Feature Articles

Tech Tips

Tech Tips

Subaru OHC Engine Oil Leaks; A Missing Nissan… And A Toyota; Imitation Intake Manifold Gasket leak; Camry Valve Deposits

German Time: Porsche 944 Timing Belts

German Time: Porsche 944 Timing Belts

It’s not too often that you see an overhead cam engine equipped with two drive pulleys, four driven pulleys, two timing belts, three different types of timing belt tensioners, and five shafts. But that’s exactly what you’ll find in the Porsche 944.

Analog Sensors

Analog Sensors

This month we’d like to take a logical next step and show how analog sensors use reference voltage to provide the ECU with important information about changes going on under the hood.

ToyotA140

ToyotA140

We’re back this month with an overhaul overview of the four-speed automatic transaxles used in the Toyota’s Camry models.

Tech Tips

Tech Tips

Clutch Pedal Hits The Floor; Hood Release Cable Replacement; Floppy A/C Vents; Clogged Nissan EGR Passages; “The Old Rubber Band Trick”

Reference Voltage and Computers

Reference Voltage and Computers

When the Ancient Mariner found himself surrounded by water, his trusty sextant gave him an accurate measurement of the stars above, and helped in guide his ship safely to shore.

Two For One

Two For One

It wouldn’t seem that Bosch KE-Jetronic and Nissan ECCS engine management systems have a great deal in common. You might even say they are more dissimilar than they are alike.

Snapshots

Snapshots

The little Mazda was washed, polished, and then like a new member of a family, it posted for pictures to be placed with love in the family photo album.

Kit Car

Kit Car

NUMMI’s first project was producing Toyota Corollas and Chevrolet Novas.

Carside Manner

Carside Manner

We receive calls at our office from techs who find themselves in the middle of a headache car that’s turned into a migraine skull thumper. We try to help.

Drill and Tap

Drill and Tap

Mercedes-Benz has long been known for their aluminum V* engines. The 3.8 L (116.96), 5.0 L (177.96) and other aluminum Benz engines are surprisingly durable, especially when compared to the older 4.5 liter cast iron engines.

Carside Manner

Carside Manner

The lady mystery writer from Maine, and the cigar smoking detective in the trashed out trench coat who listen carefully for 58 minutes, and then solve the mystery in the dying moments before the last commercial?

Key Off Battery Drain

Key Off Battery Drain

After properly charging and testing the battery, you’ve eliminated it as the source of the problem. The alternator charging rate also looks good. So what caused the dead batter?

Anti-Lock Brake Systems

Anti-Lock Brake Systems

According to an old automotive legend, the first Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was installed on a small number of specially equipped Lincoln models back in 1954.

Wasserboxer

Wasserboxer

After an hour or so of 60 mile an hour driving, the little red “I’m too hot” light would start blinking its warning. This resulted in a stop for a burger and fries for the owner, and a jug of coolant for the Vanagon.

Sore Joints: Volvo Trailing Arm Bushings

Sore Joints: Volvo Trailing Arm Bushings

We usually ignore these important suspension components until they start making strange and unusual noises that the owner can’t remember hearing before. Only then does the car get a road test and a careful suspension inspection.

Ripple Pattern: Part Two

Ripple Pattern: Part Two

Diodes rectify the AC voltage induced in the slator, changing it into pulsating DC to charge the batter and run the vehicle’s electrical systems. That’s important to remember.