How to Perform a Basic Engine Tune Up-Spark Plug and Wire Change

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Perform a Basic Engine Tune Up-Spark Plug and Wire Change . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Screwdriver
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Spark Plug Socket Set
  • Spark Plug Wire Puller
  • 3/8 in. Drive 6 in. Socket Extension
  • Spark Plug

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $31.32 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $139.73 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Locate the vehicle’s spark plugs. In some models, you can find it easily connected to the spark plug wires while in others these are covered with a plastic cover.
  • It is better to mark each of the plug wire for reference purposes so that you can reconnect them accurately later.
  • Take the old spark plugs out and install the new spark plugs in place.
  • If wires are worn, it is better to replace them with new ones. For better results, always disconnect and connect the wires one by one.
Posted in Fuel & Ignition | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Perform a Basic Engine Tune Up – Replacing a Distributor Cap and Rotor

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Perform a Basic Engine Tune Up – Replacing a Distributor Cap and Rotor . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Screwdriver
  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Spark Plug Wire Puller
  • Distributor Cap
  • Distributor Rotor

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $129.81 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $216.42 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Take the cap of the old distributor off. Make sure that you don’t disturb the plug wires attached to it.
  • Take the old rotor out and position the new rotor in its place.
  • Now, you have to fix the new distributor cap. Make sure that you position the new cap exactly in the same way as the old one, i.e. there are two certain positions on which a cap can be clipped on, but here you have to make certain that you clipped the cap in a way as old cap was clipped.
  • Next, you have to unplug the wires from the old cap and plug them in the new cap in same way. Start with the wire that is nearer to the first plug. Install the wire in a clockwise rotation.
  • Once all the wires are attached to the new cap, turn the vehicle on and observe that the vehicle starts smoothly and there are no missing sounds.
Posted in Fuel & Ignition | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Clean a Fuel System

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Clean a Fuel System . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $63.24 parts and labor

Instructions:

If fuel system is free from any kind of malfunctioning, you can see the results while driving. For instance, if your vehicle drive smoothly, shifts easily between gears, accelerate steadily then your fuel system is performing up to the mark. In reverse situation follow the steps given below.

  • Examine the color of the fuel. Dark colored fuel symbolizes that your fuel system requires cleaning or flushing.
  • Similarly, observe the odor of the fuel. For this, remove the oil fill cap and smell the fuel. You may have to discard the fuel filter in order to have the better idea of the fuel odor. A varnish like odor of the fuel refers to the fact that fuel needs to be replaced.
  • Apart from observing the color and odor of the fuel, you also need to examine the status of the fuel lines and fuel tank. Cracked or damaged lines should be replaced.
  • Cleaning a fuel system is relatively easy. You just need to put some fuel system additives to your fuel tank and fill the fuel tank with new gasoline keeping in view the directions given on fuel system additive manual.
  • Take a small drive and observe if you feel any difference. Make sure that you drive in all possible ways such as with full throttle, normal driving conditions, in streets, freeways etc.
  • In case you don’t feel any improvement, you need to check the fuel system and drive train thoroughly.
Posted in Fuel & Ignition | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace an Upper Radiator Hose

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace an Upper Radiator Hose . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Screwdriver
  • Cooling System Pressure Tester
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Radiator Hose

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $60.65 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $248.47 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Prop the engine hood up.
  • Examine the radiator thoroughly, especially the upper radiator hose for any cracks or other wear and tear.
  • Take the cooling system pressure tester to perform the pressure test. Refer to owner’s manual or radiator cap for recommended pressure.
  • Make sure that there is no leak in the cooling system.
  • Put a drain pan under the radiator and unplug the drain plug located at the bottom of the radiator.
  • Unclamp the upper radiator hose from the radiator and discard it.
  • Fix new upper radiator hose to the radiator and secure it with clamps.
  • Add a mixture of coolant and distilled water to the radiator until it reaches to MAX mark.
  • Turn the engine on and wait for few minutes before rechecking the coolant level and leak.
  • Recap the radiator.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace an Oil Pump

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace an Oil Pump . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Drain Pan
  • Scraper
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Oil Filter
  • Oil Pan Gasket
  • Oil Pump Gasket
  • Oil Pump

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $310.99 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $685.54 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Prop the engine hood up and look for the engine oil reservoir.
  • Pull the dipstick out of the reservoir and turn the engine on so that the oil becomes warm.
  • Place a drain pan under the engine oil reservoir and unplug oil fill cap and also the drain plug.
  • Once the oil is drained out, remove the drain pan.
  • Raise the front of the vehicle with jack and secure it on jack stands. Chock the rear wheels.
  • Take the oil pan gasket off with the help of gasket scraper tool.
  • Wipe off the mounting surface on engine block to remove the remaining particles of the old gasket with scraper tool.
  • Next, you need to take the oil pump out with a suitable tool.
  • Position the new engine oil pump in place and secure it.
  • Position the new gasket on the mounting surface of engine block and carefully adjust the oil pan back onto the engine block.
  • Recap the engine oil fill and turn the engine on.
  • Check the oil level again and also the surrounding areas for any signs of leak.

Tips & Warning

  • Don’t ever forget to use protective clothing while working with your vehicle. Use safety goggles, latex gloves, or closed toe shoes to prevent injuries.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace an Oil Pressure Switch (Sensor)

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace an Oil Pressure Switch (Sensor) . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Combination Wrench Set
  • Oil Pressure Switch Socket
  • 3/8 in. Drive 6 in. Socket Extension
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Oil Pressure Switch

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $124.63 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $210.30 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Prop the engine hood up and look for the oil pressure switch located somewhere in the engine block.
  • Discard the electrical connectors from the oil pressure switch.
  • Take the oil pressure switch put of the engine block with the help of oil pressure switch socket.
  • Cover the threads of the new oil pressure switch with a layer of sealant and fix it to the engine block properly.
  • Reconnect the electrical connectors to the new switch.
  • Turn the vehicle on and examine the surrounding surface of the new switch for any leak.

Tips & Warning

  • Don’t ever forget to use protective clothing while working with your vehicle. Use safety goggles, latex gloves, or closed toe shoes to prevent injuries.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace an Oil Pan Gasket

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace an Oil Pan Gasket . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Flashlight
  • Floor Jack
  • Drain Pan
  • Scraper
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Jack Stand Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Oil Pan Gasket
  • Shop Towel

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $75.42 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $389.39 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Prop the engine hood up and look for the oil dipstick.
  • Pull the oil dipstick out and turn the engine on for some time.
  • Raise the front of the vehicle with floor jack and secure it in jack stands. Chock the rear wheels.
  • Take the oil fill cap off.
  • Place a drain pan under the engine and unplug the oil drain plug.
  • Once the oil is drained out of the engine, remove the drain pan from under the engine.
  • Now get at the oil pan gasket and take it out with the help of gasket scraper tool.
  • Wipe off the engine block mounting surface to clear any debris, dirt or remaining particles of old gasket with scraper tool and old cloth.
  • Position the new gasket over the mounting surface of the pan and fix it back to the engine block.
  • Pour new engine oil as recommended by manufacturer.
  • Recap the engine oil reservoir and turn the engine on.
  • After some time, recheck the oil level in the engine oil reservoir and add more oil if required.

Tips & Warning

  • Don’t ever forget to use protective clothing while working with your vehicle. Use safety goggles, latex gloves, or closed toe shoes to prevent injuries.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace an Intake Manifold Gasket

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace an Intake Manifold Gasket . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Screwdriver
  • Cooling System Pressure Tester
  • Scraper
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Coolant/Antifreeze
  • Intake Manifold Gasket

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $38.86 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $388.90 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Discard the negative battery cable from the battery terminal.
  • Place a drain pan under the radiator drain plug and unplug it to allow the coolant to drain out.
  • Take the air cleaner assembly out of the vehicle.
  • Take apart all the air cleaner hoses from the carburetor or throttle body.
  • Also, discard the vacuum lines from the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and the carburetor.
  • Next take the fuel lines, electrical connectors and distributor out from the intake manifold.
  • Take the upper radiator hose from the intake manifold and also discard the throttle linkage from the carburetor.
  • Unfasten the nuts holding the intake manifold to the stud bolts and take the intake manifold out of the vehicle along with carburetor.
  • Now, when the intake manifold is removed, examine the manifold and engine block carefully for any signs of wear and tear nearby the damaged gasket area.
  • Wipe off the mounting surfaces of the engine and manifold so that the dust, debris and remaining particles of the old gasket are removed.
  • Take a new gasket and position it properly on the mounting surface.
  • Now, apply a thick bead of RTV Silicone gasket sealer onto the rear and front lip of the engine block where the manifold mounting surface rests on the engine block.
  • You need to apply a thin layer of RTV sealant on the surrounding surface of the water passage on the engine block.
  • Now you are ready to position the intake manifold back onto the engine block. Do it carefully and secure the intake manifold to the engine block with bolts.
  • Reconnect all the vacuum lines, hoses, and other components back to the intake manifold.
  • Also, reconnect all the components such as fuel lines to the carburetor.
  • Add new coolant mixture to the radiator reservoir until it reaches to the MAX mark.
  • Turn the engine on and let it run for few minutes. Recheck the coolant level and add more coolant if required.
  • Recap the radiator.
  • Take a small drive and check for any leakage signs.

Tips & Warning

  • Don’t ever forget to use protective clothing while working with your vehicle. Use safety goggles, latex gloves, or closed toe shoes to prevent injuries.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace an Expansion Tank

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace an Expansion Tank . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Flashlight
  • Screwdriver
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $0.00 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $118.58 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Make certain that the engine is cold and the vehicle is parked on a level surface with parking brake applied.
  • Prop the engine hood up and look for the radiator.
  • On the radiator, find overflow hose as this will guide you to the expansion tank.
  • Examine the expansion tank carefully for sings of leak.
  • Discard the radiator overflow hose and allow the fluid drain out of the expansion tank.
  • Unfasten the bolts holding the expansion tank in place and take the tank out.
  • Take a new expansion tank and position it properly into the engine compartment.
  • Secure the expansion tank with bolts. Reattach the radiator overflow hose to the expansion tank.
  • Add coolant to the radiator and expansion tank up to the required mark.
  • Examine the tank for any leakage.
  • Turn the vehicle on and recheck the expansion tank for signs of leak.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How to Replace an Engine Mount

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Alvin Martin

Below guide will teach you How to Replace an Engine Mount . Please follow the instructions carefully.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Flashlight
  • Floor Jack
  • Socket and Ratchet Set
  • Jack Stand Set
  • Pry Bar
  • 3/8 in. Drive Ratchet
  • Motor and Transmission Mount

Estimated Costs:

  • DIY Costs: Est. $30.67 parts only
  • Shop Costs: Est. $218.01 parts and labor

Instructions:

  • Secure the vehicle on a flat surface and apply parking brake.
  • Prop the engine hood up and look for the engine mounts.
  • Told your assistant to sit in a vehicle and depress the brake pedal. Then, told him to slightly depress the gas pedal with transmission in gear.
  • Observe the vibration, sound and movement in the engine mounts. Technically, the job of engine mounts is to take up all the vibration produced in engine while being in normal operating position. If the engine mounts are damaged, they cause excessive vibration and noise.
  • Switch the engine off and discard the negative battery cable from the terminal.
  • Secure the engine oil pan over a jack and a wooden block. Unfasten the bolts holding the engine mounts to the frame. Raise the engine up with jack and discard the bolts on the frame of the vehicle.
  • Take the engine mount out of the vehicle.
  • Position the new engine mount into the frame and lower the jack until engine comes back to its place. Secure the engine mount to the frame with bolts.
  • Reassemble all the removed components and parts.
  • Take a small drive and make certain that the new engine mount is properly installed.
Posted in Mechanical, Lubrication & Cooling | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment