Techs & Tools

I took some heat for my topic on the Gates belt inspection tool. One of the reasons I do this is to stir the pot and bring forth controversy. As I have said before Techs have a hard time agreeing on anything that has more than one option.

One item of discussion that I agree with is that the vacuum gauge is also a tool that is not high tech but is a very useful diagnostic tool. Yes, there is a vacuum transducer that connects to a lab scope to help in locating a miss but to quickly determine engine condition or help diagnosis a no start you can’t beat the ease of use of a vacuum gauge.

I also agree that we use a lot of flashy tools that could be performed by a simpler one. One case in mind is the non-contact stat many times we could use a regular stat but we grab the non-contact, because of ease of use and why have it if you are not going to use it.

A recent tools magazine showed a techs new tool box and it was over 6 feet high, how do they access those top drawers without a stool, it was at least 15 feet plus long. I would guess he had more invested then my first house cost. But then our tools were worth about the price of a car so with that in mind they are about equal.

I do wish I still had a shop so I could justify buying some of the cool new tools. Labor rates exceeding $100 an hour in many places, with the cramped engine compartments and complicated systems in today’s vehicles today’s techs need every tool they can put their hands on to make their job easier.
 

Posted by: GreenFlag on 2/27/2010 at 10:01 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

ESPN Jumping On Bandwagon

I watch a ton of NASCAR this time of year, not to much else to do as I am now babysitting my Grandchildren full time. I cannt really get involved in anything as I am constantly being interrupted but I can pause replay. I can not recall ESPN being so involved in broadcating the Nationwide Series they have rarely had qualifying on let alone the practice session. This year they are having it all. You dont suppose Danica Patrick running has anything to do woth it. ESPN it does work as I am going to watch it and by the way I refuse to pay for the speed channel as I think it should be free and for the extra dollars to get it on our cable system you have to take a bunch of junk with it. So thanks ESPN you are going to help me pass some time I just hope you continue after Danica is gone to open wheel. I actually think her taking a complete break fron NASCAR while the open wheel cars are running is a great idea.It would be hard to switch back and forth a few have done it but not with great sucess, Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman to mention a few. Thanks again ESPN by the way I love the new NASCAR now I think you have hit a chemistry at the table.

Posted by: GreenFlag on 2/10/2010 at 1:45 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Daytona

With Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt on the front row for Daytona is there any doubt that Rick Hendricks is going to continue where he left off last year. Jeff Gordon was the odd man out and I don’t think he looked that great in the Shootout. Did you notice where my black horse Kasey Kahne was running before the last accident, I just hope Petty can keep bringing in the resources necessary to give him the tools he needs?
Carl Edwards was running well until he too was caught up in the mess. I hope Carl can have a better year but Rousch has some problems that need to be addressed and I don’t know if they have figured the problem out completely as of yet. They keep talking about new engines but none of them seem to work out on the track. Ford is the only big three not to borrow from the government so I hope the cat in the hat can keep them happy.
Good news there were 54 entries for the 500 so maybe there is still some teams that have the monies to run of course it always seems like after Daytona many of them fade into the sunset.
Speaking of underfunded teams I hope NASCAR does something about the start and park, true they need to fill the field but let’s try and do it with teams that are competitive.
 

Posted by: GreenFlag on 2/09/2010 at 9:11 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Lead Wheel Weights

Why do we still use steel weights to balance wheels? I just read that the largest lead polluter in California is wheel weights. We still continue to use them and there are several alternatives that are very close to the same price. Stainless steel being the most obvious and they would not react with aluminum wheels the way lead does. There is also a powdered weight that I don’t know much about. They are both a quality replacement at about the same cost.

I do think that car washes are at the root of the problem as the wheel cleaning brushes tend to remove the weights. They do still come off due to improper installation and they do not attach as securely to the thinner wheels on many vehicles today. I would think there would be a attachment method that would be more secure but, and I may be wrong here, NASCAR uses the same method at around 200 MPH.
 

Years ago when I was younger I used to balance my tires by turning the tire on the rim until it became very close to balanced. I finished it with a small weight always on the inside, when necessary, as I didn’t like the appearance of the weight on the outside. I don’t recall ever doing this for a customer as the cost would probably been higher than the tire.

I do agree that we need to protect our environment for our grandkids but we tend to let some things slip through the cracks and others we expend to much energy.
 

Posted by: GreenFlag on 2/07/2010 at 11:27 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Goodbye Colorado & Pontiac

As most of you know I have been looking for a newer pickup and one of the models I was considering was a Colorado. Now they are going to discontinue the model along with the GMC Canyon. I had changed my mind about a Colorado after reading they had one of the highest rated warranty in that class of pickup. It never really found its place as the larger brother of the Silverado at nearly the same price with fewer options. It also had a low towing capacity and an interior that was lacking a lot of the goodies of the Silverado. I do like that size pickup however I think I am going to stick with my original choice which is a Dakota. The Ranger has terrible crash ratings and the back is not large enough for car seat which is my reason for trading. If I could find the right S10 I may consider it but it is still a little too small.

Why would GM drop Pontiac do they know I own 2 of them a 1986 Sunbird convertible and a 2005 Bonneville, my 4th Bonneville. I don’t think you can find a better road car and the mileage is great also the 3.8 engine is unbeatable. They were the brand of the 442, Judge and the Firebird. With a history like that I would thing they would build on it instead of 2 luxury cars the Caddy and the Buick. Don’t get me wrong the older Rivera was a great car, my wife had one, it had the 3.8 and was also a great road car. I know they must cut the number of models but at least keep the marketing spread among models.
 

Posted by: GreenFlag on 1/13/2010 at 9:07 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink