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Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A has just completed a running compression test using a mechanical compression gauge. Technician B says that the test is used to check the volumetric efficiency of the engine. Technician A says that the higher-than-expected readings indicate a...

Do I Need a Tune-up?

If you’re like me, you might cringe a little. More often than not, they’re hoping this magical procedure will fix some mysterious issue with their car. But let’s break it down: what is a tune-up, anyway? Most dictionaries describe a tune-up as “a general adjustment to...

PSA: Be Safe With Brake Cleaner

If you work in a shop (and if you’re reading this, chances are you do), you are undoubtedly familiar with brake cleaner. And, if you know the scent of brake cleaner, you probably know that using it is not great for your health if it comes in contact with your skin,...

Compression Testing | ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Description Technician A has just completed a dry compression test of a four-cylinder engine. All four cylinders are below specification by about the same amount. After performing a wet compression test, values remained unchanged. What could cause this condition? A)...

When a Voltmeter Isn’t Enough (Video)

Description With the variety of electronically controlled systems on a modern automobile, the days when a test light or simple voltmeter was enough to diagnose problems are long gone. Using a digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) can make troubleshooting faster and more...

P0420/P0430—The #1 DTC in the Country

DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) P0420 and P0430 are generic industry codes and part of the OBD-II standards. The descriptor labels the code(s) “Catalytic Converter Efficiency Below Threshold – Bank 1 (or 2)”. And the number one part sold to repair this problem is a...

The best explanation of a differential is from 1937

by | Apr 25, 2024

The first time I saw this video, I was hooked because I’m natively a bike guy and it starts off with motorcycle stunt riding. But the guys horsing around on those ol’ Harley VLs actually are the producer’s interesting and educational way to visually demonstrate why a differential is necessary in any two-track vehicle. Here, take a look-see.

This video sucked me in beyond the bikes, though. Being a video guy—man, this production value is through the roof. Many camera angles, beautiful cutting, on-screen graphics—this is some pretty heady stuff. Heck, the Wizard of Oz didn’t even have its famous scene in color until 1939! I mean, they are literally using horse-drawn wagons that people at that time might have been more familiar with to illustrate the theory of operation. They even built a special vehicle interior to illustrate why low-pinion driveshafts came about.

The other reason I love this video (and you will, if you turn wrenches or sell parts for your daily bread) is that it is so good. Forget about the age of the vehicle; the explanation and illustration is easy to understand and it’s still totally relevant.

Sure, nowadays we have portal axles, LSDs, (and simulated LSDs by way of four-channel ABS), but if you started at this video, all those concepts are pretty easy to understand.

Enjoy it. And maybe invite the up-and-coming C-tech or your current lube bay jockey to take a peek, too—they’re likely the ones who will benefit most.

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