Saturday, February 15, 2014
How Does a Chevy EGR Valve Work
A Chevy exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is a necessary part of the cars emissions system. It works by rerouting some of the exhaust gases back into the intake manifold rather than into the atmosphere.
Types
There are several types of EGR valves with the same function but different modes of operation. Older EGR valves are purely mechanical and run on vacuum; on many newer Chevrolet and other GM models, the valve is controlled entirely by computer. This type uses multiple solenoids to open the valve in response to input from the cars computer, opening and closing the valve to allow exhaust gas flow.
Operation
Whether the EGR valve uses vacuum or electronic control, it opens when exhaust gases reach a certain temperature or level of backpressure. When the EGR valve opens, some of the exhaust is rerouted to the intake manifold. Since it is less combustible than the air-fuel mixture in the manifold, the temperature drops.
Functions
The main function of an EGR valve is to lower the amount of nitrogen oxide a car releases into the atmosphere. A failed EGR valve prevents a car from passing emissions testing, if required. The valves secondary function is to lower the temperature in the intake manifold.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
How Do Auto Air Compressors Work
Air compressors are used to power tools and inflate tires within an auto shop. Theyre also used in gas stations, homes and manufacturing plants. Air compressors are designed to use air that is stored under pressure to power tools, such as nail guns, sanders, drills and spray guns.
Types
Two different types of air compressors are used commonly to provide energy to tools, and they are the rotating impeller compressor and the positive-displacement compressor. Many businesses and mechanics use the positive-displacement compressors more so than the rotating impeller type.
Operation
Air compressors are powered by an electric or gas engine that uses a reciprocating piston (or small combustion motor) to generate pressure. They typically have one or two cylinders contained within the motor. Preset pressured air is held in a tank and then released when the motor powers a tool. Pressure is maintained within the tank from an automatic cycling process that turns the motor off and on at different intervals. This allows for tools to be connected and used right away as opposed to waiting for air pressure to build back up inside of the tank.
Considerations
Compressors also use a pressure switch that automatically stops the motor when the tank pressure reaches a certain preset limit, which varies by unit. Most tanks are designed with a safety valve that will release extra pressure when needed. Atmospheric pressure determines how air is released from the compressor and oil is important for lubricating the parts within a compressor. Each of these factors is important to the overall function of the air compressor.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
The Marker Lights Wont Work on My Neon
Several reasons are possible for the marker lights malfunctioning on your Dodge Neon. The three most common reasons for any faulty exterior light on your Neon are burnt-out bulbs, broken fuses, or loosely connected electrical connectors. As the side marker lights provide an essential contribution to the safety of your vehicle, it is important to fix them as soon as possible. Thankfully, the solution to any of those three issues is fairly simple and only requires a few minutes to perform.
Instructions
- 1
Turn off the Neons engine. Put on the gloves.
2Remove the four screws and four push-pins from the front fenders splash shield.
3Reach between the fender and the splash shield, and lightly tug on the electrical connection at the rear of the side marker assembly. If it comes loose, securely plug it into the assembly and check to see if the side marker is working now.
4Grasp the side marker bulb, and rotate it counterclockwise. Remove the bulb and socket from the assembly.
5Pull the bulb out of the socket, and replace it with a new 168-type bulb. Reinstall the socket into the assembly, and reattach the four screws and push-pins to the splash shield. If the side marker light is still malfunctioning, there may be an issue with the fuse.
6Open the hood and locate the under-hood fuse box on the drivers side of the vehicle. Remove the cover. On the underside of the cover is a list of where each fuse is located. Find the side marker lamp fuse, and check to see if it is still functioning. A fuse is blown if the metal inside is broken. If the fuse is blown, pull it out of the fuse box, and replace it with an identical fuse. Close the hood.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
My Chevy S10 Heater Wont Work
A malfunctioning heater in your Chevy S-10 can make for a very long winter. If the weather is particularly cold, you may be tempted to replace the entire heating system, but there are some very simple fixes to try before taking such a drastic step.
Instructions
Check Antifreeze Levels
- 1
Open the S-10s hood.
2Remove the cap on the antifreeze tank.
3If the tank is empty, add antifreeze to the tank until reaching the fill line. A lack of antifreeze can cause the heater to malfunction as the heater coil is not properly cooled.
Check Radiator Hose
- 4
Open the S-10s hood.
5Locate the radiator hose.
6Examine the hose for any holes that could cause a coolant leak. If the radiator hose isnt totally visible, a sweet smelling odor, steam, or decreasing coolant levels over the period of just a few days are also indicators that the hose may be leaking coolant, which can cause the heater to malfunction.
Check the Thermostat
- 7
Open the S-10s hood.
8Start the S-10. Make sure the engine is cold and has not been running recently before starting the truck.
9Touch the upper portion of the radiator hose. If coolant is being delivered through the hose, even though the engine is not warm, this is a strong indicator that the thermostat is stuck in the open position and needs replacing. A malfunctioning thermostat will prevent the heater from working properly.