Single overhead and dual overhead camshafts have been a part of automotive, marine, motorcycle and aircraft engines since the early 20th century. Some of the first cars with a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) were the British designed 1902 Maudsley and the American 1903 Marr Autocar. Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) appeared in a French Peugeot which … Read more
Spark plugs may be simple to replace or annoyingly difficult. It all depends on how many covers, hoses, wire harnesses and other miscellaneous parts you must either move or remove to gain access to the plugs. And if the engine is jammed into a tiny space, that can make getting to the plugs even more … Read more
Today, gears are a major part of our lives. Mostly hidden by appropriate enclosures, they do their work in all manner of servile devices from washing machines to laser printers to chainsaws. Many aspects of life would be far different and more difficult without gears. Two specific types of gears are in common use worldwide. … Read more
Around 2012 or so, the first of the small displacement and high performance turbocharged four cylinder engines began to emerge in scaled-down sports sedans and hatchbacks. The Ford Focus ST and the Mazdaspeed 3 come to mind. Manufacturers were then attempting to squeeze a bunch of brake horsepower (bhp) out of small displacement engines and … Read more
Whether shopping for a new vehicle (especially a truck), you’ll often be presented with more than one engine option. Right up there with the 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder debate, is the V6 vs V8 argument. Should you go for the extra power of a V8 or for the better fuel economy of a V6? Unfortunately, it’s … Read more
The brake (or stop) lights are part of the rear light installation on your car, truck, or SUV. Brake lights began to appear on automobiles around 1905. Drivers then were using hand signals to indicate to cars behind that they were about to stop or turn. Hand signals remain in vogue today for bicyclists and … Read more
To understand the variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid and associated oil control valve (OCV), it will help to know the history of this device and how it benefits our cars, SUVs and light trucks today. The valves in the engine of your car, SUV or truck operate to control the flow of air, fuel and … Read more
The importance of quality motor oil for automobile, SUV and light truck engines cannot be overstated. Today’s engines demand the best lubricants. And to emphasize this, many manufacturers deliver their products with the engineers’ recommended oil already installed. If the builder of your car so considers lubricant brand and type to be significant, you the … Read more
During the development of the automobile, several different methods to control engine speed were utilized. Hand throttles were initially popular, but this method faded over time. Eventually the engine speed and car speed control became the work of the driver’s right foot. Thus the accelerator pedal (or gas pedal) emerged. It was connected to the … Read more
Loosely interpreted, the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics tells us that everything is inexorably wearing out. And that is true for the brake pads on your car. Though possibly in good condition today, in a few weeks or months they will demand replacing. And if you are a moderately skilled DIY guy or gal, you can … Read more