Archive for the 'Maintenance' Category

Oct 13 2008

turning the idle screws seem to make no diffrence

Question:

I have a 1967 Chevy C20 pickup w/camper, 81m org miles 327 all org has set for set for several yrs. We cleaned out the fuel system & it runs but rough. It has a 4bbl carb, turning the idle screws seem to make no diffrence is there any other adjustment that cam be made? we’ve replaced the points & plugs 

Answer:

If turning the idle screw does nothing then you more than likely have a vacuum leak !

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Sep 04 2008

How Air Conditioning Works

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Any automotive air conditioning system employs four basic parts-a mechanical compressor, driven by the vehicle’s engine; an expansion valve, which is a restriction the compressor pumps against; and two heat exchangers, the evaporator and the condenser. In addition, there is the refrigerant that flows through this system.

The belt-driven compressor uses engine power to compress and circulate the refrigerant gas throughout the system. The refrigerant passes through the condenser on its way from the compressor outlet to the expansion valve. The condenser is located outside the passenger compartment, usually in front of the vehicle’s radiator. The refrigerant passes from the expansion valve to the evaporator, and after passing through the evaporator tubing, it is returned to the compressor through its inlet. The evaporator is located inside the vehicle’s passenger compartment.  <read more>

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Aug 15 2008

Looking to install reverse beepers on our fleet of cars and trucks

QUESTION:

Looking to install reverse beepers on our fleet of cars and trucks also vans does chevrolet use multi plexing wiring to reverse lights or do i need to install a relay? Pick ups S10-3500 series and vans all range from 1999-2008

ANSWER:

No need for a relay. Just Ground it to the frame and connect your positive to the power supply wire on the back up light bulbs ( you can connect in the wire harness ). No multi plexing to the reverse lights.

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Jul 24 2008

How can I tell if my car’s alternator is charging?

How can I tell if My Car’s alternator is charging ?

There are a couple of ways you can do this. One is by using a multi-meter set to DC Volts. If the meter shows less than 13 Volts it is not charging(this is done with the engine running). Another indication is if the icon on the dash that looks like a battery illuminates then the alternator is not charging. Typically the alternator will produce 13.5 to 14.7 volts. If it does not you will need to replace the alternator. Make sure to check this after installation.

Directions for Testing with a multi-meter

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Jun 03 2008

How Do I turn off the mainenance light on my Toyota Prius?

How do I turn off the Flashing Maintenance light (oil change reminder) on my Toyota Prius?

The oil change light will start flashing 4500 miles after the last reset to remind you that an oil change is coming up. Once at 5000 miles after the last reset, it stays on. If you change the oil yourself, or the dealer forgets to turn the light off, rather than taking it back to the dealer, do the following:

  1. Turn the power switch IG-ON and make sure that the ODO/TRIP meter is displaying the odometer.
  2. Turn the power switch OFF.
  3. While pushing the ODO button, turn the power switch IG-ON.
  4. The reminder light will flash until the reset is completed.
  5. The reset is complete when the reminder light turns OFF.  Release the ODO button.
  6. After the reset, the ODO/TRIP meter displays as a set of zeros for 1 second, then displays your normal odometer mileage.

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May 10 2008

I have a 68 chevelle with a 10 bolt rear end

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Question:

I have a 68 Chevelle with a 10 bolt rear end. I need to replace the differential cover gasket due to leaking, but there is no fill plug in the cover. How to refill rear end with lube after cover is replaced? Is there a plug somewhere?
 

Answer:

There is a fill plug that requires the use of a 3/8 extension or ratchet end ( no socket attached ) turn it counter clock wise to remove. it is located on the other side just to the side of the pinion shaft ( where the drive-shaft attaches ) Looks like a square hole.

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May 02 2008

I need to have my CV Joints replaced

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Question:

I have a 1995 Mazda Millenia that I need to have the CV Joints Replaced. Is there a difference between inner and outer CV joints? How much Should I expect to pay for the parts?

Answer:

There is a left and right cv axle for the vehicle. The right side on Napa lists for 54.19 reman and 87.49 new. The left side reman is 61.89 and new 114.00. The axle assemblies have the new cv joints and everything in them and are the most cost effective way to replace the cv joints. I’d say labor for both sides is 2 to 3 hrs.

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Apr 29 2008

Can fuel injectors be cleaned?

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Yes, fuel injectors can be cleaned to an extent. Most service stations and dealers offer a fuel injection cleaning service the uses an industrial grade solvent to run through the injectors by use of pressure and the kit installed directly to the fuel rail. This is the best cleaning service to have done but you want to make sure they use the direct cleaning kit.

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Apr 23 2008

My engine warning light came on

Question:

My engine warning light came on and the dealer said the 2002 Acura RSX with 99,000 miles needed a $1,000 catalytic converter. I took the car to Auto Zone and they reset the engine warning light after running the diagnostic check. I have driven the car about 200 miles and the engine warning light has not come on again. How long do I need to drive it before everything resets prior to running a new emissions test?

Answer:

Typically if the check engine light was going to come back on it would have by now. Usually there is a secondary cause for converter failure i.e. engine misfire, raw fuel being dumped etc. As to running new emissions test I would have it done so long as check engine light is off. These vehicles are sensor-ed to the point that anything at all pertaining to emissions will trigger the light on.

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Apr 22 2008

Spark Plugs for Cavalier

Question:
How do I remove the spark plugs on my 2003 Chevy Cavalier and where are they?

Answer:
The plugs are under the Ignition coil housing see pic below,
cav.gif
Gap
Adjust the spark plug gap to 1.0 mm (0.040 in).

Tighten
Tighten the spark plugs to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

Notice: This engine has aluminum cylinder heads. Do not remove the spark plugs from a hot engine, allow it to cool first. Removing the spark plugs from a hot engine may cause spark plug thread damage or cylinder head damage. 
cav2.gif

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