Repair 7

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.

The popular Harley-Davidson Softail model has a durable gas tank, but exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause leaks or other malfunctions. If you notice your fuel level falling too fast while driving, you need to replace the gas tank. Rather than taking your Softail to the shop to have a new tank installed, you can do the job yourself right at home. You can purchase a new Softail tank at your local Harley dealer or an auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Disconnect your Softails battery by removing the cable from the battery terminal. Locate the fuel valve and switch it to the "Off" position.

2

Locate the carburetor and the fuel line that runs from it to the fuel tank. Disconnect the fuel line from the fuel tank, but leave it attached to the carburetor to prevent any contamination.

3

Remove all the bolts that secure the seat to your Softail. Make sure to remove the main seat bolt that is located under the front of the seat. After you have removed all of the seat-mounting bolts, pull the seat off the motorcycle to give you access to the gas tank.

4

Remove the bolts that secure the gas tank to the body of the bike. These bolts run all along the perimeter of the tank. Carefully lift the tank out to avoid spilling any fuel.

5

Install the new tank in place of the old one and secure it with bolts along its perimeter. Reattach the seat to the Softail and secure it with the mounting bolts.

6

Connect the fuel line to the new tank. Turn the fuel valve back to the "On" position and reconnect the battery cable.

A vehicles oil pressure switch keeps track of the oil pressure that the oil pump creates. This is important because low oil pressure can severely damage a vehicles engine due to the fact that the engine needs adequate lubrication at all times.

Functions

On older model vehicles, an oil pressure switch will send a signal to the oil pressure light. This warning light comes on when the car is cranked but goes off as the pressure builds. The oil pressure switch on newer model vehicles will signal its computer, which can cause a car not to start if it has low oil pressure.

Pressure

In addition to an oil pressure warning light, some automobiles also have a gauge which the oil pressure switch can inform of the vehicles current oil pressure levels. The pressure levels typically range from about 7 psi to 12 psi when the automobile is idling and 40 psi to 60 psi when the automobile is being driven.

Tips

When it has been determined that an oil pressure switch needs a replacement, there are a few things that should be done in advance. Have a reputable mechanic check that oil levels are correct. The vehicles oil pressure should also be checked to make sure it matches specifications required by the vehicles manufacturer.

There are multiple ways to convert a Sportster with an engine displacement of 883 cubic centimeters into one with an engine displacement of 1200 cubic centimeters. As a result, there are several potential clues to interpret. One infallible test is the removal of the motorcycle heads, which takes a skilled mechanic at least four hours. The cylinders on an 883 are 3 inches in diameter. The cylinder interiors on a 1200 are a full half inch bigger. If you do not feel like rebuilding the whole top end of the motor, though, there are still a few options.

Instructions

1

Look at the heads. If the heads were manufactured by Edelbrock, S&S, Harley-Davidsons own Screamin Eagle performance line or any manufacturer other than Harley-Davidson they were installed as part of an aftermarket conversion package so the Sportster is a 1200 not an 883.

2

Examine the base of the cylinders. The most common conversion procedure replaces the cylinders but not the heads. If the cylinders are engraved "1200" at their bases the Sportster is a 1200.

3

Ride a known 883 Sportster hard. Ride the 883 on a freeway or interstate and uphill and note the acceleration and torque of that motorcycle.

4

Ride the motorcycle in question. A 1200 Sportster has at least 40 percent more horsepower than an 883. The difference is unmistakable and it is a fool-proof test.

Side post battery terminals are commonly used in GM vehicles. However, this is not to say that a top post battery and terminals cannot be converted on almost any vehicle. To remove the side post battery terminal is just as easy (if not easier) than removing the top post battery terminal clamp. Side post battery terminals employ a bolt-type terminal that secures the respective battery cable to the battery.

Instructions

1

Open the hood to the vehicle.

2

Put on the safety goggles.

3

Place a suitable sized box-end wrench or a ratchet and socket on the hex-head of the (black-wired) negative side post battery terminal (removing the negative terminal post first will minimize the occurrence of sparks flying from the battery terminal, which could result in igniting flammable hydrogen gases emitting from the battery vents). Many GMs use an 8mm or 5/16-inch wrench (although aftermarket or converted side posts terminals may take a much larger wrench or socket). Also some side post batteries, but not all, restrict using a ratchet and socket due to limited room between the terminal post and other engine components.

4

Turn the wrench (or ratchet and socket) counterclockwise. Keep in mind that if the battery terminals are facing the engine compartment, the terminal bolt will require being loosened to the right (clockwise) in order to remove.

5

Isolate the battery terminal bolt from the battery so it does not come back into contact with the battery post while removing the positive (red-wired) battery terminal side post bolt in the same fashion. Some GM vehicles come equipped with a plastic cover for the positive battery terminal post to help prevent corrosion. If equipped, unsnap the cover by hand first.

Replacing the alternator on your 2000 Chrysler Sebring is a good project to undertake at home, and it will save you from steep labor charges from the dealership or the repair shop. If the battery is not charging and the car does not stay running without the battery cables attached to the battery, the alternator is more than likely not putting out the voltage required for the proper operation of the ignition system. Removing the alternator from your car allows for bench testing, to verify that the unit is truly faulty.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the car and locate the negative battery cable (it bolts to the inner fender well, on the drivers side of the engine compartment). Remove the bolt with a socket and ratchet, then remove the cable and set it aside, isolating it from any metal surface so that it cannot ground and complete the electrical circuit.

2

Locate the field circuit connector on the rear of the alternator. Depress the locking clip and pull the wire and connector from the alternator. Lay the wire and connector aside.

3

Remove the nut from the "B" terminal on the rear of the alternator with a wrench, then remove the cable from the terminal. Lay the cable aside.

4

Locate the mounting bolt at the top of the alternator and loosen it with a socket and ratchet. Loosen the pivot bolt, then remove the drive belt from the alternator pulley. Set the spacers from the pivot bolt aside for later reuse.

5

Remove the top mounting bolt from the alternator, then raise the alternator out of the engine compartment. Position the new alternator in the engine compartment and insert the upper mounting bolt to hold it in place. Slide the drive belt over the pulley, then insert the pivot bolt, being sure to put the spacers back in the proper order.

6

Pull the bottom of the alternator toward the drivers side of the car until the belt is tight, then tighten the pivot bolt with a socket and ratchet. Tighten the upper mounting bolt with a socket and ratchet once the pivot bolt is secure.

7

Install the large cable on the "B" terminal at the rear of the alternator, followed by the retaining nut; tighten the nut with a wrench, then plug the field circuit connector into the rear of the alternator. Push it in until the locking tab engages.

8

Reinstall the negative battery cable on the drivers side fender well and secure the bolt with a wrench.

The 1960s was a long time ago, especially for your dashboard. If your car has survived into the 21st century, places like the dashboard might need some sprucing up with the right kind of paint.

Buy Vinyl Paint

If your vinyl or simulated-leather dashboard is only fading or stained, layering on two or three coats of vinyl paint could provide a dramatic improvement. Just make sure you pick the right color; the same shade is preferred, but a darker hue is possible. If your dashboard is cracking, however, painting it will only polish a unsightly panel.

Clean and Remove

Before applying the paint, you should clean your vinyl dashboard and let it dry. Apply masking tape widely around your dashboard, windshield included. To avoid accidental dripping, you can remove the dashboard completely from your vehicle, using your manual to find and remove the mounting screws.

Applying

Every manufacturer will have slightly different instructions for applying its vinyl paint. In general, spray in a well-ventilated area, hold the can at least 1/2-foot from the surface when spraying and coat in even strokes across the surface. Let each coat dry fully before beginning a new coat.