Carburetor Tuning Through the Years
The modern “square” design of Holley carburetors was popularly introduced during the late 1950s. Because this style of Holley carburetor featured a simple, modular design with interchangeable parts and a great degree of adjustability, it immediately found favor with performance enthusiasts. In this story, we’ll use the Holley 4150-series carburetors to illustrate how to select,
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Cylinder that is Misfiring
A flashing Check Engine light and a P0301 to P0312 diagnostic trouble code are sure-fire indicators that one or more cylinders are misfiring. Occasional misfires may pass unnoticed, but a steady misfire is hard to miss. The engine usually feels rough, lacks power and uses more gas than usual. Sometimes a misfire may feel like a vibration. A misfire also will cause a huge increase in hydrocarbon (HC) emissions out the tailpipe, which can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test.
Toyota Tech Tip: Prius Hybrid Lacks Power
Some 2001-’03 model-year Prius vehicles may exhibit a Master, Hybrid and MIL warning light on with DTC P3130, and possibly P3125 with sub code 264. When the vehicle is parked after prolonged operation in heavy stop-and-go traffic, or sustained high speeds in ambient temperatures above 90° F (32° C), and when attempting to restart, the vehicle may experience an abnormally low power output condition or inability to "Ready On."
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Edith Hernandez, president L&A Muffler and Auto Repair Inc. Gardena, CA As promised, please find below five of our favorite tools and equipment commonly used at L&A Muffler and Auto Repair Inc. Snap-on Scan Tool OBD II, ScanCheck — This is a state-of-the-art OBD II scan tool that diagnoses all domestic, Asian and European vehicles
Tech Tip: Don’t Turn Away Clutch Replacements
Clutch replacement does not have the prestige of driveability diagnostics, but at times, it pays better. Some shops turn away clutch replacements in fear of comebacks and lost productivity. But, clutch replacement offers the shop opportunities to sell additional services that might slip past the bottom line.
Tech Tip: Replacing Wheel Bearing Hubs Equipped with Wheel Speed Sensors
When engineers came up with the idea of putting the wheel speed sensor (WSS) and tone ring inside a sealed wheel bearing hub assembly, it seemed like a great idea. The sealed environment would help protect the sensor and make it less vulnerable to damage or contamination from the outside world.
Wheel Speed Sensors Replacement: WSS, Chevy, GM
By Larry Carley, Technical Editor When engineers came up with the idea of putting the wheel speed sensor (WSS) and tone ring inside a sealed wheel bearing hub assembly, it seemed like a great idea. The sealed environment would help protect the sensor and make it less vulnerable to damage or contamination from the outside
Engine Service
And Other Underhood Repair Essentials
Tech Tip: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive Lacks Power
When Jeff called to discuss the lack of power in his 2002 Toyota Prius, I have to admit I was a little confused. The Prius was designed to be economical, not to compete in the stoplight grand prix. He said it felt sluggish, and recently some lights in the instrument panel had come on. Jeff was lucky; Toyota had already identified the problem and it is covered by the 96-month/100,000-mile Toyota Hybrid Vehicle System Component Warranty.
Saab Tech Tip: Rattling from Turbocharger
On certain Saab 9-5 models with B205E and B235E engines, the clip holding the turbocharger pushrod to the arm on the wastegate valve can come loose. If the clip comes off, the pushrod can slide off the pin on the wastegate valve arm. As a result, boost pressure control will not function and the valve disc will cause a rattling from the turbocharger.