Monday, April 21, 2014
Troubleshooting a 1986 Lincoln Car Air Suspension
The Lincoln brand is Fords entry in the luxury automobile market. Lincoln makes air suspension standard on their cars to deliver a smoother riding suspension than simple coil springs could deliver. Air suspension uses air bags on the suspension to cushion the frame and to regulate the leveling of the car by pumping air in and out of the bags.
Instructions
- 1
Inspect the air bags on each suspension strut while the car is off. The air bags will be deflated at this point, but any large tears will be visible. The air bags must be intact in order to hold air. Also check the air line that runs from the upper part of the wheel well to the top of the air bag. If the line is disconnected, then no air can be pumped into the suspension.
2Park the 1986 Lincoln on a flat area like a parking lot or garage, but keep the car running. Put the car in Park and get out of the car. Listen caully for the pump in the engine bay to inflate the air bags. Look at the corners of the Lincoln and note if any corner is not rising at the same level as the others, or if none of the corners are rising. If one corner is failing to rise, then there may be a small tear in the airbag or the air line running to the bag. If none of the air bags are inflating, then the pump may be broken or the air tank may have a hole in it.
3Open the trunk of the Lincoln and look at the air tank. If there are any tears in the surface of the tank, then it cannot hold enough pressure to send air to the air bags. Listen for air rushing out of the tank. Inspect the air lines running from the air tank for any tears as well. Turn the car off and watch the corners as they settle down. If any one corner is falling faster than another, that could also indicate a leak in the air bag.
Friday, December 27, 2013
How to Install a V Rod Air Filter
Most Harley-Davidsons are powered by technologically primitive engines. Critics call them "de-engineered." The basic nature of the machines is part of their charm for an aging customer base. The V-Rod is Harleys modern motorcycle intended to appeal to both younger and traditional customers. The V-Rod was designed to look more traditional than it actually is, so Harley designed its "air box" to look like a gas tank. Older bikers often assume it is the gas tank. The air filter is inside this air box; once you understand what to open and how, changing this filter should take less than five minutes.
Instructions
- 1
Stand on the right side of the motorcycle and lift the right side of the seat. After a gentle tug, the seat will pivot up.
2Turn the retaining ring on the back of the outer air box cover 1/4 turn counterclockwise. The outer air box cover is styled to look like a conventional Harley gas tank. Lift the outer air box cover off the bike and set it aside.
3Disconnect the intake air temperature sensor at the rear of the inner air box cover by pulling the two halves of the connector apart. The sensor is clearly visible on recent V-Rods. Early V-Rods located this sensor on the engine, and if it is there, you do not need to disconnect it.
4Unfasten the eight clips that secure the top of the inner air box, using a flathead screwdriver. There is one clip in front of the box, one in back and three on each side of the inner air box.
5Unscrew the wing nut that holds the air filter in place. Remove the old filter by pulling up, and either reinstall the original after servicing or install a new filter. Drop the new or serviced filter back on the mounting stud and retighten the wing nut.
6Resecure the inner air box top to the mounting clips. Reconnect the air temperature sensor.
7Push the outer air box cover back in place. Push down the seat.
Monday, December 9, 2013
How to Troubleshoot a Freightliner Air Pressure Sensor
Freightliner tractor trucks are used to transport goods around the country and for other heavy-duty tasks. Air pressure monitors are used to let the driver know whether or not the air pressure in one of the tires is too low for driving. If the Freightliner is driving on a tire in which the pressure is too low, the tire could blow. This increases the chance of losing control of the vehicle. You can troubleshoot an issue with your tire pressure monitor, but it will take a professional to replace it.
Instructions
- 1
Park the Freightliner on a level surface. The weight of the vehicle should be evenly distributed on all of the tires. Park near an air pressure machine, such as at a truck stop or large service station.
2Go to the first tire on your Freightliner that you think may have a defective pressure monitor.
3Make a note of the required pressure from the label on the tire. If you do not know the required pressure, contact the manufacturer or the tire retailer.
4Turn the key inside the Freightliner to the "Accessory" or similar position so the electrical system turns on. The trucks dashboard gauges need to be functioning so you can get a reading from the pressure monitor.
5Locate the valve stem on the tire and remove the cap from the stem. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to press down on the tip inside the valve stem to release the air out of the tire.
6Wait until the tire is about halfway flat and then check the gauges inside your truck. The pressure monitor should be lit. Replace the pressure monitor if it is not lit. Replace the air removed from the tire.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Uses of Air Cylinders
Pneumatic devices use force applied to incompressible fluids, frequently oils, to redirect the force somewhere else. Pneumatics also use air, which is not completely incompressible but does have many properties that incompressible fluids do not. Air cylinders are a form of air-based pneumatic devices, and they are used often in modern technology.
Cushioning
Because air is slightly compressible, air cylinders can be used to absorb shock. Forces applied to the air cylinder compress it slightly, and it decompresses with force depending on the force and duration of the initial shock. They perform a similar function to that of springs, but air cylinders can heat up as they are compressed and remove energy from the system. These are used in some cars and other vehicles, but the old-fashioned spring is still more commonly used.
Control
Some air cylinders can slowly release the air inside them into their environment. This allows a slow decrease in pressure inside the air cylinder and a slow compression of the cylinder as well. Air cylinders that compress slowly can be used to control the movement of heavy objects. They are commonly found in storm doors and heavy doors to prevent them from slamming shut. An industrial use of these cylinders is controlling the descent of heavy objects. Placing heavy objects on a platform supported by air cylinders would allow it to descend slowly and steadily.
Energy Storage
Energy can be stored in the compression of the air inside a cylinder. Air cylinders can be compressed slowly and then allowed to decompress naturally. The decompression will have a force proportional to the energy stored in the cylinder. A lesser force can be applied to the cylinder over a longer period of time to compress it slowly, and the cylinder will expand with much greater force over a shorter period of time. This allows large forces to be generated. Firemen use compressed air cylinders to break through walls and doors.
Pistons
The pistons used in engines and other machinery are modified air cylinders. Compressed air is forced into the air cylinder by the heat from the combustion of fuel, and the cylinder is forced to expand, pushing the piston one way. After the piston reaches its full expansion, the compressed air escapes, and a spring returns the piston to its original position. This repetition of motion is what allows engines to perform the same task reliably and repeatedly.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
How to Reset the Air Bag Warning Light on a 350Z
You can reset the airbag warning light, or SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light, on your Nissan 350z at home in your garage. If you experience a problem with the air bag, have your vehicle towed to your mechanic to have the air bag system examined and replaced if necessary. If the light is still on when you get the car home, you should turn it off. The good news is you do not need any special tools to do this reset and it will only take a few minutes of your time.
Instructions
- 1
Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. Make sure you dont start the engine, however.
2Wait for the SRS light to illuminate on the instrument panel for seven seconds and then shut off. Immediately turn the key in the ignition to the "Off" position. Wait one minute.
3Repeat steps 1 and 2 two more times.
4Start the engine and observe the instrument panel. The SRS light should flash on for about seven seconds and then turn off for good.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Auto Air Intake Systems How to Compare Their Performance
Air intake systems vary in style, price and power produced. They range from stock systems equipped with air boxes and filters to cold air intake systems and warm air intakes. All have a filter of some sort.
Restriction
All air filters restrict air to a certain extent. The less restriction, the more powerful will be your motor. The air still must be filtered of dirt and debris. A high flow filter, such as a K & N, added to a stock system provides more air flow economically.
Temperature
Cold air generally is better for production of horsepower until the air gets too cold, like during northern winters. A true cold air intake is great for racing, and works well in moderate and even very hot climates. Theses systems are available for many vehicles from aftermarket manufacturers. An airbox allows big gulps of air when the throttle is opened all the way at speed. Therefore, any intake system should have an airbox appropriate to the size of the engine.
Price
The bottom line is that you must evaluate what your needs are and what you can afford to spend on an air intake system. The power and efficiency gains you will get depend greatly on other modifications you make to your vehicle. Research manufacturers claims and choose a system best for your vehicle.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Ingersoll Rand Air Drill Parts
Air drills, also called pneumatic drills, run on compressed air fed by a tube from a compressor. The drills can be used for a variety of applications, including construction, masonry, road repair and vehicle maintenance and repair. Ingersoll Rand offers several pneumatic drills for different applications. Both replacement and performance improvement parts are available for Ingersoll Rands pneumatic (air) drills.
Housing assembly
The housing assembly can be purchased for Ingersoll Rands models 7802RA and 7013RA. The housing assembly comes as a kit for either model. The part number for the 7802RA is 7802RA-A40 and the kit for the 7803RA is 7803RA-A40. The kit includes all the parts needed for the housing assembly for either pneumatic drill.
Inlet/Exhaust
The parts for the air inlet and air exhaust must be purchased as an entire kit for the models 7802RA and 7803RA. The kit includes parts such as the inlet bushing, throttle valve, and exhaust silencer. The part number for the inlet/exhaust assembly kit is 7802RA-A50.
Other parts
Other parts available for Ingersoll Rands pneumatic drills include the trigger assembly, chuck and motor. Many of the parts are sold as kits, although some, like the chuck, are sold individually. Ingersoll Rand recommends that parts for their drills only be installed by a professional as improper installation can result in personal injury.
Availablity
The parts for the drills are available from several independent sources and from Ingersoll Rand directly. Ingersoll Rands products, including the air drills, are backed by a warranty that covers repairs and parts. Tools can be registered for the warranty and warranties can be claimed on Ingersoll Rands website. In addition to replacement parts, Ingersoll Rand also offers a series of performance parts designed to upgrade their products, including the pneumatic drills.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter on a 2000 Toyota Tundra
While an air filter cleans the air for your Tundras engine, the cabin air filter removes the dust, small air particles and outside odors before they reach the passenger compartment. In 2000 Toyota started installing cabin air filters in Tundras at the factory. Toyota recommends changing the cabin air filter every 10,000 miles, however, dustier conditions may require replacement more often. Breathe a little easier by replacing your Tundras cabin air filter.
Instructions
- 1
Open the glove box and remove any contents you may have in it. Using your Philips screwdriver, remove the screw on the lower-right side of the glove box. Pull the loop holding the glove box to the dashboard off the cylinder next to where the screw was located.
2Remove the glove box. Press firmly on the sides of the glove box and pull it to the front of the dashboard. Then lift the glove box off its hinges and out of the dashboard.
3Remove the cabin air filters plastic cover. Squeeze the side of the covers tabs together. Slide the Tundras old filter out face up to keep the debris from spilling.
4Insert the new cabin air filter. There is an up arrow to show you the correct direction in which to insert the filter. Replace the plastic filter cover.
5Re-install the glove box. Slide the glove box back on its hinges until it snaps back inside the dashboard. Replace the loop over the cylinder and screw on the lower right side.