Here's What That Ticking Lifter Might Be Telling You
Ticking noises from a car's engine are rarely welcome, but if your lifters are clicking away in the background, it's worth fixing it sooner, rather than later.
Read MorePeter Nelson
Jalopnik Editorial Policies
The unique content on Jalopnik is a result of skilled collaboration between writers and editors with broad journalistic, academic, and practical expertise.
In pursuit of our mission to provide accurate and ethical coverage, the Jalopnik editorial team consistently fact-checks and reviews site content to provide readers with an informative, entertaining, and engaging experience. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Peter Nelson
-
-
How Saab's APC Opened The Floodgates For Stupendous Turbo Power
Saab's APC cleverly solved the knock that plagued turbo engines in the '80s overnight, allowing for higher compression and more reliable turbo power.
Read More -
This Could Be The Worst Honda Engine Ever Built
One turbocharged Honda engine is associated with quality mileage and responsiveness, but some drivers have also noted issues with its long-term reliability.
Read More -
Why Mercedes' U.S. Diesel Sales In The 80s Went From 4-Out-Of-5 To Footnote
Back in the 1980s, the overwhelming majority of Mercedes-Benzes on U.S. roads were diesels, but now sales have fallen through the floor. So what happened?
Read More -
What Are The Main Differences Between GM's LS2 And LS3 Engines?
The GM LS2 and LS3 are both small-block V8s that featured in the base C6 Corvette, but several crucial internal differences give one of them a performance edge.
Read More -
The Difference Between H-Beam And I-Beam Connecting Rods
Have you ever wondered why engine builders argue over connecting rod shapes? Here's a closer look at the trade-offs between H-beam and I-beam designs.
Read More -
The Corvette ZR-2 'Big Doggie' Almost Brought Big Block V8 Power To The 1980s Sports Car Fight
GM engineers once stuffed a massive 454 big-block into a C4 Corvette ZR-2 prototype. Dubbed the 'Big Doggie,' the car sadly never reached the assembly line.
Read More -
Which Car Was The First To Have A 6-Speed Transmission?
The six-speed manual got its start in racing before being brought to public streets, and the first car that had it is probably not as old as you think.
Read More -
Consumer Reports' Customer Ratings Say This Car Brand Is Unexpectedly Comfortable
One automaker topped Consumer Reports' rankings for comfort and satisfaction, despite finishing last in the reliability category. How is that possible?
Read More -
Are There Times Where Aftermarket Tires Outshine OEM Tires?
Normally, following the manufacturer's recommendations is the best course of action, but when it comes to tires, can you do things differently?
Read More -
Is There Any Standardization For Stage 1, 2, Or 3 Engine Tuning?
You've probably heard about the three "stages" of tuning, but what do they mean? And is there any standard definition for each of the three?
Read More -
How To Tell When Your Harmonic Balancer's Gone Bad
There are a few tell-tale signs to look for if you think your harmonic balancer needs to be replaced, and you'll want to make sure it's in good working order.
Read More -
How (And When) To Use A Spark Plug Thread Chaser
A spark plug thread chaser isn't always the answer, but it can make a big difference when you're installing fresh new plugs. There's a process for using it.
Read More -
What's The Difference Between Fuel Stabilizer And Fuel Treatment?
Fuel additives are a staple of the auto parts store, but what is the difference between the fuel stabilizers and the fuel treatments on the shelves?
Read More -
Watch This Cabin Air Filter Replacement Process And Feel Rage Well Up Inside You
Replacing a cabin air filter should be an easy task, but as one mechanic has shown us, it isn't always the way. Watch the video and try to control your anger.
Read More -
Why Pistons Have Three Rings To Rule Combustion
You've heard that pistons have rings, but have you ever wondered why there are three? Here's how piston rings work together to keep your engine running.
Read More -
The Difference Between California-Produced Gas And The Other 49 States
California gas prices are higher than the prices in most of the rest of the United States, but taxes are only a small part of the gas-price equation.
Read More -
What's The Difference Between An Idler Pulley And A Tensioner Pulley?
If you're even remotely interested in wrenching, you've probably heard of idler and tensioner pulleys, but if you're unsure which is which, step right this way.
Read More -
Was The Ford Explorer Sport Trac Too Early For Its Own Good?
The Explorer Sport Trac was a strange combo of family-hauling SUV and gear-hauling pickup, but it might've been more successful if it were launched today.
Read More -
ZF 8 Speed Vs. Aisin 8 Speed Transmissions: How Do They Compare?
ZF and Aisin make two of the most popular and most successful eight-speed gearboxes on the market, but how do the two transmissions stack up side by side?
Read More -
The OG Four-Door Porsche Sports Sedan Wasn't Even Built By Porsche
More than 40 years before the Panamera went into production, a four-door Porsche had already been conceived. But it was the brainchild of a Texan, not a German.
Read More -
The Pros And Cons Of Switching To E85 Flex Fuel
Modern drivers have access to a variety of fuel blends, including E85. Here's what E85 actually is and some of the pros and cons of using it in your ride.
Read More -
Using Wipers Without Headlights In Bad Weather Is Illegal In These US States
Are you required to have your headlights whenever your wipers are turned on? The answer depends on what state you're driving in.
Read More -
Marine Vs. Automotive Spark Plugs: What's The Difference?
The spark plug in your car and a spark plug on a boat have the same job, but perform it in very different environments. Here's how marine spark plugs stay dry.
Read More -
How To Find (And Fix) An Engine Vacuum Leak Yourself
A vacuum leak can cause a variety of drivability issues in your vehicle. Here's how you can isolate the leak and the steps you should take to fix it.
Read More -
Why BMW Went To Single Turbos Instead Of Dual Turbos
A dual turbo setup can deliver a lot of power, but the performance increases can come at a cost. Here's why BMW has opted for a single turbo engine in the past.
Read More -
Why This '80s Transmission Used Three Shifters Instead Of One
The Hurst Lightning Rod system in the 1984 Hurst/Olds Special Edition came with three shift levers to control its automatic transmission. Let's find out why.
Read More
