Talking Shop: Weighing In on In-Shop Cataloging
Paper catalogs have their place, but in-shop electronic catalogs are changing the repair shop/store dynamic. For the past 35 years, Harry, the archetypal, second-generation shop owner, has been telephoning Joe, the archetypal counterman, to order parts. And for 35 years before that, it was Harry’s father Clyde who owned the shop and was placing the
Flushing Away Engine Problems
When motor oil isn’t changed often enough, varnish deposits and sludge begin to form inside the engine. If the oil is neglected long enough, it will eventually turn into goo and ruin the engine. “Oil sludging” has become a serious problem in recent years for a number of reasons. One is that more new car
Carley’s Corner: Sorry Charlie, No More Free Auto Repair Advice
As technical editor for Babcox, I frequently receive e-mails and letters from readers who ask me for free auto repair advice. Most of these requests are not from professional automotive technicians, but from motorists who have seen one of our publications while visiting a service facility somewhere. One guy in particular seems to think I’m
Built-In Brains: Engine Analyzers Combine the Capabilities of Many Diagnostic Tools into One
When most people think of an engine analyzer, they think of a big box console with automated test capabilities that can detect a wide variety of faults. There are still some machines like these today, but many of the features of a traditional engine analyzer are now available in top-of-the-line scan tools. An engine analyzer
Monitoring Emission Efficiency With O2 Sensors
As modern OBD II technology marches on, it’s clear that the zirconia-based oxygen sensor now is being sold more as a basic repair part than as a preventive maintenance part, and it changes the way we diagnose and sell oxygen sensors. To illustrate the difference, let’s remember that an oxygen sensor replacement used to be
News: Cornwell Tool Rally Hits All-Time Attendance High
Wadsworth, OH – Cornwell Tools celebrated the best turnout ever at the 2005 National Tool Rally held last month in New Orleans. More than 100 exhibitors participated, contributing to a 44% increase in overall dealer attendance from last year. Bill Stemple, director of marketing, welcomed the trade show exhibitors March 11, touting the great benefits
The Top 5 Favorite Tools of Top Technicians
Don Frantz Frantz Automotive Center Cary, NC I own and operate Frantz Automotive Center in Cary, NC. We are a six-bay shop with four techs – all of whom are ASE certified. I, myself, am ASE certified with L1 Certification as well. Frantz Automotive was recently voted "Best of Cary" by the readers of the
Mastering Mercedes Multiplexing
“CAN” is the new buzz word in automobile diagnostics. It stands for Controller Area Network and is a protocol for onboard diagnostics and scan tools. CAN is a high-speed data link that provides more information at a faster rate for better communication between onboard electronics and external diagnostic equipment. Many manufacturers have already started incorporating
Aftermarket News
esented by MAC Engineering on Sept. 29, 2004. The Future Vision Award recognizes East Penn for its commitment to continuous improvements in battery manufacturing technology and its partnership in exploring new processes and methods. MAC has been supplying East Penn for more than 25 years with battery manufacturing equipment including pasting, plate preparatory and stacking
Oil Pumps & the Engine’s Lubrication System
p can restore gear-to-gear clearances but not gear-to-housing clearances. The end plate that covers the pump often develops a heavy wear pattern that is most noticeable on the outlet gear side. Regrinding the face of the plate smooth can restore end play tolerances between the plate and gears but it can’t compensate for wear inside