Engine compression is the heartbeat of your vehicle… when it’s low, everything suffers. Low compression can transform a reliable vehicle into a frustrating problem on wheels seemingly overnight. For many car owners, recognizing the signs of low engine compression early on can mean the difference between a simple fix and a major repair bill. Related: … Read more
If a vehicle exists, it has probably been LS swapped. And the vehicle doesn’t even need wheels; not even planes are safe from the mighty LS engine! What is an LS Engine? An LS engine is a pushrod V8 engine produced by General Motors. The engine is made of aluminum, which makes it light. The pushrod design means it only has a single … Read more
Buying a new car is exciting. Nothing quite beats the new car smell and the easy maintenance afforded by a new engine. If you just bought a new car, chances are you want your new engine to last a good 20 years, or at least until you decide to upgrade. How you break in a … Read more
Do you have a noisy, rattly engine? Perhaps you hear a rhythmic ticking noise coming from under the hood. No matter the type of unusual sound, one’s thoughts automatically begin to turn toward impending engine failure and the headache such an issue might cause. Sometimes ticking is normal and expected. Sometimes a tick needs to … Read more
A failed connecting rod is one of the most catastrophic forms of engine failure. This failure is commonly referred to as a “thrown rod” or “throwing a rod”. When a connecting rod fails, there is a very good chance the piston or connecting rod could smash right through the engine block at very high speed, … Read more
In a four stroke combustion engine, intake and exhaust valves play a critical role in a vehicle’s ability to turn fuel into power. What Do Valves Do? Valves control the movement of a fluid through a system. Inside your car engine, that fluid is air. On the intake stroke, intake valves must open to allow … Read more
Picture this: you’re driving along like you would any normal day. All of a sudden, your dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree. Your car still drives, but it barely has any power. What just happened, you ask? Your car has probably entered limp mode. What is Limp Mode? Limp mode (also called limp home … Read more
Your car’s engine needs four basic things to run properly: air, fuel, spark, and compression. For your engine to perform well, these elements must come together in the combustion chamber at just the right time. When compression is too low in one or more cylinders, your vehicle won’t drive normally. You’ll notice reduced engine performance, … Read more
You’re headed to work or running some errands when suddenly, your car starts to shake and sputter. The dreaded “Check Engine” light rears its ugly head, and you can’t help but worry about what’s happening under the hood of your vehicle. Chances are, you’re experiencing an engine misfire, a common issue that affects many cars … Read more
While checking your oil have you ever wondered what actually is under that engine cover? What do those parts do? How does an engine really work? Underneath that beautiful (in some cases) engine cover lies a wonderful piece of engineering. The modern-day automotive engine is capable of some wonderful feats. Let’s pull back the curtain … Read more