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.

Read the rest…

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Recent comments from a do it yourself-er that has used a previous article on Jeep Grand Cherokee dash removal. Jim was nice enough to let us know how he has used our information not just once, but on two occasions for different problems. The ability to tackle dash removal has saved him a ton of money. I think we saved Jim a lot of time – now he’s returned the favor by basically writing this blog! Thanks Jim.

Read the rest…

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Jeep Grand Cherokee’s with dual zone have a common problem of blend doors breaking at the point of actuator engagement. Vehicles affected are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The automatic temperature control can be affected on the driver or passenger side, making the temp control inoperable. Until recently the refrigerant had to be discharged and the dash removed for repair. Now with a WJ blend door repair kit # K6855685AB, from Mopar/Chrysler/Fiat the repair can be done in the vehicle by even modestly experienced individuals. The kit includes an aluminum door door, a plastic door, a spindle, grease and patch material for resealing the evaporator case after repair. PDF Jeep instructions provided in this car repair article.

NOTE – Since this article was written Jeep has discontinued this repair. We used to sell an alternative however, we have discontinued that item also. See HeaterTreater.net for a possible solution. 

Read the rest…

Summary: Rear wiper motors on many types of SUV’s and mini vans commonly fail. One reason they fail is due to infrequent use. Electric motors tend to work better when they are used often. Sometimes a rear wiper motor can be tapped lightly to make it work temporarily. This is a quick test (used a lot on Fords) that will help to verify there’s power present at the motor. The wiper motor may stop again before long, but knowing that the motor is getting battery voltage without having to take the trim panel off for testing is a definite plus. The vehicle featured in this car repair article is a Chevy, which doesn’t have the common Ford rear wiper problem. The 1999 S-10 Blazer hatch has been opened and closed many times over the years. This can cause the wiring from the body to the hatch to weaken over time much like breaking a wire hanger by bending it in the same position repeatedly.

Read the rest…

Wiring can cause door lock problems, but switches and actuators are more common.

DennisB DenLorsTools.com © Summary: A quick common sense way of thinking about and pinpointing the most common door lock problems on many vehicles. There are several things that can cause the power door locks not to work properly. The most common cause of a single door lock not to work, is a bad door lock actuator (also called a door lock solenoid or door lock motor). Another common problem or cause of door locks not working is simply a bad door lock switch. Many cars today have computers that are also in the loop when it comes to controlling the door locks.

Fortunately, body computer systems are pretty dependable and give problems very seldom. It seems as though the most troublesome vehicles regarding door locks related to computer control issues, are Chrysler’s; Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country vans sometimes have BUS related issues (BUS means “a collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one computer to another”)… but this is still rare. Ford Explorers also have a few BUS issues that can be related to door lock security module, or wiring shorting out that goes from the door into the body. Usually when checked with a scan tool in the body control or security section, there will be a code indicating if there’s a BUS fault.

Read the rest…

Photo courtesy of Nashville City Paper

Dave Ramsey is becoming more and popular these days, especially with the troubling financial times we are finding ourselves in. Dave Ramsey is a financial expert and writer, his most popular book is called The Total Money Makeover. He’s earned the title of financial guru by learning the hard way about finances and the risk of going head over heals in debt. Dave was leveraged in real estate investments to the tune of four million dollars over twenty years ago. As fate would have it, he lost it all when his short term loans were sold and the new banks demanded payment before it was possible for Dave to deliver. This experience has caused Dave to change his thinking on loans and personal finance. He now advises people to pay debt off and cut up the credit cards. I personally like his country boy, down to earth, shoot it to you straight mentality. Dave Ramsey reminds me of a teacher that I had back in high school. Frank Gentry, my old marketing teacher, had a similar laid back teaching style. Dave Ramsey’s lessons encourage you to think and grow. Few teacher’s names are remembered years later in life unless they have truly affected your way of thinking and how you view opportunities. Dave, like my old marketing teacher is definitely a “glass is half full” type of guy. If your sick and tired of living your life “pay check to pay check”, then you’ll definitely want to listen to what Dave has to say.
Read the rest…

See the quality difference in the Heli-Coil (top) & the Calvan (bottom)

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: In this automotive repair/tool blog we cover Ford spark plugs blown out of cylinder heads, it’s still a huge problem. To date we have sold hundreds of Calvan spark plug thread insert tool kits and have had no one call back to say it was too hard or it didn’t work. The included video makes the spark plug insert repair easy to understand and answers all the questions about how this job can be done in the vehicle saving thousands of dollars. We are commonly asked if the Calvan spark plug repair kit will work after a Heli-Coil or some other thin, weak repair has failed and have blown out AGAIN. The answer is yes, Calvan inserts are much thicker than the competitor’s inserts and will work much like an over-size oil drain plug will work in a stripped out oil pan. Since the Calvan insert is not just a coil of wire like the Heli-Coil it is much stronger. And since the Calvan insert is thicker than the Heli Coil, most times it can be used when the Heli Coil is spit out.

Our customers tend to research their options to find the very best solution for this very frustrating problem, that’s why after they research Helicoil we know most will ultimately purchase the Calvan Ford Spark Plug Insert Tool Kit.

Our Automotive Tech Article on Ford spark plug blowouts, goes into much more detail about Ford spark plug problems, including the fact that when buying a rebuilt head the consumer should be aware that it may have an inferior repair insert already installed. That’s why it is our recommendation to repair the cylinder head you have with the Calvan insert tool kit, so you know that you have a strong, long lasting repair that you don’t have to worry about.

Question: How long will the Calvan spark plug repair last?

Answer: The Calvan inserts are designed to last the lifetime of the engine and are stronger than the original threads.

Question: Time Sert says “The only 100% way to know the valves are not open is to remove the valve cover and inspect the cam, making sure that it is not depressing the valves on the damaged spark plug hole.” Do I have to remove the valve cover with the Calvan Ford spark plug insert tool kit?

Answer: No. The Calvan tool kit allows the mechanic to verify valves are closed with an included cylinder leak detector. Plug the rubber stopper from the leak detector into the spark plug hole with a low amount of air from an air compressor going through the hose. The rubber cone will pop out of the spark plug hole when the valves are closed. The video shows this as well.

Question: How do I know all the aluminum metal shavings are out of the cylinder?

Answer: A borescope is used to make sure all foreign debris is removed. A video scope can be used as well, we have fairly inexpensive video based scopes that in our opinion, are better and easier to view.

Question: I’m afraid I might start drilling or tapping the hole crooked, am I going to damage my head beyond repair?

Answer: With the Time Sert, the tap has a small pilot at the end of the tap. With the Calvan specialty tool kit (since it is made specifically for Ford 4.6, 5.4 and 6.8 Triton engines) has a guide that fits into the spark plug well to perfectly guide the drill and the tap making the repair centered even in hard to access areas.

Question: Will my spark plug be properly grounded through the engine, since the insert will have JB weld on the threads?

Answer: I’ve only had one person ask this. The answer is yes. JB weld or Loctite with some other brand inserts is being used on the threads, but there is a large enough percentage of metal to metal contact that provides ground, to allow proper firing of the spark plug.

Update 12/01/2011

Time Sert 51459 Inserts in the image below. Notice they are more than just a thin coil of wire.

The Calvan 38900 is for spark plug ports on Ford Triton SOHC 4.6, 5.4 and 6.8 Liter 2 valve engines – 1998-2004. The Time Sert repair kits are made for much more than just the above application. DOHC is not a problem with the Time-Sert 5553. Time Sert makes a kit that will work on most vehicles. This fact has saved our customers a lot of money. Time-Sert’s comprehensive coverage doesn’t stop at “spark plugs”. They make kits for head bolts, main bolts, drain plugs and the list goes on. The Time-Sert inserts are bushing type and NOT just a coil of wire like the Heli Coils are. We have sold tons of the Time Sert kits with no problems reported as well. Still have questions on your application? Feel free to give us a call.

Linking: Please reference this car repair article when quoting, linking to this page is welcomed and appreciated. If you are new to linking a page. 1. Left click the link; to highlight 2. Right click, select copy 3. Right click and paste to car forums, auto repair blogs, car repair web sites etc. Thanks! Disclaimer: Automobile repair tips are designed for informational purposes only, without warranty of any kind, in no event shall the author of this site be liable for any consequential, incidental or direct damages sustained in the course of using the repair information in this article. All rights reserved by DenLors Auto (Automotive specialty tools /Car mechanics Tools). Keep us in mind for auto tool needs, shop supplies and mechanics equipment. 

Related Links and Products

Ford Spark Plug Blow Out Problems How to Repair Original article

Calvan 38900 Insert Kit – Product in this blog for sale 

Calvan 389-100 DLT Inserts – Additional inserts sold separately

Expedition Cylinder Head Removal w/Body Off NOT required with the 38900 DLT see what you’re missing

Has a slowing economy along with climbing gas prices affected auto repair shops for better or for worse?

As gas prices increase along with almost everything else, most people will inevitably be keeping their cars longer and that means more vehicles with more repair needs.  But, does that mean automotive repair shops will have an influx of work to do?  That depends.

Shops rely on people to bring in their vehicles for oil changes where they hope to find additional auto repairs that will help them turn a profit.  However, with tougher economic times encroaching, many people who would normally bring their vehicle in for a simple oil change will be choosing instead to change the oil themselves and save a few dollars.  People will be more willing to drive their vehicle without air conditioning or take the rise of not getting extensive brake work as long as the vehicle stops.  Bare minimum crucial fixes combined with a hope-for-the best mentality will keep many repair shop’s profits down.

On the flip side, because more people are driving older vehicles, many are making repair purchases with more of a preventative mentality by keeping their car in good working order so it will last. So although there might be less work to be had, the shop owner who is able to offer competitive pricing along with having an honest reputation will most likely be the one who drives more people into their shop.

Should your car repair business honor aftermarket extended warranty policies? If you are willing to process the claims, there is great potential for additional business to be gained.

Car owners can elect to purchase coverage for mechanical break-downs with some exclusions. Some policies cover drive-train only. Maintenance like oil changes, tires and brake pads and shoes are commonly not covered. But for the average person that wants to budget a set amount for expenses extended warranties make good financial sense. For example, a transmission replacement might cost several thousand dollars.

Read the rest…