Puzzled by Carburetors
Although it’s hard to believe that nearly 20 years have passed since the last carburetor was installed on a mass-produced vehicle, carburetors are still the fuel system of choice for many off-road, street performance and track racing enthusiasts. In response to the performance market, aftermarket fuel system companies are now selling newly designed carburetors, updated
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Edith Hernandez, president L&A Muffler and Auto Repair Inc. Gardena, CA As promised, please find below five of our favorite tools and equipment commonly used at L&A Muffler and Auto Repair Inc. Snap-on Scan Tool OBD II, ScanCheck — This is a state-of-the-art OBD II scan tool that diagnoses all domestic, Asian and European vehicles
Nissan Tech Tip: Knocking Noise Above Idle
Engine "knock" may be heard on an applied vehicle just above engine idle speed (800-1,100 rpm) with the engine under a slight load. The noise cannot be detected over 1,100 rpm. The cause may be a normal pulsating noise coming from the EVAP purge solenoid valve and piping (in the engine compartment) transferring into the passenger cabin. However, use the following procedure to reduce the noise.
Tech Tip: Filter Fundamentals
Filters are the first line of defense against contaminants, whether it’s airborne contaminants entering the engine, wear particles, dirt or soot contaminants inside the engine, wear or dirt particles inside the transmission or dirt or rust particles in the fuel. And now that so many vehicles also have cabin air filters, unwanted contaminants also include dirt, soot, odors and even bacteria entering the passenger compartment.
Tech Tip: Understanding How the Air Conditioning System Works is the First Step in Diagnosing a Problem
The A/C compressor is the heart of the refrigeration circuit. It pumps and pressurizes the refrigerant. The compressor is belt-driven by the engine and most have a magnetic clutch that cycles the compressor on and off. Compressor failures are often caused by loss of lubrication, which in turn, may be due to a blockage in the orifice tube or expansion valve. Most compressors do not hold much oil and rely on oil circulating with the refrigerant for lubrication.
There’s No Escaping Hybrid Service
high as 40 mph (64 kph). Plus, when conditions are right, the engine may shut off at stops and not restart until after 25 mph. As a result, the advertised fuel economy of a full hybrid vehicle is typically much higher for the city driving conditions than the highway driving conditions. In theory, assuming the
MODIS and VANTAGE PRO Users Benefit from New Software Bundle 7.4
With Snap-on’s new Software Bundle 7.4, MODIS and Vantage PRO users will find vital new tests and procedural support when using the component-test meter mode that will help them diagnose more cars faster than ever.
Tech Tip: What To Do When An Engine Won’t Start
In today’s world of high-tech electronics, onboard diagnostics and scan tools, you would think engine diagnostics would be easier than ever. Yet some technicians struggle when confronted with an engine that cranks, but refuses to start. Most no-starts do not generate any fault codes, so how do you proceed to find out what’s causing the problem?
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.