Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Metric Vs U S Bolt Torque Specs
When discussing engine maintenance, torque ers to the amount of force required to rotate a bolt around a fixed point or axis. In the United States, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) issues standards for bolt and torque specifications; in most other countries, especially European ones, they use metric equivalents.
Metric Dimensions
In metric units, bolts are listed according to three parameters. The first reading is the major thread diameter, listed in millimeters. The second value represents the distance between the threads, in millimeters. The third value represents the bolts length in millimeters. A metric label for a bolt might look like this: M8-1.25x25.
U.S. Dimensions
U.S., or SAE, bolt dimensions are listed according to three parameters. The first value represents the major thread diameter in inches. The second value is the number of threads in the bolt per inch. The third value indicates the bolts length in inches. An SAE label for a bolt might look like this: 5/16-18 1-1/2.
Pound-Feet vs. Netwon Meters
In U.S. units, torque is generally listed in pound-feet (lb.-ft.) or less commonly in pound-inches (lb-in.). In metric units, the same values are listed in Newton-meters (nm). To convert lb-ft. to nm, multiply the value by 1.356. To convert nm to lb-ft., multiply the value by 0.738. To convert lb-in. to nm, multiply the value by 0.113. To convert nm to lb-in., multiply the value by 8.851.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Limited Slip Differential Vs Locking
A limited-slip differential and a locking differential are not the same thing. Both are designed to maximize available torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction, but they accomplish this in different ways and have different applications.
Open Differential Problem
Both limited-slip and locking differentials solve a problem with the standard open differential found on most passenger cars. This open differential allows the wheels to spin at different speeds to help in cornering, but will allow excessive wheel spin when one wheel loses traction. This tricks the system into sending too much torque to the slipping wheel.
Locking Differential
A locking differentials key feature is its ability to force both of the drive wheels to rotate at the exact same speed regardless of traction needs. The benefit of the locking mechanism, either automatic or driver-selectable, comes in when one of the wheels is slipping. The differential will continue to send torque to both wheels equally and the wheel with traction will provide motion.
Limited-Slip Differential
A limited-slip differential allows the wheels to continue to turn at different speeds without locking to each other completely but can limit the amount of torque sent to the spinning wheel and maximize the torque sent to the wheel with the best traction. The limited-slip differential is common on sports cars as well as all-wheel drive vehicles.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Auto AC Flush Vs Vacuum
A vehicles air conditioning (AC) cooling system will not work properly if certain conditions are not met. An auto AC flush and vacuum are two methods of ridding a vehicles cooling system of substances harmful to its operation.
Flush
Debris in a vehicles AC system can cause blockage ultimately affecting its cooling performance. Flushing is a way to remove this harmful debris from the system. Flushing also completely removes oil from an AC system. Flushing should always be done when replacing an AC compressor.
Vacuum
After an AC compressor replacement, the AC system needs to be thoroughly vacuumed using a vacuum pump. The pump removes unwanted moisture and air from the system. Air is removed because it can lower the AC systems cooling abilities, while moisture is removed because it can cause the expansion valve to freeze.
Tips
After flushing an AC system, filters should be installed to prevent left over debris from getting back into the system. During the vacuum process, a device called a thermistor vacuum gauge can help verify all air and moisture have indeed been removed from the system.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Steel Vs Aluminum Gas Tanks
Whether for an automobile, boat, barbecue or other gas-powdered machine, there are usually several options available when choosing a tank. Two of the most common tanks are steel and aluminum, and the use of each has its pros and cons.
Weight
Steel tanks are generally heavier than aluminum tanks, though the thickness of aluminum tanks does vary. Lighter tanks tend to be more fuel efficient, since less power is required to haul them, which means that aluminum tanks tend to be more fuel efficient. Also, aluminum tanks, since they are lighter, are more easily formed and molded than steel tanks.
Durability
Steel tanks are more durable than aluminum tanks, since they are heavier and more dense. Since they are thinner, aluminum tanks corrode more easily than steel tanks, which means they are more likely to leak. However, both types of tank are susceptible to leaks from corrosion or puncture.
Cost
Steel tanks are more commonly used as gas tanks. One of the reasons why steel tanks are the more common choice is that they are cheaper than aluminum tanks and, since they last longer, they offer more value for money in terms of their durability. If cost is a major factor in deciding which tank to go choose, steel tanks may be right for you.