Asian Engine Market: Not Lost in Translation
Of course, import interest is nothing new. It has been growing since the fuel crisis of the ’70s, but in 2009, Asian car companies surpassed domestic manufacturers in the percentage of all cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. for the first time ever. While it seems the majority of the performance aftermarket bleeds
Valve and Guide Material, Selection Update
Today’s engines are being designed with more valves per cylinder with smaller valves to reduce valve train weight and increase intake volume. Cylinder heads typically require valve guide and seat work to restore compression and oil control if you are rebuilding the heads. For the valve to seat properly and to gain the most power
Kicking Asphalt
In this election year it somehow seems appropriate to talk about a movement that reaches the common citizen…the working man…the small-business person. Political rhetoric aside, it has the potential to gain traction in the industry and showcase what’s great about America – grassroots road racing. There are no multi-million dollar sponsorships (multi-million dollar wallets not
JASPER Makes Available More Late-Model Domestic and Import Engines
Jasper Engines & Transmissions, the nation’s leader in remanufactured drivetrain components, has made available more late-model engines from Chrysler, Ford, GM and Subaru. The Chrysler 3.7L V6 remanufactured engine is now available for: • 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro, Dodge Ram truck and Jeep Liberty. • 2007-2008 Dodge Dakota, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee. • 2007-2008
Moller International Achieves Breakthrough in Rotary Engine Performance
Moller International announced that it has achieved a major breakthrough in rotary engine performance. A version of the Company’s Rotapower® engine is designed in such a way that the engine’s two rotors operate in series rather than parallel. This design allows the first compressor/expansion rotor to supercharge the second power rotor while the exhaust from
Labor Costing Study: Ford 2.0L ZETEC Engine
If a name works, why not stick with it? That’s pretty much the attitude that Ford has taken with regard to its popular inline four-cylinder engine named Zetec. The Zetec name can be used to describe many different multi-valve DOHC engines, based on three distinctly different designs. It was used in several Ford, Mercury and
Special Timing Chain and Belt Tools
Before you replace a timing belt, chain or gear set on some engines, you will have to look up the timing reference marks. Some engines have multiple timing marks that can cause confusion if you don’t know which ones to use or how to line them up. Many engines also require special tools when changing
Timing Chains & Gears
As a rule, most pushrod engines use a timing chain to drive the camshaft, though some older four and six cylinder engines use a gear set. A short chain or gear set works well in this kind of application because the camshaft is located in the block just above the crankshaft. In overhead cam (OHC)
Coretalk
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) did not vote late last year on a proposal that would have extended emissions warranties to 15 years/150,000 miles on defective emissions-related components. The determination came during a CARB hearing on changes to the Emissions Warranty Information Reporting (EWIR) requirement that would have required car companies that experience more
Fast Talk: Ward’s Announces ‘Top 10 Best Engines’
The winners of “Ward’s Auto 10 Best Engines” each reflect a changing environment within the automotive industry, according to the publication. Where past lists have been dominated by large-displacement engines, half of this year’s list is made up of 3.0L or smaller displacement engines. Only two of the winners are larger than 3.5L, and four
Coretalk: New Brochure, Poster And Web Site Promote The Benefits of ‘Repowering’
Limited quantities of the “Serious Engine Trouble?” brochure are available to industry professionals by contacting ERC at [email protected]. “The new brochure encourages motorists to talk with their automotive technician and consider all of their options when faced with major engine trouble,” said ERC Chairman Tom Schrader. “Often times, choosing to repower the current engine is
Coretalk: R&R Engine & Machine Named 2006 ‘Machine Shop Of The Year’
“The Machine Shop of the Year Award is always presented to a shop that represents this industry with integrity and professionalism,” explained Kaufman. “For its innovation, its attention to customer satisfaction and nearly 40 years of businees in Akron, we’re pleased to present this award to Bryan and all the employees at R&R.” This is
Tech Notes
Engine Builders: Synthetic oils have been available for almost 30 years and a number of inaccurate myths have developed during this time. Some areas of misunderstanding are clarified below, including manufacturer requirements for using synthetics, how to switch from conventional to synthetic oil and the effects of synthetics on an engine. Myth 1: Synthetic oils
Mid-Range Diesel & Gas Industrial Engines
Engine builders involved in the industrial market say parts generally don’t cross over even though they may resemble their automotive counterparts. And shops that specialize in this market typically don’t build automotive engines. But don’t discount the opportunities these engines present, even if you don’t consider yourself an industrial expert. The builds are about the
Coretalk: House Approves Bill To Increase Ethanol Fueling Pumps At Gas Stations
At this time, only 800 gas stations have E-85 pumps installed, less than one percent of all gas stations. Automakers incur about $20 million in CAFE fines annually. Supporters hope this money could double the number of pumps available to dispense ethanol or other alternative fuel. The bill would provide grants of between $30,000 and
Shop Line
Q: I’ve had difficulty getting the main bearing clearances correct on some Ford 2.5L engines. Do you know of any updates? A: The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding the main bearing bore for 1993-2002 Ford 2.5L VIN B and KL engines. This engine is made by Mazda and has been used in
Coretalk: National Crankshaft Co. Becomes Newest EPWI Branch Warehouse
NCC joins other EPWI warehouses located in Denver, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Dallas, Oakland, Oklahoma City, Houston, San Antonio, Portland (OR), Tacoma and Anchorage. “EPWI is making enhancements to the programs and product lines currently offered, as well as adding many new product lines” according to Paul Van Woensel, president of EPWI. “NCC’s customer support programs are
Shop Line
I’ve noticed the crankshaft pulley on some Mazda engines don’t have keys. What is the proper installation procedure? The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding crankshaft pulley replacement for 2001-2005 Mazda 2.0L and 2.3L engines. The crankshaft pulley is not keyed to the crankshaft on these engines. If the crankshaft pulley bolt is
Ward’s Auto World Names 12th Annual ‘Top 10 Best Engines’
Ward’s Auto World Names Twelfth Annual ‘Top 10 Best Engines’ The winners of “Ward’s 10 Best Engines” awards for 2006 demonstrate U.S. auto consumers still can have it all: many of the winning engines highlight sophisticated new technology that generates exhilarating performance – but also improves fuel economy. The 2006 list marks the 12th year
PERA’s Core Corner: Getting A Leg Up On The Ford Duratec Cover-Up
No matter how much the engine remanufacturing and building industry changes, one thing will always remain the same. Identifying what type of engine on which you’re working will be an important – and challenging – part of the process. Today the front cover has become such an integral part of application identification that it has