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Lauren Fix and Steve Ford, the hosts of DIY's Talk2DIY Automotive, answer your automotive questions.
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Tips:- Premium or high octane gas -- should you spend the extra money? Octane is a measure of the resistance of the fuel to knocking. The higher the number the less likely your engine is to knock. Most vehicles on-board computers can tell how high the octane is, and they will adjust the ignition timing accordingly. So, check your owner's manual for the octane reading for your car -- you might not need premium.
- Dip a wad of aluminum foil into some cola to create an easy remedy for rusted chrome.
- If you ever need to change a manual transmission, replace the clutch components while you're at it. 80% of a clutch job is getting to and from the clutch components, and doing the jobs together will save you time and money.
- What is the proper ratio of engine coolant to water for a vehicle used in a normal climate?
A. 20/80 B. 30/70 C. 50/50 Answer: C. In a normal climate, a 50/50 ratio of coolant to water will provide optimum cooling, prevent corrosion, and guard your engine against winter weather. - An oil filter collects contaminants that are produced as a result of the combustion process and the effects of wear on the engine.
- Avoid using glossy cleaners and protectants on your car's dash. For optimum visibility, choose ammonia-based cleaners that will cut shine and reduce glare.
- According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, seat belts saved almost 12,000 lives in the U.S. during the year 2000. Wearing a seat belt while in the front seat of a car reduces the risk of fatality by 45%.
- Freon or R12 has great cooling qualities and that is why it was used. As of 1994, the Government put regulations on it because it was causing holes in the ozone layer and vehicles from that date on were manufactured with R134. For vehicles before 1994, you would need to take it to a certified technician certified in air conditioning and they will look at the vehicle and replace the refrigerant oils, some valves, hoses and possibly the dryer. Make sure to get a sticker under your hood that says you have done the conversion for future service. Any time an air conditioning system has been open for any length of time, you also have to replace the desiccant bag inside the system -- either inside the accumulator or the refrigerator dryer.
Dealing with a Rusty Bolt- If you have a rusty bolt, you do not want to round it off. To prevent that, you could use a vice grip, but you still may round it off. A bolt extractor is a great tool to use (figure A).
- The top side of the bolt extractor looks like a bolt and the bottom inside of the bolt extractor looks like rifling (figure B) like you have in the barrel of a gun. The inside bites onto the top of the bolt head, even if you don't have the hex head in place.
- Put the bolt extractor over the top of the bolt (figure C).
Tap down on it with a ball pin hammer to make sure it is snug.Use a ratchet with a 6-point head contact on top of the bolt extractor (figure D). In effect, you have made a hex head for the bolt using the extractor. It will bite in the more you torque down on it and it will break it loose. You rotate it counterclockwise to get the bolt out.If you have a real rusty bolt and the bolt head comes completely off, you can use a screw extractor to remove the broken bolt. Drill a hole in the broken bolt and then place the screw extractor into the hole (figure E). Be sure and get the correct drill bit that corresponds with the screw extractor you are going to use.Use a tap wrench and turn the screw extractor counterclockwise (figure F) to remove it.
Checking Tire Pressure- When you purchase an inexpensive tire pressure gauge there is a greater likelihood of inconsistencies.
- The rope-type gauges (figure G) will cost approximately 7-8 dollars up to 30 dollars, but are worth the investment.
- You attach the gauge to the valve stem (figure H). The higher price gauge will even give you the option of having the needle remain on the reading until you press a button on the side to release the pressure.
- Your tire pressure should be checked when the tire is cold for a consistent reading for all the tires. Cold means the car has not been driven for over one mile or has not been driven for over 3 hours.
- Be sure and put the valve stem cap back on. The cap protects the tire from leakage and it has a seal in it that will keep moisture, dust and dirt out of the tire.
- You need to check your tire pressure once a month at a minimum. Be sure and check your spare tire at the same time.
Keyhole Guards
- Keyhole guards are available at your automotive parts store. They used to be made out of medal, but are made out of transparent plastic now.
- Before applying the guard, prep the surface by cleaning the area and then let it completely dry.
- The guards have an adhesive backing. Use a hair blow dryer and heat both sides (figure I). By warming the surface, it will make it more pliable and you will get better contact.
- Peel the guard off and press it into place (figure J). As you rub it in, it will become transparent.
- They sell the guards with initials, etc. so you can personalize it if you prefer.
Additives for your VehicleMechanically Speaking
Greg Peart, ASE Certified Master Technician - A valve should be nice and clean, but sometimes a valve has build up (figure K) on it. It is hard to maintain the cleanliness of the valves. You can't avoid build up, but you can prevent it from happening by using additives.
- There are fuel additives you can use in your gas tank when you fill your car with gas. This will help keep the injectors clean, the tops and faces of the valves clean and keep the rings clean.
- Octane is the ability of the fuel to resist spark knock (pinging sound when you are going uphill, etc.). There are octane busters you can use that will help prevent that by raising the octane and slowing the burn of the gasoline down and it makes it burn even better.
- Engine oil additives. Fifty percent of engine wear occurs on start up. You can prevent that by treating your engine with a PTFE based engine treatment. Normally you put this in at your first oil change and then every 25,000 to 50,000 miles.
- There are combination gas and oil additions and top engine cleaners (valves, lifters, tops of pistons, around the rings, etc.) available to help your car perform better.
- Sealers are available for the power steering, radiators, engine and oil. These are temporary at best and they all have their place and purpose. Be sure and read the labels.
Special Thanks Bridgestone/Firestone
Chroma Graphics
Craftsman
Jasper Engines
MCS Promotions: Fall Grand Run
Tracer Products
Westward Tools
RESOURCES :
All About Your Car
0931625327
David Nigel Kline and Jamie Robertson
(January 1997)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Dimi Press
Chroma Graphics
971 Hillside Dr.
Louisville, TN 37777
Toll-free: 800-487-2784
E-mail: chromaSales@chroma-graphics.com
Website: www.chroma-graphics.com
Jasper Engines and Transmissions
PO Box 650
Jasper, IN 47547-0650
Toll-free: 800-827-7455
E-mail: sales@jasperengines.com
Website: www.jasperengines.com
BFS Retail and Commercial Operations
Bridgestone/ Firestone
333 E. Lake St.
Bloomingdale, IL 93060
Phone: 630-259-9000
Website: www.mastercareusa.com
GUESTS :
Ray Bohacz
Fuel System Expert
115 Catswamp Rd.
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Greg Peck
Muffler Expert
Knox Auto Parts
8721 Oak Ridge Hwy.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: 865-690-4223
Website: www.knoxauto.com
Greg Peart
ASE Certified Master Technician
| ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: | | Fuel Systems and Mufflers |
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