Tech Feature: Oil Pump Technology
Oil pressure is something every engine builder worries about. Low oil pressure or a loss of pressure can cause expensive warranty problems and catastrophic engine failures, neither of which is good for your business. Though the “bigger is better” mentality persists, most engines only need about 10 psi of oil pressure for every 1,000 rpm of engine speed.
Tech Feature: Cooler ‘Heads’ Prevail – Pouring Over GM’s LT1 Engine and Reverse-Flow Technology
The LT1 engine was used in a variety of General Motors models, including 1992-’96 Corvette (Y-body), 1993-’97 Camaro and Firebird (F-body), and 1994-’96 Chevy Caprice and Impala (B-body), Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood (D-body).
Tech Tip: What Are the Benefits Of Using API CJ-4 Motor Oil?
It has been about three years since API CJ-4 diesel engine oil was introduced. In the past when a new API category diesel engine oil was introduced, the previous category was typically discontinued. Today both API CJ-4 and the previous category API CI-4 PLUS diesel engine oils are available.
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.
Tech Tip: Know Your Engine Oil
Without question the single most important criteria for choosing lubricating automotive engine oil is its viscosity. Understand that the thicker an oil, the higher its viscosity. Multi-grade oils work by adding a polymer to a light-base oil. As the oil heats up, the polymers unwind into long chemical chains, which prevent the oil from thinning too much as it warms up.
Tech Feature: Racing Oil and Additives
Engine oil has sometimes been compared to a cake mix. The base oil is like the flour and the additives are the spices. How much is used of each varies by the type of cake and its intended use. Birthday cakes don’t really work for weddings. Engine builders have also been compared to gourmet chefs, so naturally, you like your cake a little more than the average cake connoisseur. A good cake is hard to beat, but a bad one will leave you feeling empty, looking for a jug of milk to wash away the taste.
Tech Tip: Subaru Turbocharger Oil Supply Mesh Screen
Turbocharged engines require proper maintenance especially when the vehicle is used under severe driving conditions such as moderate-to-hard acceleration and engine braking on a somewhat regular basis. In any case, it’s recommended that the engine oil and filter be changed every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3-3/4 months.
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 ….
Tech Tip: Volkswagen Whining Noise Between 1,100 and 1,500 RPM
Some 2002 Passat sedan 4Motion W8-4.0L (BDP) models may exhibit some whining noise from the engine between 1,100 and 1,500 rpm (vibration may also be felt in the passenger-side floorboard area). This noise may be caused by the oil cooler mounting. Vibration from the oil cooler/filter flange (which is bolted to the vehicle chassis) could be transmitted to the body ….
Servicing Solutions: Falling into an ‘Oil Leak’ Trap
Your customer’s Volvo has an oil leak. You think you do everything right. You add dye and see the rear main oil seal leaking. The repair goes smoothly, the customer is happy…for about two weeks. Then the rear main oil seal is leaking again, and he wants to know why. This is not an isolated
Servicing Solutions: 15 Tips on Servicing Ford F-150s
A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F-150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Beginning with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F-150. It is a new vehicle inside and out.
Under Pressure: Piston Service For Light Truck Diesels
The diesel engine market has been rapidly changing in recent years. Higher fuel prices and changes in emission regulations have brought about a whole new generation of clean diesel engines in both the light- and heavy-duty truck markets. According to the Diesel Technology Forum (www.dieselforum.org), particulate emissions from new on-highway diesel engines have been reduced