GM Northstar 4.6L V8 Engine
Initially rated at 295 horsepower, the Northstar V8 has grown over the years to an incredible 469 hp at 6,400 rpm (STS-V Supercharged Northstar engine). In 1995, the engine was ranked as one of the “10 Best Engines in North America” by Ward’s Auto World. It repeated the honor in 1996 and 1997, but it
Upper Timing Chain Noise on Volkswagen VR6 Engines
Tohelp silence the problem, try bleeding the tensioner. Start by removingthe tensioner from the engine. Next, submerge the tensioner in oil.(Make sure the oil feed hole is facing upwards.) Then, use a large pairof non-marring pliers to actuate the piston several times until no airis noticed escaping the bleed hole. Finally, install the tensionerimmediately by
When Parts Collide: VW?And Audi Engine Repair?Information
Nothing makes this truer than the changes in automobile engine design over the last 20 years or so. For example, in the early 1970s, VW/Audi designed a small, efficient and reliable engine that was easy to work on and made use of the then fairly new technology of a rubber timing belt without the possibility
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
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.
Time for Chains: Stock and Performance Timing Sets
Timing chains and gears are engine parts that are usually replaced when an engine is rebuilt. Over time, gear teeth wear and chains stretch. This can cause noise, retarded valve timing (and ignition timing if the engine also has a cam-driven distributor), and a noticeable loss of performance and fuel economy. A new timing chain,
Servicing 1995 GM Quad IV Balance Shafts
The balance shaft procedure has been revised. Figure 4 has been added and the tightening specification in Figure 5 has been revised. Balance Shaft Assembly Tools Required: • J 41 088 Balance Shaft Holder • J 36660 Torque Angle Meter 1. Balance shaft assembly to block. Use Loctite® 242 on the housing assembly to block
Harding Promoted to Director of Aftermarket Operations at Katech
Katech Performance, manufacturer of race-proven aftermarket crate engines and components for Gen3 LS1/LS6 and Gen4 LS2/LS7 engines, has promoted Jason Harding to director of aftermarket operations. Harding will oversee the sales efforts of Katech’s aftermarket division. Previously, he served for three years in performance parts sales, where he focused on expanding Katech Performance’s distribution
Variety of Oil Blends Required to Meet Today’s Engine Requirements
Yearsago, an import shop could consider its shelves well-stocked if itcontained a selection of single-viscosity oils in detergent ornon-detergent blends. Today, a shop owner is confronted with stocking avariety of multi-viscosity oils, including 0w-20, 0w-40, 5w-20, 5w-30,10w-30, 10w-40, 15w-40 and 20w-50, not to mention stocking some ofthese viscosities in synthetic and non-synthetic bases. Although thenumber
EngINtel: Practical Builder Tips To Common Questions
Since you all indulged me last month with editorial musings, thismonth will be a couple of Practical Builder Tips (PBTs) that shouldkeep you out of hot water from time to time. They’re somewhat genericbut have been popping their ugly heads in all types of engines and theyhave no manufacturer preference so no one is immune.
Shop Solutions: July 2008
Timing Chain Tensioner Installation Caution: 1996-’06 GM 2.4L This tensioner consists of a housing and a piston. The piston has a secondary piston or plunger contained in it and must be in the compressed position for installation. When compressed, the plunger extends approximately .070? (or 1.7mm) beyond the piston cylinder. If this is not the
A Total Eclipse Of The Son
Not all that long ago, an entire generation learned about high performance and hot rods from Jan & Dean and The Beach Boys. Their lyrics romanticized surfing, cars and the California lifestyle. I knew kids who quoted those lyrics as they described either the car they were driving, or the one they desperately wanted to
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
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
EngINtel: A Stack of Gifts Almost as Satisfying as Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire
At this time of year, let me be the first one to to give you a gift – and it’s one you’ll likely use again and again. Many of you may have not seen this issue, but once it bites you, you will always remember the Nissan KA24 engine series in the SOHC configuration. So
Shop Solutions: November 2007
Solution for Pre-mature Camshaft Failure on Big Block Chevy Engines ≈Big Block Chevrolet engines are well known for being subject to premature camshaft lobe wear and failure. Here are ways to help relieve this problem. When replacing a hydraulic camshaft, instead of using the OE type of lifter (p/n 817 or VL37) use p/n 2095
Got a Minute? – Educating the customer
Time is an interesting construct. If you look at its history, you begin to realize that there is no real reason for a minute to have 60 seconds, an hour to have 60 minutes or a day to have 24 hours, or for us to divide those 24 hours into 12 hours of daylight and
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)
The Ups And Downs Of Valves
It’s always good to take a fresh look at some of the many engine components we work with. Rather than being lulled into complacency, the idea is to see what’s new, what trends are in play and to get a current reading from others on the inside. In other words, it’s good to keep it
Core Corner: Finding Your Direction With The Northstar
I’ll be honest, it’s had me baffled. Even I’ve struggled to understand why I would put much research effort into the casting proliferation of this engine. My perception was, "Who in his right mind would spend the money to put a reman engine into a car that is so old?" Yet, jump up onto AutoTrader.com