Makita produces a variety of hand and power tools for commercial and personal use that make completing projects easier and quicker. The Makita impact gun is a cordless impact drill that produces significantly more power than a standard cordless drill designed to drill hard surfaces and remove stubborn fasteners.
Safety
Makita impact guns are powerful tools. Use them with caution. Wear protective gear when using any drill, to prevent debris from harming your eyes. Gloves can protect your hands if they slip off the drill, striking a sharp object, or in case something falls onto your hands. Keep the Makita cordless impact drill away from liquid substances, including water, as they could cause an electrical shock and damage the product.
Size
Makita produces its impact drills in varying sizes according to the battery strength. The amount of battery strength directly affects the power output of the drill. Smaller models work well for most household uses, and large models stand up to commercial use. Using an underpowered drill can result in damage to the drill if the motor overheats. Only use the battery charger designed for the size battery of your drill, and remove fully charged batteries promptly from the charger to prevent damage.
Drilling
When using your Makita impact drill to penetrate into hard surfaces, maintain a firm grip with both hands. Apply pressure straight into the bit, but do not bind the bit. If you do bind it, you can be injured from the bit breaking apart. Choose the drills setting according to the surface you are drilling into. Use a lubricant if the drill bit repeatedly overheats. Harder surfaces require faster rpm modes. Start with the soft hammer mode when utilizing your impact drill to install screws or lag bolts into a material, adjusting the power level as needed.
Removing Items
Makita impact drills feature power to remove stubborn nuts, bolts, screw and fasteners caused by over-tightening or corrosion. Spray any rusted or corroded metal fasteners and nuts with a lubricant or penetrating agent to aid in the removal. Keep the impact drill on a low power level initially so you dont break the bolt or fastener. Increase the power as necessary. Hold the drill firmly when removing stuck items, and never apply leverage to the drill when trying to break loose an item. Leverage can damage the drill.
Vehicle manufacturers often recommend that their vehicles be taken back to the dealership for service and parts, in order to make certain all work is done properly and in accordance to any warranty specifications. Taking your Duramax diesel truck back to GM for service also improves its trade-in and re-sale value because you will have a documented service record proving the quality of care your vehicle has had during its time with you. There are several things you can do to maximize the service you get when you take your diesel truck to GM for service.
Qualifications
Before you take your Duramax diesel to the dealership for servicing, you need to talk to the dealerships service department and make certain that they have a certified Duramax diesel mechanic on staff to work on your trucks engine. Many dealerships and mechanic shops will hire uncertified technicians to do a lot of the minor repair jobs, but if you want the best quality work, you need to make sure everyone who will be touching your vehicle has been officially certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Uncertified mechanics may not have had the proper training or developed the skills they need to perform proper repairs on your vehicle. Improperly done repairs can lead to a number of different headaches down the road.
If your nearest GM dealership does not have an ASE or certified diesel mechanic on staff and available to work on your truck, find a different dealership to take your vehicle to. Make sure to document your request for a certified mechanic in the paperwork when you drop your truck off.
Documentation
Document every communication between yourself and the dealership in writing. When you bring your vehicle in for service, provide the mechanics with a list of problems that you are experiencing to make sure that they are aware of all problems and none will be forgotten during the repair process. Make sure you get a list of every part that was adjusted or changed on your vehicle, as well as information about replacement warranties. Most replacement auto parts come with some form of warranty. If you believe the repair on your vehicle should fall under warranty, read your warranty and bring a copy of it with you when you take your vehicle in for servicing.
Educate Yourself
The best protection for any diesel truck owner who is bringing a vehicle in for repairs is a solid understanding of how the engine, in this case the Duramax, works and what needs to be repaired. Read your owner manual and any recall information to keep tabs on potential problems.
A strong understanding of the problem and solution will make you an educated consumer. Being well educated about your truck means you will be able to understand what your mechanic is telling you is wrong with the vehicle as well as the benefits and potential ramifications of repairs. Do not be afraid to ask your mechanic plenty of questions until you can thoroughly grasp the problem.
Being well educated about your truck will also help you avoid unnecessary work that the dealership may promote in order to increase their profit margin.
It is not uncommon for a older car to begin having some blue smoke occasionally come out of the exhaust system. If the color is truly blue, then odds are the problem is oil is being burned in the engine and you have a leak. Even a small amount of oil can create blue exhaust.
Higher Weight Oil
While this is only a quick fix, using a heavier weight oil may slow or temporarily stop the leak and eliminate the blue smoke. The heavier weight oil is thicker and has less of a chance of leaking if the hole is small. Unfortunately, if you have a leak, then it will only get worse over time.
Car Repair
Oil is not supposed to be burned along with the fuel mixture and there are several gaskets that are used to prevent this from happening. As the car gets older, these gaskets can wear down and cause leaks, which creates the blue smoke. Blue smoke, along with rough idling and a loss of power, could indicate a more serious problem of a cracked head gasket and that could mean extensive repair work to the engine.
Oil Stop Leak
If the smoke is causes by a gasket leak, then there are oil additives developed to help stop the leak. The additive is added directly to the oil; when it goes through the system along with the oil, it is supposed to stop the leak at least temporarily and abate the blue smoke.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) exhaust tips (sometimes erred to as tailpipe extenders) are available for some Volvo models. Most Volvo OEM tips are chrome plated, although some manufacturers use polished stainless steel. These tips are available from Volvo dealers, online retailers and auto parts stores.
Dual Tips
Some Volvos come with dual exhaust pipes. For models such as the XC90, a conjoined dual tip is used to finish the exhaust pipes. These tips are made of stainless steel and are usually chrome plated. To install, you simply clamp the tips onto your exhaust pipes by tightening a bolt. These tips add a sporty look to the vehicle and retail for around $150, as of 2010.
Single Bore Tips
If your Volvo has only one tailpipe, it is easier to choose a tip that will fit. Measure the width of your tailpipe at its widest point. This diameter should be the same as the inlet diameter of your selected exhaust tip. Choose an exhaust tip that compliments the style and look of the vehicle. Most tips are made from polished stainless steel, although some are chrome plated steel. Stainless steel tips are more durable and long lasting than chrome tips.
Turn Down Exhaust
Some later model Volvos have exhaust pipes that turn down toward the road. Installing an OEM exhaust tip is more difficult on these vehicles. Cut the downward curves of the tailpipe with a saw to install the tips on the straight end of the pipe. If you are uncertain of what you are doing, pay a professional to install these tips for you. You do not want to risk ruining your muffler or exhaust system by cutting the tailpipe in the incorrect place.
Whether a vehicle owner desires to preserve a loved automobile or simply maintain its value, restoration is the way to go. Auto body technicians can perform just about any kind of restoration job, including body work, painting, sheet metal and fiberglass work, engine rebuilding, collision repair, interior restoration and fixing rust holes in floor boards and rocker panels. However, several issues must be considered before and during auto body restoration.
Evaluate Restoration Decision
Evaluate the condition of the car. If it appears heavily damaged, it may be beyond repair. Usually, if the frame is solid from top to bottom, the car is most likely restorable. However, if the frame is weak or filled with holes, especially on the interior floor surface, the cost of fixing the car must be caully weighed against the long-term reliability of the vehicle. Using a flashlight, inspect all the tight areas of the car, including the trunk and engine compartment. If possible, go to a garage and have the car lifted up on a hoist for a thorough examination.
Choose Qualified Body Technicians
Choose qualified professional to restore the car to its original luster and value. An amateurish restoration job can result in lost of time and money. Auto body restoration must be done properly so that the vehicle is as close to the original as possible. Try to get a feel for the kind of work the dealer performs. For example, if the company possesses a restoration gallery, review the stages of their work on other automobiles. These observation will give a good idea of what to expect.
Monitor Restoration Process
Monitor the progress of the restoration process. Auto body restoration does not happen overnight. Theore, visit the shop in order to observe the different stages the vehicle must pass through. The client should request a contract outlining the time and date of each restoration stage, or if this is not possible, request contact at the beginning of each stage. Close observation will give the client a more personal relationship with the auto body technicians and the work being performed.
A GM harmonic or harmonic balancer is a piece of equipment that absorbs the vibrations produced by a GM engine. It is engineered with a tough metal exterior, but a small portion of its interior is manufactured from rubber. This material is likely to wear over time and through extensive use, so a GM harmonic puller is a specialist tool required to remove and replace the existing harmonic balancer with a new one.
Use a GM Harmonic Balancer Puller Set
The task of removing a damaged or worn harmonic balancer from a vehicle is difficult, so using the correct tooling is crucial. A harmonic balancer puller set includes several specialist tools and fittings that can be used to assist each stage of the application. This set can also be used to remove and restore gear pulleys, as well as to adjust steering wheels. It includes hardened steel forcing screws and numerous sets of washer head bolts, along with the standard puller with fortified jaw design. This set allows users to remove a harmonic balancer effectively and in a time effective manner.
Use a GM Brand Harmonic Puller
Using a brand specific tool will reduce the rsik of damage or restriction when removing the harmonic puller.
Automotive manufacturers utilize different engine designs in their vehicles, so it is wise to use brand specific tools when performing repairs or restoration. A GM harmonic puller is designed to remove GM and Chrysler equipment, and is therefore specifically manufactured to use on certain engines. This particular tool has a special three-jaw puller design that is both compact and robust, and can work in tight GM engine spaces without the need for removing the radiator. It can also be used with tailored lengths of forcing rods and suitably-sized forced screws. Using the correct tool also helps protect otter components within the engine from damage.
Use Suitable Bolts to Attach the Harmonic Balancer Puller
During the removal process, a pulley is removed from the face of the harmonic balancer. Once this is complete, it is often the case that the bolts that held it in place are not suitable for use with the puller tool. Ideally, the puller is connected to the harmonic balancer using these bolts, but they may not be long or thick enough to be gripped efficiently by the puller. In this instance, specific bolts are available that are compatible with the tool, and leave at least a half inch of length to be fitted securely to the harmonic balancer. This ensures that the tool can be attached and the harmonic balancer can be moved accordingly.
According to Autos.com, car audio and GPS repair can be simple or difficult depending on the system and the problem. Because of this, before investing in professional help, its a good idea to analyze the problem and see if it can be manually fixed. Causes of problems could be as simple as improper wire connections or incompatible audio equipment.
Distorted Sound
A common problem with car stereo equipment is distorted sound at high volumes. According to Autos.com, this happens when the wattage of the radio is not high enough to drive the speakers. This can be solved by replacing the speakers with ones compatible to the radio. Another fix is to add an amplifier to the stereo system, which can be purchased as a kit at most audio or video stores.
No GPS Signal
After not using a GPS system for a period of time, its common that the unit wont pick up a satellite signal when turned on. According to Maps4u.com, this is because the units satellite data is out of date. Some units can recollect the information by themselves, but the process is lengthy. However, there is a way to speed the recollection of data. Refer to your users manual for instructions on which commands can program on the unit so that the process speeds up and the unit can be functional faster.
Lack of Radio Channels
When a car radio only receives limited radio channels, the root of the problem could be several things, states Radioshack. It could be the result of improper wiring, a problematic antenna or a damaged radio. First, check the antenna circuit and rewire it if necessary, or replace the antenna. If the radio still isnt functioning properly, the problem could be that the radio itself needs to be serviced.
The Triumph Motor Company is an English car manufacturer that was founded in 1885 and became defunct in 1984. One of the companys most popular models was the Triumph Spitfire. Because the Spitfire has been out of production since 1980 many enthusiasts are forced to complete their own repairs to keep their Spitfires running. If you are the owner of a Triumph Spitfire, there are several tech tips you should know about.
Overheating
One common problem with Triumph Spitfires is overheating. If your Spitfire is overheating the first thing you should do is check your coolant and oil levels. If your Spitfire is still overheating, try removing your front license plate. Surprising as that may sound, for many Spitfire owners this has worked. If you live in a state though that requires you to have a front license plate you can also replace your thermostat, flush the radiator and replace the radiator cap.
Anti-Sway Bar Repair
Many Spitfires, due to their age, have anti-sway bars that have eroded or become weak. You can choose to purchase new anti-sway bars, but it is much cheaper to use a different approach. To repair your sway bars you can weld steel plates to the front of the A-arms and then attach the sway bar to the steel plates on the A-arms.
Fuel Gauge Calibration
Occasionally you may need to re-calibrate your fuel gauges to get accurate fuel readings for your Triumph Spitfire. When re-calibrating though, there are a few tips you should know about. The first is that the sender unit in the fuel tank can only fit in one specific position, which is flush against the tank seal. Another tip is to make sure that the ignition key is off prior to reconnecting the wires to the sending unit. If the sending unit creates a spark you may cause a fire.
Oxygen sensors have two basic functions: upstream sensors close to the manifold meter the amount of oxygen and burned fuel mixture in the exhaust; downstream sensors located near the catalytic converter monitor the catalyst efficiency. If too much fuel or too much oxygen is read by the sensor, it transmits the information via radio signal to the PCM, which then makes adjustments in the engine to correct the problem. Oxygen sensors wear out after a while and need to be replaced during regular maintenance schedule intervals.
Finding the Right Sensor
The hardest part of replacing an oxygen sensor is locating the correct one. Vehicles nowadays have at least two, but some can have up to four sensors. When the sensor fails to transmit or a noticeable problem in the fuel mixture is detected, the PCM will trigger the "check engine" light to alert the car owner that there is a problem. All vehicles built after 1996 have universal PCM plug-in sources called "DLCs," or "data link connectors." A scan tool or code reader will allow you to find out the problem or narrow it down by plugging it in to the DLC and then reading the code. But what if it says something like, "circuit failure sensor 1 bank 2?" Banks and sensor numbers are used to help identify the location of them in the exhaust system. "Sensor 1" indicates a forward or upstream sensor towards the manifold; "banks" indicate the split in the exhaust system, such as a Y-pipe coming off the engine or a genuine dual exhaust system. Bank 1 is most often located on the same side of the vehicle--left or right--as the number one cylinder. So sensor 1 bank 2 would be located upstream near the manifold on the opposite side of the number one cylinder.
Access
Access to some of the sensors nowadays is somewhat challenging. Most vehicle manufacturers place the oxygen sensors in conspicuous places that can easily be accessed. Others may make you wonder what they were thinking when they designed the exhaust system. There are tools to help make it easier for you and a trick or two that might work. Once youve located the correct sensor or sensors, unplug the sensor from the wire harness.
Tools
Oxygen sensor wrenches or sockets are available in most parts stores nowadays. Although they make the job a whole lot easier, theyre not magic wands. Limited access is still going to challenge you, and corrosion on the old sensor and exhaust pipe may be another obstacle. Remove the sensor once youve gotten the tool onto it by turning the tool counterclockwise. A degree of force will be required, but if it doesnt feel like its going to budge, heating up the portion of the exhaust pipe that surrounds the threads of the oxygen sensor might help. This can be done with a portable propane torch. Dont heat the sensor as well. Youre goal is to expand the exhaust pipe and not the sensor. Being careful not to burn yourself, retry removing the sensor with the wrench or socket until youre successful. If you dont have a torch, try running the car long enough to heat the exhaust system up for a while and then liberally spray lubrication oil on the sensor.
Replacement Sensors
Replacement sensors range in price from $50 to $120 a piece. Bosch makes a decent direct-fit aftermarket sensor made specifically for most vehicles at an affordable price. The dealership will sell direct-fit original equipment sensors, but will be on the high end of the price range. You may discover in your hunt for the best price that a universal sensor is available for many cars. This means the sensor can be wired in and used in more than one application non-specifically. Although its cheaper and sounds like a good deal, keep in mind that in addition to removing and replacing the oxygen sensor, youre going to have to cut and splice wires--that most likely will not color-code the same way on both ends. For a few dollars more, your money will be well spent for a name-brand direct-fit oxygen sensor made specifically for your vehicle.
First available from GM in 1982, the 6.2L diesel engine was originally an option for sports utility vehicles, full-size pickup trucks, and other utility vehicles. With the dual perks of added fuel economy and durability, 6.2L diesel engines in GM two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) trucks were given gross vehicle weight ratings of up to 10,000 pounds. Additionally-equipped vehicles boast a capacity of over 13,000 pounds. A strong engine requires regular tune-ups and care to stay in prime operating condition.
Oil Lubricant
Oil lubricant is a necessity for the proper operation of the 6.2L diesel engine. Used for the lubrication of the engine, the oil for diesel engines is specially formulated and must remain at a certain level and consistency to provide the best functionality. Oil should be checked a minimum of once weekly. A common occurrence is the immediate change of newly-replaced oil to a dark black color after only a brief running of the engine. This does not mean that anything is wrong with the oil, but is rather a side-effect of the engine. Knowing how to change the oil can also save the owner money, since professionals charge as much as four times the amount to change fluids in a diesel engine than they charge for a regular gas engine.
Oil Filter
When changing the oil, the oil filter should be changed as well. Consulting the manual for the particular vehicle will inform owners of the optimal and maximum time allowed between filter changes. However, due to the heat and pressure generated by a diesel engine, the oil and filter may become contaminated more quickly that in a non-diesel engine vehicle.
Mechanical Injection Pump
The mechanical injection pump assists in the movement of the diesel fuel throughout the engine; therefore, it is important to ensure that no leakage is occurring. It is not uncommon for the seals on the injection pump to shrink when cold and allow fuel to leak out. At times, this problem is corrected through the warming of the engine, which causes the seal to swell, plugging any leaking. In order to check and perform repairs on the injection pump, it is necessary to remove the oil filler, intake manifold, and bolts. Be sure that the engine has fully cooled before attempting to work on any component. To gain access to these components, the crankshaft should be slowly turned in a clockwise direction with a 24 mm socket wrench. All wires and hoses should be removed from the pump, if it is necessary to separate it from the engine. Injector lines can be tricky, so it is important to be careful. In addition, ground wires should be removed from the batteries to avoid any mishaps.
An exhaust system comprises the tubing that guides the exhaust gases away from the vehicles engine. The gases travel through this tubing and out the exhaust pipes. Other parts of the exhaust system may include the exhaust manifold, a turbocharger, a catalytic converter and a muffler, which is also called a silencer in Europe.
Muffler Tape
Holes in your vehicles muffler can be a common source of excess noise, especially if the exhaust system has recently gotten louder for no apparent reason. Other than replacing the muffler completely, if the hole is small, it often can be repaired. Muffler tape, such as Silicone X Treme Tape, can be purchased at most automotive stores. Apply the tape when the muffler is completely cool. After its applied, start your cars engine and let it run for at least 15 minutes, or the time on the products instructions, so the tape will heat up and fuse over the hole.
Silicone X Treme Tape
Mocap Inc.
409 Parkway Drive
Park Hills, MO 63601
800-633-6775
mocap.com
Fiberglass Repack
Looking to quiet a motorcycle exhaust system? Repacking the muffler can be a cost-effective, do-it-yourself solution. The packing material in the muffler can break down over time, making it less effective in the noise-dampening department. The process is fairly straightforward and involves removing the mufflers core. Simply unwrap the worn fiberglass batting and replace with new batting, such as Moose Racing Fiberglass Muffler Packing.
Moose Racing
P.O. Box 5222
Janesville, WI 53547-5222
mooseracing.com
Exhaust Silencer Tip
To produce the most power, your vehicles exhaust system should have as few restrictions as possible. For this reason, quieting a functioning exhaust system often reduces horsepower. However, local noise ordinances may not allow high-performance cars to be driven around town with their engines roaring. A removable exhaust silencer tip is an option that allows drivers to dampen the noise from their exhaust when needed, with the added benefit of being able to remove it easily when more horsepower is desired. Removable silencer tips, such as ECPs Universal Removable Muffler Silencer Tip, simply bolt onto the end of your vehicles muffler and are held in place with a few screws.
Whether youre restoring a 1965 Mustang to its original state, or adding a few creature comforts along the way, one of the most important jobs is the rewiring. An electrical system is only as good as its weakest link. Bad connections and insulation can cause shorts that in turn cause failure at best and electrical fires at worst.
Replace All Wires
Replace all the components when rewiring your 1965 Mustang. The chances are that most of them have worn or corroded, and even those that look in reasonable condition are probably more brittle than they should be and will fail soon. If a part is almost 50 years old, then it is likely to fail soon and damage the rest of the system.
Watch for Chaffing
As youre installing your new wires, take time to do what Ford didnt do. Examine each piece of the wiring for security and chaffing during road vibrations and over bumps. If you find any positions where the wire may rub, then wrap them generously in electrical tape and do what you can to secure the wire out of the way. Also seal any connections outside the car that may get wet -- this will help prevent them from corroding. A few minutes here could save hours of troubleshooting later on.
Replace Switches
Switches should be replaced whenever you replace the wiring harness. Faulty switches can lead to circuit breaker and part failures that cant be fixed on the road. Ford switches have a history of failure when theres a high current load, so headlight and air conditioning switches should be replaced at the very least.
