Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
For more than 25 years the Chevrolet S-10 had been one of the most popular compact trucks on the road. In 1996 there were a number of options available for this truck, including two different engine sizes, the 2.2-liter four cylinder or the 4.3-liter V-6. Both of these engines would provide you with good, reliable power if serviced regularly. One of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items was the fuel filter. If the filter was not changed as recommended you could experience a loss of power and fuel mileage in the four cylinder engine, or have fuel injector clogging issues…
Getting optimal fuel mileage and performance out of your 2001 Ford Taurus can be as simple as maintaining the vehicle. Many people don't replace the fuel filter as often as they should. You should replace it every 15,000 miles. Replacing the fuel filter regularly will help maintain engine efficiency, and can also prolong the life of the fuel pump.
The 2004 model year was the final production year of the Chevy S-10. It was equipped with the 4.3-liter V-6 engine, which had been the workhorse for many GM trucks for years. This engine would provide years of reliable service if it was taken care of. Changing the oil regularly was the best way to get 100,000 or even 200,000+ miles out of this engine.
The 1998 Nissan Maxima had a gas mileage rating of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. These were good mileage ratings at that time. The best way for you to continue to get the best fuel economy out of your Maxima is to maintain it. Replacing the fuel filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles will help maintain the best possible mileage, and can also prolong the life of the fuel pump.
The fuel filter is your Cutlass Supreme's first line of defense against the possibility of allowing rust and other contaminants from being transferred from the fuel tank to the engine and throttle body. The filter is positioned just in front of the fuel tank under the rear of the Cutlass, making it necessary to lift the Cutlass off of the ground to provide enough room to work. While this may seem simple enough, the fuel system is held under constant pressure that you will need to relieve.
Even as technology and methods of fuel delivery have advanced over the years, the fuel system on your 5.4-liter remains rather simplistic. A lack of fuel at the fuel injectors can be caused by faulty equipment, blockages at the fuel pump and/or filter or electrical problems. Because the fuel system has several different components, investigating every part of the fuel system will be necessary to accurately diagnose and repair your fuel delivery problem.
The 2002 Mercury Mountaineer came with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. The on-board computer system hidden within your Mountaineer is constantly performing various routine checks on engine sensors, engine components and emissions components to verify everything is working correctly. Your vehicles computer has illuminated your gas cap light because there is a small evaporative or EVAP leak detected somewhere in the fuel system. Checking for a leak in the EVAP system is tedious and is generally left to dealerships and other repair shops who have special equipment for testing; however, there are several things that can…
In many ways, the 1980s were just as, or perhaps more, revolutionary than any other period in automotive history. Up through the late 1970s, automotive evolution had been a fairly slow process, with the technology of each chassis and every manufacturing process built largely on those that came before. But the emissions mandates of the 1970s forced automakers to start thinking outside the box, offering technologies like electronic fuel injection, and offsetting the cost of those systems with widespread platform sharing. The Olds Cutlasses of this time period were prime examples of new-school thinking, and many of the refinements they…
Fuel injector cleaning presents an interesting kind of dilemma for the average consumer. Like many procedures encountered on the 21st century automotive landscape, the hardest part is deciding whether or not to do it in the first place; and, if so, then how. In this case, the lion's share of the work is more in figuring out what you're going to do than in actually doing it.
It's one of the more frustrating parts of DIY car maintenance; spending two hours doing the hard part, getting to the easy part and finding out that something's conspired to make it not-so-easy. Finding out that your injectors are stuck in the fuel rail or manifold can be a real facepalm moment -- which, in itself, can prove far more painful than the process of breaking the injector loose.
Since the radiator on your 2000 BMW 323i is sealed and does not have a pressure cap, a coolant expansion tank secondary is provided as a means to catch excess coolant -- which expands when it is hot -- from the radiator. The expansion tank also provides you with a pressurized cap where coolant may be added when necessary. The black plastic tank -- which is mounted on the driver’s side of the engine bay near the radiator -- may crack as it ages. You may not realize this until your temperature gauge goes into the red due to a…
In many ways, a rubber fuel line doesn't seem like a particularly smart component to use in car. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that rubber doesn't get along well with solvents, especially since fuel line leaks can prove deadly. This is a big part of the reason that modern cars generally contain as little of the stuff as possible -- but even those short lengths can crack and fail for any number of reasons.
Although a Jaguar XJ6 gas tank seldom leaks, you should inspect the fuel tank and connections for signs of dampness if you detect the smell of gasoline coming from the back of your car; one or more of the flexible connector tubes may have deteriorated or fuel may be leaking from a loose gasoline filler neck. On the other hand, if the fuel is contaminated with water, the tank may have rusted through and sprung a leak. If this is the case, avoid fire hazards and wasted fuel by replacing the tank as soon as possible.
The TRX-500FM FourTrax Foreman 4x4 was introduced in 2005 to fill the role of a large utility-type all-terrain vehicle in Honda's lineup and continues to be produced as of 2012. While the TRX-500FM was designed to handle almost any situation one might encounter on a ranch or trail, it does require regular maintenance and adjustments to keep it in peak condition. To this end, the ATV's carburetor can be adjusted to via two screws; one screw sets the engine's idle speed, while the second screw regulates the air and fuel mixture used by the engine from idle to a quarter-throttle.…
Modern passenger vehicles, including the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, are equipped with highly-pressurized fuel systems. The pressure inside the fuel lines on most passenger vehicles normally exceeds 60 psi. Because of this high pressure, when a leak develops it’s usually quite apparent. Common symptoms of a leaking fuel line are spotting in the vehicle’s parking place, a strong gasoline smell and reduced engine performance due to lack of fuel pressure. Fuel line leaks can be seen with the naked eye and don’t require any special tools to diagnose.
The 1988 Jaguar XJ6 is a solidly-engineered vehicle; however, this particular model has an annoying fault. The engine tends to stall on a hot day while driving in stop-and-go traffic because fuel vaporizing at the fuel pump inlet causes the pump to chatter excessively without delivering liquid fuel. Although the engine will restart after a cool-down period, you can solve the problem by having a back-up fuel pump installed by a qualified Jaguar technician. On the other hand, if your car is not prone to this fault but your fuel pump fails altogether, you can save money by replacing the…
Ammonia is a toxic chemical that can kill fish if it is present in high quantities. Several tank chemistry issues can cause ammonia buildup, which will result in a high pH reading. However, the most common cause of excessive ammonia is overfeeding and infrequent water changes. While an ammonia remover will eliminate excess ammonia, making the tank safer for your goldfish, it is only a temporary solution.
Massey-Ferguson manufactured the 135 tractor from 1964 through 1975. When equipped with the three-cylinder Perkins diesel engine, owners could expect years of trouble-free service. Although conventional tune-ups are not necessary on a diesel engine, regular maintenance of the fuel filters is critical for the proper operation of the injection system. Once both of the fuel filters have been changed, it is likely that air has entered the fuel system, requiring the filters and the fuel system be bled before the engine will run properly.
Whether you find the silky-smooth idle of a fuel-injected engine comforting in its stability, or haunting by the stillness, rest assured in the fact that many beneficial functions are constantly performed. Every internal combustion engine requires fuel to run at an idle, and taking your foot off the throttle does not halt the flow. A particular type of computer is tasked with providing optimum engine performance under any circumstance. This electronic brain is deeply involved in fuel delivery operations and ignition system functions. Some such devices also govern transmission activities. Aside from other undertakings, these computers vigilantly monitor the motions…
You may be able to tell the difference between diesel and unleaded fuel, but your boat’s engine can’t. It will try to burn whatever you put in the tank, but won’t get very far. If the dock attendant fueled your boat with the wrong fuel, the fuel dock may clean up the whole mess – if you’re a local and a regular customer. Otherwise, you’re probably on your own.
Weil-McLain manufactures a number of boilers for home heating use. These boilers heat water and then use a pump to circulate the heated water through radiators, warming the surrounding air. A failing pump can usually be detected by a loud noise coming from the boiler during operation or an uneven distribution of hot water throughout the radiator system. Changing the pump on a Weil-McLain boiler is challenging, as it requires you to first drain the radiator system, but is by no means impossible for a DIYer.
A central heating system that switches on but never seems to do any actual heating may have a problem with the feed pump. The pump is the part of the boiler system that circulates the heated steam or water through the pipes and radiators. Changing the feed pump for boilers isn't terribly complex, but it does require that the heating system first be drained beforehand.
Acting as a reserve fuel supply, the R33 surge tank is designed to work in conjunction with the Nissan R33 fuel pump. Engines with electronic fuel injection require a constant supply of fuel because -- during hard turns, braking and acceleration -- fuel flow from the main tank is subject to interruption. To ensure a steady supply of fuel, surge tanks store a small quantity of gasoline to prevent the fuel injection system from running dry.
The 1981 model year marked the beginning of the Ram pickup line, as Dodge renamed all of its full-size pickups Ram. The 1988 Ram D150 was the 1/2-ton, two-wheel-drive version of the Ram and it featured a 125-horsepower, 3.7-liter in-line six-cylinder engine standard. This was the final year for the carbureted 3.7-liter engine, as the 3.9-liter, fuel-injected V-6 engine replaced it the following year. This carbureted engine had a mechanical fuel pump that operated using the camshaft’s rotation to pump its arm up and down, creating the pressure needed to deliver fuel to the carburetor. Replacing the fuel pump in…
Honda's 2003 CR125R motocross bike was powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder, two-stroke engine and a Mikuni-built 38 mm TMX carburetor. The carburetor used two screws that allowed the CR's rider to make minor adjustments to compensate for slight changes in temperature or elevation. The first screw determined how much air was introduced into the carburetor's pilot system, which fed the engine from idle to quarter throttle. The second screw, the throttle stop screw, determined how much air could pass through a gap between the carburetor and the throttle valve when the throttle was closed, allowing the engine to idle…
In 1992, General Motors eliminated the full-size Jimmy from its lineup and replaced it with the new Yukon. The freshly redesigned 2000 GMC Yukon came standard with a 275-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 engine. The 2000 Yukon’s engine used a small component – the fuel pressure regulator – to increase the fuel pressure to the fuel injectors as engine load increased. The fuel pressure regulator performs this task using the engine’s vacuum and a spring-loaded diaphragm inside the regulator. As the engine load increases, the vacuum decreases, allowing the spring-loaded diaphragm to open. The problems with the fuel pressure regulator can be…
The Yamaha Big Bear debuted in 1996 as a 400 cc utility-type all-terrain vehicle that quickly became popular among game hunters. This fact prompted Yamaha to produce its first camouflaged ATV in 2000 with the Buckmaster Edition Big Bear. The Big Bear's engine was fed a by a single carburetor. The carburetor could be adjusted to alter the engine's idle speed as well as the amount of air mixed into the carburetor's pilot fuel system, which fed the engine from idle to a quarter-throttle. While the carburetor can be adjusted with a single screwdriver, an inductive tachometer ensures the engine…
The 1994 GMC Jimmy, the near-identical twin of the Chevy S-10 Blazer, had two engines available. The standard engine was a 165-horsepower, throttle-body-injected, 4.3-liter V-6, and the optional engine was a 200-horsepower, central-multiport-injected, 4.3-liter V-6. Checking the fuel pressure varies greatly between the two engines, so knowing which one your Jimmy has is important. A quick way to tell is to read the eighth character in the vehicle identification number. If the eighth digit is a “W,” your Jimmy has the central-multiport-injected, 4.3-liter engine. If the eighth digit is a “Z,” your Jimmy has the TBI, 4.3-liter engine.
The Elite SR50 is one of the more notable, and commonly seen models within Honda's lineup of scooters and was produced between 1988 and 2001. The SR50's 49 cc two-stroke, single-cylinder engine was fed through a single carburetor hidden behind the air cleaner box on the left side of rear wheel. The carburetor used an adjustable air mixture screw that could compensate for slight changes in elevation or climate. Major elevation changes, typically more than 6,500 feet above sea level, could be compensated for through the replacement of the carburetor's main fuel jet. However, the engine's baseline idle speed must…
The “C” and “K” nomenclature began for all Chevrolet pickup trucks in the 1962 model year, with the release of the C10, C15, C20, C30, K10, K15 and K20. The meaning of the letter was simple, the “C” meant the truck was a two-wheel-drive model and the “K” indicated a four-wheel-drive model. In 1996, 34 years after its introduction, the “C” and “K” naming system remained, with the “Silverado” being the top trim level in each version of the pickup. The 1996 C1500 Silverado came standard with a 200-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 engine. An electronic, fuel tank-mounted fuel pump fed fuel…
Jeep introduced the Cherokee in 1974 as a less expensive alternative to the Wagoneer which was introduced in 1962. Jeep downsized the Cherokee for 1984. The 1984 Cherokee is powered by either a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder with one-barrel carburetor or a General Motors sourced 2.8-liter V-6 engine with a two-barrel carburetor. The engines have fuel filters located in different places but are readily replaced.
The 2005 Chevrolet Malibu came standard with a 145-horsepower, 2.2-liter engine. This engine requires between 50 and 60 psi of fuel pressure to operate correctly. Without the correct fuel pressure your Malibu may experience decreased performance, rough idle, stumbling or may not even start at all. The fuel pump is what supplies the pressure to the entire system, so when it fails, you are bound to experience the aforementioned symptoms. Replacing the base level 2005 Malibu’s fuel pump is a tedious process, but the money you save doing it yourself is well worth it.
Carburetor cleaner is the duct tape of spray solvents, a do-it-all can of mystery stuff that could strip anything but the soul from James Brown. But a couple of decades ago, the old standby got some company in the form of throttle body cleaner. A number of myths have grown up about the difference between them; the most egregious of which being that there isn't one.
Pressure tanks are vital components of a well system. The pressure tank holds both water and air in order to keep the system pressurized and reduce wear on the well pump. Since the pump doesn't have to kick on every time someone wants a glass of water, pumps on systems with pressure tanks tend to last a lot longer. Basements and other unheated areas are often chosen as installation sites for pressure tanks. In these sites, additional equipment may be required if the temperatures drop below freezing for any significant amount of time.
The 1987 Chevy Cavalier base model came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual transmission. Early in the world of fuel injection, the Cavalier was equipped with throttle body fuel injection, which simply is a carburetor with fuel injectors. The fuel pressure regulator is attached to the front side of the throttle body and the fuel meter. A faulty fuel pressure regulator can cause the engine to run rich or poor, and in some cases not at all. The pressure regulator maintains between 9 and 13 psi at the injectors at all times. When the engine vacuum drops,…
The 2002 Tahoe came standard with a 275-horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 engine. As the load on the engine increases from idle, the engine requires additional fuel to run correctly. The fuel pump delivers between 55 and 62 psi of fuel pressure to the regulator, which raises and lowers the fuel pressure delivered to the fuel injectors, using the vacuum created by the engine. As the vacuum decreases because of increased engine load, the regulator allows more fuel pressure and vice versa. Replacing the fuel pressure regulator on the base 2002 Tahoe is a straightforward task, but you need to relieve the…
In the 2004 model year, Nissan took the leap into the competitive, yet profitable full-size pickup market. Its entry was the 5.6-liter-powered Titan, and with a name like that, Nissan was certainly calling its shot. The 2006 Titan came equipped with the same 305-horsepower, 5.6-liter V-8 engine that its debut model had and this engine, just as all internal combustion engines, requires a specific amount of fuel pressure to operate correctly. Low fuel pressure can cause rough idle, misfiring, reduced power or may cause the vehicle not to run at all. Checking the fuel pressure requires a special gauge set…
The Oldsmobile Silhouette just wasn’t quite right when Olds released it in 1990. Its doorstop-on-wheels appearance didn’t sit too well with either experts or buyers. Oldsmobile didn’t scrap the minivan project altogether, but drastically redesigned the Silhouette in the 1997 model year, giving it a more conventional minivan look. The 2002 Silhouette’s 185-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 engine requires between 52 and 59 psi of fuel pressure from the fuel pump at all times and varying pressure to the engine, depending on its speed. The regulator has the responsibility of adjusting the fuel pressure when the minivan is in motion, as it…
The Husqvarna 350 blower uses a fuel filter inside the fuel tank to remove dirt and solids from the fuel while the engine is running. The fuel filter assembly consists of two filter elements and a screen held together by a filter holder and retainer clip. A clogged fuel filter on the 350 blower can cause poor engine acceleration and performance during operation. Replace the fuel filter using a only small wire hook.
If the fuel door release cable on your 1997 Toyota Camry breaks and you're low on fuel, it could be a problem, but don't panic. You can still get fuel in while you're locating a new cable. The trunk release cable is connected to the fuel door cable and will have to be replaced together. Check a local Toyota dealer parts department for price and availability.
The 1999 Dodge Stratus came with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 2.5-liter V-6 and an automatic or manual transmission. The fuel system includes the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, fuel rail and fuel injectors. The fuel pump is the life of your fuel system and a faulty pump will render your car useless, until repaired. The fuel pump on your Stratus is located in the fuel tank, which has to be removed to replace the fuel pump. This process is the same for all engine and transmission configurations.
The 2001 Mazda 626 came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a manual or automatic transmission. The fuel pump is located inside the gas tank, so you must remove the gas tank to service the fuel pump. Replacing the fuel pump is an involved job that requires the help of an assistant at several times throughout the process.This process will also work for models equipped with the 2.5-liter six-cylinder.
Proper pressure is required in fuel lines so that the fuel maintains proper compression and travels appropriately through the line. Proper pressure creates a vacuum that pulls the fuel through the line at the proper rate. Leaks disrupt the process and are sometimes challenging to detect. Checking for suction in a vacuum fuel line helps ensure that the system works properly and that leaks are not a danger.
When you begin to suspect that you have fuel-delivery problems on your 1987 outboard, one of the things that will bear inspection is the fuel pressure regulator. The fuel pressure regulators are inside the vapor separator tank, but they aren't inaccessible for testing; you can attach a compressor to a fitting to conduct the test. The most time-consuming part of the test is bleeding the pressure from the fuel lines properly. Once that is accomplished, the work should move quickly.
Jeep began production of the Wrangler in 1987 and can trace its roots back to the Jeep CJ-Series. A 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder or a 4.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine, both featuring multiport fuel injection, powers the 1995 Wrangler. The rubber fuel filler and vent hoses on the Wrangler can crack with age and leak gasoline, which is a hazard. Only standard hose clamps secure the hoses, making their replacement straightforward.
If your boat sits idle for more than a few weeks, the fuel that was left in the carburetor will begin to break down. The same occurs if you purchase gas that’s remained in the fuel dock’s storage tank. The gasoline that remains in the carburetor will form varnishes and acids. The compounds released by this destabilization will coat the interior surfaces of the jet, gaskets and O-rings in the carburetor. A rebuild has noticeable benefits.
The Chevrolet Cavalier was introduced in 1983. The 1996 Cavalier was equipped with a 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder engine, in the base model. A 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder was available in other submodels. The fuel pump on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavlier is located inside the fuel tank. Removal and installation of the fuel tank is required to replace the fuel pump on this car. If you have any doubts of your capabilities to perform this project safely, stop working on the vehicle and have a professional mechanic replace the fuel pump for you.
Honda's 1970 CT-series, consisting of the Trail 70 and 90, were small single-cylinder motorcycles that were intended to be used both on and off of paved roads. Both motorcycle styles used a simple carburetor to provide a combustible mixture of air and fuel to the engine. The carburetor allowed for the adjustment of low speed operation through an air screw along the side of the carburetor, as well as an adjustable needle in the throttle valve to accommodate changes at intermediate speeds. High speed operation, such as full throttle applications, could only be adjusted by replacing the main fuel jet.
The fuel pump on a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan is in the fuel tank. The fuel pump, fuel level sending unit and fuel pressure regulator are all housed in a singular round plastic module. The only serviceable items in the module are the fuel level sending unit and the fuel strainer sock. Beyond that, the entire module must be replaced as a unit. Power to the fuel pump originates at the fuel pump relay.
The 1997 Chevy Silverado base model was offered with the 4.3-liter six-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. With a maximum fuel economy of 20 mpg on the highway, the 1997 Silverado had to be equipped with a 25-gallon fuel tank to give a decent amount of drive time between fill-ups. The fuel-sending unit is located inside the fuel tank, which must be removed to gain access to the sending unit.
