Engine Builder Tech Center
BMW Head Bolt Threads Pulling Out of Block During Engine Reassembly

While performing the torque procedure on the cylinder head during engine reassembly, the head bolt threads strip out of the block on some BMW M52TU and M54 engines. Typically, this occurs during the repair of an engine that has been overheated. The cause of the problem is due to an overheat condition that has weakened

Installing Valve Guide Liners

The first step for installing bronze guide liners is to assemble the parts for the boring reamer. Install the bushing, then the spring, and finally the retainer. You now have a reamer kit. Insert the reamer kit in an air/electric drill. The proper drill should not exceed 1,000 rpm under load. Next, choose the appropriate

Engine Builder Shop Solutions: October 2009

Valve Spring Clarification There are many misconceptions on the visual inspection of valve spring free heights. There is a manufacturing tolerance on this dimension. The spring can change during the heat treat processes and squareness during the coiling process. Spring dampers can also influence the free length as they are installed before the spring is

Loss of Oil Pressure on Audi 2.8L Engines

Condition Immediately after starting, the oil pressure warning light remains lit. Service Measure oil pressure. Vehicles with automatic transmission Remove the oil cooler line bracket to provide clearance for connecting the VAG 1342 Pressure Tester. All vehicles Remove the 0.3 bar oil pressure switch (Figure 1). Install VAG 1342 oil pressure tester in place of

Sludgy Saab May Rattle Your Chain

By Tom Purser, ALLDATA editor and Jeff Webster, ALLDATA technical writer If a Saab vehicle owner/engine installer complains about a rattling timing chain, oil sludgeor any of the other conditions described in this Tech Tip, follow therecommended procedures. Various conditions can cause the formation ofoil sludge in the engine or a rattling noise from the

Front Crankshaft Bolt Service Caution for 2001-2008 Mazda 2.3L Engines

When removing or replacing the crankshaft pulley, always be sure to follow the service manual procedures. The crankshaft pulley is not keyed to the crankshaft and when loosened, it may move out of position on the crankshaft. The engine MUST be re-timed whenever the crankshaft pulley bolt is loosened, removed, or replaced. CAUTION: Engine damage

Uncovering the Culprits That Cause Head Gaskets to Fail

Most installers should know the first symptoms of a head gasket that is failing are usually a slowloss of coolant with no visible leaks, engine overheating and/or aCheck Engine light with cylinder misfire codes. The Onboard DiagnosticII (OBD II) system should detect any misfires that occur due to a lossof compression or spark plugs fouled

Head Gasket Leaks/Seepage Found in 1987-93 Jeep 4.0L Engines

MODELS: 1987-1992 (MJ) Comanche, (XJ) Cherokee, (YJ) Wrangler 1993 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee Some vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine, may experience engine oil leaks/seepage from the head gasket along the right hand side (tappet rail) of the engine. A new cylinder head gasket is now available. The new gasket has beaded silicone sealer on both

Very Faint Engine Whine Noise Reported on Some GM 3.6L Engines

Models affected: 2004-2007 Buick Rendezvous 2005-2007 Buick Allure (Canada Only), Lacrosse 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS, SRX 2005-2007 Cadillac STS with 3.6L V6 Engine (VIN 7 – RPO LY7) A very faint engine whine-type noise heard at speeds of 0-30 mph (0-48 km/h) at 1,000-2,500 rpm may be caused by the primary camshaft drive chain. This type

Engine Builder Shop Solutions: September 2009

Parts Disposal I had a customer who needed a timing belt for a 3.5L Mitsubishi. He purchased a core engine to complete the build. There are a few different setups for that engine depending on the vehicle model. I did not want to order three different belts to find out which one was correct, so

60 Series Detroit Diesel Engines

The Series 60 engine is an in-line 6 cylinder, with wet replaceable liners, overhead cam and electronic engine control. These engines are mostly used in class 8 trucks, but can also be found in industrial and generator applications as well as occasional marine applications. The Series 60 DDC diesel engine comes in 14.0L, 12.7L &

Chevy LT1 Engine and Reverse-Flow Technology

The Chevrolet LT1 5.7L V8 engine that was produced from 1992 to 1997 has some significant differences compared to the previous small block Chevy it replaced, and the third generation LS1 small block that later replaced it. The most obvious difference that distinguishes the LT1 from these other engines is the front-mounted Opti-Spark ignition system.