Most Popular
1500 questions
16
votes
2 answers
How does a transfer case split power between front/rear?
I've read somewhere that transfer cases (on 4x4 vehicles) split the power from front to rear, but don't do it equally. Something along a 60% rear/40% front (though I'm sure it could be any percentage as set by the manufacturer). My question is:…
Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
- 165,084
- 32
- 259
- 508
16
votes
2 answers
What is an A/R ratio?
I heard the term A/R ratio today while watching a video about turbochargers.
What does the term A/R ratio mean?
Does it just apply to turbos? If not, what else does it apply to?
How is it computed?
Why is it important?
Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
- 165,084
- 32
- 259
- 508
16
votes
6 answers
What makes two-stroke engines less fuel-efficient than four-strokes?
It is a commonly-held belief that two-stroke engines are less fuel-efficient than four-stroke engines, and some example BSFC figures appear to confirm this as well.
But what is it that causes two-strokes to be less fuel-efficient?
I used to believe…
Zaid
- 39,276
- 50
- 151
- 294
16
votes
2 answers
Brake flush vs. Replacing the brake fluid
Is a brake flush the exact same thing as replacing the brake fluid?
Or is there a difference?
Amazon Dies In Darkness
- 2,315
- 13
- 40
- 59
16
votes
3 answers
How can I tell if I have bad cats?
No, not that cat!
Catalytic converters - or "cats" - have a nasty habit of failing with age.
What are the symptoms associated with a cat that's gone bad?
Are there any tests that could definitively confirm that a cat has gone bad?
Zaid
- 39,276
- 50
- 151
- 294
16
votes
2 answers
Engine noise / rattle when clutch is fully pressed [BMW 320d e46, manual]
I have a strange noise, like a rattling/stomping sound at idle, when pressing the clutch pedal. The clutch and the flywheel (DMF), were both changed with new parts.
Except for that sound, the car handles perfectly.
Has anyone came across something…
A1rwalker
- 338
- 2
- 8
16
votes
5 answers
Impact vs. Regular Sockets
What is the difference between impact vs regular ratchet/breaker bar sockets? They look similarly shaped and their corresponding tool drives seem to be of the same dimensions. Are the impact stronger? If I have impact in one size, do I need…
amphibient
- 6,777
- 42
- 102
- 139
16
votes
6 answers
My Car Squeals When Braking Even Though I've Had My Front Rotors Machined and Back Rotors Replaced and all new brake pads. What could it be?
I own a Toyota Soarer SC300 (1994), 2JZ motor non-turbo 3 litre engine. The engine is probably irrelevant, but provided for posterity. Anyway, the front rotors were machined and are within the legal limit and my rear rotors were replaced, as well as…
Dwayne Charrington
- 425
- 5
- 9
16
votes
6 answers
What are the tradeoffs for positive vs. negative ground?
I just got a classic Ford 8N tractor running again. Someone trying to be helpful flipped the battery around, connecting negative to ground. This made the engine crank backwards! So I had spark, compression, and fuel but it wouldn't start. This got…
Jay Bazuzi
- 2,467
- 3
- 21
- 28
16
votes
5 answers
Change calipers on both sides?
Four months ago, I had a seized brake in the front left.
The slide bearing was stuck and the outer pad was worn more than the inner (at the piston). I wasn't able to move the journals of the bearing by hand and used a tool to get it moving…
sweber
- 7,067
- 5
- 24
- 43
16
votes
2 answers
Should motorcyle exhaust headers ever glow red hot
I've got a '99 Pegaso 650 which hasn't been running for about 7 years. It's was in a quite a deteriorated state when I got it, i.e. seized carbs, tank full of water, sump full of an ugly fuel/oil mix, I seriously I drained about 5 liters from…
Ian Oakes
- 668
- 3
- 8
- 20
16
votes
4 answers
Is downshifting on hills harmful for non-trucks?
Possible Duplicate:
Does Downshifting (Engine Braking) Cause Extra Wear and Tear?
Since the days of taking drivers ed (many years back). I was told that when you encounter a steep or extended downgrade, to conserve your brakes and help increase…
theonlylos
- 738
- 3
- 8
- 18
16
votes
4 answers
How important is a fuel cap?
I lost my fuel cap a couple months ago and haven't bothered finding a replacement. I haven't noticed any issues with it, but I'm wondering whether it's causing any damage or reducing gas mileage or anything.
David Ly
- 261
- 1
- 2
- 5
16
votes
8 answers
Is shifting to neutral on a decline more fuel efficient than keeping the gear engaged?
I always had the habit of shifting to neutral on long declines and using the brakes to slow down as needed. Intuition made me believe I'd be saving fuel as opposed to keeping a gear engaged. However, I noticed that the on-board fuel consumption…
Smig
- 261
- 2
- 4
16
votes
2 answers
How much does spark plug gap affect fuel efficiency?
I've read conflicting reports regarding how plug gap can affect fuel efficiency. For example, I've read that too small a gap won't cause a clean burn, or that too large a gap can cause misfires due to the voltage being insufficient to jump the…
Robert S. Barnes
- 15,780
- 72
- 157
- 249