Tech Feature: Servicing Ford’s 3.0L Engine
The 3.0L Duratec V6 was introduced in 1996 to replace the aging 3.8L V6 in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Unlike its conventional pushrod predecessor, the 3.0L V6 has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners.
Journeying into the Restoration Market
We’ve all heard the stories and urban legends about old classic cars being found in someone’s garage or estate. Typically, the story goes, the owner just passed away and his widow had no idea what was in the barn. Sounds too good to be true, but it happens. One such story that recently grabbed headlines earlier this year was that of an old doctor who died at the tender age of 92, leaving behind his beloved but forgotten 1937 Bugatti Type 57S hidden in his garage since he parked it there in the early 1960s.
Tech Feature: Understanding Crankshaft Balancing
Since different rods and different pistons are different weights, it is impossible to make a crankshaft that is balanced “right out of the box” for any rod and piston combination. All crankshafts must be balanced to your specific rod and piston combination.
Tech Tip: Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe Brake Job
The 2004-2008 Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix were produced in Fremont, CA, on the same production line. The vehicles are based on the Toyota Corolla platform and share the same braking system.
The front brakes for all models are for the most part the same (including all-wheel drive models). The only changes came in the configuration of the brake pad shims. The rear brakes can be either drum or disc and even some all-wheel-drive versions have drums.
Tech Feature: Cooling System and Water Pump Service for the Nissan 3.5L V6
The cooling system on late-model Nissan Altimas and Maximas with the 3.5L V6 engine is similar to many other late-model vehicles in that the water pump is buried and typically takes two to three hours to replace depending on the model, year and your manual dexterity.
Stanley Vidmar Partners with Mac Tools
Expanding its line of storage solutions for industries ranging from agriculture and automotive to manufacturing and heavy equipment, Stanley Vidmar recently announced its partnership with Mac Tools.
Online Catalog Simplifies Search for Precision Products
Precision now offers a new, online catalog enabling distributors to find the exact replacement part number they need for virtually any hub assembly, bearing, seal, CV driveshaft, differential rebuild kit, trailer wheel repair kit and more – anytime, any day.
Tech Feature: Go Back to the Basics to Solve Power Steering Pump Issues
We often take the commonplace power steering pump for granted until the driver begins to notice a lack of power assist during parking or the pump itself begins to develop an irritating growling or whining noise. Although installing a new or remanufactured replacement pump usually remedies the majority of power assist and noise complaints, a technician may still encounter a few of these complaints that appear to have no outward cause.
Taking The ‘Ho-Hum’ Out of Ride Control Sales
Despite the increased quality of ride and stability control systems during the past decade, remember that springs, shock absorbers and MacPherson struts wear out just like tires, brakes and other expendable parts. Don’t miss sales opportunities for this often-overlooked system.
Ride Control Clinic
The more you know, the more you sell.