Sunday, May 4, 2014
Automobile Struts Repairs
When an automobile encounters bumps or other things that cause rough driving, struts work to soften the effects of this. However, struts that need to be replaced will lose these characteristics. This is one reason why having information on struts and repairs can be beneficial.
Tools
In many instances, the strut can be swung out from underneath the vehicle once the upper part has been unbolted. However, this is not always the case. In many strut jobs, a special type of pipe wrench, or spanner wrench, will be needed.
Replacement
A rebuildable strut has cartridges, and allows for repairs simply by changing out old cartridges with new ones. These jobs can be accomplished without completely having to remove the struts. Other replacement jobs require that the upper bearing plate be removed before changing cartridges.
Tips
Strut replacement often is followed by wheel alignment. Because of this, it can be beneficial to mark the location of the upper strut mounts before getting started. By doing this, wheel alignment can be somewhat maintained, and there should be less adjustments needed once the strut job is completed.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Comparison of the Weight of Water Automobile Oil
Water and motor oil are both liquids, but thats about all they have in common. Crude and ined oil contain dozens of different compounds, whereas pure water is composed of just hydrogen and oxygen molecules. However, the density of water can vary depending on whats in it.
Specific Gravity
The easiest way to compare the weights of oil and water is to examine their specific gravities. Specific gravity is a measurement used to compare the relative density of any substance to that of pure water when measured at one atmosphere of pressure (about 14.7 psi). Specific gravity is expressed as a percentage; a substance that has a specific gravity of 0.90 is 90 percent as dense as water, and one with a measurement of 1.10 weighs ten percent more than water. The materials temperature also plays a role, but doesnt affect this comparison much.
Oil vs. Water Density
Pure water is the erence point, so it has a specific gravity of 1.000. Salt is more dense than water, so seawater has a specific gravity of about 1.025, depending on the location. Crude oil density varies by location; "light" crude, such as that from Texas, measures at about 0.876, and heavier oils check in at 0.918. Refined oils, such as 5W-30 motor oil, are a bit lighter, at around 0.861.
Oil vs. Water Weight
Between its freezing point and about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, pure water weighs in at about 8.3 pounds per gallon and seawater weighs about 8.5 pounds (1.025 x 8.3 = 8.50) per gallon. Given their specific gravities, light crude weighs about 7.27 pounds per gallon, heavy crude weighs 7.61 pounds per gallon and ined motor oil checks in at about 7.14 pounds per gallon.
