Choosing the Right Tools for Servicing Cooling Systems
Automobile cooling systems are complex systems that are getting tougher and tougher to diagnose, service and repair. This article by Mike DuBois will offer some information about choosing the right tools and equipment and the kinds of repairs they will allow you to complete.
Tech Tip: Cool Fix for a Ford Diesel
A Ford truck, SUV or van owner may complain of a crank/no-start condition, lack of power and coolant leak. Some vehicles equipped with a 6.0L diesel engine may exhibit those symptoms, along with oil in the coolant. The coolant leak creates a low coolant condition, which may cause the engine to overheat or result in no cabin heat.
Tech Feature: Follow EPA Guidelines when Cleaning Engine Parts
One of the least pleasant parts of any engine builder’s day is the cleaning process. Removing the oil, carbon and general gunk from blocks, cylinder heads and assorted parts before your inspection, machining and rebuilding process can even begin may seem as painful as a trip to the dentist’s chair. But if you think that part of your day is bad, fail to pay attention to what happens AFTER you clean, and you could find yourself in an even more uncomfortable seat – across the table from the EPA.
Tech Tip: School Bus Inspection and Maintenance
Now that school is out, school bus inspections and maintenance is taking place in preparation for the next session in the fall. Many school districts are outsourcing the maintenance of their buses. This could be your chance to increase your shop’s customer base. While the coach work (body) of buses is changing to incorporate features like air conditioning, the tires, wheels, brakes and suspension the have not change much in 20 years. The biggest changes are under the hood ….
The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round
Now that school is out, school bus inspections and maintenance is taking place in preparation for the next session in the fall. Many school districts are outsourcing the maintenance of their buses. This could be your chance to increase your shop’s customer base. While the coach work (body) of buses is changing to incorporate features
Tech Feature: Cylinder Head Cleaning
Being an engine builder is like being a chef. As a master of culinary arts you may prepare the most exquisite meals anyone has ever tasted, but a great dining experience can be easily ruined if the vegetables are not thoroughly cleaned. The same is true with engines. Cleaning cylinder heads may be one of the more thankless jobs your shop performs, and it often falls to the "new guy" or "the kid" to perform these tasks. However, as basic as it is, it’s a process not to be overlooked ….
News Update: ALLDATA Celebrates 70,000 Customers
Customer-Centric Focus Heightens Success ALLDATA held a media day event at its headquarters in Elk Grove, CA, on Apr. 3, to celebrate its latest accomplishment — 70,000 customers — and to spotlight how ALLDATA is helping automotive service professionals boost their business success. ALLDATA President Jeff Lagges and other company executives discussed how ALLDATA is
Cadillac Tech Tip: Knocking Sound from Catera’s A/C Compressor
Some customers may comment on a knocking sound from the air conditioning compressor. This condition may be caused by an internal tolerance stack-up in the compressor. Perform the following A/C system checks and correct any concerns that may be found. Only after these checks have been done and any concerns found are corrected should the A/C compressor be replaced.
Tech Tip: Knocking Sound from Cadillac Catera’s A/C Compressor
Some customers may comment on a knocking sound from the air conditioning compressor. This condition may be caused by an internal tolerance stack-up in the compressor.
Servicing Maintenance-Friendly VW Engines
Volkswagens have always been maintenance friendly. From the very first models, ease of repair and durability have been built into the design. VW has managed to keep basic maintenance procedures relatively uncomplicated throughout the years. In this article, I’ll cover some of the more common underhood procedures on common VW models and include some tips