The Importance of Proper Spark Plug Torqueing

Why Alternators Are Subject To Ripple Voltage

PRT & PRT HEAVY DUTY To Exhibit at “The Group” Annual Member Expo

The Importance of Proper Spark Plug Torqueing

Why Alternators Are Subject To Ripple Voltage

PRT & PRT HEAVY DUTY To Exhibit at “The Group” Annual Member Expo

Sponsored By NGK Spark Plugs

Do the letters “GDI” scare you? If gasoline direct injection or GDI has you avoiding diagnostics and repairs on late-model vehicles, we have some training for you! In this 45-minute webinar, experts will help you understand GDI systems from the strainer in the tank to the nozzles in the combustion chamber.

At the end of the webinar, you will have a better understanding of how a GDI fuel system operates, so you have a solid diagnostic foundation.

Speakers Jeff Boehler, Director of Engineering/Chief Engineer, Autolite Andrew Markel, Director of Content, ShopOwner

Underhood Service targets repair shops that derive 50 percent or more of their revenue from the service and repair of under-the-hood systems. The expanding amount of knowledge and capital needed to keep up with technological advances has led these shop owners to concentrate on underhood systems, while also offering preventive maintenance services on most major vehicle systems. By subscribing, you’ll receive the ShopOwner digital edition magazine (12 times/year) featuring articles from Underhood Service and the Underhood Service eNewsletter (twice weekly). Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!

Underhood Service targets repair shops that derive 50 percent or more of their revenue from the service and repair of under-the-hood systems. The expanding amount of knowledge and capital needed to keep up with technological advances has led these shop owners to concentrate on underhood systems, while also offering preventive maintenance services on most major vehicle systems. By subscribing, you’ll receive the ShopOwner digital edition magazine (12 times/year) featuring articles from Underhood Service and the Underhood Service eNewsletter (twice weekly). Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!

BySummit Racing Equipment on Oct 20, 2021

ByMotorcar Parts of America on Apr 20, 2022

High underhood temps, increased power demands and vibration can damage alternators or starters. Sponsored by ACDelco.

Don’t settle for “almost” - it matters where the engine is manufactured or remanufactured. Sponsored by ACDelco.

Brake pads are thoroughly developed to produce the best result. This video is sponsored by ZF Aftermarket.

Click here to view past issues.

Get the latest news, insights, and more delivered directly to you inbox.

Rowing gears with a manual transmission is lots of fun, especially in a lightweight car with way too much horsepower. But when the gears start crunching and the clutch pedal sinks to the floor and you’re stuck at the line or a stoplight, a stick shift suddenly isn’t so much fun anymore.

What’s more, fewer vehicles are coming from the factory with a manual transmission. That can be an issue as new technicians you hire might not have the knowledge base or experience in diagnosing clutch problems to fix a stick-shift vehicle when one comes rolling into the shop.

Clutch problems can be pretty tough to pinpoint, especially without tearing the assembly down to see what’s what. Summit Racing Equipment and Centerforce Clutches put together this primer on troubleshooting a bad clutch. This doesn’t cover every possible issue, but it can help the new guy(s) and act as a mini refresher course for your experienced techs.

Pressure Plate Drive Straps Bent, Broken, or Missing

Symptoms: • Difficult shifting (hard clutch engagement/disengagement) • Clutch noise Possible Causes: • Over-aggressive downshifting and missed shifts • Using clutch as a brake to slow vehicle Solutions: • Inspect and resurface flywheel, replace if necessary • Replace clutch assembly

Clutch Disc Hitting Flywheel or Flywheel Bolts

Symptoms: • Difficult shifting (hard clutch engagement/disengagement) • Clutch noise • Hub spring(s) loose in clutch disc • Difficulty adjusting clutch pedal freeplay Possible Causes: • Clutch disc installed backwards • Improper flywheel bolts (bolt heads too large) • Worn flywheel (improper resurfacing or too thin) Solutions: • Replace clutch disc • Inspect pressure plate and replace if worn • Inspect flywheel crankshaft bolts and replace if worn or improper size • Inspect flywheel and replace if necessary

Clutch Disc Friction Material Chipped or Bent

Symptoms: • Difficult shifting (hard clutch engagement/disengagement) • Clutch slips—does not hold vehicle power • Clutch noise Possible Causes: • Clutch disc dropped during installation or removal • Alignment tool not used to install clutch disc Solutions: • Replace clutch disc

Symptoms: • Clutch slips—does not hold vehicle power • Premature clutch wear Possible Causes: • Improper break-in procedure • Excessive clutch preload (improper adjustment) • Excessive clutch slip due to driving style • Oil leak from engine or transmission Solutions: • Repair oil leak, clean bellhousing and clutch release components • Inspect and resurface flywheel, replace if necessary • Adjust clutch pedal freeplay • Replace clutch assembly and follow proper break-in procedure

Throwout Bearing and/or Clutch Fork Installed Improperly

Symptoms: • Hard and/or pulsating clutch pedal • Throwout bearing noise • Difficult shifting (hard clutch engagement/disengagement) Possible Causes: • Fork and/or throwout bearing installed incorrectly • Excessive clutch preload (improper adjustment) • Clutch release linkage worn or damaged Solutions: • Inspect throwout bearing for wear and replace if necessary • Inspect transmission input shaft collar for wear and replace if necessary • Inspect pressure plate diaphragm fingers and replace pressure plate if necessary • Adjust clutch pedal freeplay • Inspect clutch release linkage and replace if necessary

Worn Diaphragm Fingers on Pressure Plate

Symptoms: • Difficult shifting (hard clutch engagement/disengagement) • Difficulty adjusting clutch pedal freeplay • Clutch slips—does not hold vehicle power • Premature clutch wear Possible Causes: • Improperly installed throwout bearing • Excessive clutch preload (improper adjustment) Solutions: • Replace throwout bearing • Inspect transmission guide tube and bearing collar for wear, repair or replace if necessary • Adjust clutch pedal freeplay • Inspect and resurface flywheel, replace if necessary

Pressure Plate Overheated–Severe Hot Spots

Symptoms: • Clutch slips—does not hold vehicle power • Clutch shudders (chatters) • Premature clutch wear Possible Causes: • Improper break-in procedure • Excessive clutch preload (improper adjustment) • Excessive slippage due to aggressive driving style Solutions: • Inspect and resurface flywheel, replace if necessary • Adjust clutch pedal freeplay • Replace clutch assembly and follow proper break-in procedure

Sponsored Content:  The Importance of Changing Cabin Air Filters for the Winter

Sponsored Content:  How Gapping Impacts Iridium Spark Plug Performance

Sponsored Content:  Repair and Upgrade Solutions for Early-Model Ford® Broncos®

Sponsored Content:  Why Full Synthetic Media is Important