Directions: Issues that Could Impact 2006
As we usher in a new year, we thought we would take a look into the ol’ crystal ball and try to see what issues technicians, shop owners and others associated with the aftermarket can expect in 2006. These are not ranked by order of importance, but as a guide to what one can expect
A/C Update: Underhood Service: January 2006
MACS Jumps on the Express Train 2006 Show Preview Although temperatures are always changing, one thing remains constant: hot summers and cold winters bring great volume to the air conditioning, radiator and heater repair business. “Nothing is more important to our industry than the weather,” said Elvis Hoffpauir, Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) president
The Right Tools at the Right Time
The toughest part about changing a timing belt on most engines is just getting to the belt. The timing belt is sealed inside a protective cover on the front of the engine. Replacing it typically requires removing everything on the front of the engine that obstructs the timing cover. This includes the serpentine belt and/or
Tech Tip: Regular Fluid Flushes are Good for Transmissions
Out with the old and in with the new. Transmission fluid flushing is a service that replaces old worn-out automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with fresh new fluid to prolong the life of the transmission. Considering the fact that it costs $1,500 to $2,200 or more to replace a transmission or transaxle these days, the cost of a fluid flush is peanuts by comparison.
Dual Mass Flywheel/Clutch Replacement Options
Dual-mass flywheels are a unique kind of flywheel that have been used on a variety of pickup truck and passenger car applications since the late 1980s. You’ll find them on 1987 Ford F-Series 6.9L diesels, 1987-98 Ford F-Series 7.3L diesels, 1992-1996 Chevy/GMC 6.5L diesel trucks and 1992-02 Chevy/GMC 8.5L diesel trucks. Dual-mass flywheels have also
Cold Engine Stumble/DTC P0116/MIL ON
Some 2000-2002 Hyundai Accents with 1.5L SOHC and 1.6L DOHC engines may experience the following symptoms in hot and humid weather: Slower than usual acceleration after an initial cold start (engine is cold soaked). Greater than usual rpm drop when engaging drive or reverse (on ATM-equipped vehicles) after an initial cold start. Some 2002 1.6L
Transmission Service: It’s a Dirty Job, But Here’s What You Need to do It
Automatic transmission work has always been considered hard, dirty work. And rightly so. Pulling a transmission, especially on a front-wheel-drive car or minivan, can be a long day’s work. It usually involves supporting the engine while the transmission and subframe are dropped from the vehicle. Consequently, you need some type of engine hoist or engine
Victor Reinz Seals the Deal with New Gasket Catalog
Clevite Engine Parts recently released its new 2005 Master Gasket Supplement (MG-300-05) representing engine part numbers for 1990 and newer applications. The supplement covers many popular domestic and import engines and includes more than 450 new part numbers.
Fel-Pro Publishes 2005 Gaskets Catalog Supplement
Fel-Pro has published a record-breaking master catalog supplement featuring 418 new part numbers – including 21 new Fel-Pro PermaTorqueMLS multi-layer steel head gaskets – covering a broad range of popular domestic and import engines. The new supplement, No. 900S-05, is the largest mid-year catalog update in the brand’s 87-year history.
Compressors, Condensers & Refrigerant
Hot weather is just a few weeks away in many areas of the country, and that means plenty of air conditioning service opportunities. Years ago, A/C was considered a luxury. Now it’s a necessity. Automatic climate control systems use A/C year-round for defrost and dehumidification as well as cooling. Even so, it’s hot weather that