Saturday, April 12, 2014
4 6 Engine Rebuilding Tips and Tricks
Whenever you decide to take on the often daunting task of rebuilding any engine, whether its a large, complex type of engine or a lawn mower, the most important part of the undertaking is a thorough knowledge of engines in general and how they function. This is especially true when the engine being rebuilt is the Ford 4.6, or the F6AE. When these engines were built, they were built in two locations and with two specification settings. The fact that the 4.6-liter engine has been used in a number of Ford vehicles is another factor in the need for a thorough knowledge of the specific engine being rebuilt and the specifications of each different component of the engine itself.
Romeo v. Windsor
The two plants that manufacture the Ford 4.6L engine are erred to as the Romeo and the Windsor plants, because of their geographic location. The difference between the two manufacturing facilities makes all of the difference for rebuilding the engine, because the two plants built different models, which also included manufacturing two forms of the same engine. Beyond that, the plants also manufactured two types of 4.6 engine, erred to as PI and NPI, or Power Improved and Not Power Improved. These two headings directly affected the manner in which the components of the engine were built and to what specifications they were adhered. You must make sure you distinguish the difference before you begin to rebuild so you can order the right parts.
Rings and Gaskets
Because of the specifications to which the engines have been built, you must take into consideration the fact that the gaskets and the rings that are used within the engine to create sealed components come in different sizes and are made of different materials. This means that a specific O-ring or piston ring cannot be purchased for the engine unless the specific set for the engine being rebuilt has been established.
Model Type vs. Model Year
Because of manufacturing demands and supply-chain requests, the engine model that was built for a specific make and model may have changed from one year to the next, meaning that just because a 1999 model was built with a Romeo PI 4.6 doesnt necessarily mean that the year 2000 model was even manufactured in the same plant. The next model year could be altered from a Romeo PI 4.6 to a Windsor NPI 4.6, depending on manufacturing needs. This should always be the first determination you make when deciding to rebuild a 4.6 engine.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Power Window Repair Tips
Automobile power windows are a convenience that few motorists think about until a window stops working or leaks develop around a windows edges. While replacing a power window motor or having electrical work done to return a window to working order can be expensive, some simple power window problems can be found and repaired by the vehicle owner.
Fuses
Check the cars power window fuse. If all of a vehicles power windows stop working, the problem may be the result of a blown fuse. Many power window fuses are sized to support the windows when they are functioning at an optimal level, and if a window channels become sticky, the fuse may fail due to added strain on the electrical system. To check whether a power window fuse is broken, turn the cars ignition key to the "Run" position and try to operate a power window. If the fuse is intact, the window glass will quiver and you will hear the power window motor. If a fuse is broken, you will not hear the power window motor and the glass will not move at all. If this is the case, check the owners manual to locate the cars power window fuse so you can replace it.
Electrical System
Trace the electrical system leading to the power window. To thoroughly inspect the electrical system, you will need a 12 volt test light or voltmeter. Begin at the fuse panel and trace the wiring up to the power window switch, testing to make sure the wiring is carrying 12 volts at all times. If you find a section of wiring that does not carry 12 volts, a malfunctioning breaker or loose connection in that area will be the culprit. Replace the breaker or reconnect the wiring to restore the window to functionality.
Gaskets
If a power window is leaking, a window gasket is likely the cause. Torn or misplaced gaskets can also slow down power windows and ultimately cause them to fail. Inspect the gaskets around the window and repair loose or misplaced gaskets with special adhesives, which can be found in most auto parts stores. Adhesives may also be used to repair torn gaskets, but damaged gaskets sometimes require replacement.
