Tech Tip: Cooling System Service
So why does the coolant turn to orange sludge in some vehicles? The problem has been blamed on a combination of factors including low coolant level due to a faulty radiator cap or lack of maintenance, oxygen in the cooling system, using water contaminated with minerals or salts, and adding non-approved coolants to the vehicle.
Tech Tip: Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes and Fixes
A Check Engine Light that’s illuminated is always a sign that something is wrong. But what? You usually can’t tell until you plug in a code reader or scan tool and read out the code(s) that have turned on the light. At least then you have a starting point for further diagnosis. Some people think a code is all you need to fix a fault and turn off the Check Engine Light. A diagnostic trouble code certainly helps, but it only tells you that some kind of fault has occurred, and maybe the circuit or component associated with the fault.
Brake Lathe Care and Feeding: Breaking the Cycle of Neglect When it Comes to Machining Rotors
How often do you use your brake lathe? Once a month? Once a week? Once a day? If you’re like most undercar shops, your brake lathe is humming along for at least several hours per day, every day. Even a one-man shop will find a brake lathe to be an indispensable piece of undercar equipment.
The Circle of (Engine) Life: The Important Role Water Pumps Play in Engine Preservation…Restoring the Engine to Precise OE Tolerances
Amazingly, up to one-third of the heat energy produced inside an engine’s combustion chambers ends up as waste heat that goes into the block. This heat must be eliminated, otherwise the engine will overheat and self-destruct. The water pump keeps coolant circulating between the engine and radiator to get rid of the heat. The pump
Who’s at Fault?…Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes & Fixes
A Check Engine Light that’s illuminated is always a sign that something is wrong. But what? You usually can’t tell until you plug in a code reader or scan tool and read out the code(s) that have turned on the light. At least then you have a starting point for further diagnosis. Some people think
Tech Tip: Excessive Starter Voltage Drop Prevents Proper Operation
Most people assume the starter is grounded because it is bolted to the engine. However, that does not mean it’s grounded properly. The combination of road dirt, salt corrosion, engine heat and vehicle age can prevent a good starter-to-engine ground (metal-to-metal contact). A good ground path should measure zero voltage loss (no voltage drop).
Wheel Bearing Hub Unit Q & A
Can I use an impact wrench to remove or install a wheel bearing hub unit? While it may appear to be easier to use an impact wrench, it is not recommended. We recommend the use of a certified, calibrated torque wrench. Impact wrenches can damage the wheel speed sensor.
Tech Tip: Boom-Type Noise During Engine Warm-Up on Chevy Astro Vans
Some customers may comment on a boom-type noise heard in the vehicle passenger compartment during engine warm-up. To correct this, install an exhaust dampener assembly on affected vehicles. Use the following procedure and the part numbers listed in this Tech Tip.
Tech Tip: Silverado’s ABS Light Comes on at 40-50 mph
At speeds over 40-50 mph, some owners of 1999 Silverados may complain that the ABS and brake indicators come on, and the fuel and volt gauges sometimes drop low at the same time. This tech tip provides information on how to diagnose and repair this condition.
Tech Tip: Convertible Mustang Vibration – Got MIG?
Customers may come to you after many frustrating attempts by other shops to get an irritating vibration out of their 1996-98 Ford Mustang convertibles equipped with a 3.8-Liter engine. The vibration or shake seems to occur while driving at a steady speed of approximately 62 mph (100 km/h) on smooth roads. This problem may be due to the interaction between the body and the suspension.