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Crankshaft Position Sensors – Function, Failure, Diagnosis, Testing

01/18/2024

Crankshaft position sensors, produce a signal, that talks to the engine control module (ECM) / engine control unit (ECU). Consequently, providing the exact position of the crankshaft, as it rotates in the engine. So, now […]

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 […]

Automotive Engine Overheating – Causes And Consequences

01/14/2024

Automotive engine overheating, happens when your engine fails to run, within a “normal” temperature range. Consequently, a relatively constant operating temperature is absolutely essential, for proper emissions control, good fuel economy and performance. So, a […]

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 […]

Head Bolts – Never Reuse Torque To Yield (TTY) Head Bolts

01/10/2024

Problems with head bolts, are the number one cause of installation-related gasket failures. Consequently, no gasket is going to seal well, if you use the wrong procedure to tighten the head bolts. For regular bolts, […]

Water Pump Failure – There Are Common Failure Warning Signs

01/07/2024

To start with, Water Pump Failure can be extremely hard to diagnose. Although the water pump in most vehicles will last a long time, they are by no means indestructible. So, Like any other mechanical […]

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 […]

Engine Bearing Clearance – Is Way More Important Than You Think

12/30/2023

Engine bearing clearance, is very important and can cause early failures if not correct. Engine bearings should operate with, the least amount of engine bearing clearance as possible. So, tighter oil clearances, produce less peak […]

Zinc Additives In Engine Oil, Do We Need Them Anymore

12/28/2023

Zinc additives in engine oils, have been recommended by most engine manufacturers for years. So, why do we have lower zinc and phosphorus levels, in modern engine oils. Consequently, the American Petroleum Institute (API), has […]

New Spark Plugs, Improve Engine Performance And Efficiency

12/27/2023

New spark plugs, need to be installed, because spark plugs, do NOT last forever. One thing to keep in mind with respect to performance claims, is that spark plugs create horsepower. Because, that is false. […]

Using A Vacuum Gauge, To Test The Condition Of Your Engine

12/21/2023

So, have you ever thought about using a vacuum gauge, to check the condition of your engine. Consequently, this is similar to doing a cylinder leak down test, but in a much easier way. Vacuum […]

Interference Non-Interference Comparison

Interference Or Non Interference Engines, Timing Is Everything

12/19/2023

So, the term, interference or non-interference engine, makes a big difference, if you ever have a timing problem. And, if you ever have a broken timing belt or chain !! The cost of repairs for […]

Spark Plug – How Do I Read, The Condition Of My Spark Plugs

12/18/2023

Learning how to read the condition of a spark plug, can be a valuable tuning aid. You can determine a great deal about, your engine’s, overall operating condition. Usually, just by examining, the spark plugs […]