Puzzled by Carburetors
Although it’s hard to believe that nearly 20 years have passed since the last carburetor was installed on a mass-produced vehicle, carburetors are still the fuel system of choice for many off-road, street performance and track racing enthusiasts. In response to the performance market, aftermarket fuel system companies are now selling newly designed carburetors, updated
Tech Tip: Diagnosing and Servicing a Coolant Leak
Water pumps work hard. As the miles add up, so does the wear and tear on the pump shaft bearing, seal and impeller. Erosion inside the pump can wear away the vanes on the impeller, causing it to pump less efficiently as the impeller is eaten away. This may lead to engine overheating on hot days or when the engine is working hard. If the water pump seal becomes worn, coolant will leak past the pump shaft or out of the small vent hole on the housing.
Permatex Offers Training Videos for Automotive Technicians
Permatex, Inc. has expanded its training efforts with the development and release of new training videos designed for professional automotive technicians. Called the Professional Training Series, the videos cover Permatex’s two core product lines, form-in-place gasketing and chemical threadlockers.
GM Tech Tip: Solving Crunching Noise During Low-Speed Turning
Vehicle owners may complain of a crunch and/or popping sound during low-speed turning. The lower control arm may be striking the steering knuckle during full-turn type maneuvers, causing the crunch sound. Slight movement between the steering gear attaching bolt threads and the frame rail inboard steering gear attaching holes may cause the popping sound.
Toyota’s 50 Years in the Limelight
Hollywood, CA — What began as a barely viewed Halloween “premier” at a little independent dealership in Tinseltown has really grown into a “blockbuster” for the aftermarket. On Oct. 31, 1957, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, opened its American headquarters in a former Nash Rambler dealership in Hollywood. Nine months later and going on sale in
Tech Tip: Subaru Transmission Crossmember Service Tips
When performing service work or installing Subaru’s accessory short-throw shifter, it’s extremely important that the transmission is supported properly when removing or reinstalling the crossmember. If not, damage to the bolts and/or threads will occur.
Beck/Arnley’s Stabilizer Links Come with Attaching Hardware
Beck/Arnley’s new stabilizer links come with attaching hardware for easier installation. Elastic stop nuts are used for most applications, but if a standard castle nut is used, a new cotter pin is supplied. This is because old nuts are often rusted and threads strip during removal.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Popping Sound Coming from Front Hub/Half Shaft Area on PT Cruisers and Neons
The vehicle may exhibit a popping/clicking/snapping/ticking sound from the front hub/half shaft area during acceleration after Drive to Reverse or Reverse to Drive shifts. The sound may also be present while turning and accelerating from a stop. In order to determine if the popping/clicking/snapping/ticking sound is coming from the front hub/half shaft interface, perform the following procedure.
Acura Tech Tip: Clunky MDX Disturbs the Peace
Chris takes his kids to school in the family’s 2002 Acura MDX during the week. His wife uses the Acura to shuttle them to track meets on weekends. Recently, they both noticed that the car makes a "clunk" noise as it’s shifted from park to reverse. After performing a quick diagnostic routine, we were able to determine the source of the clunk.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Crunch or Popping Sound During Low-Speed Turning
Some vehicle owners may experience a crunch and/or popping sound during low-speed turning. This can be caused by the lower control arm striking the steering knuckle during full-turn type maneuvers, causing the crunch sound. Slight movement between the steering gear attaching bolt threads and the frame rail inboard steering gear attaching holes may cause the popping sound.