Recent content by Sarge

You are aware that these shifter gates are known for breaking the pin housing in the lower portion of that mechanism, right? The design of the things is either using it constantly or never. Sort of like e-brakes, lol. Sarge

Just a tip - Whenever you install a shaft seal or similar - there is a risk that during the process of driving the dumb thing into the hole the shock from hitting the seal can pop that internal tension spring off of the rubber sealing ring. I learned a trick a long time ago from working in...

De-Oxit does as its name implies - it removes the oxide layer that has formed on connectors, that is all. Not an aggressive acid as some that require a second neutralizing solution. What I'm getting at is the mechanical strength of those pins in the plug - they are very small and fragile. Go...

Any of the D5 series is basically the same - the non-drip can contain fewer ounces of the product is the only difference. You're paying more because of the can per ounce - so the regular D5 @$19.95 is a better value. I got a sample of their precision Lithium Grease compound with no particles...

Yes, either sliders or a wheel lifting accessory is needed - no external jacking points on the body/bumpers are designed into newer vehicles unless its a Land Cruiser. I'd never trust a jack made in China. The quality of their castings has improved over the years, but they are still hit and...

It depends on the level of corrosion. Due to the size of the pins and the fact that these signals are read by the ECU - I would not use the D-100 full-blown cleaner. Probably just stick with the DeOxit D5 since it has a great protectant in it. There is also Lithium-based spray grease protectant...

Agreed on the above - head gasket failures that allow coolant into a cylinder will create a steam blast that will clean pistons to an almost new looking condition. If you find a cylinder that is super clean - there is your leak. I used to have to shut the lights off in the shop and use mirrors...

Glad to hear some closure of sorts - those connectors are quite sensitive and use some pretty small pins. From further reading on that transmission and the ECU that runs the thing, it seems like this wiring problem is cropping up more often. The amount of road salt chemicals used in Illinois...

I saw no obvious piston damage from the valves contacting them in the pictures - any marks left from the belt breaking? Sarge

I'm only 6', but have the same issue with my work boots getting caught on either the pedals or the dash parts. Worse in the winter with the Rocky boots, of course. Has anyone spaced the gas pedal mount further towards the driver to equalize the pedal height some? Seems like many of the newer...

Well, aside from hacking a hole into the trans tunnel - this did get the problem solved. YouTube This is a problem that will become a lot more commonplace with these newer electronic control systems. Corrosion will catch up, eventually to all of these components. For anyone attempting to clean...

First, I have allergies from working in construction, year-round, never stops. Second - Kleenex has made their tissues worthless. No strength, very thin and about the same quality as gas station toilet paper. Puffs are far better. That tissue holder is a joke at best to me, but I'm picky to...

Most of the battery heaters I've seen have that lump - it usually isn't enough to warrant any spacer but if you do go that route make sure to use something that doesn't store or absorb moisture. Some materials will also react with the sulfuric acid fumes that all batteries vent off - try to...

Is there a welding shop nearby? Most old school welders are experts at removing broken fasteners - if it were here I'd have it out in short order. Welding a nut onto a broken bolt will break the corrosion loose quickly between the shock of the heat and cooling the part back off - after welding...

Probably just an accumulation of sludge. Have you ever done a flush/fill? Sarge