Nissan VQ35-Series Water Pump: Chain-Driven Water Pump Replacement
At the top of the list for the most difficult water pumps to replace is the Nissan VQ-Series V6 engines. The pump is turned by the timing chain and is nestled in the engine block. This can make for a very difficult job no matter if the engine is mounted transversely or longitudinally. The VQ35-series of engines can be found in 2001-current Nissans and Infinitis. Book time on this job can range from 2- to 3.0-hours depending on the model and layout. There are no shortcuts.
Diesel Particulate Filters: Regeneration
The increased use of EGR valves has led to a bigger problem with soot. So, in order to trap the soot, the government has mandated that all trucks built after Jan. 1, 2007, have a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and a catalytic converter. In simple terms, the DPF is a huge screen that traps the soot coming from the engine. This filter looks like a rocket shell underneath newer trucks. The DPF has temperature sensors and pressure tubes used by the PCM to help in determining when the DPF screen is full. When the DPF needs cleaning it undergoes what is called “regeneration.”
Gapping Spark Plugs: Lost Art?
For a long time, the copper core plug ruled the roads. For under a dollar, you could buy a plug that would fit, but you had to gap the plug the distance between the electrodes. But with the softer electrodes made of copper, chromium or nickel-iron, they always were eroded every time the spark plug fired. Eventually, the gap would open up or the shape of the center electrode changed to the point where it would cause a misfire.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Real Or Reality TV? Our Profession Is Greatly Underestimated By The ‘Big Screen’
Have you noticed how many automotive reality programs there are on TV these days? I take the time to sit down and take in a few of them here and there. But from my side of the wrench, I have a completely different perspective when watching them.
Wheel Bearing Torque Dos and Don’ts
While it may appear to be easier to use an impact wrench, it is not recommended. OEM and bearing manufacturers always recommend using a torque wrench for installation. During removal, an impact wrench can damage the axle nut threads and shock the CV joints. It can also create a false sense of security when adjusting a nut or bolt, which may be under or over torqued.
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Test Prep: Torque Converter Basics
The concept of using a torque converter, oil pump, planetary gear sets, clutches, bands and a computer-controlled hydraulic valve body to transmit torque and to change gear ratios is relatively simple. To illustrate, the torque converter allows the engine to idle in gear with the vehicle stopped and multiplies engine torque during the initial stages of acceleration.
Hyundai 1.6-2.4L Tech Tip: Check The Weights On The Shafts Before Installing Belts
The addition of the balance belt won’t cause any problems as long as it’s timed correctly and the counterweights are in the proper position when the belts are installed. There are access holes in the block that allow you to insert a punch or screwdriver to ensure the weights are at the bottom of the shaft, but they are not always necessary.
Fuel Trim Diagnosis And O2 Sensor Performance
A useful diagnostic tool is to determine if the fuel trim problem exists in more than one engine operating range. Fuel trim should be checked at idle, at 1,500 rpm and at 2,500 rpm. In addition to these no-load checks, drive the vehicle at various steady load conditions and watch for fuel trim variation.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Driving, Drinking And Grandpa
On one of many slow days at the shop, I had a small job come in from one of the local tire shops. This rather young girl brought the car to me from the tire shop that’s just a few blocks away. She told me she was the owner and that the tire shop was rude and wouldn’t help her, so I called the tire shop to find out what was the deal.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Sometimes You Get More Than What You Pay For … But That’s Not Always A Plus
One day, one of my customers called and said he just purchased a car from the police auction, but it had some sort of strange noise coming from the driver’s-side electric seat. It seems that every time he moved it, there was a strange electrical sound. He thought there was something wrong with the seat motor. He asked me, an auto electric technician, if I would take a look at it.
Ultimate Underhood: Jaguar XK Six
The Jaguar XK inline six-cylinder engine had one of the longest
Audi Tech Tip: MIL On With P1545, P0121, P0123, P0221 Or P0222 Stored In ECM
The MIL is on, with a number of incident memory entries with regard to the throttle valve are stored in the ECM. In most cases, the entries are sporadic. This may be the result of contact resistance in the ECM wiring – throttle valve.