Independent Research Shows E15 Poses Minimal Risk to Older Vehicles
The conclusion of the Ricardo study is that the adoption of E15 as the blend limit for standard US pump grades of gasoline should not adversely affect vehicles manufactured between 1994 and 2000.
Tech Feature: Sports Compacts – Performing in a ‘Maturing’ Market
What started out in the 1990s as an affordable way for kids to bang around with cars that were often handed down from their parents or siblings, later grew into a fledgling market all its own.
Tech Tip: BMW Check Engine Light On and Vehicle Running Rough Due to Airflow Meter
If a customer complains of a check engine light on and a vehicle running rough, it may be due to problems with the airflow meter and wiring.
Tech Update: Gaskets, Seals, Sealants and Fasteners
Some gaskets can go the distance, while others can not. The factors that typically cause a gasket to fail include age, heat, thermal expansion, abrasion, pressure, vibration, corrosion, material breakdown or poor design.
Tech Feature: Taking it to the Streets
We have all seen in our industry that a “streetable” racing engine or a “raceable” street engine appeals to a broad spectrum of potential engine buyers because of its flexibility. Yet, everyday street driving is not the same thing as serious drag racing.
Racing Report: NASCAR Belt Technology is ‘On Track’
Goodyear engineer Mike Gregg has played a part of the four-straight championship trophies the No. 48 team has hoisted — not to mention the great racing all NASCAR teams entertain fans with every weekend.
Tech Feature: Valve Timing Terror Tales
While a lot has been written about timing belt replacement intervals, not a lot has been written about diagnosing timing belt and valve timing-related driveability complaints. In this article, Gary Goms reports that he is beginning to see more driveability problems caused by faulty valve timing.
Tech Feature: The Variables of Valve Timing
Today’s cylinder deactivation designs are used to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of an internal combustion engine during light load operation.
Directions: New Engine Oil Specification to Flow into Shops this Year
The International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) is finalizing the
Tech Tip: Diagnosing and Repairing Honda When MIL Comes On
The MIL comes on with one or more of these evaporative DTCs stored: P0451 (FTP sensor circuit range/performance problem); P0452 (FTP sensor circuit low voltage); P0453 (FTP sensor circuit high voltage); P1454 (FTP sensor circuit range/performance problem).
Tech Feature: Northstar Supernova
Introduced in 1993, GM’s 4.6L 32-valve dual overhead cam all-aluminum V8 engine – housed in the Cadillac Allante, Eldorado and Seville STS – was considered a quantum leap forward for U.S. automakers. Initially rated at 295 horsepower, the Northstar V8 has grown over the years to an incredible 469 hp at 6,400 rpm (STS-V Supercharged Northstar engine).
Tool Tip: Intermittent Chuggle/No DTCs Set
Some customers may comment on an intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or at steady-state highway speeds (typically 50-65 mph) with no PCM DTCs set. This condition may lead the technician to suspect the TCC circuit or torque converter. This condition may be caused by intermittent operation of the Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor.