Car Service/Maintenance

Overview This article explains how ignition coil primary resistance affects vehicle performance, offering five key tips for testing, maintaining, and replacing ignition coils to prevent engine problems. The guide emphasizes that monitoring coil resistance (typically 0.4-2.0 ohms) is essential for preventing issues like misfires, rough idling, and decreased fuel economy, with proper testing requiring a […]

Overview This article provides a detailed guide on distributor caps and rotors, explaining their function, how to inspect them, signs of failure, and maintenance best practices. Regular inspection of these critical ignition components can prevent breakdowns, with recommendations to check them every oil change and replace every 50,000 miles regardless of condition. Table of Contents

Overview This detailed guide explains how to diagnose and replace failing timing chain tensioners, covering symptoms like engine rattling and decreased performance, proper replacement procedures, and preventative maintenance tips. The article emphasizes that addressing tensioner issues promptly can prevent catastrophic engine damage, while comparing DIY replacement (saving $400-1000) with professional service options. Table of Contents

Overview This guide explains how to fix noisy hydraulic lifters by bleeding air from them using manual compression, oil pressure, or running engine methods, along with necessary tools and safety precautions. The article emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance including regular oil changes with recommended viscosity oil and appropriate warm-up procedures to prevent future lifter

Overview This article explains how proper pushrod length is critical for engine performance, detailing measurement techniques with specialized tools and highlighting how incorrect length can cause valve train issues, reduced power, and premature component wear. It provides step-by-step measurement guidance, discusses variables affecting pushrod length (including camshaft profiles and head milling), and emphasizes fine-tuning for

Overview This article explains how rocker arm ratios affect engine performance through valve lift and timing, with three key tips: measure components precisely, select ratios appropriate for your specific engine setup, and consider installation factors like pushrod length and valve spring pressure. Proper rocker arm ratio calculations can yield 15-25 horsepower gains in naturally aspirated

Overview This article provides five essential tips for achieving proper valve seat grinding angles in engine maintenance, explaining how selecting the right angle combinations, stones, and techniques directly impacts engine performance and longevity. It emphasizes the critical importance of precise three-angle cutting methods, achieving optimal seat width, and verifying work through proper testing to ensure

Overview Cylinder head resurfacing requires precise adherence to manufacturer specifications for flatness tolerance (typically 0.002″-0.006″), material removal limits (0.008″-0.010″ for aluminum, 0.020″-0.030″ for cast iron), and surface finish requirements (20-30 Ra for MLS gaskets). Professional resurfacing is strongly recommended over DIY methods to ensure proper engine sealing, prevent compression issues, and avoid costly failures like

Overview This article provides a detailed guide to crankshaft journal polishing, explaining why this process is crucial for engine performance and longevity through reduced friction, improved oil film retention, and minimized heat generation. It covers the essential tools, step-by-step polishing techniques, common mistakes to avoid, professional versus DIY considerations, and proper maintenance procedures to ensure

Overview This article provides seven essential tips for achieving optimal connecting rod bearing clearance in engine building, emphasizing how this critical measurement—typically between 0.0015″ and 0.0025″—directly impacts engine longevity and performance. Proper clearance creates the ideal oil film between components, preventing premature failure while requiring quality measuring tools, adherence to manufacturer specifications, consideration of oil