We love our engines
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: Clean your MAF sensor every 30,000 miles or when you notice rough idle, poor fuel economy, or hesitation on acceleration. Use only MAF-specific cleaner spray, never brake cleaner or carb cleaner. The 10-minute job costs $8-15 in supplies versus $150-300 at a shop. Tuesday morning, 7:45 AM. Mrs. Rodriguez pulls her 2018 Honda … Read more
It was 7:30 AM on a frigid Tuesday in February when Mrs. Henderson’s 2012 Honda Civic rolled into my bay on the back of a flatbed. The temperature had barely cracked 15°F, and she was in tears—her daughter needed the car for college finals that afternoon. “It just died on the highway,” she sobbed. “No … Read more
Quick Answer: Black smoke from your exhaust usually means your engine is running “rich”—burning too much fuel or not enough air. Common culprits include a leaking fuel injector, a clogged air filter, a bad sensor (MAF or O2), or a stuck open fuel pressure regulator. The $3,000 Mistake: A Shop Floor Story It was a Tuesday … Read more