Shop Solutions: June 2008
How To Handle Engine Diagnostic Nightmares Automotive machine shops are being asked more than ever to help diagnose engine related problems by a variety of customers. Repair shops, car dealers, parts suppliers and DIY’s are all in need of input from machine shop personnel. Two problem areas we see today frequently involve auto manufacturers designs
Overcoming Cam Problems in GM 4.3 V6 Vortec Industrial Engine
The GM 4.3 V6 Vortec industrial engine is a rugged engine that has been used in a variety of applications. However, some rebuilders have found problems with the roller camshafts on the GM 4.3 V6 Vortec industrial engine if the GM V6 is used in a low rpm, constant speed application. This includes applications such
Manufacturer Tech Tip: Installing Wire O-Rings in Cylinder Blocks
SCE Gaskets offers the following information about installing wire O-rings in the cylinder block. When installing O-rings there are two main considerations for placement: The O-ring must be clear of the sealant beads on the head gasket where applicable. This will determine the maximum outer diameter of the O-ring. The O-ring diameter and location must
Shop Solutions: May 2008
Installing Cam Bearings In Vintage Engines I have found that building vintage engines can be fun and also challenging, especially the very early engines where assembly information was somewhat limited. Here is a suggestion that may be helpful when installing cam bearings in vintage engines: Save the old cam bearings, especially if the engine will
PT Cruiser (2.4L) Head Gasket Design Change
Thereis a cylinder head gasket design change for 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser2.4L VIN B engines. The hole size opening was changed to improve theability of oil drainback from the cylinder head and also improvecrankcase ventilation on 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4L VIN B engines.Beginning in 2002 this opening was reshaped to a much larger size.
Shop Solutions: April 2008
Charging For Expert Advice Bench racers wasting your time? Our shop labor rate is $80 per hour. I sell my advice for 1/2 price! When a guy wants me to engineer a motor by selecting parts combinations and machining specs to achieve a specific level of performance, I charge him for my time. I explain
Revised Chrysler 2.4L Cylinder Head Bolt Re-torque Procedure
This information supersedes the previous technical bulletin, dated March 25, 2005. The previous bulletin should be removed from your files. This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine built between February 1, 2004 and April 5, 2005. Whenever re-torquing the cylinder head bolt(s), be sure to follow the torque sequence as outlined below.
Determining the Correct Head Gasket For Cat 3114, 3116 & 3126 (2 valve) Engines
Oversized head gaskets may not be something you would normally think about when repairing or rebuilding a Caterpillar engine. While other engine manufacturers have utilized thicker head gaskets to help salvage cylinder blocks they are not so common to Caterpillar engines. As the 3114, 3116 and 3126 (2-valve) engines age you may encounter engines that
Why Does The Appearance Vary On Engine Bearings?
For years you’ve seen engine bearings with a gray surface appearance due to the lead/tin overlay, but now with new bearing materials used in some applications you could find a variety of different looks. These differences will not only vary between engine models, but can also change depending on shaft diameter or journal size utilizing
Volkswagen Engine Noise Complaints
There have been complaints of an engine noise at start-up on some 1999-2005 Volkswagen 1.8, 2.8 and 4.2L engines. Volkswagen AG has issued the following information regarding this condition. A condition may exist between the valve train components, camshaft chain tensioner(s), or camshaft adjuster(s) during start-up, creating a rattle or knocking noise. The camshaft adjustment
Revised Gasket Sealant for GM Engines
The AERA Technical Committee offers an update to the previously published technical bulletin concerning the use of liquid gasket engine sealant usage on GM engines. This information is to be used for all GM manufactured engines. This bulletin has been revised with the addition of 2006 and 2007 model years including the Saab 9-7X and