So Fix it

Certain motorcycles always emit some type of fumes upon starting the engine. However, grey smoke signals a problem with the engine and necessitates prompt investigation to avoid serious engine damage.

Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter causes dark smoke to come out of the exhaust pipes. If this is the cause of the smoke, then the bikes spark plugs will also not work. Change the motorcycles filter to remedy the situation.

Open Starter Plunger

An open starter plunger can also result in grey smoke from motorcycle exhaust pipes. The starter plunger is a small component of the starter. Repair this problem by removing the bolts from the starters cover to reveal the component. Push the plunger closed and replace the starter cover.

Float Bowl Fuel Levels

Grey smoke can result from improper fuel levels in the float bowl of the carburetor. Remove the float bowl from the carburetor by taking out the screws. Check the markings on the float bowl to ensure the fuel levels are correct.

A 1987 Ford Truck relies on two things to start: the battery and fuel in the gas tank. If you are having problems getting your Ford truck to start, you can troubleshoot these two issues and make sure that everything is working properly. If you have a dead battery, you might need to replace it. However, if the battery is just low on a charge, you can jump start the car and allow the battery to charge up.

Instructions

1

Open the hood to gain access to the battery and the battery terminals.

2

Loosen the battery terminals from the battery and clean any corrosion off of them with a wire brush and soda. The sodas carbonation will eat away at the corrosion and allow you to scrub it off with the brush.

3

Reconnect the battery terminals to the battery and try to start your truck.

4

Jump start the 1987 Ford truck with jumper cables and a friends car. Allow the truck to run for about five minutes and then cut it off.

5

Try to restart the truck. If the truck will not restart, replace your battery.

6

Check your fuel level. Add 1 gal. of gas to your truck and then try to restart it. If the truck starts up, replace the gas gauge.

Catalytic converters use exhaust heat trapped in a matrix of ceramic plate and precious metals to change exhaust gases chemical composition to a more benign form. Quick-moving gases might sometimes lack the opportunity to catalyze fully, which may require two or more converters.

Converter Function

Converters contain a honeycomb-like ceramic matrix with thousands of tiny passages. Exhaust flows through these passages, combining with the platinum, rhodium, palladium and cesium on the passage walls to add or subtract nitrogen or oxygen atoms. This gain or loss converts the toxic molecules in the exhaust into more benign forms.

Emissions Requirements

Different countries and unions have different emissions requirements and require different catalytic converters. The European Union disallows the use of nickel in converters but permits copper (which the United States does not). Most large car manufacturers offer several variations on the same chassis to market all over the world. Using more than one converter allows the manufacturer to meet local emissions standards while using the same basic chassis worldwide.

Modularity

Not all car manufacturers produce their own catalytic converters; many converters are outsourced from specialty catalytic converter manufacturers. Because most cars come with a number of different engine options, manufacturers may need to mix and match different converters to meet emissions requirements for a particular engine-chassis combination.

A Mazda key will not turn in the ignition for three main reasons: a problem with the physical key code, a tight steering column or a faulty ignition switch. In each case, the key is not connecting properly with the ignition switch.

Mazda Key Code

The Mazda key can contain a computer chip in its head specifically coded to communicate with a particular vehicle. Starting the ignition requires the correct code. A key inserted without the correct code may not turn at all or may only crank forward without starting.

Steering Wheel Lock

A steering wheel has a lock mechanism to prevent the key from turning in the ignition, a security device to prevent theft. To start the ignition, pull and hold the steering wheel to the right or left before you turn the key.

Tires Turned Tight

A key may not turn the ignition switch when you park the car on a hill with tires turned to the curb or out too tight. This position places pressure on the locking pin in the steering column and prevents it from moving. Rock the steering wheel left and right to loosen the locking pin and start the car.

Lose Ignition Switch

The ignition switch and starter can become loose and slip so the key fails to make correct contact. You can try to push the key in as you turn it. The starter may require replacement or at least tightening.

Finding your locked gas cap frozen can be more than an inconvenience, especially if youre nearly out of fuel and need to fill the tank. Although you can use hot water to unfreeze a gas cap lock, this could result in water leaking into the gas tank. If youre at the gas station, you may not have access to conventional methods such as de-icing sprays or hairdryers, but there are methods to unlock the cap without them. If you live in a cold weather climate or the lock freezes frequently, keep remedies for thawing it with you in the vehicle.

Instructions

1

Heat the key on the engine while the car is running and try inserting it in the lock. If the key is warm enough, it will thaw the lock. You may have to repeat this several times. Its a handy method if you dont have any other method of thawing the cap available in the car. The key can also be heated with a match or cigarette lighter.

2

Wet a cloth with warm or hot water and lay it over the lock. Avoid pouring hot water on the lock, as this may compound the problem if the water reezes or gets into the gas tank.

3




Spray de-icer on the lock and the key. Use it sparingly on the lock. Spray the lock caully to avoid getting the de-icer into the gas tank.

4

Direct hot air from a hand-held hairdryer at the lock if youre at home, in a garage or close to an outlet that will allow you to use one.

5

Use a cardboard cylinder from a paper towel or toilet paper roll. Place one end over the lock and breathe through the other. Your warm breath may help thaw the lock. This may take some time.

Its a commonly heard anecdote that an easy way to exact expensive vengeance on an enemy is to put sugar in the gas tank of his car. Its assumed the sugar will liquefy in the gasoline, turning it into a gummy, unburnable mess that ultimately destroys the cars fuel system and engine. It turns out that this is an urban myth. Putting sugar in the gas tank may slightly affect the vehicles running, but it is unlikely to do lasting or major damage.

Sugars Reaction With Gasoline

In reality, sugar does not dissolve in gasoline the way it does in water. When poured into the fuel tank, sugar will sink to the bottom and remain solid. If it is picked up by the fuel pump, it is caught by the cars fuel filter, which is designed to keep particulates from reaching the fuel injectors or carburetor where they can do damage.

Damage From Sugared Gasoline

Usually, the worst thing a handful of sugar in a gas tank will do is clog the fuel filter -- a time-consuming repair on some vehicles, but hardly an expensive or incapacitating one. If enough sugar is poured in, the tank itself may need to be removed and cleaned by a mechanic. The worst effect of a sugared gas tank it that it can cause the car to stall and be difficult to restart until the sugar is cleaned out.

Mythbusters

The television show "Mythbusters" put this theory to the test in 2004 by pouring sugar into a cars fuel tank and letting it run. The shows testers reported that the car was not damaged, and in fact ran even better after the tank was sugared! This does not mean that sugar can be considered a performance additive, of course.

Other Fuel Tank Pollutants

Other solid contaminants, like sand, react similarly in gasoline. Sand is less likely to get into the fuel filter because it is heavier than sugar and sinks to the bottom of the tank. A gas tank with sand in it will need to be removed and cleaned, but further damage is unlikely.

Leaking exhaust at the engine on the 6.0-Liter GMC engine means the exhaust manifold gasket is faulty and there no longer is a good seal between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head. To fix this leak, it is necessary to remove the exhaust manifold and replace the gasket. The exhaust manifold is secured to the cylinder head with six bolts.

Instructions

Removal

1

Lift the vehicle hood. Ensure the exhaust leak is coming from the mating surface between the cylinder head and the exhaust manifold, not the EGR valve or where the manifold meets the down pipe. Mark each spark plug wire with the paint marker to identify which wire belongs on what spark plug.

2

Turn each spark plug boot about a half turn and pull it straight off the spark plug. Do not remove any plug wires from their respective coils.

3

Remove each exhaust manifold mounting bolt with the proper size socket and ratchet. Gently pull the manifold away from the cylinder head a bit and remove the faulty gasket from the cylinder head.

Installation

4

Hold the new exhaust gasket to the exhaust manifold. Press the manifold and gasket to the cylinder head. Hand-tighten each exhaust manifold bolt.

5

Tighten the exhaust manifold bolts to 10 foot-pounds of torque with the proper size socket and torque wrench. First torque the inside bolts, then the two outside bolts. Once all of the bolts are torqued to 10 foot-pounds, repeat the same process to 15 foot-pounds of torque with the socket and torque wrench.

6

Install each spark plug wire by pushing it onto the proper spark plug. Pay attention to the marks previously made so the firing order is not disturbed. Shut the vehicle hood. Check the exhaust manifold bolt torque after the engine is warmed and cooled twice to ensure they maintain 15 foot-pounds of torque.

Lost Hyundai car keys can be replaced relatively easy. However, it can be expensive, so is important to explore your options in order to save money. Many of the modern Hyundai keys are laser cut are can be replaced by matching the vehicle identification number, or VIN. Depending on your vehicles year, the Hyundai Elantra keys can either be replaced at a locksmith or at your nearest Hyundai dealer.

Instructions

Instructions

1

Look near the base of the drivers side windshield. Locate a slim metal plate along the side of the windshield that will have the VIN number. Record the number and have your drivers license, registration and insurance documents on hand. This will be needed to prove ownership.

2

Visit you local hardware store if you are looking to simply make a duplicate of a non-computerized car key. Some later Hyundai Elantra car keys have computerized chips at the base of the key to open the locks. These cannot be made by the hardware store.

3

Look for area locksmiths. There are many locksmiths that have the technology and capability to cut and reprogram duplicate car keys. The prices are typically cheaper than the dealer.

4

Visit the dealer as a last resort. Visit the Hyundai USA website and click on "Find a Dealer." Enter your zip code and it will reveal a list of the nearest dealers and service centers.

5

Call the dealership and ask for the parts department. Arrange a time or appointment to have the key replaced.

When a head gasket fails, coolant begins to leak into the crankcase and mixes with the engine oil. This mixture creates a milky-like substance that will coat anything and everything it touches. Coolant will ruin the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings, and the milky remnants of the mixture will clog oil passages, causing precisely oiled components to fail. In most cases, a blown head gasket can be prevented if the driver knows what leads to head gasket failure.

Overheating

Overheating is the No. 1 cause of head gasket failure. When the engine overheats, the engine head and block will expand and can crush the head gasket, creating an immediate leak. Even if the engine doesnt get hot enough to warp the cylinder head, excessive operation at high temperatures can cause the material on the gasket to become brittle and crack, creating a number of leaks.

Preignition

Preignition puts serious strain on the head gasket and is commonly associated with an overheating engine. Preignition occurs when hot spots develop within the combustion chamber, which become a source for ignition. When this happens, combustion will occur before the spark plug actually fires. The force created by the premature combustion puts undo stress on the head gasket and over time will cause it to fail.

Detonation

Detonation, also known as spark knock, is essentially improper combustion. When this happens, multiple flames are created inside the combustion chamber instead of one, causing a sudden spike in pressure within the combustion chamber. This extra pressure causes excessive stress to the head gasket as well as the pistons, valves and piston-connecting rods and is accompanied by a pinging noise during acceleration. Detonation is commonly caused by fuel with a low octane rating, a problem within the exhaust gas recirculation system and over-advanced spark timing.

Improper Cylinder Head Installation

If major engine work was recently performed and the cylinder head had to be removed, it is possible the mechanic doing the work failed to torque the head bolts properly or failed to torque the head bolts in the proper sequence during installation. Head gaskets require a certain amount of pressure to be maintained between the cylinder head and the engine block to load and keep a good and tight permanent seal.

Preventative Measures

Always keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Any time overheating begins to occur, shut the engine down, and diagnose and repair the problem. If you notice spark knock or pinging while driving, increase the octane rating of your fuel and check the exhaust gas recirculation system for faults. On older cars, adjust your air-to-fuel ratio accordingly. It is also very important to keep up on the maintenance of the engine ignition system; if your vehicle uses a distributor system, replace the cap and rotor according to the manufacturers maintenance schedule and always replace your plugs and wires every 15,000 miles or so for optimal performance.

The 1993 Cutlass Supreme is a four-door sedan equipped with a 3.1-liter, six-cylinder engine. If your Cutlass Supreme does not start when the engine is warm, it probably is overheating. An overheated engine can be caused by not enough coolant in the system or by a leak in the cooling system. You can troubleshoot this problem yourself and save money by fixing it in your driveway or garage.

Instructions

1

Turn on the ignition so the instrument panel illuminates but do not start the engine. Note that the needle is in the "Red" area of the temperature gauge, if the engine has overheated.

2

Open the hood and locate the coolant tank, which is on the left side of the engine compartment. Remove the tank cap by turning it counterclockwise.

3

Pour 50-50 coolant through a funnel into the tank until you reach the fill line on the side of the tank.

4

Look under your car for leaks from the cooling system. If you find any leaks, have the car towed to a service shop to patch the leak. Driving your car while coolant is leaking could cause further damage to the engine.

The CRF250X is a small engine manufactured by Honda for use with dirt bikes. If you are having problems with your CRF250X after washing it, there are several things you can do before you take it to a service shop. Many engines should not washed with a garden hoses because the water can get into the starter or the alternator. You can test these items in just a couple of seconds.

Instructions

1

Turn the key in the ignition of the CRF250X and listen for a "clicking" noise. If you hear this clicking noise, your alternator has been damaged by the water you used to wash your bike. Take the dirt bike to a service station to get the alternator checked. Service shops have specific tools to test the alternator.

2

Take the bike to a service station where they can check your starter if you dont hear a clicking noise, but the bike still will not start. The starter can get damaged by water also. Service stations have specific tools to test your starter.

3

Look at the gas gauge while the electrical panel is on. If the gas gauge is low, fill the tank and try to start the bike. If the bikes gauges dont light up, you have a problem with your battery.

4

Locate the battery under the seat of the bike. You should see two wires going to your battery, a red one and a black one. Make sure that these wires are securely connected to the batterys terminals. Use a pair of insulated pliers to tighten the connections to the battery. Try to restart the bike.

5

Connect a voltmeter to your bikes battery if it still wont start. Connect the red lead to the positive (+) terminal on the battery. Connect the black lead to the negative (-) terminal on the battery.

6

Look at the reading on the voltmeter. If your reading does not provide a result at or about 12 volts, the charge is too low. Connect jumper cables to your bikes battery terminals and then connect the other end of the jumper wires to the "+" and "-" terminals on a different battery.

7

Start the other bike and then try to start your CRF250X. Allow the bike to run for 15 minutes and then cut the bike off. Try to restart the bike. Replace the battery if the bike does not restart.

If you disconnect the battery in your Honda Civic for any period of time -- even if you reconnect it properly -- you might be dismayed when you get in the car later and discover that the stock radio no longer turns on. Instead, the radios display will prompt you to enter a code. Without the code, the radio will not work. This is an anti-theft measure that makes that stock radio from your Honda Civic useless to anyone who steals it out of your car--unless they have access to your particular Civics specific security code.

Instructions

1

Locate your vehicle identification number (VIN); the VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric string used to identify your particular car -- no two VINs are alike. Standing outside the Civic, look through the extreme lower portion of the windshield, on the drivers side of the car, for a small, rectangular metal plate fastened to the dash. Record this number on paper. Check your work to ensure you got the VIN written down correctly.

2

Call your local Honda dealer or the support number located in your Civics manual. Explain that you need the code for your radio and provide them the VIN. Write the code down and store it in a safe place. If you ever change your battery, which you or the next owner will, youll need it again.

3

Turn the car ignition key to the "on" position. Enter the five-digit code by pressing the corresponding keys (preset buttons) on the radios face.

4

Turn the ignition key to the "off" position then back to the "on" position to ensure that the radio functions.

A high-pitched squeal when you start your car is more than just an ear-piercing annoyance. It is a sign that there is something wrong that needs to be fixed right away.

Belts

If your car squeals at start-up, the culprit is most likely the belt system. Most newer cars use a single, serpentine belt; older models may have as many as three belts. Look closely at the belt to see if it is worn, torn or otherwise compromised. Replace damaged belts immediately.

Tensioner

If the belt seems to be in good shape then the problem may be with the tensioner. The tensioner controls the belts tighteness on the pulley system. If the belt is loose it can shimmy back and forth on the alternator, water pump, A/C unit or drive pulley. This movement may cause excessive and premature wear.

Slipage

Squealing may be due to a cold or dew-covered belt. This is most common if a car is parked outdoors overnight. A cold or wet belt may slip for the first few seconds until the rubber has warmed up.

The Schwinn Campus Scooter is designed for college students to get across campus. If you are having problems with your Schwinn Scooter, there are a few components that you can check out before you take it into a repair shop. Schwinn electric scooters rely on two 12-volt batteries to start. If you have a dead battery on your scooter or the battery wires are broken, the scooter will not start.

Instructions

1

Look over the wire connections going from the battery to the scooters motor. Make sure there are no broken or frayed wires. Have the wires replaced by a professional.

2

Look for any corrosion on the metal connections going from the wires to the scooters battery. Use soda and a wire brush to remove the corrosion and then reconnect the wires to the scooters battery.

3

Test the battery with a battery tester to make sure it holds a full charge.

4

Charge the battery for six hours and then reconnect the battery to the scooter.

5

Replace the battery if necessary.

Oil on the exhaust manifold or blue smoke spewing out of the tailpipe is commonly caused from a compromised gasket or cracked exhaust manifold. The head gasket is the main seal protecting the engine cylinders from engine oil. A compromised head gasket or O-ring will allow oil into the cylinders and exhaust manifold piping.

Exhaust Manifold Function

The exhaust manifold is secured directly to the individual engine cylinder ports. Exhaust gases expel from the combustion chamber into the exhaust manifold before moving towards the tailpipe. There must be an airtight seal between the manifold pipes and the cylinder ports.

Blue Smoke

Blue exhaust smoke may be coming from your tailpipe. Blue smoke indicates oil in the cylinder ports and then exhaust manifold -- a sign that a gasket or O-ring protecting the cylinders from oil has failed.

Diagnosing A Compromised Exhaust Manifold

Oil commonly enters the inner portion of the exhaust piping after leaking through the cylinder ports but it is possible for oil to find its way onto the external portion of the piping. This occurs one of three ways: a crack in the manifold piping, a compromised exhaust manifold gasket or a blown oil seal. In any case, an engine oil seal has failed.

Its difficult to get where you need to go when you lose your keys. Lost keys are not a major problem in the grand scheme of things, but they are an annoyance that needs to be dealt with quickly, as you cannot drive your motorcycle anywhere without the key. Your local Honda dealership has the necessary equipment to replace your key. Contacting them is the fastest way to go about obtaining a new motorcycle key.

Instructions

1

Call or visit your local Honda dealership. It does not matter if you visit any Honda motorcycle dealership or the dealership where you purchased your bike. Any Honda dealer will do.

2

Provide Honda with your motorcycles key code. This code is recorded in your original purchase paperwork. If you cant locate this paperwork, call the Honda dealership where your bike was originally purchased and ask them to do a quick search for your key code.

3

Pay for your new motorcycle key once your key has been created for you, a process that generally only takes a few minutes. Request additional copies if you think you will need them.