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Proper bolt torque applied with a torque wrench for any given repair is the best way to assure that your completed auto repair will last. When the do-it-yourselfer tackles an auto repair job, in most cases, they will have no choice but to tighten down the bolts to what they believe is tight enough. With out a torque wrench, bolt torque chart and tightening pattern what else can you do. |
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Back in the seventies and early eighties bolt tighting specs were not as important as they are today on modern vehicles. This is largely impart to the wide spread use of aluminum housings and composite sealing gaskets. |
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Here is another example where a torque wrench must be used. The general motors 3.1-liter engine is having a common problem of coolant leaks from the intake manifold gaskets. The gaskets themselves are made of plastic with sealing strips. |
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This is another reason to have a torque wrench. The new cars and trucks today have a lightweight composite brake rotor. When you over tighten the lug nuts or have a UN even torque you will start to warp the rotor. This will result in a very annoying brake pulsation. |
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Shopping for auto parts online is probably one of the best modern conveniences life has to offer. My name is Mark Gittelman and this is a picture of my old Snap On toolbox with a starter motor supplied from the parts train.
You don't have to leave home to search places to buy car parts. Everything is only a click away and can be delivered right to your doorstep, office or garage. It doesn't get any better than that.
I have purchased auto parts online many times with mixed results. I eventually returned to my local parts store and was just dealing with them.
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This was until I became friendly with a local parts driver and we had a long conversation about where his parts were coming from.
It turns out that when the car parts are not in stock my local parts store would order online and would then mark up the part in question a standard 30%.
After bribing the parts driver with a steak dinner and a few cocktails he revealed the location and website to me. The answer was the parts train company.
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Another valuable feature of the parts train online auto parts store is the available live chat feature. This connects you instantly with a professional parts counter person to help you immediately with any parts questions before the final order is placed. |
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Quad 4 problems are very common and will be discussed here but first some background and history of this general motors engine.
This engine is a high rpm dual overhead cam 2.3-liter inline 4 cylinder. The motor was first introduced in 1988 in Olds and Pontiacs and then made its way to the Buick line in 1990. This engine was later punched out to a 2.4 liter version.
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Here is an e-mail I fielded about a quad 4-engine misfire coupled with a check engine light. You can read through this and look for a link at the bottom for a PDF you can save to your hard drive about other quad 4 problems that are common
Question or Comment: I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am with a 2.4L and Auto Trans, 74000 miles. Last week it started running very rough. Also the service engine light came on. I recently purchased an auto scan tool.
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Important Diy automotive wiring diagrams update at the bottom of this page. My Name is mark Gittelman and I am an ASE Certified Master Technician. On this page you will find what you need to understand, diagnose and repair car electrical problems!
Wiring diagrams are technical drawings representing an electronic system. Understanding this repair diagram is your quickest way to auto repair success. In the drawings below are the most common electrical symbols you will find in automotive wiring diagrams.
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