3/31/11

Fast and Furious - Cars in Film

When Universal launched the Fast and the Furious series of street racing films, they only expected only a modest return. Although street racing was getting a lot of press attention and the popularity of modified imports were exploding, the movies was never expected to be a blockbuster. However, the film was an unexpected summer hit. It grossed ,089,015 on its opportunity weekend, surpassing the film's million budget. It may have been the media buzz and gear head buzz surrounding the movies that caused an explosion in the box office and gave global understanding and curiosity into the supercharged public scene of racing and customizing cars.

Two of the films' stars that caused the movies to thunder in the box office, were the Mazda Rx7 and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. One of Japan's largest automotive aftermarket companies, Veilside, built the Mazda Rx7 that was later filmed in Fast and Furious to show off its "Fortune" wide-body kit at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Salon. At the time of the show, the car was painted red, and it had all things a show car should - an Hks T04Z single-turbo conversion kit, a gigantic intercooler shoved under the front bumper, big Rotora brakes, A'Pexi coil-over shocks and vast 19-inch Andrew Evo-V wheels inside P255/30Zr19 front and P305/25Zr19 rear Toyo Proxes radials.

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For the Fast & the Furious: Tokyo Drift, the same Mazda Rx7 was painted Sunset Orange Pearl and Veilside built three more optic clones, including one that was destined for destruction using a old Mazda Rx7 that had appeared in both old Fast and Furious movies. One of the cars used in the old Fast and Furious movie was Dominic Toretto's red Rx.

In the sequel to the Fast & Furious, 2 Fast, 2 Furious, the character Roman Pierce was given a new partner in his adventure, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder with a Snyper Body Kit. The car was personally picked by John Singleton for Pierce to drive and the car came equipped with a Vortech Supercharger V5 G trim, Hks Blow valve, Hks Afr (fuel administration controller), Rc engineering 270cc injectors, Boost Variant Fuel Pressure Regulator with Gauge and a Magnecor 8.5mil Competition wires and a license plate that said "H8Ter."

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder had the most explain paint job of any of the cars built for any of the Fast & Furious movies. The patchwork compose on the car were not graphics but painted on with House of Kolors paint. It was one of the few cars in the film that wasn't destroyed although a total of four were made for the filming. It is rumored that the car exhaust was swapped with a Subaru Wrx.

Like all cars in the Fast & Furious series, both cars were heavily reinforced with a roll cage for bridge jumping. Also there was so much neon lighting used in the cars that a technical scholar whose expertise was in shooting neon on film was kept on set at all times. This obviously cost a lot more and cut into the allocation but it made the film authentic.

Fast and Furious - Cars in Film

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3/30/11

The Ins and Outs of Metal Fabrication

We have so much extraordinary material surrounding us that we take its greatness for granted. Have you ever intimately examined the steel structure that are now our churches, schools, and fire departments? Because these huge steel girders blend into their surroundings, they are often overlooked.

We are surrounded by objects made out of metal every day. Automobiles, buildings, sculptures - all contain metal in some form. Metal fabrication is an significant part of each person's life. Steel and iron are dependable and a lot more derive than wood.

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This description is for those of you who may not be very familiar with metal. In this description we will show you how metal is formed as well as show you the steps it takes for fabrication.

To start with, what does metal fabrication involve?

In simple terms, converting metal shapes into a ended stock is known as metal fabrication. Small metal mixing bowls and giant metal cement mixing machines must all be fabricated. Metal fabrication is a class that includes metal forming, cutting, bending, welding, and finishing.

What are the separate types of metal fabrication?

The three basic categories of metal fabricating are structural, industrial, and commercial. The process of manufacturing bridging and building components is known as structural fabrication. The manufacturing of processing equipment and reserve equipment for industrial use falls under the definition of industrial fabrication. The major chunk of metal items bought by consumers is produced by industrial metal fabrication.

What are the steps that are followed when the metal is cut?

Metal may be cut in two ways. One way is when sharp blades are rubbed up on the metal. Sometimes, though, the metal is just completely cut out. The process of applying a large number of pressure on a small area until the metal breaks or fractures is known as shearing. It is much like a giant pair of scissors, and the process is always the same. Discharge of metal, however, can be done using varying methods including abrasives, electric arc, laser beams, or torches. These are all widely used processes for cutting metal. In the field of fabrication, polisher wheels and cutting torches predominate because they are relatively easy to use and portable. Stationary equipment (e.g. Water jet beds, plasma tables, and laser cutters) aren't used as much, yet they give extraordinary results with spoton tolerances.

In order to get the skills required for metal fabrication, where would you go?

Certified learning centers and on the job training are the two types of metal fabrication study that are most common. Either way, a someone must possess sufficient knowledge of the significant skills before they can derive work in the fabrication industry. The skills of the metal working industry are maintained and promoted by some agencies including the American Welding Society, the American fabricate of Steel Construction, and the American Petroleum Institute.

Like any other field, the introductory stage of metal fabrication is design, the concept of an idea that will eventually lead to the ended product. When required, engineers will check that the materials used are of the vigor that is needed. The fabrication factory orders materials after receiving the plans. Depending on your fabricate plan, materials will be cut, shaped, and welded together to make the product. Workers witness each stock before it leaves the plant to make safe bet it has been properly made for its purpose.

Now you know all you need to know about metal working.

The Ins and Outs of Metal Fabrication

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3/29/11

Lawn Tractor Transmission Types

The fives types are gear, disagreement disk, automatic, Cvt, and hydrostatic.  I'll spend a few minutes going straight through each type so you have a best idea of the best type for you. I am not going into the details of how each one works.  Just Google the transmission type and you can read to your heart's content.

Gear

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Five years ago the gear drive transmission was the most beloved but today hydrostatic and automatic transmissions have substituted them in popularity. Often called by hand transmissions this type uses a series of gears to turn the ground speed of your tractor.  The biggest downfall of this type of transmission is you have to stop the tractor to shift to a different speed (range).  This makes them harder to use when you have a lot of organery beds and scenery features to go around.

To drive the tractor you must push in on the clutch, shift the transmission to the gear you want to use, release the clutch, and hang on.  This is a dependable  transmission that will give you years of service.

Friction Disk

This is easily the transmission of selection for snow blowers but there are a few mowers like the Snapper Rear machine Rider that use this trans.  It is a good, dependable transmission when used properly.  It uses a disagreement wheel and disk to turn the forward speed of your rider.  Don't use this transmission to pull heavy loads...you will tear up the disagreement wheel.

You can shift-on-the-go with some models but to get the longest life most brands advise you push down on the clutch/brake pedal and then shift to the speed you want.

Automatic

This is essentially a belt and changeable pulley law similar to the drive law in a snowmobile.  John Deere originally used this in conjunction with a by hand transmission on the Model 110.  Now days, Mtd is using this on most of it's cheapest lawn tractors. Like the disagreement disk this trans is designed to the mower application and they are not designed to pull heavy loads.  Some of the Brands have confused the issue by calling their reasonable hydrostatic trans an "automatic" so if you are unsure ask.

To drive the tractor you typically have two levers.  One for forward or reverse and the other for the speed. Move the F/R lever to the direction you want to go and then plainly move a fender mounted lever to turn the speed. This is a dependable  transmission that will give you years of service for flat lawns and pulling very light loads.

Cvt/Ivt (Continuously/Infinitely changeable Transmission)

The automatic mentioned above and the hydrostatic below are essentially Cvt's  but now days this means a changeable disk or ball/disk system.  This is the transmission of the time to come because it uses fewer entertaining parts than a gear trans and less oil than a hydrostatic, but at this point in time they are not yet cost sufficient for lawn tractor applications.  Mtd tried using the dual Ivt Infinitrak in the Cub Cadet and Craftsman Revolution but consumers were not ready to spend the extra money to own this type of transmission. New Holland is using these effectively in their 50 hp and larger tractors.

These transmissions are very easy to use.  Either a fender mounted lever or foot control varies the speed and direction.

Hydrostatic

The most base transmission for lawn tractors today is a form of Continuously changeable transmission called the hydrostatic transmission. These transmissions take some forms, from pumps driving cut off motors, which may concentrate a gear reduction, to fully integrated (enclosed) units containing a pump, motor and gear reduction.  Hydrostatic transmissions are more high-priced than mechanical transmissions but they are easier to use and can forward greater torque to the wheels as compared to a typical mechanical transmission.

Hydrostatic - Enclosed Single

These transmissions are very easy to use.  Either a fender mounted lever or foot control varies the speed and direction.  The enclosed hydrostatic transmission is a singular unit that houses the changeable pump, motor, differential and drive axle.  Most of lawn tractors, yard tractors, organery tractors and estate tractors today have an aluminum housing to give off the heat the entertaining oil creates.  These transmissions are sized to the mower application.  The organery tractor and estate tractor transmissions are built to deal with heavy loads and ground entertaining attachments.

These transmissions are very easy to use.  Either a fender mounted lever or foot control varies the speed and direction.  The pedal on the left side of the tractor is the parking brake.  You do not need to depress that pedal to shift the tractor.   The forward and reverse is controlled by either a lever on the right fender or two pedals on the right side floorboard.  To go forward push the fender lever forward or press on the large pedal on the floor board.  To stop the tractor pull the lever back to the middle position or lift your foot off the pedal.  To back the tractor up pull the fender lever to the rear or press the small pedal on the floorboard.

On the fender mounted control you Have to move the lever to the middle to stop your tractor.  It will not go to neutral by itself like the foot controls.

Hydrostatic - Enclosed Dual

Two hydrostatic transmissions are mounted side-by-side in the residential zero turns.  Each trans controls a cut off rear wheel.  That is the traditional presuppose why zero-turn mowers cost more than the lawn tractors. Again these trans are designed for the application and most are not designed to pull loads, just mow and bag.

Most of these transmissions are controlled by private levers that sit in front of you.  With a dinky custom these are very easy to use.  A large lever on each side of the seat controls that side transmission.  To go forward push on Both levers.  To stop, pull them back.  (The easiest way to expound how to drive a two-lever zero turn mower is to  use a shopping cart as an example.  With the mower turned off sit on the seat and put your hands on the two large levers in front of you.  Close you eyes and pretend you are gripping a shopping cart.   What do you do to move a shopping cart forward? Right, you push on the handle.   To back up? Right, you pull back on the handle.  To go left?  To go right?  Correct, you Push the deal with in the direction you want to turn the cart.  Two lever zero turns work the same way.  Instead of one bar like a shopping  cart, the bar is split in two and you move each side to make it move.)  This type of transmission takes custom to keep the tires from digging into your lawn.

Hydrostatic -Pump & Motor

The more high-priced market zero-turn mowers, stand-ons, and some golf procedure mowers use a cut off changeable pump near the motor associated to the wheel motors with hydraulic hose or metal lines.  These are usually cast iron for long life and durability. A few of the high-end market mowers are now using enclosed cast iron hydros.

Lawn Tractor Transmission Types

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3/28/11

Hydraulic Pumps - Fluid in petition

Hydraulic pumps change mechanical vigor and appeal into hydraulic fluid power. The basic idea is very simple: force that is applied at one position is transmitted to an additional one position using an incompressible fluid, like oil, which cannot be compressed but rather is displaced when pressure is applied.

A reservoir, a hydraulic cylinder, and a pump make up the three main parts of a hydraulic pump. Pumping hydraulic fluid from the depot into the lowest cavity of the cylinder causes the piston rod to be pushed up, which pushes the fluid in the other cavity back into the reservoir. This policy pressurizes the chamber and extends the piston to its full length. Pumping hydraulic fluid into the upper chamber of the cylinder pushes the piston rod down, pushing the oil in the other chamber back into the reservoir, completing the cycle.

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Popular Hydraulic Pump Types
Vane pumps, piston pumps, and gear pumps are the leading types of hydraulic pumps Gear pumps - uses gears to pump fluid by displacement. Hydraulic gear pumps are one of the most coarse types of pumps. There are some advantages and disadvantages to gear pumps. The advantages are: high speed, high pressure, and quiet operation. The disadvantages are: the use of four bushings in the liquid area and fixed end clearances. Rotary vane pumps - are positive-displacement. They include a ring mounted inside a cylindrical case. There are a number of radial slots in which sliding vanes are located. Mounted to the case is the ring and the vanes are designed to press against the inside wall of the case. Hydraulic pressure or spring force or centrifugal force as the ring is rotated will cause the vane to be forced against the wall. Axial piston pumps - are determined displacement. There are some pistons in a circular arrangement in a cylinder block. Radial piston pumps - a circular arrangement of hydraulic pistons, and valves which allow pressures greater than 650 Bar (~10,000 psi) to be built. Screw pumps - determined displacement pumps. Have one or more screws that rotate to transfer high or low viscosity fluids along an axis.

Hydraulic Pumps - Fluid in petition

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3/26/11

Brake safety and Brake Maintenance

Importance of brakes cannot be denied. literally you love your house and do not want whatever to happen to them. Many accidents are caused because of defective brakes and many habitancy have lost their life. No one feels gather while driving if the brakes aren't working properly.

How do I know if my brakes are bad?

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Many alternative ways are there to find out if there is some kind of fault with your brakes, apart from the brake light on your dash panel gets on and alerts you when there is any problem.

These ways may or may not catch your attentiveness but you need to be very alert when it comes to taking care of the braking system. Following steps can help you to find out if there is any qoute with your brakes and you need to watch out:

1. If the brake is not working the car gets on one side when it is applied.

This means that brakes are not in their allowable position and there is a need to fix them back in their position. Before any mishap happens, get it fixed by a good mechanic.

2. When brakes are applied, the brake sinks softly or come to be very hard.

This happens if there is lot of air gift in the brake or due to less brake oil. You can pull out the air. For checking the leakage, park your car and check whether any oil is gathering below your car because of leakage or not.

3. When brakes are applied there is squeaky noise.

If this sound is heard frequently means that the brake pad has worn out and two metals are rubbing against each other producing the sound. This is also dangerous!

4. It is difficult to depress the brakes paddle.

If you push the brakes and they are harder to press, if you have power brakes, this indicates that sustain unit and in the vacuum; there is some kind of leakage. But in normal brakes it indicates that there may be a crack in the brake line.

5. Pressing the brakes there is a vibration

This means that your brakes rotor and the pad have worn out after using for a long time.

Now when you get to know that there is qoute with your brakes, fix the qoute as soon as inherent as it could be dangerous. If there is no visible default except of a minor noise, any way it is inherent that when the brakes are applied by you to stop the car and it does not stops because brakes are completely failed, so get the brakes fixed before it is too late.

You can to do it on your own as well it's not that difficult. You can replace the brake pads and brake liquid literally but for hydraulic leakage or the damage of the airline it is better to get it fixed by an devotee and it is not at all expensive!

Brake safety and Brake Maintenance

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3/25/11

Buying a Land Rover Freelander? What Should You Look Out For?

If you are mental of buying a Land Rover Freelander there are a few things that it is worth checking on any Freelander you are considering.

As with all cars there are confident issues that are tasteless to each particular make, and the Freelander is no exception. To help you to make the right decision with your Freelander buy we will point out what needs checking with the:

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Freelander Engine;

Freelander Drive Train;

Freelander Body.

1. The Freelander Engine

a) Head Gasket

i) In the assistance History

One of the traditional issues with the 1.8 petrol Freelander is the head gasket. Originally a particular layer head gasket was fitted and these tended to blow by 70,000 miles, often quite a bit before this! The first thing you need to find out is if the head gasket has ever been substituted on the vehicle, and if so was a modified multi layer head gasket used. If it is not documented that a modified multi layer head gasket was used then there is a occasion that you could face the same question again within 70,000 miles of the turn - don't assume that if the head gasket was done at a Land Rover dealer then a modified multi layer head gasket will have been used, we have seen them with particular layer gaskets after being repaired at a Land Rover dealership.

How much will it cost?

If the head gasket has not been changed, or you have no evidence that a modified multi layer head gasket has been used then you should be budgeting nearby £400 to have a routine turn of the head gasket before it blows - if you wait until it blows you will be spending more than this!

ii) On the Freelander

To check if the head gasket on the Freelander has not already blown, check for oil residue in the water reservoir bottle (left hand side under the bonnet), and take the oil cap off and check if there appears to be any water mixing with the oil.

The other issue that can cause head gasket failure is the water pump or any leakage in the cooling system. Check that there are no signs of a water leak. Be aware that the precise coolant for a Freelander is red, so the water in the water reservoir bottle should look pink.

How much will it cost?

If the head gasket has failed you are seeing at £500 upwards to get it fixed as you will need to have the head cylinder skimmed and pressure tested. The actual cost will depend on either the water pump also needs replacing (circa £50 supplementary to have this done), and if the head cylinder has cracked under the pressure, if this has happened you will need to buy another head cylinder - another £80+ if you get a used one, and in the hundreds if you get a new one.

b) Cam Belt

i) In the assistance History

The 1.8 litre petrol, L series 2.0 litre diesel and 2.5 litre V6 petrol Freelanders all have cam belts that should be substituted at the 72,000 mile service. If the Freelander you are inspecting buying is close to, or has past this mileage and there is no evidence that the cam belt has been changed then it is extremely advisable that you have this done as soon as possible. A snapped cam belt can completely destroy your machine and you will be seeing at a complete machine rebuild rather than a routine cam belt change.

How much will it cost?

A routine cam belt turn will cost you under £200 for a 1.8 litre petrol Freelander, £350 for an L series 2.0 litre diesel Freelander and £450 for the 2.5 litre V6 petrol Freelander.

ii) On the Freelander

Without taking the cam belt cover off it is difficult to tell if there is wear to the cam belt. If the cam belt has snapped you will easily know - the car will not go!!

How much will it cost?

If the cam belt on the Freelander has snapped you are probably seeing at an machine rebuild. Depending on the damage done you are seeing at upwards of £1,100 for a 1.8 petrol Freelander; £1,400 for a 2.0 diesel Freelander; and £1,800 for the 2.5 V6 petrol Freelander - so make sure you turn the cam belt in a timely manner!

c) Warning Lights

i) On the Freelander

Warning lights are on the dash for a calculate - something is wrong! The main warning lights on most Freelanders are the machine warning light, hill descent control (looks like a car going down hill), the Abs and the traction control light. Please note that the Abs light does not extinguish until you are interesting transmit (not in reverse) at a confident speed - so as you pull off gently this light will remain on until you get some speed up.

There are a lot of sensors on a Freelander and often the warning lights are on because of a malfunction on one of the sensors. The only way to know what the question is is to put the Freelander on a diagnostic machine, and even then it can take a lot of sorting out. seeing the root cause of a warning light being on can be very time interesting and costly.

How much will it cost?

Putting the Freelander on a diagnostic machine will cost nearby £50. Once you have a diagnosis, sorting the question out could be a nice uncomplicated fix, but it could run into hundreds of pounds and a lot of time!

2. The Freelander Drive Train

a) Viscous Coupling Unit (Vcu)

i) In the assistance History

The viscous coupling unit (Vcu) is a sealed unit on the prop shaft that supports the four wheel drive function of a Freelander. All Freelander 1 models have a viscous coupling unit (unless the prop shaft has been removed, rendering the Freelander a two wheel drive vehicle).

The viscous coupling unit is a sealed unit which contains a viscous fluid. As the viscous fluid becomes thicker it over time the viscous coupling will come to be stiffer to rotate and this will put a strain on the whole drive train of the Freelander. Hence the viscous coupling unit is an item which should be substituted regularly, at about 70,000 miles. If there is no article of having the viscous coupling substituted and the Freelander you are buying has done 70,000 miles or more then you should be inspecting replacing this immediately.

How much will it cost?

A reconditioned viscous coupling unit, which has had its viscous fluid replaced, is nearby £250 (add an extra £30 if you replace the bearings at the same time, which is recommended), and fitting is about £50.

ii) On the Freelander

Since the viscous coupling unit is a sealed unit it is difficult to know if the viscous fluid has come to be too thick - it is not like the oil where you can pull out the dipstick and see how it looks. If when you drive the Freelander it feels as if it is retention back or as if the brakes are binding, then this could be the viscous coupling showing immoderate signs of wear. It will be especially noticeable when reversing on full lock.

Once the viscous coupling becomes stiff there is a lot of strain put on the whole drive train. If the Freelander is still driven as normal it will finally damage the Ird unit (transfer box) and the rear differential - then things get easily expensive. Ordinarily if you can hear a clunking noise from the front of the car as you go nearby corners then there is a good occasion that there is damage to the Ird.

How much will it cost?

If you are lucky and the only damage that has occurred is to the viscous coupling unit then the cost will be the same as a routine replacement. If, however, it has caused damage to the Ird then you are seeing at approximately an extra £550 for a reconditioned Ird unit, plus fitting at nearby £300 for a 1.8 litre petrol Freelander; £400 for an L series 2.0 litre diesel Freelander or £600 for a 2.5 litre V6 petrol Freelander or Td4 2.0 litre diesel Freelander - and that is assuming no other damage has been done, so make sure you replace your viscous coupling unit in a timely manner!

b) Differential Centre Bush

i) On the Freelander

Wear to the differential centre bush on the Freelander is something to look out for, although it is not a major item that should stop you purchasing a good vehicle. If you go underneath the Freelander and push the prop shaft at the back by the differential to see how much play it has. If there is a lot of play then it is advisable to get this changed as soon as possible.

How much will it cost?

The differential centre bush and fitting should not cost more than about £80.

3. The Freelander Body

a) Window, Doors and Sunroof

i) On the Freelander

Unfortunately it is quite tasteless on the Freelander to have problems with the windows, doors and sunroof - so check these things.

If the sunroof does not work quite often the best thing to do is to take out the fuse and leave it shut! This way you know you will not end up with a sunroof half open that you just can't get closed again. If the sunroof on the Freelander does work then make sure you open and close it ordinarily to stop it ceasing up.

Check that all the doors open and lock on the fob. The first click of the fob will open just the drivers door, the second click should open all the doors along with the tailgate one.

Check that all the electric windows work - in some models all windows are electric whereas in others the rear windows are manual. Remember that the tailgate window also goes down, there is a button in the centre front that controls the tailgate window. In increasing to this if you press and hold the fob then instead of occasion the doors it should bring the tailgate window down. To put the tailgate window back up you need to either put the key in the tailgate door lock, turn and hold it until the window comes up, or use the button inside the Freelander. Do note that the key does not open the tailgate door, this can only be done from the fob, the key is just for controlling the tailgate window.

How much will it cost?

If your windows are not working this will cost nearby £50 to £80 depending on which window has the problem. If you cannot hear the sound of the motor when you press the button it is worth checking the fuses before going to the price of getting a garage to look at fixing it.

Fixing the doors of the Freelander would cost you more than the windows as new parts are Ordinarily required. And as for the sunroof - I would just leave it closed!

Buying a Land Rover Freelander? What Should You Look Out For?

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3/24/11

Today's Hydraulic Shears

Shearing refers to the process by which part of a metal plate is removed by applying a tool through it at a high level of pressure. There are some different types of shear machining that are available. Two common types are punching machines, which make small discs, and blanking machines that are used to make small metal items such as washers.

There are clear differences in the middle of shear machining and commonplace direct tool machining, and you should be aware of these. commonplace machining uses a particular or multiple point tool to take off cuttings from a metal sheet or block. In order to reach the required dimensions, the tool is used repeatedly on the metal until the desired succeed is obtained. Shear machining uses the tool's cutting edge to take off metal from the plate. This tool rips the metal from the plate as extreme pressure is applied. The metal plate is contacted only once by the tool.

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Hydraulic or mechanical machines can accomplish shear machining. Hydraulic shears are the ones you will want to use for accurate, quick cutting and scoring of metal sheets. These shears are most sufficient for factories with high volumes of metal fabrication. Shops needing serious intense pressure quite often prefer hydraulic shears. Advantages of these shears consist of low maintenance and continual, quick, quiet usage. Hydraulic shear machines wish less space than mechanical shear machines, yet furnish the same amounts of pressure.

Because such high pressure is to be applied to it, the metal is held tightly by clamps once it is put into place inside the hydraulic machine. This prevents any shifting from taking place. If you wish a plane and even 90 degree cut, it is primary to use a squaring arm or back gauge. Grist the edges can get rid of the tiniest of burrs formed by the blade edge. Hydraulic shears will leave marks from the keeping clamps and cutting blades. Although these are small, they will need to be removed or compensated for.

There are a quite a few different manufacturers that make hydraulic shear machines in various models, accommodating a wide collection of plate sizes. You can apply different size metal cuts, and scrap can often be reused. The hydraulic shears that are ready today look entirely different from the typical shearing machines of the past. Housed beautifully inside a large stand alone unit, the motor operates very quietly.

Several sets of sharp blades inside the machines are used to cut the metal into specified shapes and sizes. Most population have strangeness comprehending the expected pressures the motor generates to cut metal within the gorgeous compartment. Contemporary hydraulic shears are commonly installed over-floor, so they can be relocated in any place on the production line as required.

Hydraulic shear machines house all the actual shearing components, however one should still rehearsal caution while operating them. keeping the blades sharp will not only maximize efficiency, but it will also prevent off-cuts. Ensure that all lively parts are lubricated and clean. If the right amount of hydraulic fluid is not maintained in the machine, it can lead to damage, so you want to be sure to keep the fluid at the definite level at all times.

Today's Hydraulic Shears

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3/21/11

Graphite Lubricants

You can make many dissimilar kinds of products out of graphite, together with graphite lubricants, brake linings, refractories and even in steelmaking. This mineral is known to have so many uses, which makes it the most ideal raw material for various goods. What exactly is graphite?

Graphite is a mineral that is carefully to be the most carport carbon form there is. Because of this distinction, it is used as like the basis when figuring out the heat of formation of dissimilar carbon compounds. It is among the allotropes of carbon, which also includes diamond, amorphous carbon, lonsdaeleite, buckytube, and three more.

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Natural graphite comes in three valuable types:

1. Amorphous graphite - this type is the product of coal's thermal metamorphism. It comes in the form of fine particles. It is also known as meta-anthracite.

2. Flake graphite - this type is also called crystalline flake graphite. It is often flat and has hexagonal, angular or irregular edges.

3. Vein graphite - this type is also known as lump graphite. It looks like a huge mass of fibrous crystalline aggregates and is often found in fissure fractures and veins. It is believed to be produced hydrothermally.

Graphite has some properties that make it distinguishable from other minerals and alltropes of carbon. First, if you look at its atoms in a wee level, its atoms form a hexagonal lattice with a fixed distance in the middle of the planes. Second, it is capable of conducting electricity because its carbon layers are very electron delocalized. Third, it has thermal and acoustic abilities. Finally, it has impressive dry lubricating and self-lubricating characteristics, production it in question in many industries.

Graphite may be natural or synthetic. Natural graphite is commonly used to make steel, rafractories, wide graphite, foundry facings lubricants and graphite lubricants. Synthetic graphite, on the other hand, is often used in electrodes, neutron moderator, powder and scrap, and Rccs or reinforced carbon-carbon products, such as gold clubs, pool cue sticks, fishing rods, and bike frames.

All over the world, there are many graphite mining pits and areas. In Sri Lanka, there is an secret location where lump or vein graphite can be mined. Machineries and equipment like bulldozers are used to dig straight through the ore and passage the graphite.

To be able to obtain graphite and construct it to originate various goods, dissimilar methods and techniques are being employed. Of course, tools and machines are also a must to make everything easier and faster.

Graphite Lubricants

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3/18/11

Dash Kits facility - A Step-by-Step Guide

One great way to spruce up the interior of your vehicle is to enhance it with wood trim. You don't need to have a luxury car to advantage from the optic request for retrial of wood trim added to your dash kit. These days vehicle owners are always looking for ways to add style and class to their cars and trucks.

Installing the wood trim to your car or truck is very easy. Not only is it easy, it is a great way to enhance the value of your vehicle. Following these few facility tips will supply you a fast easy way of performing your own wood trim dash kit installation.

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Step 1. Check the fit and alignment.

You want to be sure the wood trim fits as a matter of fact into your dash kit before completely installing it. Forcing the wood trim into the dash kit could corollary in breakage of your wood trim. Most companies that sell wood trim will not give you your money back because you botched the installation. If you try to return the broken piece of trim, the company will be able to tell if it broke due to a mistake in its manufacturing or in its installation.

You can as a matter of fact check the fit of your wood trim in your dash kit by aligning the trim to the dash and gently applying pressure. When you do this you should feel a minuscule give from the dash and the trim begins to sink in. If this happens then chances are your wood trim will fit into your dash kit. If your wood trim does fit the dash kit continue to step two.

Step 2. Clean surfaces completely.

You want to make sure your dash kit is nice and clean. Even the latest of vehicles will have dust and perhaps a minuscule grime. To remove this it is best to use alcohol pads. Alcohol pads will remove residue, especially residue from tape or glue, more efficiently than quarterly cleaners. Some over the counter cleaners will clean, but will leave a residue of their own. You can tell the disagreement in a clean dash kit from cleaners verses a clean from alcohol pads. The biggest disagreement is in the feel of the dash after the clean. You do not want any oily residue in the surface of your dash kit!

Step 3. Apply adhesive supplied with your wood trim to your dash kit.

Your wood trim kit will come with its own type of adhesive. Some will have tubes others will have pads. The foremost thing to remember in this step is to try not to get the adhesive on surfaces that will not be covered by your wood trim. Don't make a mess!

Step 4. Apply wood trim to dash kit.

There are a integrate different things you want to do when installing your wood trim to the dash kit. You need to cut off your pieces into large pieces and small pieces.

For the large pieces considered reposition wood trim in place. considered pull back top half and remove the liner from the back of the trim. Starting at the middle and working towards the top, considered press trim into position. gently lift lower part and remove the rest of the liner backing. Starting from the middle and working down, considered press trim into place.

Step 5. Final Step-Press the trim onto the dash kit.

You are now ready to press the wood trim kit onto the dash kits exterior. Do this to each piece contained in your kit. Once you are completed, you will have a classy look and feel for the interior of your vehicle!

Dash Kits facility - A Step-by-Step Guide

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/17/11

Machines That employ Hydraulic Use

Since from the starting of time, man has been using machinery and tools to improve his quality of life and perfecting work efficiency. We are the only species on earth with the intelligence to design and implement tools that are able to assist us in our daily tasks. Over the past generations, technological advancements have improved the tools we use today, and have continuously revolutionized industries straight through each generation, in singular those of the past 150 years. The hydraulics business in singular can be credited with significantly impacting and changing the face of human machinery forever. Hydraulic systems are tools and machines that rely heavily on high pressure liquid power to fulfill its functions. The state of clarity N �����Ѵਹ of this liquid is crucial to be able to accomplish its purpose, which means the hydraulics liquid has to be run straight through an oil distillation system to filter out any impurities.

Wide varieties of cylinders and motors will replacement this hydraulic liquid by means of operate valves, hoses and tubes to the cylinders and motors. A lot of machinery used to accomplish prominent functions in our daily use makes use of hydraulics in their function. Bulldozers, which are classified as crawlers, move development use of rigid plates joined to each other set on wheels, using continuous tracks. The purpose of this continual track movement is to allocate the mass of the motor over a much larger covering than mere wheels would be able to dispense. The bulldozer comes equipped with a 'dozer blade'. Even though a bulldozer is the term assigned to varied types of machinery, the literal, use of the term is only to quote a tractor with a dozer blade.

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This blade is utilized in interesting debris, sand and soil, especially in building work. In the first bulldozers, its blade was controlled by a brake, or winch system. They are now fitted with hydraulic cylinders, allowing much more exactitude in the blade's operation. Another piece of machinery which uses hydraulics in its function is a backhoe. It is a kind of excavating tool ordinarily referred to as a digger. In essence it is a tractor, fitted with an articulated arm with a digging bucket at the end, used in excavation scenarios. The arm which is closest to the vehicle is referred to as a boom, and the other part of the arm is the dipper. The bucket and the arm are powered by sophisticated and highly developed hydraulics that allow for literal, movement.

Forklifts are powered by hydraulic systems as well. Such machines are powered by market trucks which are used in the lifting and transporting of heavy materials, especially interesting and lifting pallets in warehouses and stock distribution centers. The mast of the forklift is what performs most of the work in raising and lowering the loads. It is clear that hydraulics are used in our daily lives, even if we don't see it in our every day.

Machines That employ Hydraulic Use

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/14/11

selecting the Right Turntable Trolley

A Turntable Trolley is typically a four wheeled truck style trolley with a long whether U shaped or T shaped handle at the front end which is attached under the trolley box section to the steering section - there 2 steerable front wheels. This type of trolley is therefore highly manoeuvrable and can be manually pulled or attached to a towing principles thus development it compatible with many market uses.

Turntable trolleys are ready in appropriate sizes typically beginning at 500mm width and 600mm length, but bespoke trolleys can be made 4 or 5 times as large or even bigger. The size and construction of the Turntable Trolley you select will to an extent dictate the weight capacity although appropriate Turntable Trolley ranges often include models which handle assorted weight capacities from 500kg through to 5000kg.

Hydraulic Press Brakes

High capability Turntable Trolleys are constructed with a range of safety issues in mind. For example the way the body materials are cut and the singular box section bet is made and ensure that risk to personnel and property are minimised by eliminating any mitred edges or sharp corners. Since a turntable trolley is likely to be used in a work setting where health and safety are particularly important, a practical and easy to control braking principles is essential. For example, a braking principles which naturally requires the operator to lift the handle to stop the trolley and to press a foot pedal and lower the handle to publish the brake is an sufficient and easy principles for most people to use.

There is a wide range of possible tyre choices to fit the singular work environment and the weights involved. For example for particularly large loads, cast iron wheels with a polyurethane trade can be added, or for other situations it is possible to chose solid or polyurethane tyres, foam filled or air filled pneumatic tyres.

Since there is a potentially large range of possible applications for Turntable Trolleys there is huge scope for customisation of the trolley carrying surface. These areas can be adapted to carry anyone from gas and water bottles through to oil drums. Racks can also added for the specialized carrying of all manner of items such as computer, promotional and catering equipment. Waterproof or safety covers can also be added to the trolleys to added enhance specific functionality.

Sides can also be added to Turntable Trolleys using anyone material is most convenient for the primary purpose of the trolley. Steel, ply wood, mesh or plastic sides can be slotted or hinged into the trolley, and sides can also be gated.

selecting the Right Turntable Trolley

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/12/11

Should I Take Refresher Driving Lessons?

If you are asking yourself "should I take refresher driving lessons?", this description provides more detailed data on who should take these and the benefits. Read on to find out more. Refresher lessons will help you enhance your driving skills and therefore become a safe, competent and confident driver. By re-capping the safe theory this will reduce the risks to yourself, your passengers and then other road users.

Whether you have not driven often since passing your test, will soon need to drive more frequently, or will be supervising others to learn, you could advantage from refresher lessons. With the increased trust you will also get increased enjoyment and will ultimately feel gain behind a steering wheel - you will easily want to get in your car and drive!

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As well as trust building, refresher driving lessons can help population to overcome bad habits that they have picked up over time. Some habits will have only a limited ensue on your driving, however, some if left over a long period of time may become more dangerous.

Many population tend to feel embarrassed to ask about refresher driving lessons but there is no need for this because it shows that you are serious about being safe on the road.

Our national driving school, Just Driving provides refresher lessons and has driving instructors who can furnish these at affordable prices to meet your requirements. Our team of both male and female pro driving instructors cover all the principal elements of the safe driving theory and can get you quickly back on track. Why not perceive us at Just Driving and we can allocate you a driving teacher to suit your needs.

Should I Take Refresher Driving Lessons?

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/10/11

selecting the Right Turntable Trolley

A Turntable Trolley is typically a four wheeled truck style trolley with a long either U shaped or T shaped handle at the front end which is attached under the trolley box section to the steering section - there 2 steerable front wheels. This type of trolley is therefore very manoeuvrable and can be manually pulled or attached to a towing system thus production it compatible with many industrial uses.

Turntable trolleys are available in appropriate sizes typically starting at 500mm width and 600mm length, but bespoke trolleys can be made 4 or 5 times as large or even bigger. The size and construction of the Turntable Trolley you pick will to an extent dictate the weight capacity although appropriate Turntable Trolley ranges often comprise models which handle varied weight capacities from 500kg straight through to 5000kg.

Hydraulic Press Brakes

High capability Turntable Trolleys are constructed with a collection of security issues in mind. For example the way the body materials are cut and the particular box section bet is made and ensure that risk to personnel and asset are minimised by eliminating any mitred edges or sharp corners. Since a turntable trolley is likely to be used in a work setting where condition and security are particularly important, a practical and easy to operate braking system is essential. For example, a braking system which simply requires the operator to lift the handle to stop the trolley and to press a foot pedal and lower the handle to release the brake is an efficient and easy system for most citizen to use.

There is a wide collection of inherent tyre choices to fit the particular work environment and the weights involved. For example for particularly large loads, cast iron wheels with a polyurethane trade can be added, or for other situations it is inherent to chose solid or polyurethane tyres, foam filled or air filled pneumatic tyres.

Since there is a potentially large collection of inherent applications for Turntable Trolleys there is huge scope for customisation of the trolley carrying surface. These areas can be adapted to carry anyone from gas and water bottles straight through to oil drums. Racks can also added for the specialized carrying of all manner of items such as computer, promotional and catering equipment. Waterproof or security covers can also be added to the trolleys to supplementary enhance definite functionality.

Sides can also be added to Turntable Trolleys using anyone material is most convenient for the former purpose of the trolley. Steel, ply wood, mesh or plastic sides can be slotted or hinged into the trolley, and sides can also be gated.

selecting the Right Turntable Trolley

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/9/11

Brake Fluid Flush - What You Should Know

Glycol based braking fluids are hygroscopic, which means that they tend to Ant. Eject moisture. This chemical nature of the braking fluid could lead to a allowance of the boiling point of the braking fluid and lead to decreased efficiency of the brakes. Generally, fresh braking fluids are clear in nature. On the other hand, braking fluid which has absorbed lot of moisture is thick and less clear. Anti-lock braking systems also tend to get affected due to the lack of good potential fluid.

Brake Fluid Maintenance for a Smoother Drive

Hydraulic Press Brakes

There is no means to ensure that your braking law is 100% moisture-free, all the time. However, you can sacrifice the absorption with quarterly brake fluid flushes and maintenance. The brake law flush policy is similar to the policy of bleeding brakes. You need to carry out the brake flushing for one wheel brake at a time, by chance the devotee cylinder and draining the fluid. Once done, you need to clean wholly to ensure that no contaminants remain inside.

However, you need to be highly faithful if you choose to flush your brake fluids yourself. You can choose to avail the services of a expert service firm for the same too.

To find out if it is time to change your brake law fluid, you need to check if the fluid is clear in appearance or appears yellow or darker shades. To check this, you need to take off the devotee cylinder of the brake and search for the color of the fluid. Darker, thicker brake fluids would mean that you need to get it checked at the earliest.

Braking fluid preventive maintenance is undertaken by a whole of service clubs today. expert technicians are the best choice for checking the fluid and recommending brake fluid flushes.

Brake Fluid Flush - What You Should Know

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/8/11

selecting the Right Turntable Trolley

A Turntable Trolley is typically a four wheeled truck style trolley with a long either U shaped or T shaped cope at the front end which is attached under the trolley box section to the steering section - there 2 steerable front wheels. This type of trolley is therefore highly manoeuvrable and can be manually pulled or attached to a towing ideas thus manufacture it compatible with many industrial uses.

Turntable trolleys are available in proper sizes typically beginning at 500mm width and 600mm length, but bespoke trolleys can be made 4 or 5 times as large or even bigger. The size and construction of the Turntable Trolley you select will to an extent dictate the weight capacity although proper Turntable Trolley ranges often contain models which cope discrete weight capacities from 500kg through to 5000kg.

Hydraulic Press Brakes

High potential Turntable Trolleys are constructed with a range of protection issues in mind. For example the way the body materials are cut and the singular box section bet is made and ensure that risk to personnel and asset are minimised by eliminating any mitred edges or sharp corners. Since a turntable trolley is likely to be used in a work setting where condition and protection are particularly important, a practical and easy to operate braking ideas is essential. For example, a braking ideas which simply requires the operator to lift the cope to stop the trolley and to press a foot pedal and lower the cope to release the brake is an productive and easy ideas for most citizen to use.

There is a wide range of inherent tyre choices to fit the singular work environment and the weights involved. For example for particularly large loads, cast iron wheels with a polyurethane trade can be added, or for other situations it is inherent to chose solid or polyurethane tyres, foam filled or air filled pneumatic tyres.

Since there is a potentially large range of inherent applications for Turntable Trolleys there is huge scope for customisation of the trolley carrying surface. These areas can be adapted to carry anything from gas and water bottles through to oil drums. Racks can also added for the specialized carrying of all manner of items such as computer, promotional and catering equipment. Waterproof or protection covers can also be added to the trolleys to additional improve exact functionality.

Sides can also be added to Turntable Trolleys using anything material is most favorable for the primary purpose of the trolley. Steel, ply wood, mesh or plastic sides can be slotted or hinged into the trolley, and sides can also be gated.

selecting the Right Turntable Trolley

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/7/11

Dynamometer History - A Timeline of Innovation

Dynamometers have been a part of execution measurement since the days when the nearnessy of horsepower was usually accompanied by four hooves and a tail. This versatile tool is applied nearby the world, as associates like Taylor Dynamometer build on past innovations with new breakthroughs in data conference and principles control technology.

1828 Gaspard de Prony invented the de Prony Brake, one of the earliest dynamometers 1838 Charles Babbage, known to historians as the Father of the Computer, introduces a dynamometer car to quantum the pulling power of English hasten locomotives 1877 William Froude of Great Britain invents the first hydraulic dynamometer, with the first industrial models produced in 1881 1921 Professor E.V. Collins of Iowa State College develops a draft horse dynamometer, used to quantum a horse's capability to pull the era's heavy metal farm implements 1930 Using designs pioneered straight through a collaboration with Rudolph Diesel, John Taylor forms the Taylor Dynamometer and machine company to yield machine dynamometers 1931 Martin and Anthony Winther introduce the first eddy current dynamometer
Throughout the past seven decades of continued dynamometer development, Taylor has maintained its status as a leader in advancing power measurement technology. Taste us to learn about the latest developments in dynamometers and machine diagnostics, or to examine about a exact dyno goods or application.

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How Dynamometers Work

All dynamometers perform the same requisite function, measuring the torque, rotational speed and power output of a combustion engine, electric motor or other power source. While the outcome is the same, many technologies are used to perform the desired result.

Two Main Types

Most dynamometers can be settled within two safe bet categories. machine dynamometers are designed for coupling directly to the driveshaft of an machine under test, and chassis dynamometers quantum the power output of a drive train by using rollers turned by the tires of a vehicle under test. In increasing to the two former types, Taylor offers a line of portable dynamometers that attach directly to the flywheel of an engine. This allows literal, measurement of machine output without extraction of an machine from its drive train.

A collection of Designs

The work of handling and measuring input power is performed by instruments with a collection of dissimilar designs:

o Eddy current dynamometers gift a measurable resistant force to engines under test by harnessing the magnetic flux in the middle of fixed and rotating electromagnets spun by the machine under test.

o A variant of the eddy current design, powder dynamometers create flux straight through the application of a fine magnetic powder in the middle of the rotor and coil

o electric motor/generator types are a discrepancy on the adjustable speed drive, using solid state components rather than the physical association in the middle of electromagnets to create measurable power transfer

o Fan, hydraulic and water brakes use air, water or hydraulic fluid to deliver physical resistance to the power applied by an machine or motor under test. The estimate of resulting force absorbed by the fluid is measured to supply an indication of the power applied to the system

The best reserved supply for details on dynamometer function and application is a Taylor Dynamometer application specialist. Taste us for full details on putting the latest in dynamometer technology to work in your application.

Eddy Current Dynamometer History

The story of the eddy current dynamometer is a tale of two Danish boys from Wisconsin, growing up in a time when innovations required an inquiring mind and a machine shop rather than a supercomputer and a doctoral degree. Martin Phillip Winther arrived at Ellis Island, New York in 1892 from his native Denmark. The family ultimately settled in Kenosha Wisconsin, where Martin and his American-born brother Anthony began their working lives as laborers at the Jeffry Company, makers of the Rambler automobile. At Jeffry, the brothers were complex in the engineering of a four-wheel-drive truck, which led them to break away and found the Winther Motor and Truck company in 1917. While Winther Motor and Truck made several types of motor vehicles (including light trucks, fire engines and a sporty automobile) the firm's chief goods was innovation. Beginning nearby 1920, Martin and Anthony Winther were granted patents for approximately 300 mechanical devices. These included the first flourishing air conditioning principles for Pullman hasten cars, a four-wheel-drive post hole digger for At&T, the first induction coupling, a magnetic clutch, a cycle-car, variable-speed transmission gears, as well as a giant press drive, brakes and couplings for the oil field industry.

Although prolific, only one of the Winther brothers' inventions proved to have continuing impact. They are chiefly known for the invention of the eddy current dynamometer, a type of high speed, high power dynamometer capable of far surpassing the products then available in terms of power handling capability. The eddy current dyno was able to turn fast sufficient to test the turbine engines used in aircraft, wind tunnels and high speed automobiles of the day. The eddy current dynamometer was the chief goods of the Dynamatic Corporation, founded by the Winthers in 1932. The firm was flourishing for many years both before and after the brothers sold their interest to Eaton Corporation in 1946. Variations on the eddy current originate still serve as the basis for dynamometers today. The designs continued use is a testament to the ingenuity of two men who never rose above the eighth grade in formal education, yet parlayed their requisite on-the-job understanding into a continuing inheritance of technical achievement.

Dynamometer History - A Timeline of Innovation

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/5/11

Pygmy Goat Auto Mechanics

Pygmy goats love to help, in their own dinky ways, with work colse to the homestead. Our dinky herd: Charlie, Ella, Jack and Sally are no different. As soon as I back out the lawn tractor Ella jumps onto the driver's seat. If I start cleaning out the shed Sally starts gnawing on the pitchfork. If I lay down in the driveway to look at a corroded muffler Jack starts using my back as a playground and Charlie nibbles on my tools.

The muffler ultimately rusted straight through on my Infiniti I30 after seven years and 135,000 miles and the goats wanted to get out there and help.

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I mentioned three or four times to my family that I needed to crawl underneath and check things out before we complex any garages with "quote/unquote" real mechanics. They had been listening to the steadily expanding rattle of a broken support bracket and the even louder trumpet of a split pipe for three or four weeks so their sense of crisis was building, but I know you have to advent these events with equanimity (which is a fancy way of spelling laziness). I'd even gotten so far as to put the jack stands next to the car in the driveway and found some old jeans to rip into rags as a definitive indication that I would soon reach a point at which I might think about starting.

Okay, I had no way of knowing those jeans had been washed by my daughter with bleach and flat stones forty times to give them that determined cultivated "worn out" look. It's not like I wash the car with bleach and flat stones. 135,000 miles of New York roads, with potholes big adequate to hide wheelbarrows, were adequate to furnish a warmly modern worn out patina on the car.

So, after the jack stands stood guard for a week, and we used the van to run down and get a new pair of jeans, I guess my wife started to lose faith in the heal process. One rainy afternoon (that reminds me, I was ready to jump on that heal two or three times, but who wants to work in a muddy driveway on a rusted muffler in a pouring rain?) I got a call from my daughter asking if I wanted to spend 4 and just have the stable fix the muffler--that afternoon. She could tell by the tone of my querulous response that she was supposed to call her Mom with this estimate, not me.

The car had passed inspection one month before and now they wanted 4 dollars to wrap some bailing wire and duct tape colse to a pinhole? I intuit that 0 brake job had something to do with passing inspection. Is it just me, or does every inspection every year on every car end up in a 0 brake job? I'm beginning to think this is just state sponsored baksheesh. The inspection is supposed to cost dollars in New York, but somehow it always comes out to 7. As soon as there are 0 dollars worth of repairs then, magically, the inspected car--no matter how much lingering rot and devastation is present--seems to be roadworthy.

I could not bring myself to spend 4 dollars for a heal that I knew in my heart could just as undoubtedly cost .40 or .84. I used to work with a mechanic and, yes Virginia, there is a pinwheel in the back covered with random prices; sits right next to a set of sharpened darts. I vetoed the stable heal on the grounds that any idiot with a hammer and a torch could fix a leaky muffler and I was undoubtedly a big adequate idiot to qualify.

Next day I snuck out the front door with tools in hand. I couldn't go out the back door because the goats camp on the porch in our lawn chairs and I wanted to fix the car without any helpful pygmy paws. They have very keen senses and if they catch any movement, smell or sound they bound off to join the action.

I threw some cardboard over the gravel driveway, and jacked up the car. I turned on the compressor for the impact wrench and the jig was up with the goats. As soon as they heard the compressor crank up they knew the party was in the driveway. All four came dashing colse to the angle of the stable to lend a hand.

The goats started eating the cardboard out from under me. Then the goats started fighting over the cardboard because I was laying on most of it and all four of them wanted to eat the three quadrilateral inches of cardboard that were showing right above my left shoulder. This meant the goats had to fight each other for who got to eat the cardboard. Which meant they had to scramble over my head to get a good running shot at bashing in the other goat's forehead. While Sally and Ella smashed each other's brains in, Jack focused on eating the cardboard.

Once I got positioned under the car, Charlie wanted to lie down next to me. He's so big, once he got settled in for a nap on the driveway, nuzzled right against my side, I couldn't get out from under the car.

Sally started crawling under the car to chew on the pipe between the catalytic converter and the muffler. She could only fantasize that if this thing were so leading I would spend hours staring at it and banging on it with all manner of implements it might also taste good. Ella was very involved Sally might be nibbling something tasty Ella couldn't reach, so she started wiggling forward on her knees to join us under the car.

I had to get the goats out from under the car as it was balanced, somewhat precariously, on four 2x6's and two hydraulic jacks left over from a house remodeling project that didn't stay at the top of my list long adequate to reach completion. If the whole set up started to tip I needed to roll out of there quickly. However, I knew I'd try to save the goats on the way out and that would probably mean all of us getting squashed under the car together. There are undoubtedly worse things than dying under a car with screaming goats kicking at your head, but there's also a long list of less worse things.

Long story short, the total cost of the heal was .97 for a new gasket. A savings of 5.03. Of course, there was .00 of gas to get the gasket. Then 5 for the welder bought on sale at Sears, but which I will use many many times for all manner of house, lawn, and orchad projects. I'm beginning to draw sketches for an illustrate gateway arch over the orchad entry that I can now weld together. Sure, welding classes were 7, but that shouldn't count because now I've got a trade that might come in handy if I'm ever traveling on the Siberian highway and need to fix a broken transaxle.

I also used my drill press, my compressor, my die polisher and an impact wrench (not cheap, but there's 450 foot-lbs of torque in that beast). The same principle applies; these are capital investments I'll be able to amortize over the next twenty years of repairs, and the goats are going to have so much fun helping me.

Copyright 2007, Lotus Pond Media

Pygmy Goat Auto Mechanics

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/4/11

Brake Repair: hand-operated Bleeding

There are two general methods used for bleeding air from a hydraulic brake system. The hand-operated method, and incidentally, the only one that can be done without precious tool and professionals, requires two people. This typical and commonly needed car fix can be done without the help of a brake fix master only if you are sure that the remedy is going to fix the issue at hand and if you are skilled and knowledgeable in auto mechanics. Your helper need not be an expert.

When bleeding brakes by the hand-operated method, it is vital to watch the level of the fluid in the master cylinder. If the fluid gets too low, air will be drawn into the cylinder causing an endless process. So if it is a possibility, bleed the master cylinder first. To toddle with the hand-operated bleeding of the system, if a method is not otherwise mentioned in your facility issued owner's manual, start at the rear wheels going right to left and then toddle to right to left on the front wheels. Right and left are considered from a driver's prospective.

Hydraulic Press Brakes

First, a hose must be attached to the bleeder valve of the wheel at hand and the other end must be immersed in a glass jar of brake fluid. This stops the waste of the fluid and allows for bubbles, which indicate air, to be seen. It should be noted that when dealing with brake fluid, it is proper to allow no other substance to mix with it, along with water or just pure moisture from the elements.

Opening the bleeder valve, have your helper gradually press the brake pedal to the floor. Close the valve and have your pedal pushing partner gradually issue pressure off the brake pedal. Pause for a fifteen second pause to allow for the range of air pockets. This, in theory, will make the process faster as large pockets of air will escape more rapidly than any smaller and scattered pockets. Repeat this procedure until no air is coming from the hose and into the glass jar. That is, no bubbles can be detected in the brake fluid in the glass jar. The same procedure should be competed for each remaining wheel in the aforementioned order or in accordance with your owner's hand-operated suggestions.

After successfully bleeding all the lines, check the master cylinder reservoir for proper brake fluid level. It should be filled roughly to one fourth of an inch from the top of the container, or to the fill line if one is indicated on the container.

Brake Repair: hand-operated Bleeding

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/3/11

How to repair a Leaking Valve Cover on a Jeep 4.0

Repairing a leaking valve cover on a Jeep 4.0 is straightforward and can be complete with straightforward hand tools. Here are the steps to stop your valve cover oil leaks.

The early Jeep 4.0 valve cover is sealed with Rtv silicone. However after 1995, Jeep used a rubber coated metal gasket. Be sure to get the right seal before removing the valve cover to mend a leak. The proper silicone is oil resistant. You can get it from a Jeep Dealer or from some aftermarket suppliers such as Crown Automotive.

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Begin by removing the cables going to the throttle body. These unclip from the throttle body and the bracket in the middle of the throttle body and the valve cover. Label them and lay them aside.

Remove the crankcase vent tubes.

Next, remove the hose supports and spark plug wire holders that may be attached to the longer studs of the valve cover retaining bolts.

Make a cardboard or Styrofoam template of the valve cover and use this template to keep track of the varied types of bolts used to accumulate the cover. They need to be installed in the same holes they came out of.

Remove all the bolts. They are typically 11mm and you will need a deep well socket for the studs. On the Cherokee, there is one in the back near the firewall that can be difficult to access. I use a 3/8 drive socket mounted on a universal joint to passage it.

With all the bolts out, considered bump the cover with your hand or a rubber hammer to break the seal. considered lift it off the head taking care not to drop trash into the valve area.

Scrape off the old gasket material. If you are working the earlier Rtv type seal, a Scotchbrite wheel on a drill can be helpful to clean the cover. I mount mine in my drill press to make it easier to handle.

Clean the head mounting outside as well.

For the gasket style, naturally place the gasket on the head. Pay concentration to the two locating dowels to make sure the gasket is properly aligned. For the Rtv style, apply a thick even bead of silicone to the cover and let it sit for about five minutes before installing the cover.

Set the cover in place and make sure it is aligned properly. Make sure that none of the wires or other tabs are trapped in the middle of the cover and the head.

Using your template, put the bolts and studs back into the holes they came from. Tighten them snugly but not too tight. These are small bolts.

Replace the holders on the studs and put back any nuts that were removed.
Reconnect the cables to the throttle body.

Reconnect the crankcase vent lines.

Take a moment to check for any other lines that may have been knocked out of place. It is easy to pop out the line to the Map sensor or the fuel pressure regulator while removing or replacing the valve cover.

The gasket style can be started immediately and checked for leaks. The Rtv style needs to set at least half and hour before starting.

How to repair a Leaking Valve Cover on a Jeep 4.0

Hydraulic Press Brakes

3/1/11

advice to Xk8 and Xkr Owners - Replacing Worn Front Wheel Bearings

Changing front wheel bearing parts on many cars can be a fairly right forward job but changing the bearing parts on an Xk8 and Xkr can be attractive and a extra tool will be required to do the job. There is nothing complicated about the Xk8 wheel bearing as such as they are a accepted one piece bearing together with 2 circlips that withhold the bearing in the housing.

The Xk8 and Xkr bearings are not noted for their longevity with car mileages between 30000 and 40000 miles typically requiring front wheel bearing parts changes. Indicative signs of worn wheel bearings are the constant drone of the bearings which get worse if you turn the steering wheel and commonly the rough feel when driving the car. At the first signs of a worn wheel bearing, they should be changed as soon as possible to avoid supplementary work (and costs) in the future.

Hydraulic Press Brakes

One of the first problems to be encountered is the extraction of the bottom ball joint which will be tight and often has to be cut off. extraction of the calliper and disc is usually straightforward. However, extraction of the Abs rotor nut is required and this requires a extra tool (rotor nut socket) to undo it without causing high-priced damage. The rotor nut has a series of castellations on it for the wheel speed sensor to pick up. The sensor has to be removed which is also high-priced if damaged.

With the hub off the car and suitably retained in a vice, the next challenge is to take off the rotor nut which requires primary force requiring a very large torsion bar lever to move it. Once the nut is undone, two extra circlips need to be removed and then the bearing has to be pressed out of it's housing. A hydraulic press is best for this and ideally a cradle to gather it. Best use you local auto engineer / garage for help here.

Refitting is the reverse of the above, but hopefully now you will have a much quieter Xk8 / Xkr and extensive improved driving feel.

advice to Xk8 and Xkr Owners - Replacing Worn Front Wheel Bearings

Hydraulic Press Brakes