Valve Adjustment
This tip is for the solid lifter valve adjustment on any four-cycle engine with an even number of cylinders. It doesn't work on three- and five-cylinder engines. First, manually turn the engine (forward or backward) and watch for the overlap, i.e. intake closing and exhaust opening or the other way around. Stop when the valve rockers are even and both valves are open slightly. Second, adjust valves on the companion cylinder in the firing order. For example, on a six-cylinder engine with standard 1-5-3-6-2-4 firing order, overlap 1, adjust 6; overlap 5, adjust 2; etc. We use this method on Dodge Cummins and save two hours over manufacturer procedures. We also use it on CAT, Detroit, International and other gas and diesel engines. Gerald GittingerOdessa Diesel RepairMissouri
Diagnosis made easy
In our shop, we use a very structured process to diagnose problems. For this example, I'll use drivability complaints. This is by far the one process most techs lose valuable time on. We start with a very detailed questionnaire with the customer. We use a form so every important item is covered. We sell the customer two to four hours to perform our diagnosis up front at the counter. Then the tech reviews the questionnaire for tips on when the problem occurs. He then does a road test. The next step is to hook-up a scan tool and see if there are any codes. After that, he scans three to four Web sites we have available for all techs to use checking for TSBs as well as pattern failures. We even have one site just for European cars. These sites many times will help lead the tech in the right direction. After that review, he will perform any diagnostic steps needed to pinpoint the source of the problem. After he is confident he has a correct diagnosis, he records all steps taken and has a meeting with the service adviser, who estimates the needed items and sells the repair to the customer. We have been successful using this approach many times and as a result, we get cars fixed properly with very few comebacks. Most importantly, we get paid for the time spent. Douglass KirchdorferDowning Street Garage
Colorado
Spark plug installation
For installing spark plugs in hard-to-reach locations, be it with headers or hemispherical head engines, use an 8-inch to 12-inch piece of 5/16-inch rubber fuel line. It will allow you to turn the spark plug into the threads, where you can't actually reach with your fingers. It also will slip, stopping you from cross-threading the plus. And it can be removed by just pulling it away for the plug when you are finished. George LandisSRC AutomotiveBoca Raton, Fla.
Tightening Exhaust Bolts
For keeping exhaust bolts tight to the cylinder head, especially with headers, use Teflon tape on the threads of the bolts. More is better than a wrap or two, but not too much as to not start the bolt. This works great, and I've been doing this for 20 years. George LandisSRC AutomotiveBoca Raton, Fla.
Ford Taurus Brakes
On Ford Taurus, checking the rear brakes can be a real pain when the rear drums will not come off. The self-adjuster is in the way of adjusting the rear brakes down. But if you remove one of the rear studs from the hub by pushing it back into the rear drum, making sure it falls all the way in so you can still turn the drum. Then rotate the drum until that stud hole is lined up with the self-adjuster you can easily turn the adjuster back and remove the drum. Then simply reinstall the stuff when done and replace the drum and tire. Kevin MaloneyMaloney's ServiceWellsburg, W.Va.
Polishing Aluminum
When trying to put a mirror shine on an aluminum part like a wheel or a valve cover, back breaking machine polishing until you look like a coal miner is something I've seen techs do a lot in my 22 years in a bump shop. This is a process is not only brutal on the tech, but it's completely unnecessary. Instead, spend time sitting in a relaxed position and sand the piece smoother and smoother until it starts to shine from sanding alone. A good technique is to machine and hand sand dry from grinder to 320 grit, starting with the finest grit needed to remove any damages or imperfections. Then wet sand all the way to 2,000 grit or 3,000, even better. Now that it's smooth, the trick is to lightly sand the whole piece in one direction. I use a 3M 3,000g wet D/A disk making a final scratch in one direction only. Then take a little Mother's, or whatever you like, on a soft cloth and watch it instantly and effortlessly shine like chrome almost instantly. Try this and never fear metal polishing again. Jeffrey ZerbstJZ's Collision & CustomsRedford, Mich.
Broken Bolt Extraction
First, mig weld a flat washer onto the broken bolt. Then mig weld a nut onto the flat washer. Use either a cordless impact or an air-operated impact to shake and jar the broken bolt loose. Joey BeltonTexas AutoPro Inc. Texas
Battery Drains
Dealing with battery drains can be very frustrating at times, especially when you find it to be caused by an electronic module that is not powering down after a specific amount of time. One way to look for these modules without disturbing the system is to use a separate battery source to power the scanner, such as the Tech 2. By monitoring data this way, you are able to look at modules to see what one may be awake and which ones are inactive without adding more load to the parasitic draw you are measuring. Most scanners have a separate battery lead disconnect that will allow you to do this. Gary GilbertAutomotive Electric/Automotive Service SolutionsIowa
Grease Fittings
If you have grease fittings that will not take grease (i.e. king pins, leaf springs, anything that is frozen), remove the grease fitting and install and screw in an adapter with a quick connect fitting. Using your port-A-power, power plug it into the quick connect fitting. You can pump the connection to 10,000 PSI. With the oil form the port-a-power, you can walk away with the pressure still remaining in the system to creep through the port. This has worked very good. There is no need to replace spring pins on larger trucks that will not take grease. You can even heat the area while the pressure still remains in the grease slots. All this can be done with a single person instead of two people: one holding the grease gun while another uses a hammer to try and free the grease. After the oil goes through, just grease the fitting as normal. Chuck KneffRescue Repair Inc. Imperial, Mo.
