tom@larocque.biz  ·  3975 Zenobia St.  ·  Denver, CO  80212  ·  303-477-9914

 

Auto Technology and Service

Indexed here are approximately 50 technical articles that I wrote for Super Automotive Service, a nationally distributed monthly trade journal for professional auto technicians. For nearly three years beginning in 1986, I was the technical editor of that publication and an earlier incarnation called Super Service Station. By any name, Super has not been seen since the early 1990s when it was discontinued after a run more than six decades. A few of the more typical titles below are linked to full PDF layouts.

Issue: January 1989
Headline: Something Old, Something New;
Delco CS-series alternators blend old ideas with new technology
Page: 16  
Headline: Shifting into the Future;
Chrysler's new four-speed leads the way toward all-electronic automatics
Page: electronics supplement    

Issue: December 1988
Headline: Catalytic Confusion;
Universal converters aren't as universal as they used to be
Page 16
Headline: Stopping the Popping;
Replacing a faulty diverter valve may end backfire
Page 26

Issue: November 1988
Headline: Technical Highlights of 1988 Cars
(Ford, GM)
Pages 24, 28

Issue: October 1988
Headline: TV News;
Automatic transmission throttle valve linkage adjustments
Page 28  

Issue: September 1988
Headline: Servicing the Pontiac Fiero's Rear Disc Brakes
Page 29

Issue: August 1988
Headline: Raised Expectations;
Putting the power back in power windows
Page 15
Headline: Plastic-Tank Radiators;
Don't throw them away, service them
Page 21

July 1998
Headline: CV Joints; Reboot, Rebuild, or Replace
Page 16

Issue: June 1998
Headline: How Turbochargers Harness Exhaust Gases to Boost Performance
Page 19
Headline: Troubleshooting Electric Cooling Fans
Page 28

Issue: May 1998
Headline: Evacuating A/C Systems
Page 14
Headline: Correcting HVAC Vacuum Control Problems
Page 21

Issue: April 1988
Headline: Four-Wheel Alignment;
Aligning the Taurus/Sable Using Aftermarket Kits
Page 23

Issue: March 1988
Headline: Key Strategy;
Ignition Switch Service
Page 14

Issue: February 1988
Headline: Diagnosing Engine Valve Problems
Page 20
Headline: Ford's Thick Film Ignition System
Page 35

Issue: January 1988
Headline: Just Around the Corner;
Honda and Mazda unveil handling-enhancing 4-wheel steer systems
Page 14
Headline: Understanding Shift on the Fly;
With synchronizers and vacuum controls, 4WD can now be engaged without stopping
Page 24
Headline: Going to the PROM (Program Read-Only Memory); That may be the only way to correct drivability problems in some GM cars
Page: electronics supplement

Issue: December 1987
Headline: Testing 1,2,3;
Full-field testing domestic alternators
Page 11
Headline: Reading Ford Trouble Codes
Page 15

Issue: November 1987
Headline: Technical Highlights of 1988 Cars
(Ford, GM)
Page 26, 28

Issue: October 1987
Headline: Ford's Insta-Clear Windshield;
Clearing up problems calls for a voltmeter, service manual, and a bit of respect for this 70-volt ice-melting system
Page 26
Headline: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
GM's diagnostic displays let your car do the talking while your fingers do the walking
Page: electronics supplement  

Issue: September 1987
Headline: Brake Bleeding Basics
Page 20
Headline: Hood and Hatch Strut Service
Page 35

Issue: August 1987
Headline: Power-Balancing Computer-Controlled Engines
Page 20

Issue: July 1987
Headline: Bending MacPherson struts;
Is it safe to do during alignment?
Page 50  

Issue: June 1987
Headline: Cleaning Fuel Injectors
Page 18
Headline: Summertime Blues; There is a cure; keep fuel pressure high and temperature low to avoid vapor lock
Page 34

Issue: May 1987
Headline: Troubleshooting the Fan Clutch
Page 20
Headline: Computer-controlled coil ignition;
Servicing GM's distributorless C3I ignition system
Page 27

Issue: March 1987
Headline: Basic Electricity
Page 29

Issue: February 1987
Headline: Power Steering Service;
Finding and fixing leaks
Page 20
Headline: Anti-Lock Brakes;
Servicing them is safe and simple
Page 22

Issue: January 1987
Headline: Diagnosing Weak Alternators
Page 20   PDF file (1.0 MB)

Issue: December 1986
Headline: Exhaust Service;
Ten tips to make it easy
Page 14

Issue: November 1986
Headline: Technical Highlights of 1987 Cars
(Ford, GM)
Pages 20, 22

Issue: October 1986
Headline: Servicing Batteries;
Dead or discharged?
Page 18  PDF file (1.0 MB)

Issue: September 1986
Headline: Straight, Tight, Right;
Drive belts will die young if they're not installed properly
Page 20
Headline: GM Fuel Injection
Page 82

Issue: August 1986
Headline: Defeating Overheating;
How to keep cool under pressure
Page 18

Issue: July 1986
Headline: Future Shocks;
Take an electronically controlled ride on the new wave in automotive suspension
Page 18  
Headline: Electronic Fuel Injection;
Ford EFI and CFI systems
Page 74

Issue: June 1986
Headline: Knock Knock;
Opening the door to the causes of pre-ignition and detonation
Page 22
Headline: Electronic Fuel Injection;
Bosch L- and LH-Jetronic systems
Page 64


© 2005 Tom LaRocque, All Rights Reserved
303-477-9914· 3975 Zenobia St. · Denver, CO 80212