Tech Tip: What is Viscosity Breakdown?
All of us in this business understand an SAE 5W-20 oil is thinner in viscosity than an SAE 10W-30 and that the "W" stands for winter, but that’s probably about where it stops even though there is more to the story.
Tech Tip: Brake Maintenance and Inspection
The brake actuating system, consisting of the master cylinder, calipers, hoses and wheel cylinders, experiences wear each time the driver applies the brakes. Some drivers rarely use their brakes and therefore never wear out a set of brake linings. Nevertheless, no matter how little the brakes are used, moisture contamination and rust will eventually cause the brake actuating system to fail.
Tech Feature: Getting Up to Speed on Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrids are hot. As the price of gasoline goes up, so does the demand for new vehicles that can squeeze more miles per gallon from every drop of gasoline. Hybrids do that by combining the best of both worlds: electric power for low-speed, stop-and-go driving, and gasoline power for highway cruising and long-range driving.
A/C Tech Feature: The Future of R-134a
With all the talk about global warming and climate change, many people are wondering what the future holds for R-134a as an automotive refrigerant. R-134a was introduced back in the early 1990s as an "ozone safe" replacement for R-12. Unlike R-12, R-134a contains no chlorine, so it can’t harm the ozone layer that protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
Tech Tip: Common Mistakes to Avoid when Resurfacing Cylinder Heads and Blocks
Cylinder heads and blocks may need to be resurfaced to restore flatness or to improve the surface finish, or milled to change the deck height for a variety of reasons. The deck surface on the head or block may need to be resurfaced if the surface isn’t smooth or flat. A head may need to be resurfaced after welds or other repairs have been made, or milled to increase the compression ratio.
Black Magic Shines with Titanium Product Line
With more than 130 million people washing their cars at least once a month, the appearance of a vehicle is important to many Americans. Many times, a vehicle can be considered an extension of the owner’s personality; it can portray an image of the driver that will leave a lasting impression.
Tech Tip: Ford 6.0L Engine Misfire, Lack of Power or No Start
Some 6.0L vehicles may exhibit a misfire, lack of power, buck/jerk, excessive smoke or crank/no start. There are several potential causes for these symptoms. If normal diagnostics lead to an injector concern, use the following diagnostics to confirm the cause of injector failure and/or to rule out other conditions which may cause the same symptoms as a failed injector.
Ford Announces More Stringent Specification Replacement for MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid
Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) announces MERCON V as the replacement for MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Effective July 1, the production and licensing for MERCON will cease. Automatic transmissions, power steering systems and manual transmissions previously requiring MERCON must, as of July 1, 2007, be serviced with MERCON V.
New Product Guide Covers Complete Bar’s Leaks and Rislone Lines
The new 2007 Bar’s Leaks and Rislone Product Guide provides detailed information about both lines of premium automotive chemicals in a convenient, pocket-size brochure.
Tech Tip: Servicing Dual-Mass Flywheels
A dual-mass flywheel is essentially two flywheels in one that provides some spring cushioning to dampen torsional crankshaft vibrations and shock loading when the clutch is engaged. Think of it as a flywheel with some "give."