark plug, right?
Mazda Timing Belt And Chain Replacement
Since belts are a service item, timing belt service needs to be part of a good maintenance plan. We recommend that the timing belt be replaced, along with the water pump and accessory drive belts, at 90,000-100,000 miles. If the customer has budget concerns, we’ll explain why we recommend the pump replacement and let them take the gamble that it will last another 100,000 miles – with the understanding that if the pump should fail, this labor-intensive job will have to be redone.
BMW’s New V12 Engine
With TwinPower Turbo technology incorporated for the first time, this new M Performance engine produces 600 hp and 590 lb. ft. of torque. It’s harnessed by a highly sophisticated chassis specifically tailored to the model, and deployed to the road via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a rear-bias for more dynamic handling.
Nissan’s Titan To Employ A 5.6L Endurance V8 Gas Engine
Nissan has announced that a new 5.6-liter Endurance V8 gasoline engine, assembled in Decherd, Tennessee, will be available in the all-new Titan and Titan XD full-size pickup trucks, completing the first phase of the “American Titan” story. The engine features four-valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Event & Lift and Direct Injection, and is rated at
The Evolving Oil Change Market
The only constant in the oil change business is change itself, especially if you’re trying to maintain an inventory of engine oil for all makes and models of vehicles. Since Volkswagen began requiring application-specific engine oil in the mid-1990s, the oil change business has (pardon the pun) “changed.” While many Asian vehicles currently require only
Diagnostic Solutions: Direct Fuel Injection Systems
For veteran technicians, it’s no wonder that the internal combustion engine (ICE) has been pronounced “dead” on more than one occasion. After having gone through the gas turbine craze during the early 1960s and the rotary engine fad of the 1970s, it comes as no surprise that we’re witnessing still another resurrection of the reciprocating internal combustion engine in the form of gasoline direct fuel injection.
Mazda Feature: Driveability And Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Import Specialist Bob Dowie takes a look at some of the more common ailments that will bring your Mazda customers into your service bay with a check engine light complaint, as he covers common DTCs, stalling and ignition issues and new technology.
Mazda’s SKYACTIV Technology
Mazda has been making big waves in the automotive world with its SKYACTIV technology. Introduced in 2011 in the Japanese market, Mazda’s ultra high-compression, direct injection gasoline engines are achieving fuel economy numbers that rival many hybrids – and at much less cost. These engines include the SKYACTIV-G 1.3L engine in the 2012 Mazda 2, the 2.0L in the 2012 Mazda 3 and 2013 CX-5, and the 2.0L and 2.5L engines in the 2014 Mazda 6 and CX-5.
SCE Gaskets Product Guide Now Available
A new trifold brochure from SCE Gaskets provides a concise overview of the company’s extensive product line. Products include special racing gaskets, plus a wide range of high-performance street and OEM replacement gaskets.
Servicing 6.0L Power Stroke Engines
If there is one engine that plagues the mid-size diesel world, you would have to say that it is the 6.0L Power Stroke. This engine has the worst repair history that has plagued and continues to plague Ford truck owners today. Even though the engine was only produced from 2003 to 2008, truck buyers often steer away from these engines when purchasing a diesel truck.