Tech Tip: Gaskets from Different Eras Vary Quite a Bit from More Modern Vehicles
When selling engine gaskets, the modern parts professional is often faced with a dizzying array of gasket technologies. The difference in gasket technologies among a ’50s-model pickup truck, a ’60s-vintage, high-compression muscle car and a modern bi-metal or aluminum engine is often quite dramatic.
Tech Feature: Kia Driveability Diagnostics
We’ll be taking a look at the Kia line of cars and SUVs this month with an eye toward driveability issues and check engine light concerns. My first point is that there should be no trepidation when a Kia finds its way to your bay. Kias enjoy a solid dealer network, good parts availability and a no-charge website for repair information so there is no reason that you shouldn’t welcome them into your shop.
Tech Tip: Nissan Low Airflow from HVAC Front Air Vents
If you confirm one of the above vehicles has low airflow coming from the HVAC front air vents due to evaporator freeze-up, and the HVAC unit surface temperature around the evaporator is about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, causing ice to form on the evaporator, follow the Service Procedure in this Tech Tip, which involves replacing the intake sensor with P/N 27700-ZC00A.
Tech Feature: Loaded Brake Calipers
Loaded calipers provide a variety of benefits when doing brake jobs on customers’ vehicles. Most brake suppliers have a loaded caliper program today so availability is seldom an issue. If price becomes a hurdle, that’s when it’s time to inform your customers of the features and benefits of loaded calipers.
Tech Tip: DeLorean Fuel Pump Replacement
DeLorean owners and enthusiasts know to be wary, a car left sitting that long and havoc ensues with the sensitive fuel system of a 25-year-old DeLorean. In fact, any car, left sitting for a lengthy period of time will eventually encounter fuel problems. One specific problem to note would be the need for a new fuel pump. Cars left sitting, and even daily drivers, can fall victim to fuel pump failure. Over time, debris and contaminants build up in the fuel tank.
Tech Feature: Quieting Hyundai Brake and Chassis Noises
It seems I’ve been writing a lot of these brake and undercar articles lately. While they’re similar in content, I hope you find them to be resourceful, and it never hurts to go over the basics. This month, we’ll be concentrating on the Hyundai line of vehicles. Over the years, these cars have seen improvements in performance and reliability. The latest models have certainly touched a chord with the buyers, and with smart styling, affordability and a strong dealer network, there is no reason to think you won’t be seeing these cars in your bays for many years to come.
Tech Update: Can ‘Add-Ons’ Affect CAN Systems? Yes, They Can!
Get any teenager their first car and the first thing they want to do is modify it with new wheels, a different exhaust, seat covers or, the most important and popular upgrade, the stereo. You know, when they have to get to school with all their buddies in the car, they’ve got to have those tunes. They can’t be seen around town with a dull factory radio or wimpy stock wheels.
Tech Feature: Don’t Be Restrained from Servicing Airbag Systems
Airbags, along with other components of safety restraint systems, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and misinformation can spread like wildfire. Here’s what you need to know to restore them to OEM standards.
Tech Feature: Active Motor and Trans Mounts
Motor mounts serve an important function: They support the weight of the engine and transaxle (or transmission), and also isolate engine vibration from the rest of the chassis. With so much emphasis on controlling noise, vibration and harshness in late model luxury vehicles, it was inevitable that sooner or later motor mounts would go electronic.
Tech Feature: Exhaust Leaks and the Stoichiometric Ratio
When I was a kid, I used to watch my dad, who started out as a diesel mechanic, tune up cars and trucks from time to time. He would turn the adjustment screws on the carburetor until the engine smoothed out and started to purr. Then, after listening closely to the rumbling of the motor, the adjustment screws would get one final tweak. He would always bend down and cup his hand around the belching tail pipe exhaust and take a big sniff of the fumes, and then go back to his adjustments. That was back in the 60s and 70s before PCMs, O2 sensors and catalytic converters.