Tech Spec: 100 Years of Changing Internal Combustion Technology It would be interesting to hear what Nicolaus Otto, credited as the father of the first functional four-stroke IC engine, would say after seeing some of the advanced powerplants dropped into vehicles today. More

Tech Feature: Lack of Power Leads to Exhaust Restriction Analysis In the early days of carburetors and mechanical fuel pumps, most lack-of-power complaints stemmed from vapor locking on the fuel pump or the fuel filter clogging. But that's becoming the exception rather than the rule. More

Tech Feature: Detecting Misfires in OBD II Engines With OBD II, there's no missing misfires. Most engine control systems with OBD II monitor the speed of the crankshaft between cylinder firings to detect misfires. The powertrain control module (PCM) notes the relative position of the crankshaft via the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) each time a trigger pulse is sent to the ignition system. More

Tech Tip: Ticking or Knocking Noise Coming from Some Ford Catalytic Converters Some 1997-2003 F-150 vehicles equipped with any engine, and 1997-1998 F-250 LD vehicles equipped with the 5.4L engine, may exhibit a ticking or knocking noise coming from the catalytic converters. More

Catalytic Converter Tech Feature: Diagnosing P0420 or P0430 DTCs Although modern OBD II technology has simplified catalytic converter diagnostics, it's still important to understand the basics of catalytic converter operation when dealing with a P0420 or P0430 DTC. Gary Goms explores the basics of catalytic converter chemistry and summarizes how common converter failures can be diagnosed. More

Code P0420: The Dreaded Diagnostics of Catalytic Converter Replacement and Oxygen Sensors You just pulled a P0420 from a vehicle indicating the catalyst system efficiency for one of the banks is below threshold. What is next? Could it be just the oxygen sensor? Or, could it be the catalytic converter? These articles will help you understand why the OBDII code was set and what further test must be performed to determine the root of the problem like a coolant leak, oil blow by or other problems... More

Tech Feature: Curbing Catalytic Converter Thefts Catalytic converters have been disappearing at an alarming rate. The theft of these emission control devices is being perpetrated by sleazeballs looking for easy money. A thief can hock a pilfered converter for $25 to as much as $100 depending on the value of the precious metals inside it. More

Tech Tip: Multiple Cylinder Misfire or Rough Idle on Chrysler Models This bulletin involves rotating all engine exhaust valves, replacing the valve spring retainer locks with a new design to increase valve rotation at lower rpm, inspecting/replacing the MAP sensor (as necessary), and decarbonizing the combustion More

Tech Tip: Wave Dynamics for Headers and Pipes Depending upon the market to which an import shop might be catering, the term "performance exhaust" can have two different meanings. The first market actively seeks out the throaty rumble and chrome-plated look as part of the street-driving scene. The second market installs an exhaust system that produces the most horsepower for a performance application. Sometimes the two markets are identical and... More