One of our most popular tools recently has been the Win 3747-123. It takes the place of the Miller 8516A, 8387, 8426 and 10102. This tool is used to work on 3.7 V6 and 4.7 V8 Chrysler engines used in many Mopar applications. The tool can be used to change out or re-install the rockers when they fall (a common problem). Or the combo tool can be used to replace broken valve spring or install valve seals. The Valve Holder is required to help prevent dropping a valve if removing the keeper depending upon the job being done. No valve holder is needed if not removing the keeper. Repair manual instructions should always be followed. Read the rest…

DenLorsTools.com Summary: FAQ’s for the Rescue Bit. Easy outs are not easy to drill. The metal is so hard that a regular or even a cobalt drill bit cannot touch it. We have had many customers call to ask what do you have that can drill out a broken tool like this? Fortunately, we have a tool that answers this question. “How do you drill out and remove a broken EZ-Out?” Read below or go directly to our Rescue Bits For Sale section. Read the rest…

DenLorsTools.com Summary: When working on cars one of the most difficult problems I can remember is dealing with broken bolts, taps or easy outs. Broken bolts can be anywhere on the car. It can be broken manifold bolts, head bolts, transmission bolts, accessory… really anywhere. The problem is the same no matter where the bolt is. Removing the broken bolt without damaging the threads if possible and moving on to complete the job. Read on to see a tool that might just get you out of a jamb.

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© DenLorsTools.com Product announcement for a new Time Sert Kit. The new Time Sert kit PN 1812CORE-BS is for repairing threads that were previously repaired with a competitive brand insert. Vehicles affected are Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac’s with 3.1 or 3.4 Liter engines. See the product listing by clicking on the image for more information. Rockers on these cars are held on with one bolt. The heads are aluminum are subject to wear very easily when intake gaskets are being serviced. Heli-Coils may be used, however if their thin coil of wire fails under stress, the cylinder had can still be saved. The Time-Sert 1812CORE BS is an over sized (Time-Sert call it Big Sert) repair that can save the cylinder head if there’s a repeat failure from Heli-Coil.

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© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Auto specialty tool article featuring Mastercool, which is one of the leading air conditioning service tool companies in the United States and in the entire world for that matter. At DenLors Tools, we take pride in offering quality tools that any professional technician would happy to have in their arsenal. We also like the fact that Mastercool is a family owned company. Below we cover some of their products that make AC service on cars a much easier task.

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S.U.R.& R. Ratcheting Line Wrench is a Must for brake and fuel line service

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Everyone knows that has spent anytime working on cars the benefit of using ratchet wrenches. Ratcheting line wrenches are the latest automotive tool innovation that allows the speed of a ratchet wrench to be combined with a line wrench. That’s right, a ratchet wrench designed to be used on steel lines for brake lines, power steering lines, fuel lines, AC lines… you name it!

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© DenLorsTools.com Summary: The PN 169 AIR Fresh-Works odor eliminator is a household current ionizer which eliminates smells from used cars, boats and households. Manufactured by Cliplight, it uses technology to kill the source of the offensive odor – it doesn’t just mask odors like air fresheners do.

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© DenLorsTools.com Summary: There are many thread repair kits available on the market today. The many choices can be very confusing for anyone who is faced with a repair that’s left their vehicle broken down. We help to provide simple information which makes choosing the best thread repair kits for particular situations.

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© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Applies to 2002 to 2009 second generation Trailblazers and Envoys with 4.2 Liter in-line 6 cylinders. This auto repair article is for GMC Envoys or Chevrolet Trailblazers when a P1281 fault code is scanned using a code reader or scan tool. The P1281 fault code is related to the engine not reaching operating temperature within the set parameter. More explanation of what the code means and suggestions on how to complete the repair much easier. Using any code reader or scan tool with OBD II capability is all that is needed to read and erase the fault code.

The thermostat is NOT just to keep the engine cool, it also helps the engine heat up quickly to normal operating temperature within a certain time-frame. For the catalytic converter to operate at it’s highest efficiency the computer needs to be in closed loop. Closed loop means that the computer is in more control of fuel mixtures based on inputs from several sensors. Until the engine is running at the normal operating temperature, the computer usually controls the fuel mix less efficiently. That’s why it’s important for the thermostat to stay closed until the engine warms up quickly. If it stays open or opens up too quickly the motor will not reach the desired temp as quickly as it should. Most of the time when this code is retrieved, the t-stat is not working properly.

1/4″ swivel socket and extension pictured above used to start the bolts.

The thermostat is located on the left side of the engine. After removing the driver’s front wheel the t-stat housing can be seen over the frame. A long 1/4″ extension and 10mm swivel socket makes accessing the bolts holding the housing much easier. Usually this thermostat comes with a new housing as well. The tricky part is starting the bolts back in when installing the new t-stat. It’s easy to drop the bolts before actually getting them started. An old trick for holding bolts in place in hard to get to areas is to use small orings to act as a retainer. The o-rings are perfect for preventing the bolts from falling and are small enough to be collapsed when the bolts are tightened as to not cause any problems with the housing seating properly.

To help hold the bolts in place small o-rings are used to prevent them from falling.

Once the thermostat is replaced and the coolant is refilled, the fault code can be cleared. Usually it’s best to run the heater when topping off the coolant to help remove any air pockets that may be in the cooling system. When the heat is blowing hot and the temperature is in the normal range the coolant level will be full. Hopefully this repair article has helped explain and answer questions about the P1281 fault code scanned with a code reader or scan tool. Be sure to check out the links below for even more information and specialty tools.

Related Car Repair Blogs and Auto Tools

Jeep Grand Cherokee Scanned P1281 Fault Code / DenLors Auto Blog 

OBD II Scan Tools and Code Readers – DenLors Tools

Lisle Coolant Funnel to Remove Trapped Air in Cooling System

P0017 Chevy Trailblazer, Envoy, GMC Canyon, Colorado – Fault Codes

Chevy Auto Repair Articles – Automotive Repair Blogs for Chevrolet

Car Mechanics Specialty Tools – Automotive Tools and Shop Supplies

Above is a still image of the Malibu, see below for the You Tube Video.

© DenLorsTools.com  Summary: In this car repair article IÂ (Dennis Bandy) cover mechanics tools and shop equipment also specialty tools that make removing a transmission if a FWD (Front Wheel Drive) easier. A quick stop motion video is included showing the engine cradle and then the transmission being removed. The Chevrolet Malibu had a rear main seal leaking in an Ecotec engine. In the video I share one of my experiences that resulted with me on my back in a puddle of transmission fluid.

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