Monday, November 17, 2014

The Best Way to Clean Threadlock Out of a Nut

Threadlock compound is a paste-like or liquid substance designed to seal the threads of metallic nuts and bolts. After applying threadlocker compound to the threads of a bolt, the substance will harden, providing an airtight and waterproof seal. Many automotive, industrial and hobby applications call for the use of threadlocker during assembly and repair tasks associated with certain components. Removing this hardened compound from a nut is an easy task, with the correct tools and supplies available.

Instructions

    1

    Peel off any thick portions of the threadlock from the nut, using a pair of small tweezers to gain access to the threads.

    2

    Apply a liberal amount of comparable threadlocker to the threaded portion of the nut. Allow the applied compound to soak into the threads and soften the old hardened threadlock.

    3

    Wipe off the threadlock, using a clean shop rag or paper towel. Put on a pair of thick leather gloves and clean out the remaining threadlocker with a sharp hobby knife. If any residue remains on the threads, move on to the next steps.

    4

    Secure the nut with a C-clamp or bench vice. Apply heat to the nut, using a lighter or propane torch. Do not operate the lighter or torch around flammable liquids, gasses or solid materials. Heat the nut until the hardened threadlock turns to ash.

    5

    Allow the nut to cool sufficiently. Remove the nut from the clamp and clean out any remaining residue from the threads, using the hobby knife. Wipe off the outside portion of the nut with a clean towel to complete the process.

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The Best Way to Clean Threadlock Out of a Nut

Threadlock compound is a paste-like or liquid substance designed to seal the threads of metallic nuts and bolts. After applying threadlocker compound to the threads of a bolt, the substance will harden, providing an airtight and waterproof seal. Many automotive, industrial and hobby applications call for the use of threadlocker during assembly and repair tasks associated with certain components. Removing this hardened compound from a nut is an easy task, with the correct tools and supplies available.

Instructions

    1

    Peel off any thick portions of the threadlock from the nut, using a pair of small tweezers to gain access to the threads.

    2

    Apply a liberal amount of comparable threadlocker to the threaded portion of the nut. Allow the applied compound to soak into the threads and soften the old hardened threadlock.

    3

    Wipe off the threadlock, using a clean shop rag or paper towel. Put on a pair of thick leather gloves and clean out the remaining threadlocker with a sharp hobby knife. If any residue remains on the threads, move on to the next steps.

    4

    Secure the nut with a C-clamp or bench vice. Apply heat to the nut, using a lighter or propane torch. Do not operate the lighter or torch around flammable liquids, gasses or solid materials. Heat the nut until the hardened threadlock turns to ash.

    5

    Allow the nut to cool sufficiently. Remove the nut from the clamp and clean out any remaining residue from the threads, using the hobby knife. Wipe off the outside portion of the nut with a clean towel to complete the process.

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What Is Between the Catalytic Exhaust Manifold

What Is Between the Catalytic & Exhaust Manifold?

Catalytic converters, also called "cats," absorb exhaust heat, and should, ideally, be as close as possible to the exhaust manifold for emissions compliance. This placement varies by make and model and can have a significant impact on performance.

The Y-Pipe

    V-type engines often use y-shaped pieces of tubing to join the cylinder banks exhaust streams before entering into the converter. Converters are often bolted right to the back of this Y-pipe.

Direct Connection

    Many manufacturers, such as Honda and Toyota, are becoming known for bolting the catalytic converters right to the exhaust manifold outlet, with nothing in between.

Down Tubes

    Most turbocharged engines use a down tube, which is a smooth piece of tubing that allows a turbos exhaust flow to move away smoothly, before encountering the restrictive cat.

Oxygen Sensor

    All new vehicles have an oxygen (O2) sensor somewhere between the exhaust manifold and cat. This works in conjunction with an after-cat O2 sensor to notify the engine control computer of any converter malfunction.

Exhaust Brakes

    Large diesel trucks often have a large valve in between the cat and manifold, known as an exhaust or "Jacobs" brake. When closed, these valves create back pressure in the engine and allow a driver to control downhill acceleration without using the foot brake.

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What Is the Firing Order of a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 2WD V8 6 6L Turbo Truck

An engines firing order is the sequence that each cylinder is used in power delivery. The firing order for the 6.6L turbo diesel V8 in the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 2WD is 1-2-7-8-4-5-6-3.

Gasoline Versus Diesel

    In a gasoline engine, the distributor or Engine Control Unit sends electricity to individual spark plugs to ignite fuel in each cylinder in a specific order. In a diesel engine it is determined by the order in which fuel is injected into each cylinder.

Cylinder 1

    Engine firing orders always start with cylinder number one, which on this engine is located at the front left of the engine from the drivers point of view.

Cylinder Banks

    GM V8 cylinders are numbered 1-3-5-7 on the left (drivers) side of the engine, and 2-4-6-8 on the right (passenger) side.

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Catalytic Converter Life Expectancy

Catalytic Converter Life Expectancy

When working correctly, a catalytic converter cleans up the pollution that stems from your vehicles exhaust. The life expectancy of this part is well above 90,000 miles. However, because some issues can affect this estimate, its wise to test the converter for problems that could shorten its life.

Map Sensor

    One way to test the efficiency of a catalytic converter is by disconnecting its MAP sensor. Doing this is supposed to make the converters temperature go up, which indicates no trouble. If the temperature remains the same, the catalyst has likely gone bad. It should also be kept in mind that an error code will occur once the MAP sensor is disconnected.

Plug Wire

    By undoing and grounding a plug wire, you can create an overflow of hydrocarbons within the vehicles exhaust pipe. If the temperature goes up drastically, the converter is fine. This test should should not be run for more than two minutes because of the risk that it could damage the converter.

Exhaust Analyzer

    An exhaust analyzer can also be used to check the performance of a catalytic converter to ensure that it reaches its life expectancy. This equipment can notify you if emissions levels are too high by taking readings at the exhaust pipe. An exhaust analyzer costs between $2,000 and $6,000.

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Catalytic Converter Life Expectancy

Catalytic Converter Life Expectancy

When working correctly, a catalytic converter cleans up the pollution that stems from your vehicles exhaust. The life expectancy of this part is well above 90,000 miles. However, because some issues can affect this estimate, its wise to test the converter for problems that could shorten its life.

Map Sensor

    One way to test the efficiency of a catalytic converter is by disconnecting its MAP sensor. Doing this is supposed to make the converters temperature go up, which indicates no trouble. If the temperature remains the same, the catalyst has likely gone bad. It should also be kept in mind that an error code will occur once the MAP sensor is disconnected.

Plug Wire

    By undoing and grounding a plug wire, you can create an overflow of hydrocarbons within the vehicles exhaust pipe. If the temperature goes up drastically, the converter is fine. This test should should not be run for more than two minutes because of the risk that it could damage the converter.

Exhaust Analyzer

    An exhaust analyzer can also be used to check the performance of a catalytic converter to ensure that it reaches its life expectancy. This equipment can notify you if emissions levels are too high by taking readings at the exhaust pipe. An exhaust analyzer costs between $2,000 and $6,000.

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How to Make Turn Signals Blink Faster

How to Make Turn Signals Blink Faster

Turn signals operate by the opening and closing of a switch, or relay, which interrupts the electrical signal to the light. The switch operates in cadence based upon the electrical signal entering into the relay. Drivers of older vehicles with electrical problems may notice that the relay goes faster when the engine revs up, and slows down when the engine idles. An older relay will also begin to slow down as the electrical contacts in the switch begin to wear out. Speeding up the flashing of the turn signal merely requires installing a new turn signal relay.

Instructions

    1

    Turn the vehicle to "ON" and activate the turn signal.

    2

    Trace the location of the signal by listening for the clicking sound of the relay. Most relays are housed to the left of the steering column, mounted against the firewall in a bundle of wire connections. The relay is a usually a silver cylinder about 1 inch tall. Some newer models use a black box for the relay. You can both hear and feel the clicking of the switch while the signal is active.

    3

    Remove any necessary trim or dash panels to access the relay using a screwdriver or socket wrench as necessary.

    4

    Turn the vehicle off and remove the key.

    5

    Disconnect the old relay by pulling the wiring harness out of the electrical connection. You may have to unscrew a few retaining screws from the relay. Install the new relay in the reverse of the removal of the original. Start the vehicle and activate the turn signal to test. You will notice the signal is faster. Reinstall any dash or trim panels you removed.

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5 4 Ford Engine Specs

The Ford 5.4l engine first debuted in the newly redesigned 1997 F-150. Upon introduction, the engine was primarily used as a truck engine. It has since debuted as a "performance" engine in the North American and Australian markets.

Power

    The 5.4l engine is among Fords most powerful. Early versions were rolled out in Fords pickup truck line. These engines produced between 255 and 260 horsepower. Today, a version used in the Ford Shelby GT 500 produces 550 hp and 510 foot pounds of torque.

Physical Specifications

    The 5.4l engine has a bore diameter of 90.2 mm, while featuring a stroke of 105.8 mm. The engine has a 169.1 mm connecting rod. This combination achieves a 1.60:1 rod-to-stroke ratio.

Versatility

    The highly versatile engine is available in two-, three- and four-valve per cylinder designs. The four-valve engine can also be super-charged (use of a compressor to provide more air flow) to produce extra power. These supercharged engines have been used to power Fords top-end performers, such as the Shelby GT 500 and Ford GT.

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A 1988 Honda Car With a V 6 That Will Not Start but Will Turn Over

A 1988 Honda Car With a V-6 That Will Not Start but Will Turn Over

Car problems can be frustrating, especially when youre trying to get somewhere important. Before calling a professional mechanic to take a look at your Honda that wont start, try a few tips to solve the problem.

Reasons

    There are several reasons why your Honda engine might turn over, but not turn on. It might be a problem with the fueling system or the ignition system. Either not enough gas is getting to the engine or the engine is not combusting fuel.

Location

    First, confirm that you have sufficient gasoline in the tank. If you do, then go to the fuel tank at the back of the vehicle. Crawl underneath the vehicle and check the fuel tank for holes. Follow the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine. Look for corrosion along the fuel line which might indicate a fuel leak. Check components that are often in need of maintenance, such as the fuel filter, fuel pump, spark plug and starter.

Troubleshooting

    Put at least two gallons of gas in your fuel tank and immediately try to start your vehicle. This should cover the possibility of an empty fuel tank. Your fuel filter, fuel pump and spark plugs are easily replaceable; replace these components. If you have some automotive knowledge, you might be able to check and replace the camshaft mounted near the top of the engine as well. Also, check your catalytic converter, located underneath the vehicle, to make sure it is not warped or damaged. Consult a professional mechanic if the problem continues.

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How to Change the Oxygen Sensor to a Jeep Cherokee

Most likely you have multiple oxygen sensors in your Jeep Cherokee. Figuring out which one needs to be replaced will be more challenging than actually replacing it. A code reader can condemn and position a particular oxygen sensor, but since the sensors average around $75 or more a piece, you might consider leaving the code reading up to a professional. Most parts stores that sell quality direct-fit oxygen sensors usually have code readers and can find out the information for you at no charge as long as you purchase the part you need from them.
Once you have the required information and tools, you can change the oxygen sensor on your vehicle.

Instructions

How to Change the Oxygen Sensor to a Jeep Cherokee

    1

    Locate the oxygen sensor that needs to be replaced. The very first sensor is in the manifold and can be accessed under the hood on the drivers side of the engine. The rest will have to be accessed from under the vehicle in the exhaust system. There is one at the rear of the manifold in the front exhaust pipe, another in the pipe going to the catalytic converter on the passenger side under the Jeep.

    2

    Raise the front of the Jeep if necessary by driving it up on car ramps. Apply the parking brake and place a wheel chock behind one of the rear tires. Crawl underneath on a creeper (if you have one) with the tools and the new sensor.

    3

    Put on the safety glasses.

    4

    Spray WD-40 on the threads of the oxygen sensor and allow it to soak in. Be caul the engine is not too hot when replacing the sensors, especially the very front one up in the manifold.

    5

    Follow the wire of the oxygen sensor to the plug and unplug it. You can use the screwdriver to press in and release the clip lock.

    6

    Remove the oxygen sensor with the oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. If it is stubborn, you may want to try and heat the pipe area up with the hand torch to expand the pipe. Once the sensor is loosed from the threads, allow the pipe to cool down if you had to use the torch.

    7

    Remove the old oxygen sensor.

    8

    Screw in the new oxygen sensor and make sure there is a coating of anti-seize lubricant on the threads. Most quality direct-fit after-market sensors will already have a coating applied to them. This will make future extraction a little easier.

    9

    Tighten the sensor with the socket and ratchet, but be caul not to over-tighten. If you strip the threads of the sensor, youre going to have to buy another one.

    10

    Plug the wire back into the plug.

    11

    Remove the tools and lower the Cherokee and/or close the hood.

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