AMG: Half a Century of Success with Mercedes-Benz
These three letters stand worldwide for supreme automotive performance, exclusivity, efficiency, and highly-dynamic driving pleasure.
Volvo HVAC: Climate Control Diagnosis and Repair
In this series of articles we will cover diagnosis, service and repairs of Volvo climate control systems that are commonly seen in independent shops.
Mercedes-Benz Exhaust System Work
Isn’t this just “bigger hammer” technology? Not anymore. And not if you don’t want comebacks.
Oil Pumps, Drives, Pans, and Pump Systems, Part 1
Moving that boiled-down dinosaur from a builder’s perspective…
Mercedes-Benz Electrically-Powered Steering
Introduced in 2011 with the CLS (218) model, virtually every new Mercedes-Benz model that’s appeared since then has this innovative system. We’ll explain how it works and offer some tips for when something’s not quite right.
All Charged Up
The design, operation, and diagnosis of charging systems and battery control modules, and a look at AC ripple and the problems it can cause.
Spring has Sprung!
“Spring is the time of plans and projects…” The next issue of Performance Technician will continue to explore engine oiling in “Oil Pumps, Drives, Pans, and Pump Systems, Part 2” — focusing on dry sump function, advantages and design considerations. Greg McConiga will...
Octane and Engine Performance
It’s been decades since you could just add more lead to combat detonation.
Volvo TechTips Fall Winter 2016
In this issue: Misfire Diagnostic Strategies and Repairs… • Everyday Service • Pattern Failures, Part 2 • Shiftless? • Windshields
So Soon?
Ddeep disruption in technology can occur in a much shorter time span than you’d ever suspect.
Finish Line: These Cars Run on Code
“The only reason we put tires on cars is to keep the computers from dragging on the ground.”-Attributed to a Toyota Engineer Apollo 11 Lunar Module, circa 1969. 1969. Apollo 11. The Lunar Module Descent-and-Landing Computer took control of the space craft several...
Performance Technician January/February 2017
- Octane and Engine Performance
- Oil Pumps, Drives, Pans, and Pump Systems, Part 1
- The Physics of Lubrication Systems
Do It Right When Replacing the Windshield!
Proper windshield replacement calls for the right tools, techniques, and replacement glass
Technical Minute: Pressure: Learning to Love It!
Understanding the engine as both an air and vacuum pump. Daniel Bernoulli, 1700-1782 When the engine is running with the throttles closed, the air coming in is restricted. Because the demand for air created by the falling piston exceeds the amount of incoming air...
Shiftless? Volvo Automatic Transmission Service, Diagnosis and Repair
Transmission problems may or may not actually be transmission problems.
It’s a Koul, Koul World…
Problems? The racing and restoration world is just chock-full of them. Have you ever nearly bled out from a thousand tiny cuts suffered while stuffing stainless braided hoses into their respective fittings? Or ended up red-faced and panting like a ditch digger with a...
The Continuing Saga of the Seven Circuits, Part 3: Carburetion
The concept of this terrific series from our Executive Technical Editor has evolved and grown from its original, less detailed, idea, which is a good thing. Here, Greg helps us really understand the idle, transfer, main, power, and accelerator pump circuits. Setting...
Starting Line: Carb-O-rama
This issue of Performance Technician has so much great content on carburetors, I decided to expand my regular column into a feature as an opportunity to share some facts, experiences, and observations on the “magical mechanical mixture maker” that I hope you’ll find...
Performance Technician November/December 2016
- It’s a Koul, Koul World…
- Carburetion, 3: The Continuing Saga of the Seven Circuits
- Technical Minute: Pressure: Learning to Love It!
Volvo Misfire Diagnostic Strategies and Repairs With or Without ECM Codes
Diagnosing Volvo misfires is not much different from the way you diagnose other cars, you just have to know what to look for. The most important thing you need when diagnosing a Volvo or any other car is the right information.
StarTuned December 2016
In this issue: Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage; The Intelligent Servo Module; Wiring & Function Diagrams & Descriptions; Careful Adjustments Keep Special Tops Working Great