Valve Train Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Brake & Front End
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.

Tech Tip: DTC P0756 Diagnostic Tips on GM, Hummer and Saab Vehicles

Some technicians may have difficulty diagnosing DTC P0756, 2-3 Shift Valve Performance on 4L60-E, 4L65-E or 4L70E automatic transmissions. As detailed in the service manual, when the PCM detects a 4-3-3-4 shift pattern, DTC P0756 will set. Some customers may also describe a condition of a second, third or fourth gear start that may have the same causes but has not set this DTC yet.

Timely Timing Chain Service: ‘Advancing’ Your Position in the Market

Timing chains and gears are engine parts that are usually replaced when an engine is rebuilt or when it has reached a high mileage total. Over time, gear teeth wear and chains stretch. This can cause noise, retarded valve timing (and ignition timing if the engine also has a cam-driven distributor), and a noticeable loss of performance and fuel economy.

Tech Feature: The Changing Face of Automatic Transmissions

Today’s computer systems have completely redefined automotive operation, particularly when it comes to transmission control.

2011 Valve Train Components Catalog Available from SI Industries

SI Industries, Inc. has published a new 104-page full color catalog that contains details on the firm’s wide line of valve train components. These include stainless steel and titanium valves, bronze valve guides, valve seats, valve springs, valve retainers and locks, plus valve stem seals.

Tech Feature: General Motor’s Ecotec 2.0L Turbo Engine

General Motors introduced its powerful Ecotec 2.0L direct

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.

Valves: When to Reclaim, When to Replace

Performance engine builders can’t afford to take chances with questionable valves because they have to withstand high rpm and temperatures. Likewise, rebuilders who overhaul high dollar heavy-duty diesel and industrial engines want to minimize their comeback risks by making sure the valves they use are either new or have been carefully inspected and reconditioned to meet OEM specifications. Yet many rebuilders who do passenger car and light truck engines continue to reclaim and reuse a high percentage of old valves.

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.

Tech Tip: Honda’s V6 Engine Leaks Oil from Front/Middle/Rear

If oil is leaking from the front, middle or rear of one of the above engines, it may be due to the cast aluminum engine block may be porous in spots. Depending on the location of the leak, seal it with JB Weld or 3-Bond-coated sealing bolts.

Tech Spec: 100 Years of Changing Internal Combustion Technology

It would be interesting to hear what Nicolaus Otto, credited as the father of the first functional four-stroke IC engine, would say after seeing some of the advanced powerplants dropped into vehicles today.

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.