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Category: Engine

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September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Throttle Controller Replacement

Before the late 1980s, most cars had a straightforward mechanical throttle control. When a motorist wanted to move forward, they stomped on the accelerator pedal, the throttle blade opened, and air flowed into the engine. From here, it mixed with fuel, combusted, and turned the car’s wheels. (I’m skipping a few steps, but you get the gist.) To go faster, all the driver had to do was press down harder with your right foot—the throttle would open wider, giving the car a boot of power. Today, most vehicles are equipped with electronic throttle control (ETC), or throttle-by-wire. An ETC electronically “connects” the accelerator pedal to the throttle, replacing the mechanical linkage. Now, when a driver steps on the gas pedal, instead of opening the throttle blades, he or she is activating an accelerator pedal module. It converts the pressure you put on the accelerator pedal into an electric signal, which is sent to an electronic control unit or computer, which opens and closes the throttle blade, increasing or decreasing the power output of the engine for optimum efficiency and performance. Electronic throttle control is more complex, but has benefits: Reduced maintenance costs: Mechanical throttle systems are made up of a lot of moving parts, so they are subject to a lot of wear. By comparison, an ETC system has fewer moving parts, which means fewer parts to breakdown. Improved drivability and safety: An ETC allows for the integration of advanced driver assists, such as adaptive cruise control, brake override systems, and electronic stability control, and it reacts faster than a human (backs off the throttle) in situations where a vehicle loses traction. Reduced emissions and improved fuel economy.

 

A special “re-learn” procedure is required on some vehicles when parts of the ETC system are replaced or the wiring harness disconnected. The procedure occurs in some cars automatically every time the ignition is turned on. Others require a scan tool or special manual procedure.

 

The vehicle battery is disconnected | The throttle controller is removed and replaced | The battery is reconnected | The throttle system is relearned and computer tested | The vehicle road tested

 

When it comes to something as vital as throttle control, we do not suggest tackling the repair yourself. If you do not possess the proper tools needed to diagnose the problem and/or training and experience to fix it properly, you could be putting yourself and, more importantly, your passengers in danger. Allow one of our expert mechanics to perform this service.

 

A vehicle with a malfunctioning throttle control is not safe to drive. If the electronic throttle control warning light in your car’s dash comes on during start up or while driving, there is a fault condition brewing within the system. If the vehicle still drives normally, request one of our mechanics to diagnose your car as soon as possible. If throttle response is erratic, safely make your way off the road. Don’t gamble with your safety or the safety of your family and friends.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Timing Cover Replacement

The timing cover is an essential component designed to protect the timing belt, timing chain or cam belt of your car from road debris, grime and gravel. The timing belt or chain of your car controls the rotation of the camshafts and crankshaft in the internal combustion engine. As long as they are spinning, the engine’s valves open and close in synchronized movement with each cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes. Depending on the make of your car, it will have a timing belt, timing chain or cam belt. If your car has a timing belt, the timing cover protects it from road debris that can damage and break its teeth. Without the protection of the timing cover, the belt can skip, slip off the timing gears or even break. In case of engines that include a timing belt the timing cover only protects the timing belt and can be made of plastic, metal or both. In case of cars that have a timing chain, the timing cover secures the front section of the engine block with the help of a timing cover gasket. In this way, the timing gears and chain receive lubrication with the engine oil. If the timing cover gasket breaks, you will notice engine oil leaking. If your car has a timing chain, it will most likely have a metal timing cover.

 

If the timing belt slips off the pulleys, your engine will be severely damaged. | Most timing belt covers have timing cover gaskets, which help to protect the belt.

 

The vehicle hood is raised and supported | The defective timing cover is removed and gasket surfaces are cleaned on engine | The new timing cover is installed and tightened to specifications | The timing is tested and adjusted as needed and checked for any oil leaks | The vehicle hood is closed and road tested for proper operation

 

If the timing belt or chain needs to be replaced, have our expert mechanics check the timing cover for damage and replace it if needed. Remember that oil leaks can damage the timing cover gasket, in which case the gasket can no longer protect the timing belt. If that happens, you need to replace the oil seals, timing belt and gasket together.

 

As part of the regular maintenance schedule, make sure the timing cover is intact and working properly. Debris and grime can not only damage the timing belt of the car, but also damage the engine. Running the car with a damaged timing cover may lead to the timing belt slipping off resulting in severe engine damage.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

Each cylinder head on your car’s engine has an aluminum or plastic valve cover bolted to it. Between this valve cover and the cylinder head, there is a gasket that keeps engine oil from leaking out. The valve cover bolts keep the gasket compressed, thus preventing leaks. Over time the gasket becomes brittle from the engine’s heat or the bolts loosen, creating an engine oil leak. When to consider replacing a valve cover gasket? Look for these signs of oil leakage at the valve cover gasket: Oil seepage or dripping. Should the joint between the valve cover and the cylinder head fail, oil often becomes visible on the valve cover or cylinder heads. Usually, the oil will attract and hold dirt. Oil accumulating inside the spark plug well. The spark plug tube seals are part of the valve cover sealing system. If the tube seals are leaking, you will see oil on the spark plugs or wires. The valve cover gasket and tube seals are all replaced at one time if either fails. Oil leakage at the rubber grommets. The bolts holding the valve cover to the cylinder head sometimes have rubber grommet seals under the bolt heads. If these seals are leaking, you will see oil seepage around the bolt heads. How do mechanics replace a valve cover gasket? Remove engine cover. Some engines have plastic covers over the entire top. The plastic engine cover is removed to access the valve cover(s). Remove components. On 4 cylinder engines, the valve cover is usually readily accessed once any electrical components and emission control tubing are removed, plus any accelerator linkages that might be in the way. On 6 or 8 cylinder engines, depending on which valve cover gasket is leaking, removal of the air intake plenum might be required, as well as additional steps. Remove valve cover. Once the valve cover(s) is accessed, the cover retaining bolts are removed and the cover pulled off. The valve cover sealing surface is checked with a straight edge to be sure the cover is flat and thus reusable. Install new gasket. The new valve cover gasket is applied along with new rubber grommets under the retaining bolt heads. If there are spark plug tube seals, these are replaced as well. In some applications, oil resistant RTV (room temperature vulcanization) sealant must be applied to specific segments of the sealing surface, along with the new gasket, to ensure a complete and effective seal. The cover is bolted back on, using a calibrated inch pound torque wrench, and all other components are restored to their original position. Check for leaks. Finally, the car engine is run and a visual check is made for oil leaks. Is it safe to drive with a valve cover gasket problem? Yes, as long as the amount of oil leaking is small, and there is no leak onto hot engine parts such as the exhaust manifold, it is safe to drive your car until you have an opportunity to fix it. If you notice oil leaking on to the ground beneath your car after it is parked, you do not have a small leak, and it needs to be found and repaired as soon as possible. Any leak, of course, means your oil level is dropping as you drive the car. If you have a leak, be sure to check your oil more frequently than usual so you do not run low on oil and damage the engine. When replacing a valve cover gasket keep in mind: The mechanical components of a car engine will typically outlive the gaskets used to seal the engine. However, many of these gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets, are relatively easy to replace. Never add stop leak type products to engine oil or other vehicle fluids. Not only are these materials not approved or specified by the original equipment manufacturers, but they also can create additional problems that may be costly to repair. Often, if a car is old enough to have a valve cover oil leak, there will be oil leaks elsewhere on the engine, so you should request a complete leak inspection. It may be more cost effective to repair multiple leaks during one service call. Often, the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is inserted into a rubber grommet in one of the valve covers. An old rubber grommet is a potential leak source, as well as connections to the PCV valve. These components should be inspected and considered for replacement while there is access to the valve cover.

 

 

 

 

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Valve Cover Replacement

Valve Cover – also called a rocker cover – is a vital component of the engine; it’s a plastic or metal component that is bolted to the top of the cylinder head. The gap between the valve cover and the cylinder head is sealed by a valve cover gasket. The whole setup keeps oil inside the engine, which is important to the engine’s overall health and performance.

 

Your valve cover gasket and seals will naturally break down over time. | The majority of today’s valve cover gaskets and seals last up to 60,000 miles provided that oil changes aren’t delayed. | When a check engine light on it might mean there’s an oil leak in the valve cover gasket, hence oil may have caused damage to your ignition.

 

Open the hood and take off the engine cover. | Remove valve cover bolts. | Check your manual’s recommended torque sequence. | Part of the valve cover can be sealed by silicone RTV; if so remove silicone RTV entirely. | Perform this procedure backwards. | Finish the repair with a test drive and check your oil dipstick to ensure appropriate oil level.

 

 

Loose or broken valve covers cause oil to leak out and it’s a vital service to avoid extreme engine wear. Without enough oil, there’s excess friction between the fast moving parts and significant break down of parts, leading to potentially expensive damage.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Replacement

Variable valve timing (VVT) helps to provide smoother idling, better power delivery for everyday needs, improved fuel economy, and superior emissions control. In order to achieve all of these tasks, your VVT system requires a number of different components including the variable valve timing solenoid. The VVT solenoid is responsible for changing the position of the camshafts in the engine. It works on oil pressure, and can either advance or retard cam position to provide the right performance from the engine. Each camshaft is equipped with a VVT solenoid, which is capable of altering the supply of oil pressure to the camshaft depending on the speed and load of the engine. If the VVT solenoid is not working properly, the Check Engine light will come on and your engine will perform noticeably worse.

 

The most common cause for VVT solenoid problems is dirty oil, which clogs the screen that sits between the solenoid and the VVT pressure switch. | If the solenoid doesn’t operate, the VVT system will remain disengaged, which can adversely impact engine performance, fuel economy and more.

 

The faulty variable valve timing actuator (VVT) solenoid is located and identified | The variable valve timing actuator (VVT) solenoid is removed | The new variable valve timing actuator (VVT) solenoid is installed | The engine is tested with a scanner for proper variable valve timing actuator (VVT) solenoid | operation The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper variable valve timing actuator (VVT) sensor operation

 

Because the solenoid is located at the camshaft (near the VVT switch), it cannot be inspected on a regular basis. The only time it will be inspected is if you are experiencing problems with the VVT system, or the Check Engine light illuminates and the computer provides a camshaft position or VVT system related code. If you do experience variable valve timing issues, have one of our expert mechanics diagnose and repair the issue.

 

If your vehicle is equipped with a variable valve timing system, it needs to operate as designed for proper performance and fuel efficiency. If your vehicle’s VVT solenoid is faulty, have it replaced as soon as possible to regain your lost performance.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Switch Replacement

Variable valve timing systems have been around since the 1960s in one form or another, but they didn’t start seeing widespread use until the 1990s, when the DOHC system became prominent. They’ve advanced a lot since then, and today, most automakers have their own proprietary variable valve timing system. The variable valve timing switch is a pressure switch, and is designed to be open on a normal basis. It’s located at the VVT solenoid inside the engine and is responsible for telling the car’s computer if oil pressure was delivered to the VVT system. After pressure has been delivered, the switch closes, creating a voltage drop to 0. The car’s computer interprets this as a positive signal of oil pressure delivery. If the variable valve timing switch fails or reads incorrectly, it can cause the engine to run rough and fuel economy will be affected. The Check Engine light will come on with variable valve timing codes.

 

If the VVT switch fails, the Check Engine light will illuminate with a fault code. | The VVT switch is an electronic component, and can fail due to exposure to high heat and poor engine maintenance practices such as irregular oil changes.

 

The faulty variable valve timing actuator (VVT) switch is located and identified | The variable valve timing actuator (VVT) switch is removed | The new variable valve timing actuator (VVT) switch is installed | The engine is tested with a scanner for proper variable valve timing actuator (VVT) switch | operation The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper variable valve timing actuator (VVT) switch operation

 

The variable valve timing switch is an internal part, and cannot be checked visually. Aside from regular maintenance during the process of oil changes, there are no preventative measures you can take against VVT switch failure. If your car’s Check Engine light is on and associated VVT symptoms are present, have one of our expert mechanics diagnose and repair the problem.

 

With a faulty variable valve timing pressure switch, your VVT system cannot operate correctly or may not operate at all. This will have a significant impact on overall engine performance, and can lead to serious damage. We recommend having your engine inspected immediately for any suspected VVT switch related problems and repaired as soon as possible.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Vent Oil Separator Replacement

An internal combustion engine runs on a series of controlled explosions. During this process, gases are created. While most of those gases will eventually make their way from the combustion chamber through the exhaust manifold and out the muffler, some pass the pistons into the crankcase. The latter is called “blow-by”, and it can be very damaging to an engine. It creates additional pressure within the crankcase that damages seals and gaskets. To combat this deleterious effect, a ventilation system is used. These systems require several different components in order to operate, including the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve and the vent oil separator hose. The vent oil separator hose is responsible for capturing and collecting oil droplets that invariably accompany those spent gases and ensuring they are not released into the combustion chamber. The gases are then re-burned for emissions control. If your vent oil separator is plugged, excess pressure can build up inside the crankcase and blow out a seal, causing an oil leak. Excess oil in the vent oil separator can also enter the combustion chamber, causing a misfire and rough run with blue, oily exhaust.

 

The vent oil separator hose is susceptible to clogging, particularly during cold weather. | The vent oil separator hose is part of the crankcase ventilation system. If you’re experiencing related problems, have the entire system diagnosed.

 

The faulty vent oil separator is located and identified | The intake is removed and the vent oil separator is removed | The new vent oil separator is installed and the intake is installed | The engine is started and idled, then the new vent oil separator is checked for leaks | The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper operation

 

The vent oil separator doesn’t have a set maintenance schedule. If you are having symptoms related to the vent oil separator, have one of our expert mechanics diagnose the crankcase ventilation system on your vehicle and repair it as necessary.

 

The crankcase ventilation system is a vital part of your emissions control system and can adversely affect engine operation if it is not maintained properly.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Auxiliary Water Pump Replacement

When most people hear the term “water pump”, their immediate thought is the pump that propels engine coolant through the engine, keeping it within optimum operating temperature. While that is certainly the most important one, there’s actually another pump on your car in some models and makes (not all cars have an auxiliary pump). The auxiliary water regulates temperature on the car’s inside during cold days. It’s responsible for sending additional hot coolant through the car’s heater core, allowing you to work the heater (your car’s heater uses engine heat to warm the air that’s blown out of the vents). They were first used in the 1980s on diesel vehicles, but since then have seen adoption on gasoline engines as well.

 

The auxiliary water pump is an electronic component, which, unlike the primary water pump that is activated by the drive belt, uses an electric motor to pump coolant. | Over time, these pumps do wear out and will need to be replaced.

 

The vehicle is raised and secured on jack stands and the coolant is drained | The water pump hoses are disconnected and the pump is removed | The new water pump is installed and the hoses are connected | The coolant is filled and the water pump and hoses are checked for leaks | The vehicle is removed from the jack stands and the engine is checked for proper operation. The vehicle is road tested for proper operation

 

Your best defense against a failed auxiliary water pump is to work with our expert mechanics that understand that these pumps are becoming more common, and can account for the pump’s presence when diagnosing heater problems. Note that auxiliary water pump failure will not affect the blower motor or the air conditioner operation – it only affects the production of heat, and these symptoms can range from creating mildly warm air to the heater blowing cold air.

 

While replacing a failed auxiliary water pump is not critical for vehicle performance, it can be an inconvenience, particularly during the middle of winter if your heater can’t keep you warm. Your heater may also have trouble keeping your windows clear on humid and cold days. If you notice your car’s heater is not working properly, have it diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Water Pump Pulley Replacement

Your car’s engine produces a great deal of heat, which can easily damage internal components. To ensure that your engine runs properly and doesn’t lock up, it needs to maintain the right temperature (called the operating temperature). This is done in large part with engine coolant. Coolant circulates through the engine, absorbing heat and then transporting it to the radiator, where the fluid is cooled by air, before once more beginning the journey through the engine. The water pump is responsible for pushing coolant through your engine using impellers inside the engine. The pump is turned by a pulley, which is in turn moved by your engine drive belt. If the pulley is damaged, bent, or seized, the drive belt can come off the pulley and the water pump will cease to turn. If that happens, the engine will overheat.

 

Water pump pulleys rarely fail. Most problems are generally with the bearings behind the pulley, or the water pump itself. | Consider replacing the water pump at the same time as you replace the pulley/pulley bearings. | A failed water pump pulley or bearings will cause your water pump to be inoperable and lead to engine damage.

 

The hood is raised and supported | The drive belt tensioner is loosened and belt is removed from the water pump pulley | The defective pulley is removed from the water pump shaft | The new pulley is installed and tightened to the water pump | The belt is reinstalled around the new pulley and the tensioner tightened | The engine is started and the vehicle is road tested for proper operation

 

The water pump pulley does not require servicing, and is not a common point of failure. If you suspect a problem with the water pump pulley, have one of our expert mechanics diagnose and replace your water pump pulley if necessary.

 

If the water pump pulley is broken or damaged and the water pump is not circulating coolant, heat levels in the engine quickly build up to the point that they can damage your engine. It is essential to get your water pump pulley replaced as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until it is repaired.

September 26, 2026 BY
IN Engine

Water Pump Replacement

The water pump is a belt or chain-driven engine accessory bolted to the engine above the crankshaft pulley. The pump housing has an impeller that circulates engine coolant through the cooling system passageways in the engine block and cylinder head, on to the radiator, where the coolant temperature is reduced. . The lower temperature coolant then flows back to the water inlet on the engine and the water pump continues the cycle. When to consider replacing the water pump: Coolant leaks or overheating. The water pump impeller shaft is supported by a bearing. Eventually, the bearing or seal can wear and leak or damage the impeller. Many water pumps have weep holes near the pump bearing. If you see significant leakage from that weep hole, it is time to replace the pump. Bearing roughness or noise. If the water pump shaft does not turn smoothly or the pump is noisy, the bearing is excessively worn. Pump replacement will be necessary. Timing belt replacement. In engines where the water pump is driven by the timing belt, it is a good idea to replace the water pump at the same time the timing belt is replaced. The extensive work explains why it is always recommended to replace the water pump whenever the mechanic already has these components removed for regularly scheduled timing belt replacement. How do mechanics replace the water pump? The water pump is usually bolted to the front of the engine. The replacement procedure will vary depending on whether the pump is driven by the timing belt, the serpentine belt, or chain. On a cold engine, the engine coolant is drained to a level below the water pump. Components that require removing to access the water pump are removed, including the belt or chain that directly drive the pump. The bolts holding the pump to the engine are removed and the pump is pulled out. The gasket surface must be cleaned and the pump mounting surface inspected. A new gasket, rubber seal, or RTV sealant, as required, is installed and then the new pump. The bolts are torqued in sequence using a calibrated inch pound torque wrench. For applications where the water pump is driven by the timing belt, the timing belt must be removed. Typically, this requires removal of the crankshaft pulley, timing belt covers, and timing belt tensioner. Once the new pump is installed, new coolant is added back while bleeding the cooling system of any air. The engine is then run and brought to normal operating temperature to check for leaks and ensure normal operating temperature. Is it safe to drive with a water pump problem? No. Should the water pump only leak a little bit, you can drive the car. However, a small leak could suddenly enlarge or the pump bearing might unexpectedly seize. Either circumstance would likely cause engine overheating. If a defective water pump causes the overheating, it is not safe to drive because of the damage to the engine. When replacing the water pump keep in mind: It is best to install a new cooling system thermostat when you install a new water pump, especially if the thermostat is old or original. Completely flushing the cooling system is a good idea when you replace the water pump. Flushing can be done before or after pump replacement. The rest of the cooling system should be inspected too — particularly rubber hoses, which have a limited lifetime.

 

 

 

 

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