DenLorsTools.com Summary: Solution for the problem of how to remove a spark plug insert that fell into the cylinder of an engine. Ford spark plug blowouts and how to repair using a spark plug thread repair kit are one of our most covered topics here at DenLorsTools.com and at our sister site WiseAutoTools.com. One question we’ve had several times recently is “what do you do if a Lisle or Sav-A-Thread insert threads down all the way into the hole and drops into the cylinder?” Ouch, that’s a scary thought, was our first reaction. (We also had a recent customer drop a tap from a parts store kit into the cylinder). Having to pull a head just to get a thread insert out is not an easy pill to swallow. After we thought about it for a moment… hey there is a way to get it out without removing the cylinder head!

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DenLorsTools.com Summary: Duramax diesels that have misfires at low RPM’s and under a load could have faulty glow plugs. In extreme temperatures like in the middle of the summer or winter these type of problems are more likely to occur. In extreme winter weather is when most of our customers report issues. Usually when trying to change a glow-plug a common problem is breaking. That’s when our phones start ringing and the most orders for our W900-0199’s come in through our two websites (DenLorsTools.com and WiseAutoTools.com). We are providing this tech article to inform our customers about options for removing broken glow plugs without removing the cylinder head.

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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…

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DenLorsTools.com Summary: Since 2005 at DenLorsTools.com and now our most recent tool website, WiseAutoTools.com, we’ve been answering questions on Ford spark plug thread repair kits. It always amazes us that there’s always new questions. A recent inquiry was regarding a 1998 Lincoln Navigator blown spark plug. I recommended the 5553 thread repair kit for the job. The Lincoln Navigator owner would prefer to use the less expensive Calvan 38900 kit and questioned why I made the recommendation that I did. Below is a copy of our correspondence.

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DenLorsTools.com Summary: This article is on the evolving tool industry. There’s been many industries that have experienced change over the years. More on that in this article. Franchise tool sales companies like Snap On, Matco, Mac, Cornwell and USA Tools are currently feeling the squeeze due to many reasons, but primarily because of online tool sales. As an automotive tech for many years, I’ve seen a lot of tool truck franchise owners come and go. The most dependable one that I can remember was the Snap On guy. The next was USA Tools, which was basically an independent truck that sold many of the same tools that we sell on our websites today at DenLorsTools.com and WiseAutoTools.com.

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DenLorsTools.com Summary: I recently did the NAV update on my wife’s 2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe. The update came with 5 DVD’s and the update process is done by following the directions and putting the DVD’s in the CD player one by one. 

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DenLorsTools.com Summary: Motor vehicle air conditioning questions answered from all over the world by a master air conditioning technician in Florida. Simple to understand terms are used to resolve issues and to help the reader understand problems with their car’s Air con system (A/C system). Low gas (refrigerant) is the most common problem a car’s aircon system could have, but it’s not always the issue. One shouldn’t assume that the solution is always to top-up (top off) a system. A re-gas that adds too much R134A only causes more problems. Many garages will do a free pressure check. However, simply checking the pressure readings is not a foolproof test of the air conditioning system’s health. But, a knowledgeable motor vehicle technician can make a good evaluation of the A/C’s performance based on the readings and a visual inspection of the components. After evaluation, a ragas (recharge) may be done or a more accurate fill of refrigerant can be performed by removing the remaining refrigerant, vacuuming the system down and recharging with the vehicle’s specified amount of gas.

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DenLorsTools.com Summary: Questions answered by a master tech, regarding a car’s AC system when the Freon just won’t leave the can. When the vehicle’s air conditioning system doesn’t accept a charge of refrigerant there can be many issues, or the problem could be solved easily. Understanding how the system works in easy to understand terms is the best place to start. This and other helpful A/C articles when it’s hot outside and it’s time to get the car’s air con working again.

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DenLorsTools.com Summary: One of our recent questions was regarding a performance issue and lean codes on a Ford F150. The fact that the catalytic converters were removed was skated over as a non issue. There are several things to consider before going to the extreme of removing a catalytic converter. Legal issues, running or performance issues etc. See the following for more information on what can happen and why the catalytic converter or converters should not be removed.

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DenLorsTools.com Summary: Special tooling is required to properly install Time Sert inserts. I know sounds like it’s either a no brainer… or a sales pitch to make customers buy expensive thread repair kits. Well apparently it’s hard for some to understand that proper tools for the installation of Time Sert inserts are necessary. That’s the reason for this quick auto tool blog.

Maybe it’s the economy. But lately we have been inundated with customers that are really trying to save money. Hey there’s nothing wrong with being frugal or as I like to say “being conservative”. However this is a line that can be crossed. The problem with trying to skimp on tools and just trying to get the job done as cheaply as possible is that “sometimes the job is not a success“. A failed repair ends up costing more in the long run. It’s takes more time, it may damage components beyond repair, there’s more down time, the repair may not last or it may not work at all.

Some customers want to purchase just the insert. Read on to hear how some of the conversations go.

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