VIDEO: When A Thermostat Fails
Doug Kaufman discusses how a thermostat failure can cause a loss of compression in an engine, including how oil temperature affects piston rings and bearings. Sponsored by MAHLE.
VIDEO: Ignition Coil Misfire Diagnostics
Andrew Markel talks ignition coil misfires, and the engine components to check when it happens. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
VIDEO: Motor Mounts And U-Joints: How One Affects The Other
Andrew Markel discusses the relationship between motor mounts and U-joints, and how position changes in the engine can affect U-joints and CV axles. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Diagnostic Solutions: Using The ‘Systems’ Approach To Starting Problems
Good examples of systems logic occur each September when I serve as a technical advisor for a church-sponsored single mom’s car care clinic. We sometimes, for example, accidentally bump hidden cranking “disable” switches installed by suspicious ex-husbands or encounter engines with bad fuel pumps that will start only by spraying a liberal dose of starting fluid into the air intake.
Subaru Tech Tip: Front Crankshaft Oil Seal Replacement Tip
Subaru has updated the procedures and tools needed to enhance retention of the oil seal and eliminate any chance of blocking the oil return passages in the timing chain cover.
Kia/Hyundai Engine Timing System Guide
In the past 20 years, Hyundai and Kia have adopted the Greek alphabet letters to name their engines. To date, they have covered 11 letters of the alphabet. These engines range from 1.4L four cylinders to 5.0L V8s. Some of these engines overlap model years on a single model with multiple options for customers.
Nissan Variable Compression: The Engine That Will Change Performance & Service
The new Nissan 2.0 L VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) offers similar performance figures to the 24-year-old 3.5 L V6 that it replaces, while providing 4-cylinder fuel economy. The first vehicle to receive the engine in the Nissan lineup will be the 2019 Altima SR. While it might be a few years before this engine is in your bays, the preparation and training needs to start now, not when you are stumped with a problem.
VIDEO: PCV Valve Or Oil Separator?
Andrew Markel discusses the oil separator, and why you may not find this part right away when you look for it. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
VIDEO: Reading Timing Belt Wear Patterns
Andrew Markel looks at timing belt wear and discusses which patterns lead to which conditions. Sponsored by INA.
VIDEO: VVT Actuator Rattles On Cold Start
Andrew Markel helps diagnose a customer complaint of a rattle or clunk from the engine when the vehicle is started in the morning, and how oil pressure could affect the variable valve timing system. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Top Hyundai Tech Tips
Hyundai has been selling cars in the U.S. for more than 30 years. When the carmaker started operations, it had only one model, the Excel. Today, it has more than 10 models and a luxury car line called Genesis. As the cars have evolved, so have the service information and opportunities for independent import repair shops. Here are some of the top tips.
Understanding Misfire Events And Causes
When a spark plug fires, it is not an instantaneous ignition of all the molecules of air and fuel. When the spark kernel jumps between the two electrodes, the piston might be some distance from the top of the cylinder (this is usually described as degrees of crankshaft rotation).
