iATN Waveform Library Exceeds 30,000 Files
The International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN) Waveform & File Library recently exceeded 30,000 vehicle-specific files, all uploaded by iATN members based on their real-world automotive repair experiences. Library files are searchable by file type, model year, make, systems, engine size, related components, vehicle condition and keywords, and often include technical information from the linked TechHelp
Cooling System Confusion Can Lead to Contentious Comebacks
They may or may not have had some type of formalized education – yet, they may be well versed and very savvy but have not had the infield experience as of yet. They are not necessarily young, just new to the world of engines. For them (and even for the veterans), let me give you
Oil Leak By Crankshaft Seal on Porsche Boxter Engines
Models Affected: 97-’04 Boxter/Boxter S M96.23, M96.24 Engines Examination of engines that were the subject of complaints revealed other oil leaks in addition to those found in the crankshaft sealing ring on the flywheel side. These engine oil leak areas included: • Crankcase bolt threads • Intermediateshaft flange area. Since March 10, 2004, bolts with
Building for the Drag Racing Market a Quarter Mile at a Time
At the top levels of drag racing there are multi-million dollar teams supported by corporate sponsors, but for the sportsman and bracket racers across the country, it’s still mostly supported by the racer’s wallet. Yet many of these racers have pretty deep pockets and the benefactors are those who service the market, including engine builders
Prestolite Performance Expands Sales Team
As head of the sales team, Stark brings more than three decades of aftermarket experience with his previous executive position at Corteco, which services specialty channel automatic transmission repair. He will be responsible for planning, implementing and driving sales with a short- and long-term strategic mindset. “Prestolite Performance’s priority is to remain customer centric and
GM 8.1L Ring References
Type the word "ring" in the Google search engine and get beyond all thestuff that is being sold and you will be amazed at how many occurrencesthere are. It is mind boggling. There is even a site that monitors andarchives data relevant to planetary rings. You can’t talk about rings and not mention the Olympic
To Succeed in Business Reality, You
How are your business dreams looking today? I’m not hearing about many dreams. Maybe some nightmares, but few dreams. To be truthful, we need to look at the good signs. For one, business is picking up. There seems to be a positive attitude in many places. But how many more years like 2011 can you
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: May 2012
Why Engine Valves Break The following are some of the most common reasons why engine valves break. This information is courtesy of Basso S.A., a manufacturer of engine valves for original equipment and aftermarket customers. Break between valve head and stem: Cause: Repeated stress to valve stem Contributing Factors: - Weak springs -
Head Gaskets 101: Part 1
In 1991, Ford introduced the 4.6L OHC V-8, commonly referred to as the Modular Ford V-8. It had, for its time, a revolutionary new head gasket design called MLS. Prior to that, most head gaskets were steel core designs with some sort of gasket paper attached to the core, so this was a big change
Cylinder Block Cracks on 4.6L Cadillac Engines
A subject certainlyworth knowing about are cylinder block cracks on the Cadillac 4.6LDOHC engine. You may never see one of these cracks unlessyou painstakingly look for it or it bites you on a warranty. However,it becomes obvious almost immediately if you need to resurface theblock deck. The problem is cracking of the aluminum block casting
Why Does A First-Time Caller Choose Your Shop?
Although well intentioned, the folks who think that a first time caller decides where to bring their engine for a rebuild is based solely on price are dead wrong. Price is not, never has been, and never will be the most important consideration for a first time caller who is trying to decide where to
Solving Sealing Issues on 2.5L Subaru
Federal-Mogul has introduced two next-generation Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS head gaskets that help eliminate sealing concerns on the full range of Subaru 2.5L SOHC and DOHC “boxer” engines dating back to the 1996 model year. The new MLS head gaskets combine Federal-Mogul’s aftermarket multi-layer-steel gasket technologies with a "LaserWeld" stopper layer design, developed in partnership with
Cleaning Engine Parts: Can You? Should You?
Here’s the kicker – those shops who feel that proper cleaning is too difficult, too time consuming or too expensive are actually leaving money on table when it comes to their engine parts. “At one point in my career, cleaning seemed like it was really difficult,” says Dave Arce of Arce Enterprises, El Cajon, CA.
Choosing Valvetrain Components: Lifters, Pushrods, Springs & Rockers
The type of parts you ultimately choose will depend on the application (street performance, circle track, drag, marine, etc.) and any rules that restrict the type of camshaft, lifters or other valvetrain components that are allowed. But don’t overlook your customer’s budget. Affordability often limits your choices if a customer just doesn’t have the bucks
Stock Car Engines and Sanctioning Bodies: Different Groups, Different Rules
But for engine builders, keeping up with these groups, and the many sets of rules, can be quite a task. How do you stay on top of what’s legal AND competitive? We will take a closer look at a number of groups that are off NASCAR’s beaten path and see what they have for rules.
The Importance of Training
You’re gonna get it…training, thatis. You’re going to get trained one wayor the other. When it comes to business,you can do it the hard way or you can do it the easy way. Personally, I am far too lazy to work very hard, so I’ve always soughtthe easiest way to do things. Goodtraining is simply
How Do You Reuse Cummins ISX and QSX Connecting Rods?
There are two types of ISX & QSX connecting rods; “Drilled” and “Non-Drilled”. A drilledconnecting rod has an oil passage drilled up through the shank of the rod to supply lubrication tothe connection at the piston pin. A drilled rod can be used with either two piece articulated orone piece steel pistons. There is no
With Today’s Customer
Although you’ll find many definitions, I believe we can all agree that in the mind of your customers, value means getting the most bang for their buck. In the auto service business, there are a number of ways we can create value for our customers in both marketing and sales. Here are some recommendations you
Engine Builder Shop Solutions: April 2012
Cold Air Tool Cooling For Machining We have been using cold air cooling in our shop for cast iron machining for several years. It does several things: it keeps the tool cool without the use of wet coolant, it blows away the dry chips, and it eliminates having the mess of coolant everywhere. Also, we
F-M
Alapont will remain with the company in a consulting role to assist with the transition and will also remain on the company’s board of directors through 2013. Jueckstock also will join the company’s board of directors. Federal-Mogul also announced that its board has decided to modify the company’s corporate structure to create a separate and