Natural Gas Engine Basics
By Francisco Aristizabal Natural gas (NG) engines are increasingly used in non-industrial applications, particularly in automotive sectors such as trucks and buses. These engines meet Euro V/VI emission standards and offer advantages like low noise and vibration. They feature upgraded …
Hybrids Are Your Next Engine Job
By Charles Navarro 2025 saw changing headwinds when it comes to electrification of motor vehicles, with a downturn in EV sales and market share, with some forecasts showing declines up to 40% in certain markets forecasted by S&P Global and …
O-Ringing
Add O-rings to increase combustion seal in high-pressure applications By Mike Mavrigian CYLINDER HEAD/BLOCK O-RINGIn order to obtain a superior seal around the head’s combustion chambers/around the block’s cylinder bores, a stainless steel or copper wire O-ring can be installed …
Genuine vs. Aftermarket Spare Parts
Is there a real difference? By Francisco Aristizabal Since the beginning of the automotive industry, the replacement parts market has been commonly divided into two categories: parts supplied directly by the engine manufacturer (known as genuine or original parts), and …
Was Caterpillar Too Weak To Survive?
By Steve Scott U.S. Class 8 Truck MarketFor decades, Caterpillar diesel engines could be found in nearly every Class 8 truck brand — but Cat was never the only option. Roll back the calendar several years and you will see …
Oil Bypass Valves in Big Block Chevrolet Marine Applications
By Andy Kennedy When it comes to the oiling systems of the Big Block Chevrolet marine engine applications, there seems to be a lot of confusion. This article will hopefully clear up some confusion that some members have encountered on …
Tips and Tricks for the Machine Shop
By Andy Kennedy In the 35 years that I have worked in the machine shop, I have been shown or learned and figured out a lot of little things that made several jobs easier and faster. I would like to …
Ford 4-Cylinder EcoBoost Head Gasket Failures
By Brian Roberts Since the release of the new 4-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engines, there has been a rash of head gasket failures. The engines usually overheat from combustion gases entering the cooling system. This occurs when the primary combustion seal …
Engine Repair/Replacement Checklist
By Chris Hamann Any successful engine build requires a competent installer. To the best of our ability and knowledge everything on the engine builder’s end was done correctly. We sourced the best possible parts and used the best industry standard …
When Tough Isn’t Enough
By Chuck Lynch Is there a difference between tough and strong? Does it matter if there is or is not when it comes to pistons? Let us look at this comparison and then break down the needs of a few …
Rule of Thirds
Understanding Shop Costs and Pricing By Rob Munro One of the most common business-related questions we receive at AERA is whether we have a labor guide and price sheet, specifically, how much other shops are charging for a given job …
Connecting Rod Tech
By Mike Mavrigian For engines designed to produce high levels of both horsepower and torque, only high quality aftermarket forged steel, aluminum or titanium rods should be considered. Connecting rods provide the critical connection between the crankshaft and the pistons …
pH-ill Your Tank With Knowledge
By Chuck Lynch Magazine articles, like novels, are more than words on paper or a screen. They are a glimpse into the personality of the author. We who like to read, find authors with a style that resonates with us …
Common Causes of Heavy-Duty Engine Failures
Rewarding. Frustrating. Worthwhile. Or somewhere in between… By Steve Scott Failure analysis of heavy-duty diesel and natural gas engines can be one of the most rewarding—or most maddening—parts of the job. Some failures practically diagnose themselves, while others seem determined …
