Category Archives: Engine Parts

Do I Need a CARB or EPA Catalytic Converter?

There are two different levels of emissions compliance for vehicles in the US, and it’s important to verify both which one your vehicle is originally equipped with, and which one your current location mandates. EPA (Environmental protection Agency) or Federal emissions meet all federal requirements, but are not legal in California or anywhere else that…

Unique Parts for Hybrid Vehicles

While they used to be a unique oddity, hybrid cars have become exceedingly normal and mainstream. As the tech has become more widespread, costs have come down enough to make it a more rational purchase now than it was when early adopters were trading in a well-worn CRX HF for a funky-looking first generation Honda…

Ford 6.0 Powerstroke Diesel Fuel Injectors and FICMs

The Ford 6.0L PowerStroke diesel engine is a little controversial; it’s objectively more capable than the 7.3L it replaced, but a few reliability issues have tainted its reputation. The 6.0 is originally derived from the International/Navistar VT365, with a few changes made to repackage it into a pickup and make sure it met newer emissions…

4 Common Diesel Fuel Injection Pump Problems

Fuel injection pump performance is closely tied to engine performance. If your vehicle has a fuel delivery issue, it will literally starve to death. Fuel injection problems, therefore, are one of the most pressing engine issues to deal with. Whether you’ve experienced fuel injector failure or not, it helps to understand the fuel…

3 Quick Tips for Buying the Most Affordable Auto Parts

Whenever you purchase auto parts, does it seem like your budget’s already taken a huge hit? Do you cringe whenever you leave the auto parts store with a water pump, alternator, exhaust pipe or other components? Has the dreaded “labor” part of the mechanic’s bill taken a backseat to your parts expenses? It’s…

Mechanics 101: What is an Alternator?

Ask a casual car enthusiast what an alternator is, and you’ll get one of the following five responses: 1)“It’s a type of battery.” 2)“It powers the car.” 3)“It runs one of those belts inside the engine.” 4)“Isn’t that the same thing as a battery?” 5)“To be honest, I have no idea.” …

5 Reasons to Invest in the Best Muffler

You want the best for your car, right? If needed, you’ll put in the 89 or 93 octane fuel. You’re always on top of oil changes, and you regularly perform routine maintenance. When it comes to replacement parts, the same principle applies: given the choice of an average part and an exceptional one, superior quality…

What is a Harmonic Balancer?

June 5, 2013 - Before you ask, no it doesn’t have anything to do with the harmonica. It also doesn’t have anything to do with music, unless of course you’re talking about the music and the tune of a happy vehicle. In this blog post we go over what a harmonic balancer is, what a…

What is a Cylinder Head?

October 16, 2012 - A cylinder head is the cover of a cylinder in internal combustions engines. A cylinder head sits on top of your engine’s cylinder block. By enclosing the top of the cylinders it forms combustion chambers. Cylinder heads play a major factor in generating horsepower and torque. The cylinder head is what…

What Does a Knock Sensor Do?

Knock sensors are the units in vehicles that monitor the pinging in the motor and help control the timing of the engine. The computer uses the input from the knock sensor along with the O2 sensors and air fuel ratio sensor to adjust the timing and fuel mixture in the pistons. The engine in a…