Web Exclusive: Gearing Up for Timing Belt and Chain Work
The best time for a timing belt or chain to be replaced is before it fails. Technical Editor Larry Carley discusses items to consider when timing belt or chain work arrives in your shop or school in this Web Exclusive article.
YAWA: You Asked, We Answered
This month, we answer some of your questions on water pumps.
Report Reveals That 80% of Vehicles Need Service and Parts
An analysis of vehicle inspection forms, submitted from event coordinators in several states, shows that 80% of the vehicles checked during National Car Care Month in April and Fall Car Care Month in October needed parts replacement, service or fluids
Under the Hood: Short on Time – Compact Engine Timing Belt Service
As a rule, General Motors uses timing chains rather than timing belts on most of its engines. Timing chains are long-lived and reliable, and do not have a recommended replacement interval. But, not so with timing belts. One GM engine that does use a rubber timing belt is the 1.6L E-TECH II engine in the 2004 and up Chevrolet Aveo. We take a look at timing belt procedures for this and similar compact engines.
Ford’s New MyKey System Helps Teens Drive Safer, Conserve Fuel
Ford’s MyKey feature — which debuts next year as standard equipment on the 2010 Ford Focus and will quickly become standard on many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models — allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume.
Cooling System Cures: Performing Water Pump Check-Ups
The water pump, used to keep coolant circulating between the engine and radiator to get rid of the heat, is such an important component that should be checked along with the cooling system on regular intervals.
Becoming Attuned to Engine Sounds
When correctly interpreted, engine noise can be a very valuable diagnostic tool.
Engine Series: Restoring a Vehicle to Like-New Performance
Power to the People: An independent repair shop has a handful of engine replacement options available: a used engine, a quality rebuilt, a remanufactured or new OE engine.
Engine Series: Q & A on Engine Replacement
Q: At what point should an engine be replaced?
Q: What’s a “crate” engine?
Q: What are the most common installation mistakes when replacing an engine?
Service Advisor: Time to Make a Tool Decision
Discovering special tools to change timing belts