For U Solution

The clutch disc has splines in the center hole that mesh over the splines of the transmission input shaft. That rigidly connects the disc to the wheels via the transmission. The disc is pinched solidly between the flywheel and the spring-loaded pressure plate when engaged. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the clutch disc is released so the engine can rotate while the wheels are stopped. High-performance vehicles use a larger diameter clutch to help prevent slippage when a lot of horsepower is transferred to the wheels. There are several ways to measure a discs outside diameter (OD).

Instructions

1

Lay the clutch disc on a flat, level surface. Place two small carpenter squares, one on each side of the disc, 180 degrees apart. The squares should be placed against the disc like backwards book ends. Measure the distance between the squares.

2

Place the clutch disc on a level surface with the straight edge of a yardstick over the center line of the clutch disc and align both outside edges of the disc with the inch markings on the yardstick to gain an accurate measurement.

3

Raise the rear wheels, of the vehicle with the clutch to be measured off the ground and spot two jack stands, one under each axle tube near the wheels.

4

Remove the bellhousing inspection cover using a box-end wrench. Tape and attach one end of a flexible dress makers tape to the pressure plate cover disc. Use a small strip of cellophane tape to hold it in place.

5

Weave the flexible tape inside the mounting brackets of the pressure plate. Be sure the measuring tape gets an unobstructed circumference measurement of the round cover disc on the pressure plate. The OD of the cover disc is the same as the OD of the clutch disc.

6

Calculate the clutch diameter using the circumference measurements acquired with the flexible tape. To extract the diameter from the circumference measurement, divide the circumference by pi (3.14). For example: say the circumference is 34.5 inches; 34.5 divided by 3.14 equals 10.987. This would equate to an 11-inch clutch disc.

Head gaskets serve a major purpose, and without them, or with faulty ones, car engines would run terrible, if at all. These gaskets are specially engineered to withstand extreme heat and compression that is built up within the engine providing an air tight seal. Understanding how head gaskets work is important to proper car maintenance.

Identification

The head gasket is located between the engine block and the head. The head bolts on top of the engine block and the valve cover bolts on top of the head. The head gasket is made of metal and is a one-piece gasket.

Function

The gasket ensures that the compression the engine builds stays within the block and doesnt escape. The gasket also serves to keep any oil from leaking out of the engine, and it provides a separation of oil and coolant within the engine block.

Considerations

To determine if there is a head gasket leak, start the engine, and before it gets too hot, run a hand across the seam where the gasket is to "feel" if any pressure is coming out from the area. There should be zero pressure along the seam. Another way would be to check the coolant to see if it has an oily feel or brownish color to it. If the head gasket is leaking from inside the engine block, it will allow oil and coolant to mix together. Looking at the underside of the oil filler cap to see if it is a milky brownish color could also represent a coolant and oil mix. Another inspection would be to check for oil leaks along the gasket seam area. Degrease the area first, run the engine at a high rpm and inspect for leaks. A mechanic can also perform a test to determine any loss of compression through the gasket area.

Time Frame

There isnt a specific time frame involved regarding the life of a head gasket. The original factory gasket may last the life of the engine, or it may break down earlier. The quality of the gasket and driving habits are factors regarding the life of the gasket. Heavy accelerations, as used when racing for instance, creating extreme pressure within the engine, can weaken the gasket prematurely.

Warning

If the the mix of oil and coolant is discovered, replace the gasket right away. If there is no mix in fluids, but only a loss of compression, the gasket still needs to be replaced since as the leak increases, even more compression will be lost and most likely a mix of oil and coolant will also eventually occur.

Prevention/Solution

To replace the gasket, all other surrounding parts in the way must be removed. The mating surfaces for the gasket, which are the top of the engine block and the bottom of the head, must be cleaned thoroughly. Proper gasket sealer should be used and it is critical that the head bolts be torqued down evenly according to manufactures specifications.

You can check the trouble codes for your 94 Ford Escort LX without the use of a code scanner. The 94 Ford Escort LX comes equipped with the first generation On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer. This computer receives and stores trouble codes sent to it from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. These trouble codes are sent when the sensors detect a malfunction in the Escort. You should always read the codes first to diagnose the trouble, then fix the vehicle before resetting the OBD computer. The computer communicates with you via warning and service lights that appear on the instrument panel. If you ignore these lights you may risk further damage to your Ford.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position but dont start the engine. Pop open the hood and prop it up with the safety bar.

2

Find the six-pin receptor Self-Test Output (STO). Next to that output is the small, one-receptor Self-Test Input (STI).

3

Examine the STO and find the two outlets on the bottom. The outlet on the left, as you are facing it, is the ground outlet. Use the jumper wire to connect this ground outlet to the STI.

4

Sit in the drivers seat and turn the key to the "Run" position. Watch the instrument panel while the "Check Engine" light flashes and count the number of flashes. This is the first number in the code. Write it down on a piece of paper. There will be a couple of second pause then the "Check Engine" light will flash again. Count the number of times it flashes. This is the second digit in the code. Write down this number. If there are more codes to follow, they will be separated by a four-second pause.

5

Look up the meaning of the codes in any 1994 Ford Escort LX repair manual.

An erratically operating motorcycle engine signals problems with the combustion system. A sure-fire cause tends to be either poor performance or a misalignment of the carburetors when running a dual system. Flat slide and round slide carburetors cause the same bad engine operation; flat slide carburetors are just more sensitive and responsive. Syncing the carburetors correctly can solve some engine problems, smoothing out the fuel and air delivery to the engine.

Instructions

1

Use a screwdriver and crescent wrench to remove the motorcycle bodywork so you can access the flat slide carburetors easily. Pull or temporarily remove any hoses or electrical wiring in the way of your access as well.

2

Locate the idle-mixture fuel needle on both flat slide carburetors. Use a screwdriver to turn both needle screws in all the way -- turning to the right. Back the screws out with the screwdriver the correct number of turns on both carburetors consistent with the carburetor tuning providing in your motorcycle repair manual -- the number of turns varies by model. Confirm both flat slide carburetor needle screws are turned back out the same number of turns.

3

Check that the fuel supply is on and the fuel hoses are connected to both carburetors and turn on the motorcycle. Wait 5 minutes to allow the engine to get warm. Do not start pulling away on the throttle. Just let the engine idle. Attach the carburetor balancer tool to the carburetors.

4

Locate the throttle shaft shared by both carburetors. Twist the throttle shaft controls with a screwdriver so that the setting matches the readings displayed on the carburetor balancer tool. Pull the throttle a few times slightly while monitoring the readings on the balancer. Continue to adjust the shared throttle control while checking the balancer tool readings until each of the adjustments on the throttle control are matched.

5

Test the engine with some minor sustained throttle pulls on the throttle handle. Continue making adjustments until the engine cycles smooth out as it is running -- no burping, stalling or uncontrolled revving.

Illinois catalytic converter and emissions equipment regulations (collectively erred to as "smog" laws) generally follow the guidelines set by the federal government. The primary difference between Illinois and any other state is not the specific catalytic converter requirements, but how and where they are enforced.

Removal

You cannot remove any functioning catalytic converter from any vehicle originally equipped with one, except for the purposes of replacement. Fines for removal go to the mechanic, and (as per federal standards) can be as much as $10,000. The vehicle owner may or may not be fined, but the owner will be responsible for installing a working converter.

Replacement Conditions

It is illegal to tamper with, modify or otherwise molest any catalytic converter unless you have a certification stating that it is either missing or malfunctioning. These certifications can be obtained at any institution licensed for annual smog testing.

Replacement

If you do meet the replacement conditions, then you can only replace your catalytic converter with one of the same make, model and type as that originally installed on your car. You must also install the new converter in the same location on the car as the old.

Converter Warranties

Converters designed for vehicles 1996 and later must come from the manufacturer with at least an 8 year/80,000-mile warranty.

Exceptions

While converter laws technically apply to all vehicles, you cant be fined if your vehicle never gets inspected. The following vehicles are exempted from annual smog checks: motorcycles, farm vehicles, vehicles registered in 1967 or earlier, vehicles 25 years of age or older, diesels, boats, non-hybrid electric vehicles, off-road only race vehicles and vehicles for which a "junking certificate" has been issued.

Affected Counties

All vehicles in Cook, Dupage and Lake counties must receive annual smog checks. Vehicles in Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Will, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties must be annually smog checked unless you live in one of the exempted ZIP codes.

Carburetors are an important component in gasoline powered engines, mixing fuel vapor and air to create efficient combustion, which converts to mechanical power. Motorcycle carburetors come in a multitude of options, designed for street, off-road, casual ride and racing. Keihin offers five lines of carburetors for every motorcycle engine model and type. Keihin carburetors cover the gamut, from inexpensive bolt-on designs, enhancing handle and performance of motor-cross dirt bikes, to full-throttle super-charged carburetors, used for high-performance super-bike racing.

FCR:

Keihin FCR Carburetor models 33MM, 35MM, 37MM, 39MM and 41MM are all engineered with a durable and dependable flat valve, air brake acceleration air pump. The flat valve and slide are hard-coated and engineered to run clean on rollers, for a smooth ride. This is the perfect enhancement or replacement part for all four-stroke engines.

PWK:

Keihin PWK Carburetor models 28MM and 29MM are 83 mm by 147.4 mm in size. The 33MM and 35MM units measure 91-mm by 164.3-mm. The larger PWK models are 36MM, 38MM, and 39MM. These are designed with a width of 91 mm by 171.6 mm in height. The PWK carburetors are designed with a semi-elliptical section valve, providing riders with enhanced air flow. The PWK is a more powerful carburetor than the FCR, providing riders with more rapid engine revs on top, without letting the engine go flat.

PE:

Keihin PE Carburetors models 20MM through 28MM are 83 mm in width, ranging from 136 mm to 150.9 mm in height. Keihin PE models 30MM through 38MM are each 95 mm in width, ranging from 157.8 mm to 182.5 mm in height. These PE carburetors are designed with a chrome-plated round slide valve for two-stroke engines. they are an inexpensive bolt-on carburetor designed to increase performance and ride on mini-cross dirt bikes and scooters.

PWM:

The Keihin PWM Carburetors are Keihins top performer. The PWM is available in three models: 38MM, 39MM and 40MM. Each measures 75 mm in width by 154.5 mm in height. This high performance carburetor was designed with a shorter length, giving the throttle an unparalleled response on top end cycles. The larger float bowl and quad vent system allows two-stroke engines great air flow, enabling them to run in the worst conditions. Keihin PWM carburetors are ideal for fast and furious motor-cross and street-racing bikes.

FCR Street:

Keihin FCR Street Carburetors, available in 32MM, 33MM, 35MM, 39MM and 41MM models, all come in a wide-range of horizontal and downdraft styles and options for two, three and four-cylinder engines. Keihin FCR street carburetors are used by super-bike racing teams around the world. These high performance carburetors are available for application to any road racing bike.

You can find the code for your 2000 Honda CR-V right at home. The 2000 Honda CR-V comes equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics I computer (OBD-I) that retrieves and stores trouble codes sent to it from various sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. When the computer receives a code, it illuminates a service or warning light on the instrument panel. You can retrieve these codes with a small, computerized device called an OBD I code scanner, available at auto-parts stores or online.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port on the underside of the drivers-side dashboard near the steering column. Its the same size and shape as the end of the OBD-I code scanner.

2

Plug the scanner into this OBD port.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position, but dont start the engine.

4

Wait for the scanner to turn itself on. Some code scanners have to be manually turned on, so you may have to find the "on/off" switch.

5

Select the command "Retrieve Codes" or something similar -- it varies by scanner brand -- and wait for the code scanner to carry out the command. Write the codes it retrieves down on a piece of paper.

6

Look up the codes in the scanners manual. Unplug the scanner from the port and have the vehicle serviced or repaired based on the diagnostic information obtained from the codes.