We love our engines
Spark plug gap is a critical ignition specification that controls combustion efficiency by regulating the distance an electrical arc jumps across plug electrodes, ensuring proper flame kernel growth, fuel burn stability, and long-term engine reliability. In 15 years of dealership and independent shop work, over 70% of misfires diagnosed on OBD-II vehicles traced back to … Read more
Quick Answer To test a fuel pressure regulator, you’ll need a fuel pressure gauge and basic hand tools. The three main testing methods are: 1) Static pressure test (engine off), 2) Running pressure test (engine at idle), and 3) Vacuum test (checking pressure changes with vacuum applied). Normal fuel pressure typically ranges from 35-65 PSI … Read more
Quick Answer: A carburetor rebuild kit typically costs $15–$60 and includes gaskets, jets, needles, seats, and O-rings needed to restore proper fuel delivery. Most DIYers can complete a rebuild in 2–4 hours with basic hand tools. Always match the kit to your exact carburetor model—Edelbrock, Holley, and Weber each require specific kits. It was a … Read more
Quick Answer Proper carburetor adjustment involves setting the idle speed, adjusting the air-fuel mixture screws, and tuning the accelerator pump. For most vehicles, start with a 1.5-2 turn out on the mixture screws, then fine-tune while listening to engine response and checking spark plug color. Always perform adjustments with the engine at operating temperature. A … Read more
Last Tuesday, a regular customer rolled into my bay with his 2019 Honda Accord sputtering like it had asthma. Temperature gauge was climbing toward 90°F outside, and he’d already spent $340 at the dealership for “computer diagnostics” that found nothing. Misfires on cylinders 2 and 4, rough idle, and fuel economy had tanked … Read more
Last Tuesday at 7:15 AM—pouring rain, 42°F—Sarah rolled into my bay in her 2013 Ford Escape, windows fogged, engine cranking like a zombie with bronchitis. “It just died halfway to my kid’s soccer practice,” she said, voice shaking. “I replaced the battery last month!” I popped the hood, smelled that telltale odor of unburned fuel, … Read more
![K&N Air Filter Review: Worth the Investment? [2025]](https://vehiclebar.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PWCAI02_1024x1024.webp)
It was a sweltering July afternoon in Phoenix, about 112 degrees on the asphalt, and a guy named Mike pulled his 2019 Ford F-150 into my bay. He was complaining about a sluggish throttle and a slight dip in MPG while hauling his boat. I popped the hood and found a paper OEM filter so … Read more
Quick Answer: What are the top signs I need a new air filter? You should generally inspect your filter every 12,000 miles and replace it every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If you notice reduced fuel economy, a check engine light, or the engine sounds rough at idle, the filter is likely clogged. In dusty environments, replace it … Read more
Quick Answer: Most Japanese cars (Honda, Toyota, Nissan) equipped with a rubber ** japanese car timing belt ** need replacement every **90,000 to 105,000 miles** or every **7 to 10 years**, whichever comes first. Always verify your specific year and model in the owner’s manual. The Tuesday That Changed Everything It was a rainy Tuesday … Read more
Opening: The Day the Belt Tensioner Gave Up It was a sweltering July afternoon in the shop, the kind of heat that makes the air shimmer over the hoods of parked cars. I was elbow-deep in a 2014 Honda Accord when the service writer walked in with a customer who looked like he’d just seen … Read more