Automobile Systems| Automobiles are powered and controlled by a complicated interrelationship between several systems. The major systems of the automobile are the power plant, the power train, the running gear, and...
OHV engine design| 4-cylinder 8 valves OHV engine. OHV means OverHead Valve - an engine design where the camshaft is installed inside the engine block and valves are operated through lifters, pushrods and rocker arms (an OHV engine also known as "Pushrod" engine). Although...
Springs| Springs are unlike other machine/structure components in that they undergo significant deformation when loaded - their compliance enables them to store readily recoverable mechanical energy. In a vehicle suspension, when the wheel meets an obstacle, the springing allows movement of the wheel over the obstacle and thereafter returns the wheel to...
Battery| The battery is the primary "source" of electrical energy on vehicles. It stores chemicals, not electricity. Two different types of lead in an acid mixture react to produce an electrical pressure. This electrochemical reaction changes...
New cell designs| Many batteries today contain a "gel" electrolyte. There is no free liquid inside the battery. The acid is contained in Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) separators between the plates. The separators hold the acid much like...
Camshafts| One of the most important components in any engine is the camshaft. Whether the camshaft is in a pushrod engine or an overhead cam engine, it controls the opening and closing of the valves. This, in turn, controls the flow of air and...
Direct fit or universal mufflers| Most premium-quality performance mufflers and pipes today are made of stainless steel (usually aircraft-quality T-304), but there are lesser quality grades of stainless that sell for less. Aluminized steel is another option, but...
Servicing the Engine Cooling System| Did you know that up to a third of the heat energy produced by an internal combustion engine ends up as waste heat in the cooling system? A gallon of gasoline produces about 19,000 to 20,000 BTUs of heat energy when...
Radiators| Maintaining the coolant will go a long ways toward prolonging the life of the radiator and other components in the cooling system. But if the coolant is not maintained, corrosion will eventually take over and attack the innards of...
Brake System Basics| Brake parts account for a substantial portion of most parts store sales today, and should continue to do so in the future. Why? Because many parts in the brake system are high-wear items that have to be replaced every...