Directions: Performance Powered – Chevrolet Celebrates 100 Years
For its first 40 years, Chevrolet seemed content designing, building and installing four- and six-cylinder engines in its
Tech Spec: Tackling Old Timers – Salvaging Pre-War Era Engines
It’s often surprising to some people that parts for these cars are still available. For other engine specialists, it’s sometimes more surprising when they aren’t.
Tech Spec: Retro Work – Service Tips for the PT Cruiser
Although classified as a truck in the U.S. by the NHTSA for CAFE fuel economy reasons, The PT Cruiser was considered to be more like a car by most other standards.
Flexing Rocker Arm Muscle
How a Time Tested Technology Has Provided Proven Performance
Tech Tip: Whine, Growl or Vibration Type Noise from Buick Engine Compartment
There may be a whine and or growl noise from the engine compartment accompanied by a vibration during various driving conditions. This may include vehicle acceleration/deceleration, steering input and cornering left. It may be mistaken as a transmission noise or power steering pump concern.
Diagnostic Solutions: Cylinder Head Repair
Cylinder head gasket failures are one of the most common mechanical issues facing today’s modern import technician. One reason head gasket failures are common is because the cylinder head gasket itself can become a wearing part. Since the aluminum cylinder head expands at a slightly higher rate than the cast-iron cylinder block, the cylinder head actually slides a few thousandths of an inch across the gasket surface as the engine warms up to operating temperature.
Tech Tip: VW’s Check Engine Light is On with Fault Code P0411
When diagnosing various VW and Audi vehicles, the Check Engine Light (MIL) is on and fault code P0411 (16795) is stored in the fault memory.
Tech Tip: Toyota Matrix MIL ON/DTC’s P0011, P0012 or P0016 Set
Under certain conditions, customers may experience an MIL On condition with DTC P0011, P0012 or P0016 stored in the Engine Control Module/ECM.
Tech Spec: Nailing Down the Misunderstood Buick Nailhead
Like the Small Block Chevy, the Rocket 88 Olds, the Ford Flathead and the Chrysler Hemi, the Buick Nailhead engine is one of those that has the immortal smell of history all over it. Yet, unlike its more familiar brothers, cousins and even competitors, the Nailhead has an aura of mystery about it as well.
Tech Tip: Measuring Valve Spring Retainer Height
To achieve the proper valve spring height while using the minimum amount of valve spring shims can be challenging when working with applications that use other than stock components.
Tech Tip: Timing Chain Service on Ford 3.0L Duratec Engines
If you have to remove or replace a cylinder head for any reason, or replace the timing chain on a 3.0L Duratec, it can be a bit of a challenge because Ford doesn’t provide a Top Dead Center (TDC) timing reference mark on the crankshaft. You will have to use a dial indicator to find the TDC position of the number one cylinder on Ford’s 3.0L Duratec to make sure the crank and camshafts are all properly aligned.
Tech Feature: Family Ties – Servicing Chrysler’s Versatile 3.3L and 3.8L Engines
First introduced as a family back in 1990, these engines have been upgraded and improved to provide good torque for the necessary applications, reasonable fuel economy and a reputation for durability and appropriate performance.