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Listening for Valve Train Noise Under Hood

Valve Train Noise – Where Is It Coming From ? – Is It Bad ?

03/09/2024

Valve train noise, is usually due to excessive clearance, between two internal engine parts. Each valve utilizes, a valve spring that returns it to its, original closed position. So, if a valve spring has broken […]

Compression Leak Between Cylinders - No Coolant Or Oil Leaks

Compression Leak Between Cylinders: Without Any Coolant or Oil Leaks

03/08/2024

So, having a compression leak between cylinders, can allow the compression, to leak from one cylinder to the next. This causes a loss of compression, and sometimes, allows exhaust gasses, back into the intake, depending […]

Running ( Dynamic ) Compression Test - How To Do It And Why

Running Dynamic Compression Test: Evaluating Individual Cylinders

03/03/2024

Firstly, a running dynamic compression test, confirms how effective each cylinder is, at pulling air in. Secondly, holding it for the correct amount of time, then letting it go, into the exhaust. So, if a […]

Engine Hesitation – What Is It, What Can Cause It, Diagnosing It

02/29/2024

Engine hesitation, can make your vehicle seem like its bogging down, misfiring or stumbling, when you hit the gas pedal. So, when you step on the gas, it will feel like, the power has been […]

Mechanical Engine Misfires – What Are They – How To Find Them

02/27/2024

Mechanical engine misfires, will not go away by themselves, and will only get worse over time. So, mechanical engine misfires, can be serious enough to cause, noticeable vibrations or even engine backfires. Unlike air to […]

Gas Getting Into Oil – What Can Cause This To Happen, And Why

02/22/2024

When changing your oil, one of the worst things to notice, is the smell of gas in the oil. Because, it means that gas, is somehow making its way into your engine’s oil. However, it […]

Rear Main Rope Seal – Alternatives For Many Older Engines

02/09/2024

Firstly, using a rear main rope seal, is almost a thing of the past. And, has greatly diminished in use. So, the rear main rope seal worked well, in its time. Only, as long as […]

Coolant Mixed With Oil – In The Lubrication System – Cleaning Tips

02/07/2024

Professional installers offer the following information on, cleaning coolant mixed with oil, in the lubrication system. However, the following information, applies only to certain situations. So, it is not applicable for all engines, that have […]

Bubble Test – Used In Conjunction, With A Cylinder Leak Down Test

02/06/2024

So, to determine the health of a head gasket, between two cylinders, try doing a bubble test. If you believe you have a leak, but just cannot find it, doing a bubble test may be […]

Abnormal Exhaust Noise, Common On 02-05 Ford 6.0L Diesels

01/28/2024

Abnormal exhaust noise, on 02-05 Ford 6.0L Diesel Engines, is a growing concern, as these engines become older. Consequently, many of these engines would fail inspections. Because, of exhaust noise. So, the source of this […]

Valve Lash – Getting All The Facts For Setting And Adjustment

01/26/2024

The term “valve lash” is often used when talking about, valve train adjustment. A valve lifter follows the contour of the camshaft lobe, and transfers that motion to open and close the valves. (sometimes referred […]

Oil Mixed With Coolant – In The Cooling System – Cleaning Tips

01/24/2024

Engine oil mixed with coolant, in the cooling system, is very common. Especially, after a blown or leaking head gasket. So, you opened your coolant tank or the radiator cap, and see that the coolant […]

Rocker Arms Dislodging – Along With Valve Seats Falling Out

01/23/2024

Rocker arms dislodging on certain engines, is a common problem and is usually misdiagnosed. So, a customer comes in and complains of a poor running engine. After diagnosing it, you find engine misfire codes. And, […]

Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay – Function – Failure – Testing

01/22/2024

The function of the automatic shutdown (ASD) relay, is to shut off power to major systems. When the key is turned off, as a safety feature. So, when the automatic shutdown (ASD) relay is on. […]

Diesel Engine Issues – The Answers May Be In The Exhaust Smoke

01/20/2024

Diesel engine issues, are frustrating, and can be costly to repair. Computer generated fault codes, only go a certain distance, to point you in the direction of the problem. Consequently, finding and solving diesel engine […]

Cylinder Leak Down Test – What Are The Results Telling You

01/16/2024

Doing a cylinder leak down test, especially in conjunction with a compression test. Should allow you to quickly determine, the basic condition of any engine. So, a compression test is a “dynamic test” (engine moving). […]

Rear Engine Oil Leaks – Finding The Real Location Of The Leak

01/15/2024

Rear engine oil leaks, that are confused with a rear main seal leak, are usually an oil pan gasket leaking. Consequently, an oil pan gasket is also, much less expensive to replace, than a leaking […]

OBD1 – Trouble Code Information, For Honda 95 & Earlier Models

01/11/2024

So, it’s the weekend, you’re out enjoying the open road. And, WHAM, your OBD1 “Check Engine” light rears its ugly head. Now, you are wondering, what is wrong with the engine? So, all you need […]

Vacuum Leak Detection – The Safe Way To Find Vacuum Leaks

12/31/2023

A Vacuum leak can trick you, and your car computer into believing a particular sensor, or system needs fixing. Then, you start replacing components, hoping you’ll fix the problem, unsuccessfully. Often, a vacuum leak makes […]