Tech Tips
Found: Poor Grounds; Detecting Electrical Intermittents; Setting Ignition Dwell
Carside Manner
A friend was pulling out a quick lube the other day after having the oil and filter changed. As he left, the smiling young attendant handed him his receipt and asked, “Would you like any ketchup for your fries?”
Tracer
We’ve seen Toyotas posing as Chevrolets and Mitsubishis posing as Chryslers in these pages. Now it’s time to look at one of Ford Motor Company’s crossover cars-the Mercury Tracer.
SAAB 9000
They’ve been tacking 9s on their cars as long as I can remember. We’ve seen 96s, 99s, and 900s, just to name a few Saab “9” models.
Tech Tips
Volvo Diesel Charging Systems; Camry Cruise Control; Cleaning Headlight Connections; Oversize Sheet Metal Hole Saver; Honda Heater Cables; Failed Emissions Tests; CV Axle Disassembly
Toyota Variable Venturi: Part Two
Installing the carburetor field fix kit may seem like a lot of work, but the results are certainly worthwhile. The kit made a noticeable improvement in the cold operation of our target Tercel, and we didn’t think it was running that badly when we started.
Taken For Granite
Somewhere along the line, someone in the marketing department must have discovered there were also Americans who were looking for a bit more power and luxury in a slightly larger package, and wouldn’t mind paying extra for these features.
Carside Manner
My apologies to Mr. Dickens, but customer expectations for their new or nearly new cars seem to be an all time high. On average, newer vehicles are more reliable and require less maintenance than ever before.
Before You Dig…
Your local public utility’s worst nightmare is a guy with a backhoe who doesn’t heed the warnings.
Alliance
The Renault Alliance was voted Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1983. Large decals glued to the rear windows identified the little car as the “One to Watch.”
Van Go
The Quest is actually Nissan’s fourth entry in the minivan wars.
Toyota Variable Venturi
Fuel injection seems like an easy choice, but even a simple fuel injection system can add to much to the cost of the average econobox.
Tour Guide II: Electronic Schematics
This follow-up article will take us to the next step and discuss the use of electronic schematics.
Carside Manner
Since then he has moved to an independent shop, and has found repair procedures to be more complicated now that he doesn’t have access to current technical information and dealerships’ wealth of special tools.
Two Triggers and A Tester
Whether it’s a better or easier way to get the job done, or a homemade tool that’s “not available in any store,” it’s obvious that there are folks out there with their thinking caps on.
Mazda RX7 Turbo: Part Two
Sticking with the basics, we eliminated as many obvious causes as we could for a warm high idle with occasional misfire, and an intermittent no-start when the engine was hot.
Breaking Into Lock Out Hubs
To complete the package, power was transmitted to the front wheels through universal joints that didn’t take kindly to radical changes in direction. Tire companies loved these vehicles almost as much as their heavily muscled owners.
Carside Manner
There are more than a few classic lines floating around that are dead giveaways about what’s really going on.
Tech Tips
Honda Cam Seal Replacement; Nissan No-Start; Vanagon Cooling System Bleeding; Porsche Camshaft Lubrication; Volkswagen Engine Noises; Four Quick Tips; Honda Distributors
Around the Benz
In addition to its diesel engine, the 260D sported an advanced box section chassis design, and independent front and rear suspension.
Star Service News Bulletin No.45 – Fall 1992
Star Service News Bulletin No.45