Tech Feature: Sports Compacts – Performing in a ‘Maturing’ Market
What started out in the 1990s as an affordable way for kids to bang around with cars that were often handed down from their parents or siblings, later grew into a fledgling market all its own.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Automotive Lab Scope Dilemmas
Although digital storage oscilloscopes or “lab scopes” have now become standard equipment for most modern automotive repair shops, they still possess a mystique that tends to intimidate many technicians. Right off the top, a lab scope is basically a voltmeter that displays voltage signals along a time base. The vertical scale measures the amplitude or amount of the voltage and the horizontal scale measures an incremental time line along which the signals are displayed.
Tech Tip: Sheared Crankshaft Sprocket Keys Found on Some GM 6.2L Diesel Engines
A new, hardened washer, p/n 23504011, is available for improved clamp load of the crankshaft sprocket to the crankshaft by the crankshaft bolt. Installation torques for the hardened washer have been increased to 177 to 185 ft.lbs. (240 Nm /250 Nm).
Tech Tip: Oil Leak by Crankshaft Seal on Porsche Boxter Engines
Engine oil leaks in area of crankshaft sealing ring on flywheel side may be coming from the crankcase and intermediate-shaft flange bolts.
Tech Tips: FLASH Reprogramming – GM Crankshaft Variation Relearn Procedure
A Crankshaft Variation Relearn Procedure must be performed if on 1996 and newer GM vehicles if: the ECC was reprogrammed; the crankshaft position sensor has been replaced; or the ECC has been replaced.
Tech Tip: Ford Truck No-Start Following CKP Replacement
After replacing the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) and/or connector to correct another problem, the engine turns over, but does not start. The fuel injectors pulse a couple of times when the engine starts cranking, then they stop pulsing. There is an rpm reading on the scan data for a split second, then it goes to zero. There is no spark.
Tech Feature: Detecting Misfires in OBD II Engines
With OBD II, there’s no missing misfires. Most engine control systems with OBD II monitor the speed of the crankshaft between cylinder firings to detect misfires. The powertrain control module (PCM) notes the relative position of the crankshaft via the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) each time a trigger pulse is sent to the ignition system.
Tech Feature: Diesel Crankshaft Basics
Whether in a gasoline or diesel-powered engine, the crankshaft is a key component. With diesels, the crank is typically thought of as bigger, heavier and harder to get in the aftermarket. Some preconceptions are factual, say experts, while others are unfounded.
Tech Tip: Whine, Whistle and Ringing Heard from Cadillac’s Engine
Some customers may comment on a whine, whistle or ringing-type noise from the front of the engine that increases in intensity as engine rpm increases. This noise is most audible standing in front of the vehicle with the hood opened. If the noise fades into the ambient engine noise by 2,000 rpm, refer to PIP3453 in the Service Information (SI) for camshaft drive chain noise.
Tech Feature: Balance Between Crankshaft and Related Components is Critical
Balancing used to be the exclusive domain of the performance engine. Stock grocery getters rarely were considered candidates for balance jobs. But that thinking has changed. Even standard, run-of-the-mill automobiles are sent from the OE with precisely balanced engines. And customers have come to expect nothing but the same when they look into having their vehicle’s engine rebuilt.
Snap-on’s New Software Bundle 9.4 Includes CKP Relearn Capability for 1998-2009 GM Vehicles
With Snap-on’s latest software upgrade, Bundle 9.4, professional technicians have the ability to reset the CKP when the crankshaft position sensor and certain other GM engine components are replaced. This capability is now available for a great number of 1998-2009 GM vehicles.
Z Sport, Part 1: Subaru WRX Performance Brake, Suspension & Engine Mods that Pack a Punch
A project car in the form of a WRX/STI shows that Z Sport in Everett, WA, is all about