Tech Update: Gaskets, Seals, Sealants and Fasteners
Some gaskets can go the distance, while others can not. The factors that typically cause a gasket to fail include age, heat, thermal expansion, abrasion, pressure, vibration, corrosion, material breakdown or poor design.
Closing the Gap on Intake Manifold Gaskets
Back in the days when most engines had cast iron blocks, heads and manifolds, the intake manifold could be easily sealed with simple and relatively inexpensive die cut fiber faced metal gaskets (solid or perforated core). Sealer was usually required to ensure a leak-free installation.
Tech Tip: 1987-93 Jeep 4.0L: Head Gasket Leaks/Seepage Found in Engines
Some vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine, may experience engine oil leaks/seepage from the head gasket along the right-hand side (tappet rail) of the engine.
Tech Tip: Chrysler 2.0L and 2.4L: Updated Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Head Gasket Installation Procedures
The MLS gasket was released for production, as a running change, in the 1999 model year for all models except FJ. The new gasket provides superior sealing characteristics, but will require extra care in their installation where a composite gasket was previously in place.
Tech Feature: Taking it to the Streets
We have all seen in our industry that a “streetable” racing engine or a “raceable” street engine appeals to a broad spectrum of potential engine buyers because of its flexibility. Yet, everyday street driving is not the same thing as serious drag racing.
Tech Tip: Honda’s V6 Engine Leaks Oil from Front/Middle/Rear
If oil is leaking from the front, middle or rear of one of the above engines, it may be due to the cast aluminum engine block may be porous in spots. Depending on the location of the leak, seal it with JB Weld or 3-Bond-coated sealing bolts.
Tech Tip: How Can You Tell if a Head Gasket is Leaking or Has Failed?
The first symptoms of a head gasket that is failing are usually a slow loss of coolant with no visible leaks, engine overheating and/or a Check Engine light with cylinder misfire codes.
Tech Tip: GM Liquid Gasket/Engine Sealants Information
In 2005, General Motors consolidated the use of all liquid gaskets/engine sealants. At that time, two sealants replaced all previous sealants referred to in service information and/or the service manual.
Porsche Engine Diagnostics: Misfire Codes, Fuel Trim Faults, Secondary Air Injection
Porsche has been building engines for decades that will literally fit in a suitcase, but are still able to put out horsepower that rivals many larger engines. Find out how to keep the Porsche Boxster engine running smoothly.
Second Generation Repairs: Servicing the GM 3800 Series II Engine
The GM 3800 Series II engine, introduced in 1995, is quite a different engine from its predecessor, the Series I engine. While the stroke for the 3.8L engine remained at 3.4″ (86 mm), and the bore remained at 3.8″ (97 mm), the engine architecture changed dramatically.
Federal-Mogul Offering Cash Rebates to Techs Who Purchase Qualifying Fel-Pro Gasket Sets
The Fel-Pro Save & Seal Event promotion will enable technicians to earn a $20 online cash rebate for the purchase and installation of qualifying Fel-Pro PermaDryPlus intake manifold gasket sets during the promotional period.
Tech Feature: Engine Builders Have More Options Than Ever
The foundation of every engine is the cylinder block. Whether you are rebuilding a stock engine or building up a street performance engine, a circle track engine, drag engine, marine engine or whatever, you have to start with a good, solid block that’s machinable and free from cracks and other defects. That’s becoming more and more of a challenge in recent years because good cores for popular domestic engines are getting harder and ….