Tag: Tony Heywood

Tips for DIY Heli Coil Thread Repair

Are you the owner of an older car? If so, damaged threads could be a problem. All professional mechanics can handle the issue for you but heli coil thread repairs can also happen at home. You will need to get a heli coil repair kit and you will simply have to follow a number of steps.

You should get started by purchasing the right equipment for the DIY heli coil thread repair.

BER2538Items needed

Use this checklist to identify all the items needed for the repair.

Get the repair kit first because it is the most important piece of equipment. Additionally, you will have to buy or find a two-handed tap wrench, the specified drill bit, a thread gauge, a hammer, a round punch and needle-nosed pliers. The kit itself consists of several components like a drill, stainless steel wire coil, a tap and an installation tool.

Measure the Size of the Old Bolt

The first thing you need to do is measure the size of the original bolt. Use the head of the wrench and match it to the bolt for an accurate measurement. Get your thread gauges set and identify the matching piece. This is it – you have found the correct bolt size. The heli coil kit contains a matching tap. Base the decision on the bolt size that you just figured out. The threads are going to be the same but the size of the new diameter is going to be a bit bigger than the old one.

The Insertion Process

Get the right tap bit and start drilling a hole. If the bolt angle is critical, you may consider using a drill press to make more accurate and precise adjustments.

After drilling the hole, you will need the two-handed tap wrench. Put the tap in the wrench. Place it in the hole you have already drilled and hold it at 90 degrees to the surface. After positioning it correctly, turn the two-handed tap wrench clockwise for half a turn. You need to do that in order to start the thread. Next, turn the wrench anti-clockwise for a third of a turn to break the ribbon of metal. Change the direction and rotate clockwise for half a turn. Finally, to break the swarf, you will have to turn the wrench anti-clockwise once again. Maintain the pattern until the new thread is fully cut.

Time for the Heli Coil InsertUS2527

The thread is finally cut and you can now work on to the heli coil insert. Get the thread driver that is found in the heli coil kit and screw the heli coil insert into its end. The angle between the wire and the end of the insert should be 90 degrees. This will form a break-off tab that will keep the insert immobile. The end of the insert should be positioned in the newly threaded hole. You will need just three to four turns, in order to screw it in. Make sure that everything looks perfect before snapping the 90-degree wire off. The easiest way to complete that step involves a hammer.

This is the final step of the heli coil thread repair process. Test fit into the heli coil insert and you will be done.

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ’e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

Or call: 020 8201 0588


How to Use a Compression Tester

BER5252NEWThe compression of your car’s engine is a very important characteristic for proper functioning. Poorly sealed cylinders can lead to serious issues that may eventually result in the rebuilding of the engine. Checking the engine’s compression involves an instrument called compression tester.

What is a Compression Tester?

The compression tester checks the valve and rings of the engine and it detects excessive carbon. There are two varieties on the market.

The threaded screw tester is screwed into the spark plug opening.

Alternatively, you can use a hand-held compression tester. If you choose this possibility, you will have to work with another person. Your helper will have to crank the engine while you are performing the test.

The traditional compression tester consists of an indicator dial gauge, a testing tube and a spark plug holder or a rubber tip in the case of a hand-held piece.

According to professionals, threaded screw compression testers provide more accurate readings.

How to Check the Engine’s Compression

The engine manufacturer will provide you with the correct compression reading. You should use it as a guideline while performing the test. Keep in mind there could be variations in compression engine readings recommended by different manufacturers.

You first need to remove the spark plug from the engine cylinder you are about to test. Never attempt removing a spark plug at working temperature because it will lead to severe burns. Locate the distributor cap and pull the centre coil wire. By doing this, you will be preventing the engine from starting but still building compression to perform the test.

Get your spark plug compression tester. Install it in the hole of the spark plug. Hand tightening is usually sufficient to position the tester accurately. Hand-held testers have a rubber tip that has to be pushed into place.

Crank the engine and take the compression tester’s measure. For best results, perform the test a couple of times and calculate the average or choose the test reading that appears most often. Use the manufacturer-supplied information to compare the  results.

Press the release valve to release the compression from your car’s engine. You are done! After you are done testing and reinstalling spark plugs, run the engine to make sure that everything functions properly.

HIL85420002A Few Additional Tips and Considerations

If you own a hand-held compression tester, you may be interested in creating a better seal for more accurate readings. Grease can be used to achieve that goal. Just use your finger to apply a little bit of grease on the rubber tip.

There could be specific compression testing procedures for particular engine models. It may be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the process before getting started. Manufacturers may suggest different methods of creating engine pressure, so make sure that you are informed.

Checking the engine compression is a simple, yet highly beneficial procedure. Every vehicle owner should have a compression tester. Perform the test whenever you experience any problem like the loss of too much oil or a general lack of engine power. Compression testing will help you figure out what the cause of the problem  is.

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ’e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

Or call: 020 8201 0588


How to maintain and replace your car’s Timing Belt

Timing Kit for Diesel BMW Land rover Vauxhall OpelBelts in the car play such an important role but they are rarely considered whenever it is time for maintenance and repairs. Still, paying attention to the belts can ensure the smooth functioning of all the vehicle parts and your safety on the road.

What is a Timing Belt?

The timing belt is the piece that synchronises the functioning of valves and pistons. The camshaft and the crankshaft are connected by it. The lack of perfect synchronisation will make it impossible for the car engine to run smoothly. The timing belt is the one piece responsible for achieving the goal.

The lack of tension will speed up its wearing out. Excessive tightness will damage bearings. When maintaining and repairing your car’s timing belt, you will have to achieve precision for optimal functioning of all parts.

Checking the tension is a monthly necessity. A car timing belt kit can be purchased and used for that purpose. It will save you both time and the money that you will otherwise have to spend on a professional service. When inspecting, make sure that the engine is not running. There is a serious risk of accidents in such instances.

Equipment Needed for Maintenance and Repairs

If you are interested in doing vehicle repairs on your own, you will have to invest in the right kind of equipment. The most commonly needed pieces for the maintenance include:

Bolts, pins and obviously a new timing belt will be needed, whenever you have to replace the old piece. Keep in mind that the equipment and the specifics of the procedure will very often depend on the vehicle kind and the model. There is no universal solution and you should learn more about the specifics of your car and its engine functioning.

universal Tension Gauge for Cam beltsCauses of Problems and What to Look for

If you are used to working on your own car, you have certainly seen the timing belt. Do you, however, know what to look for in order to determine whether it is in good condition or in need of replacement?

Cracks, excessive slack and shredding are all causes of concern. If you notice such signs of aging, you should consider replacing the old piece.

The engine itself gets quite heated during functioning, which will cause natural damage to the timing belt. Other factors that will affect its condition and speed up the damage include oil leaks that could cause belt corrosion, infrequent driving and excessively dry climates that will damage the material that the belt is made of.

You will have to replace the timing belt at least once during your ownership of the vehicle. Routine inspections of its condition will give you an idea about when that might be. Having a car timing belt kit ready beforehand, will only be a convenience for you when the time comes. Taking a look on a monthly basis will prevent you from experiencing problems on the road, while you are away from home.

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ’e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

Or call: 020 8201 0588


How to Test for a Cylinder Leak

1. INTRODUCTIONBERGEN Professional Trade Quality 5 Piece Cylinder Leak Detector Test Set BER5253

The Cylinder Leak Detector Test Set is used to detect a variety of common engine faults including:

Worn piston rings, worn valves, cracks in cylinder walls and blown head gaskets.

Available with either single gauge or twin gauge manifold. Gauge(s) show % of cylinder leakage or cylinder leakage and cylinder pressure. Suitable for use on any petrol engine with 14 or 18mm spark plugs.

2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

  • Ensure that Health & Safety, local authority and general workshop practice regulations are strictly adhered to when using tools.
  • Maintain the equipment in good and clean condition for best and safest performance. DO NOT use if damaged.
  • If required, ensure that the vehicle to be worked on is adequately supported with axle stands, ramps and chocks.
  • WARNING! Select neutral (or ‘park’ if automatic transmission) and keep hands clear of the engine as engine rotation may occur when using this tool. The ignition MUST BE turned off.
  • WARNING! Turn regulator knob fully anti-clockwise before connecting to compressed air.
  • Excess pressure will damage the gauge and will invalidate the warranty.
  • Wear approved eye protection. A full range of personal safety equipment is available from  esellit.com.
  • Wear suitable clothing to avoid snagging. Do not wear jewellery and tie back long hair.
  • Account for all tools and parts being used and do not leave them in, on or near the engine.
  • IMPORTANT: Refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s service instructions, or proprietary manual to establish the current procedure and data. These instructions are provided as a guide only.
  • OVERVIEW. Once the leakage tester has been connected to one of the cylinders compressed air is fed into that particular cylinder through the built in pressure regulator. Diagnosis is made by observing the amount of leakage that is indicated on the cylinder leakage gauge and by listening for leakage at various points of the cars system.

 

3. AIR SUPPLY

The recommended hook-up is shown below.

  • Ensure that the air valve regulator is in the “off” position before connecting to the air supply.
  • You will require an air pressure of 45 to 100psi.

WARNING! Ensure the air supply is clean and does not exceed the pressure quoted. Too high an air pressure and/or unclean air will shorten the life of the tester due to excessive wear and may be dangerous, causing damage and/or personal injury.

  • Drain the compressor air tank daily. Water in the air line will damage the tester.
  • Clean compressor air inlet filter weekly.
  • Line pressure should be increased to compensate for unusually long air hoses (over 8 metres). The minimum bore for hose and fittings is 1/4”.
  • Keep hoses away from heat, oil and sharp edges. Check hoses for wear and make certain that all connections are secure.

 

4. INSTRUCTIONS

4.1 Location of listening points

  • Oil Dipstick Tube – for leakage from damaged or worn rings and/or cylinder wall.
  • Radiator FILLER – for cylinder wall cracks or head gasket leakage.
  • Adjacent Cylinder – for head gasket leakage.
  • Tail Pipe – for exhaust valve leakage.
  • Carburettor Air Inlet – for inlet valve leakage.
  • Fuel Injection Throttle Body – for inlet valve leakage.

 

4.2 Connecting the system

  • Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
  • Remove spark plugs, oil dipstick, radiator cap, air filter from carburetor or, if fuel injected, remove air filter or hose from the throttle body.
  • Position No.1 piston at TDC on the compression stroke so that both inlet and exhaust valves are closed. Note: Always rotate the engine in the normal operating direction. To position the piston correctly use a piston position gauge and remove the cam/rocker cover so that closed valves can be confirmed.
  • Screw the cylinder hose into the spark plug hole. If connecting to a 10 or 12mm thread, use adapters 9 or 10 as appropriate. Insert connector ‘A’ on the cylinder hose into connector ‘B’ on the tester hose.
  • Screw a 1/4″BSPT male air line connector fitting into the threaded hole on the side of the regulator.
  • Turn the regulator knob on the tester fully anti-clockwise to shut down the regulator before connecting the air. Connect the compressed air, which must be between 45 and 100psi, to the regulator. Turn the regulator knob clockwise slowly until the pressure gauge is showing about 60psi. Any leakage present will show on the cylinder leakage gauge as a percentage loss.
  • Test all other cylinders, each at TDC, and compare the leakage figures to determine which cylinders are faulty.
  • If necessary, retest the cylinder(s) showing high leakage. Check the listening points (see 4.1) to determine the cause of the leakage.

 

4.3 Helpful Suggestions.

  • If 100% or excessive leakage shows on gauge the cylinder may not be at TDC on the compression stroke. Check to ensure that the valves are closed. Always try to position piston at TDC for uniform results.
  • If rings are broken or cylinder walls are scored excessive leakage will be identified.
  • It is important that all cylinders have reasonably uniform readings (as in compression testing). Differences in excess of 15% indicate excessive leakage.
  • Large engines tend to leak more than small engines.
  • If leak is excessive on a vehicle with low mileage, piston rings may be stuck. Treat engine with quality tune-up oil for a period of time and then re-test before disassembling.
  • The lower the pitch of the leakage sound, the greater the leak.
  • To assist with listening use a length of clean hose, or a mechanic’s stethoscope with the probe removed.
  • When making repeat tests on the same cylinder, variations in the piston position and engine temperature can cause gauge readings to differ by up to 10%.
  • If an engine has multiple faults (such as worn rings and burned valves), the tester may indicate only the most serious fault.

 

Note: There is always some leakage past the piston rings. As a result you will always hear some leakage when listening to the dipstick tube.

 

BERGEN Professional Trade Quality 5 Piece Cylinder Leak Detector Test Set BER5253

5. FAULT DIAGNOSIS

Compression condition

Action/diagnosis

Low compression reading on some cylinders.

(a) Use oil in cylinder to see if rings are worn.

(b) If compression increases, rings and/or cylinder wall are worn.

(c) If compression does not rise, do a cylinder leakage test to determine source of problem.

High relative compression readings and relatively equal cylinder readings.

But, if excessive exhaust emissions, lack of power, poor performance, or poor fuel consumption do a cylinder leakage test to determine source of problem.

Lower relative compression readings. One or more cylinders lower than others.

Do a cylinder leakage test to determine source of problem.

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ’e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

Or call: 020 8201 0588


Owners Look After Their Cars More Than Themselves

According to a new study, drivers now care more about their car’s appearance than their own.

CWK1

Research into consumer behavior by leading car cleaning brand MER and Halfords reveal that almost three quarters of motorists (73%) now spend at least as much on car care products as they do on personal grooming.

Now Halfords operates out of 467 stores in the UK and Ireland so they may know a little bit about how much is spent pimping, preening and polishing their autos.

It’s probably no great shock that, even with the advent of modern Metro Man, that they (81%) consider the size and look of their horse power important to their pulling power but what is a surprise is that it’s claimed that 52% of the females surveyed agree to taking as good as or better care of their vehicle than they do of themselves.

Halfords car cleaning expert David Howells said: “Cars are an expensive investment and a highly personal statement, so whether caring for your car to preserve its value or ensure it looks its best, these findings show owners are prepared to spend the time and money on an appropriate beauty regime.”

Donna Howard from MER ‘Auto Shine Technologie’ added: “The amount of science and technology that goes into modern car waxes and polish formulations means our products share many similarities with the cosmetics industry and genuinely help protect paintwork and keep vehicles looking good for longer.

“People are spending an increasing amount of time in their cars and as this research shows, looking good behind the wheel is important to both men and women.”

Research findings were taken from a survey sample of 926 UK drivers during March and April 2013.

According to closeshavesociety.com the average man is now spending £590 on grooming products every year, around the same that amount that women spend on beauty products.

orbital lambs wool polisherNow although we are spending more on our cars splashing out £7 on a car wash or up to £50 for a full valet would be considered an affordable luxury.

However, if you have more money than sense or your pension is invested in classic cars then a company in Fife, Scotland is offering the full Monty paintwork valet – if you have a spare £100,000 that is!

He calls it Car detailing and is mainly the process of removing surface defects and scratches from vehicle paint surfaces. Then once the defects have been removed it time to refine the paint to achieve the maximum level of gloss possible.

Once this process has been done its time to protect the finish with a selection of products that come from all over the world to give the correct level of protection and looks as per customer requirements.

The company – The Ultimate Shine – is owned and run by Paul Wilkins and he claims to have worked on over £100m worth of cars

I don’t think any women I know could get through that much in face creams!

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ’e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

Or call: 020 8201 0588

 

 


4 Top Tips for Proper Heli Coil Thread Repair

 

Damaged threads are a common problem among older vehicle models. Instead of taking it to a professional mechanic, many people prefer to do a thread repair at home with a Helicoil repair kit. The easiest way to do that involves a heli coil insert.

Are you interested in learning how to repair a damaged thread with a heli coil insert? Follow these tips for professional results.

1.       Get the Right EquipmentUS2506

Before you attempt to do the repair, make sure that you have everything necessary.

There are certain things you will have to purchase in advance. A heli coil thread repair kit is the first and the most important piece. You will also need a two-handed tap wrench, thread gauge, the specified drill bit, a hammer, needle-nosed pliers and a round punch.

Heli coil thread kits consist of a high-speed steel drill, an installation tool, stainless steel wire coil and a tap. There could be some variations so read about the contents of the kit before you buy.

2.       Do Some Measuring

Begin by identifying the original bolt’s size. You can do that easily by matching the head to a wrench. Once you have made sure that you have the correct size, use the set of thread gauges to find the matching piece and identify the bolt size.

Now that you know the size of the original bolt, you can select a tap from the heli coil kit. Keep in mind that the new diameter is going to be slightly bigger than the size of the bolt but the threads are going to be the same.

3.       Drill and Insert

Use the correct tap bit to drill out a hole. A drill press can be used to make more precise adjustments, in case the bolt angle is critical.

Next, use the two-handed tap wrench. Insert the tap into it and place it in the hole you just drilled. Hold the two-handed tap wrench at a right angle to the surface. Turn the wrench clockwise just half a turn. It would be sufficient to start the thread.

Once you accomplish that, turn the two-handed tap wrench anticlockwise just a third. It will break the ribbon of metal. Now you should rotate clockwise once again, half a turn. Next, reverse the direction and rotate anticlockwise to break the swarf. The pattern should remain the same until you manage to fully cut the new thread.

4.       Use the Heli Coil InsertUS2527A

Now that the new thread is cut, you are ready to pick the right heli coil insert. The kit contains a matching thread driver. Get the heli coil insert and screw it onto the end of the thread driver.

Keep the wire at the end of the insert at a 90-degree angle. It forms a break-off tab that prevents the insert from moving in the thread driver. Place the end of the insert into the newly made and threaded hole. Screw it in. Three to four turns should be sufficient. Make sure that it binds. Once the heli coil has been screwed in, snap the 90-degree wire off. Use a hammer to do that.

This is it! Screw the original bolt in. Test fit into the heli coil insert to make sure that you have done a good job.

 

 

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ‘e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

Or call: 020 8201 0588


A Nasal Hair Trimmer……and 9 other things not to buy your Dad on Father’s Day

Father’s day is the day every kid has the chance to say thanks for all the, taxis on demand, generally fixing everything, giving money (but not telling mum), sorting out the computer virus, upgrading to the new iPhone and so on.

So, unless your Dad specifically asks for it, do not buy any of the following. They will be (outwardly) gratefully received but inwardly thinking ‘is this what they think of me?’

So here are what NOT to get your dad.Wahl Nasal Trimmer

  1. Socks – even joke multicoloured ones
  2. Tools – was it a hint to fix something not done?
  3. Golf equipment – if I haven’t already got it I don’t need it.
  4. Anything for the Garden – see 2
  5. Led Zeppelin CD – yes I used to like them but they’ve not done anything new for 20 years* and I don’t need another CD with the best tracks in a different order (even if it is digitally remastered)
  6. Colognes/after shaves – do I smell bad?
  7. Anything that hangs from the car rear view mirror – my car is my status symbol
  8. Books – ‘why this book – are they trying to tell me something?
  9. A Nasal hair trimmer – I’m going to try looking up my nose in the bathroom mirror now!
  10. Anything ‘As seen on TV’ – they’re really not what Dad wants no matter how many times they say ‘he’ll love it’

 

So what should you get?

Dads will rarely do anything for themselves. The thrill of it is often outweighed by the guilt of wasting money/time when it (as it frequently pointed out by the ‘Mum’) is needed for the kids.

Surprisingly, the most popular request from the Dads is ‘to spend more time with their kids’. Maybe the teenagers are not prepared to give ‘that much’ so a great alternative is one of the ‘experiences’ sold by companies such as Red Letter Day and Virgin.

 

For example:-aston martin

  • A trip around a Brewery – the green light to go drinking for research purposes
  • Drive an Aston Martin around Silverston – no one saying ‘Can you slow down’!
  • A flight in a single engine aircraft or even parachuting if he’s the adventurous type
  • A ride on the footplate of a steam engine – fulfill the childhood fantasy
  • London Rock and Roll Tour – see all the historical places from the Beatles to Punk
  • Powerboat racing – pretend James Bond chases!
  • Drive a tank – PS3 for grown ups!

 

So there you have it. Go on spoil him!

 

* excluding the benefit reunion concert in 2007

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ‘e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

 


How to do a Compression Test on an Engine

WHY DO A COMPRESSION TEST?

The engine’s compression reveals much about the state of the engine. Low compression caused by a faulty valve or worn piston ring could mean a lack of power or blowing smoke from the exhaust but can also help you rule out some of the more serious faults.

WHAT IS A COMPRESSION TEST?

If your engine is running smoothly there should be a compression in excess of 100 psi per cylinder with no more than a 10% difference between the highest and lowest cylinder test.  As a general rule a compression of 135 PSI or better is excellent, and a compression of 85 PSI or lower is not good at all. If this is not the case it is likely that your engine valves, their valve seats or piston rings need replacing.

 

BEFORE USE

Compression Tester with Quick Disconnect for Petrol Engines

Compression Tester with Quick Disconnect for Petrol Engines

  • Identify the size of fitting that is required for the engine to be tested.
  • This compression testing kit includes fittings suitable to replace injectors and glow plugs.
  • Refer to the table for details of fittings and thread patterns.
  • The battery and starting system must be in good condition to ensure an accurate test.

 

WARNING:-

  • Always keep well away from any hot / moving engine parts.
  • Take care to keep compression tester from becoming entangled in moving parts.

 

OPERATION

Compression Tester for Diesel Engine

Compression Tester for Diesel Engine

  •  Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature. Stop engine, remove all glow plugs or injectors (refer to vehicle manufacturers manual).
  • The compression tester (with correct fitting attached) can now be screwed into a glow plug or injector hole. Ensure that fitting is screwed in securely.
  • Disconnect the fuel shut off solenoid to disable the fuel injection pump.
  • With the throttle in the wide open position, turn the engine over 6-8 revolutions.
  • The dial gauge will automatically record the highest pressure reached.
  • To release the pressure, and reset the gauge, depress the bleed valve button.
  • The compression tester can now be unscrewed, and the next cylinder tested.

 

 TIP

  • If you find that one of the cylinders has a compression of under 100 psi then pour about a teaspoon full of oil in and retest.
  • If the reading increases then it’s likely to be a piston ring problem. If not, it’s more likely the valves need replacing.

 

IN SUMMARY

  • For an engine running normally compression builds up quickly and evenly to the specified compression for each cylinder.
  • If the Piston Rings are leaking: Compression is low on the first stroke but builds up after further strokes but does not reach normal. However, the compression improves considerably when you add oil.
  • If the Valves are leaking: Compression is low on the first stroke and does not normally change much after further strokes and does not improve much by adding oil.
  • If two adjacent cylinders have lower than normal compression and adding oil into the cylinders does not increase the compression, it could be that the head gasket is leaking between the cylinders.

 

MAINTENANCE

  • Keep your compression tester clean.
  • Ensure that screw threads do not become dirty.
  • If necessary clean with a wire brush.

 

CONCLUSION

  • With the correct equipment a compression test can be done in around 20 minutes but can save you £100s in garage fees.

 

 

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ‘e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

 


10 things every man needs in his toolbox

 

A friend of mine once declared that a man only needs 2 things in his toolbox – WD40 and superglue.

  • If it moves and it shouldn’t – Superglue
  • If it doesn’t move and it should – WD40

 

Well, there’s some merit to the argument but it comes as no surprise that he had no-one at home who wanted him to put shelves put up. So assuming that you going to have to perform simple jobs, repairs, projects around the house, what are the 10 essential tools needed?

 

claw hammer

1. Claw Hammer

The simplest of tools allows you to knock in nails/pins with one end of the head and remove them with the other. 2 for the price of 1 and an excellent start.

 

 

set of screwdrivers2. Set of Screwdrivers

Things have got a little complicated over the recent years with screws having different sets of groves across the top. It used to just be a slot and you just needed a ‘flat head’ screwdriver but now they usually have a ‘cross’ for which you need a ‘Phillips’ screwdriver. Given that there’s different size screws and different force needed at times it’s essential you have a set of screwdrivers to cover most eventualities.

tape measure

3. Tape Measure

Yes, we all know the perfect position for the shelf but sometimes the ‘other half’ wants to appreciate that you’ve performed some simple calculations to determine the accuracy of your positioning.

 

4. Level48" 1220mm Box Beam Spirit Level with Shock Absorbing End Caps WY013

Ditto above – you need to go through the motions of checking the shelf is at the perfect 90 degrees and is level although the walls and floors may not be.

 

Adjustable Spanner5. Adjustable Spanner

Marvellous invention – who needs a set of spanners when you can have one to fit all sizes? The sliding jaw keeps parallel as it opens and closes – brilliant!

 

 

6. Utility (Stanley) KnifeTrade Quality Auto Loading Heavy Duty Utility Knife with 50 pc blade Dispenser AMS0475

A really sharp blade for cutting stuff or scraping stuff off.  Simple to use but always remember to retract the blade when not being used as it hurts (a lot) when you stand on it – beware!

 

Budget Carbon Steel 8" Combination Pliers PL2017. Pliers

Useful for gripping and holding things. That’s about it really.

 

 

 

8. SawQuality 12" Tenon (Back) Saw SW050

Yes, sometimes you may have to make those shelves smaller and remove some of the excess length. Make sure you use in conjunction with the Tape Measure and Level.

 

30 LED Worklight, Dynamo Windup Recharge USB, 240v and 12v TO1709. Worklight or Torch

Not used for working in the dark (especially not with the baby below) but  important for lighting up the nooks and crannies you may be working in (and for finding the screws/nails you dropped).

 

 

10. Power Drill24v Cordless Drill/Driver With Hammer Function 67027C

Now we’re talking. This is the macho tool in the box that can do anything. You can ‘pimp’ it up with loads of attachments to drill holes, screw/unscrew, grind, sand, mix, stir on so on.  You can also leave it running while checking the sports results and the other half still thinks you’re working hard!

 

So that’s it then. There are thousands of tools out there that can do just about anything you can think of or even some you haven’t thought of yet, but these 10 tools should get you though most day to day jobs.

Tools 11 & 12?  Why Superglue and WD40 of course!

 

Author – Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood

Tony Heywood is a ‘Retail Troubleshooter’ with 40 years experience in the retail industry, specialising in e-commerce over the last decade. He has his own consultancy firm and is MD of  ‘e sell it’, an on-line store selling tools and auto-care products worldwide.

For tools & auto-care products at trade prices, please visit: www.esellit.com

 

 

 


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