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 …
Diesel Engine Failure Analysis Theory
By Francisco Aristizabal Failure analysis theory in internal combustion engines occurs in stages and is a detailed process that allows you to identify in a scientific way the root causes of the failures. Engine operation conditions must be considered, the …
Artifical Intelligence and Its Use In Specification Retrieval
By Brian Roberts In the demanding field of engine rebuilding, precision is paramount. An engine rebuild requires strict adherence to manufacturer specifications, be it torque settings, surface roughness, or clearance tolerances. Traditionally, machinists have relied on printed manuals and individual …
The 5.0L Coyote
Howl at the moon! By Steve Fox The Coyote is a 5.0 liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine from Ford and is used in the Mustang and F150 truck. Featuring a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design, in a V configuration, the …
Performance Roller Rockers and Lifters
By Mike Mavrigian ROLLER ROCKERSThis refers to rockers that feature both a needle bearing trunnion pivot and a roller wheel for valve tip contact. Full-roller rocker arms reduce friction and provide a more accurate means of valve control and stability …
Hybrid Dominance in Japan
A practical perspective on EVs By Charles Navarro On a recent trip to Japan, I was eager to see the variety of vehicles on the road, hoping to spot some JDM classics. What I found instead was a clear trend: …
Understanding the New ILSAC GF-7 Motor Oil Category
Q&A with Pennzoil and API By Sean Nguyen and Bill O’Ryan The automotive industry is advancing once again with the introduction of the ILSAC GF-7 motor oil category, officially licensed on March 31, 2025. This new standard improves engine protection, …
Engine Failure Mystery
One engine, 15 photos, and the unexpected culprit behind a devastating failure By Steve Scott They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what you’re about to see isn’t quite what you would expect from a freshly rebuilt …
