LPG Cylinder Head Conversions
The recent move to clean up inner city exhaust emissions has resulted in renewed interest in the use of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) as a motor fuel. Tax incentives are being offered to encourage fleet operators to convert to gaseous fuels and more vehicles are being offered by the OEMs that are already converted. What
Toyota Supercharger: Squeak/Rattle Noises From Idler Pulley
This condition can be verified by removing the supercharger drive beltand checking the movement of the pulley on the shaft The pulley shouldnot slide fore and aft on the shaft. Affected Models: 4Runner, Tacoma, T100 and Tundra with 3.4L V6; supercharger assemblies with serial numbers from 10481 to 10990. Installation Procedure: 1. Loosen the drive
‘Big Daddy’ Don Garlits to Return to NHRA Drag Racing
“Big Daddy” Don Garlits is making a comeback to NHRA competition forthe first time since 2003, driving his Dodge Challenger Drag Pak byMopar into the heat of NHRA Stock eliminations at the Mac Tools U.S.Nationals on Labor Day weekend. His historic first run in the Drag Pakwill be on Wednesday, Sept. 2, in A/Stock Automatic
Choosing Aftermarket BBC Cylinder Heads for Street/Strip Applications
In 1958, Chevrolet released the first big block for use in its trucks and heavier passenger cars. It was called the “W” engine and it came in three engine displacements until 1965: 348 cid, 409 cid and 427 cid. After Chevy introduced its “mystery engine” to NASCAR in 1962 with a combustion chamber and canted
Camshaft Ticking Noises on some 3.0L 4V Ford Duratec Engines
Some 2005-2007 Five Hundred, Freestyle, Montego, and 2006-2007 Fusion, Milan, 2006 Zephyr, 2006-2008 Escape and Mariner vehicles built 1/17/2006 thru 5/31/2007, equipped with the Ford 3.0L 4V Duratec engine with exhaust camshaft driven water pumps may exhibit a ticking noise from the left bank cylinder head with the engine at normal operating temperature. Engine Builders/Installers
MAHLE Clevite Launches New Online Catalog with Direct Ordering Capability
MAHLEClevite has announced the first phase of its new electronic catalog –Launchpad. Unlike other online catalogs in the aftermarket, Launchpadis the first Web-based catalog of its kind to include an electronicordering function tied directly into customer accounts. Launchpad allows users to search for any product within the MAHLEClevite product offering and directly place an order
Mexican Manufacturer, Manufacturas Diversas to Acquire ROL’s Engine Gasket Division
ROLManufacturing has announced an agreement with Manufacturas DiversasS.A. de C.V. whereby Manufacturas Diversas will acquire the assets ofROL’s Engine Gasket division in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Theassets to be acquired relate to manufacturing and distribution of thedivision. Manufacturas Diversas plans to operate this business in theU.S. and Canada under the name ROL Tech Inc.
Visteon Aftermarket and Proliance International Combine to Form Vista-Pro Automotive
CentrumEquities XV, a holding company that had previously acquired selectaftermarket assets of Visteon Corp. in 2008, has acquired substantiallyall of the North American assets and operations of ProlianceInternational and renamed the combined operations Vista-Pro Automotive. Vista-Pro combines Centrum, a leading North American designer,manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket climate control productssuch as radiators, condensers and
How To Verify Proper Valve Train Geometry
The following is a method of verifying proper valve train geometry. After you have estimated the required pushrod length using a Pushrod Length Checker, use this method to verify that the valve train geometry is correct (using the rockers you are using in your engine): 1. The first step is to install a solid
How To Quiet Down a Chirping 2005-
An installer or vehicle owner may complain about a chirp coming from the lower timingbelt area. The noise is most often noticed at idle, usually after theengine has warmed up. The probable cause is that the idler pulleymounting surface is tilted, causing the edge of the timing belt to rubagainst the side of the pulser
Valve Adjustment Procedures for Nissan SR20DE Engines
Each cylinder contains two intake valves and two exhaust valves. Each pair of valves is operated by one Y-shaped rocker arm. One valve in each pair contains a rocker arm guide which is not adjustable. The matching valve contains a replaceable shim. A hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) is also included in the system and acts
As Cash for Clunkers Crosses Finish Line, Long-Term Effects Remain Uncertain
From AAIA Capital Report Yesterday officially marked the last day of the federal $3 billion"Cash for Clunkers" program (extended until Wednesday), though many dealerships pulled the plug onthe program several days ago. Some dealerships, many currently owed inexcess of $1 million, voluntarily ended the program over concerns aboutbeing repaid in a timely fashion, or possibly