Andrew Markel, Author at TechShop Magazine - Page 7 of 36
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10 Signs A Fuel Injector Needs To Be Replaced

In the past 30 years, the fuel injector has moved from the intake manifold to the combustion chamber. During this evolution, injectors have become more precise in dispensing fuel. If this precision is thrown off by restrictions, electrical problems or fuel problems, it can cause driveability issues. These are the top 10 signs fuel injectors need service or replacement.

Diagnosing Variable Valve Timing

Fully variable valve timing can be achieved only by using computer-operated solenoids to precisely control the intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events. Although the various combinations of valve timing events are theoretically infinite on an electronically controlled system, their applications are limited due to issues of cost and, in some cases, reliability.

Performing A Brake Job On A Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma has a very reliable brake system. But, one problem area is the load compensating valve that attaches to the rear axle. The mechanical linkage and the valve causes problems on some trucks by leaking and increasing braking distances. The main culprit is rust and corrosion.

Scope Accessories You Can’t Live Without

If you’re buying a new scope or upgrading one you already own, here are some accessories that can make you more productive.

Installing Torque-To-Yield Suspension Components

What do some ball joints, tie rods and suspension components have in common with engines? The answer is Torque-to-Yield (TTY) fasteners. TTY fasteners are mounting fasteners which are torqued beyond the state of elasticity and therefore undergo plastic transformation, causing them to become permanently elongated.

What to Look For When Buying a Scope

If you’re in the market for a new scope, Underhood Service Editor Andrew Markel has provided his recommendations on how you can get the most bang for your diagnostic dollar.

Air Ride Replacement Options For Variety Of Makes And Models

All air ride systems can fail and require service. There are several repair paths you can go down to offer the best option for a customer’s needs and budget. Here is a forecast of current and future air ride vehicles and replacement options. Makes covered include: BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Hummer, Lexus, Toyota and more.

Six Technician Tips I’d Tell My 20-Year-Old Self

Last month, I found my driver’s license from when I was 20. In 1994, I got my first job working at a dealership as a porter, shuttle van driver and service writer trainee. I began thinking about what I would say if I could go back in time and talk to this 20-year-old kid – to prevent so many mistakes and to avoid the missed opportunities. Here are six things I would tell myself.

Measure Rotor Thickness, Runout: Stop Pulsation Comebacks Before They Start

Let’s say a vehicle had .003″ of lateral runout when measured at the outside face of the rotor. If this vehicle is riding on 205/55R16 tires, in one mile, the high-spot with .003″ of runout goes past the caliper approximately 836 times. Over 6,000 miles, that spot on the rotor will go past the pads more than 5 million times. Every time this spot passes the pads, a little bit of the rotor’s material is removed. Over the course of those 5 million revolutions, enough material is removed to create a thickness variation that can be felt by the driver. This is why it is critical to measure thickness and runout in a brake rotor and wheel flange even if new rotors are going to be installed.

Brake Service On A Volkswagen Routan

The 2008-2012 Volkswagen Routan is a rebadged variant of the Chrysler mini van platform with revised styling, suspension tuning and brake service procedures. So this van has a bit of a split personality when it comes to servicing the brakes. The customers who drive the Routan and the Chrysler minivan are two different customers judging by the TSBs. The Routan has five different TSBs about addressing customers who complain about brake noise. The Chrysler mini-van has zero.

Diagnosing EGR And Secondary Air Systems

The perfect internal combustion vehicle would be able to put the exact amount of fuel and air into the combustion chamber. If the perfect combustion event happened, you would get nothing more than water and carbon dioxide. We are not there yet. In the mean time, we have exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR), secondary air injection and catalytic converters.

Relax – R1234yf Is Not The End Of The World

I attended the Mobile Air Conditioning Society’s 2014 Training Event and Trade Show in New Orleans last month. The main topic of discussion was R1234yf, or “twelve-thirty-four” in A/C lingo. There has been a lot of hype about the changeover to this refrigerant. Don’t panic. The reality is that it is not the “air conditioning apocalypse” some are predicting.