Coolants Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Brake & Front End
Tech Feature: Venturing Into GM Duramax Diesel Service

Back in the 1990s, GM wasn’t making too many waves in the diesel truck market. The 6.2L and 6.5L engines had been around for sometime, but they were no match for the release of the Cummins 6BT in the Dodge truck in 1989 and the Ford Powerstroke in 1994.

Hyundai Coolant Issues: Getting to the Heart of Coolant Leaks

When it comes to cooling system problems you may see on the Hyundai vehicle lineup, there are a few that would be considered serial failures. But, as these cars accumulate miles, you’ll see the same type of service opportunities you would find on any other vehicle, advises Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie.

Diagnostic Solutions: Fluid Maintenance Issues

Several factors are driving modern fluid maintenance services. First, a modern vehicle’s service life often extends to well over 200,000 miles and good fluid maintenance practices are, in part, responsible for that remarkable achievement. Second, car counts in many shops are declining because late-model vehicles require less scheduled maintenance and less frequent repairs. Consequently, many shops are looking at add-on services, such as fluid maintenance, to boost shop revenues.

Tech Tip: Coolant is Leaking from Ford’s Coolant Expansion Tank

Some 2006-’09 Explorer, Mountaineer and 2007-’09 Explorer Sport Trac vehicles equipped with 4.0L engine may experience coolant leaking from the coolant expansion tank.

A 360° Look Into the GM 60° 3.1L Engine

Over the years, GM has saved a bundle on manufacturing the 3.1L engine by using the production line tooling it originally developed for the 2.8L V6. By simply changing the bore diameter, the displacement of the same engine block could now be increased for more power and torque.

Getting Stoked to Service the 6.0L Power Stroke

If there were one engine that plagues the mid-size diesel world, you would have to say that it is the 6.0L Power Stroke. The 6.0L came into existence because the EPA demanded tighter emissions laws for diesel engines. Even though the 7.3L was branded as the reliable workhorse for Ford, it would never be able to pass the tighter emissions laws that were going to come into effect for 2004.

Tech Talk: ‘Baywatch’

Problem “models” that technicians see on a regular basis

Tech Tip: Cavitation – A Cooling System’s Worst Nightmare

One of the main concerns created by cavitation is the erosion of the metal on the outside surface of cylinder liners.

Lexus RX 330 – Moaning Sound Heard at 1,100-1,400 RPM

Some 2004-’06 RX 330 owners may experience a moan noise heard at 1,100 rpm to 1,400 rpm with the A/C on. Applicable Vehicles: 2004-’06 model year RX 330 ­vehicles. Repair Procedure: 1. Verify the customer concern.   a. Start the engine.   b. Turn on the A/C.   c. Hold the engine rpm ­between 1,100-1,400.

Tech Feature: Subaru Service Essentials

My stint at being a service advisor for a number of dealer service departments over the years gave me a lot of experience in “bundling” services into a package. Having a service plan or “menu” built value for the customer. It also provided the service department with reliable income. Though there are good and bad points to service menus, the basic idea is a good one, and works well for any kind of automotive service or repair facility.

Tech Tip: Engine Coolants Not Just Water and Green Dye Anymore

Using water only, the wrong coolant, an improper mixture, contaminated coolant, depleted coolant, or poor water quality can result in corrosion and seal damage, leading to premature water pump failure.

Priming the Preventive Maintenance — Water Pump Replacement

A water pump is a relatively simple component consisting of a drive shaft, bearing, seal, impeller and impeller housing. While the shaft, impeller and housing are considered non-expendable components, the bearing and seal are expendable.