Shirlington Shell
2817 South Quincy, Arlington, VA 22206 703.578.4656

Engine and Exhaust

Alt + /

Shirlington Shell Tech Question On Your Head Gasket

Question My name is Landon.  I bought a new minivan and it started smoking out the tail pipe.  They said my head gasket went out.  What can I do to prevent this from happening again? ...
Published on: Jun 29, 2025

How Cool is That! (Coolant level sensor replacement)

Your vehicle’s engine runs hot.  It should, since it’s a series of little explosions that create the power that gets you going where you want to go.  To keep the engine cool, eng...
Published on: Jun 22, 2025

Cooling System Repairs

We all know how important the cooling system is. Coolant/antifreeze circulates around the engine, absorbs heat, and then dissipates it in the radiator.  Cooling system failure can cause extensive...
Published on: Dec 10, 2023

Shirlington Shell Advice on Your Cooling System

Last week I was out running errands and my temperature warning light came on – total panic!  I pulled over and my car was overheating After it cooled down, I went right in to my service ce...
Published on: Feb 05, 2023

The Hot Switch (Coolant Vacuum Valve Switch)

When the weather gets cooler, you want the cabin of your vehicle to stay warm.  When you switch on the heat, you may find the air that comes out of the vents just isn't hot.  The problem co...
Published on: Jan 15, 2023

Radiator Fans

If you’re old enough, you’ve heard the term “fan belt." Back in the day, the radiator fan in your vehicle was turned by a belt driven by the engine. There are still belt driven fans,...
Published on: Jan 08, 2023

Thermostat

The thermostat is an important part of your cooling system. Your vehicle’s thermostat performs a similar function to the thermostat in your home. At home, you set your thermostat to maintain a c...
Published on: Nov 11, 2022

Shirlington Shell Tech Question On Your Cooling System

Question I was driving down the freeway and smoke started coming out of my car.  I pulled over and called my husband.  I had to be towed to my mechanic.  He said my car had overheated....
Published on: Mar 29, 2020