2 GENERAL INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE
proper position. (We will supply exploded
view whenever possible). When making ad-
justments, especially tune-up adjustments, do
them in order; often, one adjustment affects
another, and you cannot expect even satisfac-
tory results unless each adjustment is made
only when it cannot be changed by any other.
2. Overtorquing (or undertorquing). While
it is more common for overtorquing to cause
damage, undertorquing can cause a fastener
to vibrate loose causing serious damage. Es
pecially when dealing with aluminum parts,
pay attention to torque specifications and uti
lize a torque wrench in assembly. If a torque
figure is not available, remember that if you
are using the right tool to do the job, you will
probably not have to strain yourself to get a
fastener tight enough. The pitch of most
threads is so slight that the tension you put
on the wrench will be multiplied many, many
times in actual force on what you are tight
ening. A good example of how critical torque
is can be seen in the case of spark plug instal
lation, especially where you are putting the
plug into an aluminum cylinder head. Too lit
tle torque can fail to crush the gasket, causing
leakage of combustion gases and consequent
overheating of the plug and engine parts. Too
much torque can damage the threads, or dis
tort the plug, which changes the spark gap.
There are many commercial products
available for ensuring that fasteners won't
come loose, even if they are not torqued just
right (a very common brand is "Loctite®"). If
you're worried about getting something to-
gether tight enough to hold, but loose enough
to avoid mechanical damage during assem-
bly, one of these products might offer sub-
stantial insurance. Read the label on the
package and make sure the product is com-
patible with the materials, fluids, etc. in-
volved before choosing one.
3. Crossthreading. This occurs when a part
such as a bolt is screwed into a nut or casting
at the wrong angle and forced. Cross thread
ing is more likely to occur if access is difficult.
It helps to clean and lubricate fasteners, and
to start threading with the part to be installed
going straight in. Then, start the bolt, spark
plug, etc. with your fingers. If you encounter
resistance, unscrew the part and start over
again at a different angle until it can be in
serted and turned several turns without much
effort. Keep in mind that many parts, espe
cially spark plugs, use tapered threads so that
gentle turning will automatically bring the
part you're threading to the proper angle if
you don't force it or resist a change in angle.
Don't put a wrench on the part until it's been
turned a couple of turns by hand. If you sud-
denly encounter resistance, and the part has
not been seated fully, don't force it. Pull it
back out and make sure it's clean and thread-
ing properly.
Always take your time and be patient; once
you have some experience, working on your
car will become an enjoyable hobby.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Naturally, without the proper tools and
equipment it is impossible to properly ser-
vice your vehicle. It would be impossible to
catalog each tool that you would need to per-
form each or any operation in this book. It
would also be unwise for the amateur to rush
out and buy an expensive set of tools on the
theory that he may need one or more of them
at sometime.
The best approach is to proceed slowly,
gathering together a good quality set of those
tools that are used most frequently. Don't be
misled by the low cost of bargain tools. It is
far better to spend a little more for better
quality. Forged wrenches, 10 or 12 point
sockets and fine tooth ratchets are by far pref-
erable to their less expensive counterparts.
As any good mechanic can tell you, there are
few worse experiences than trying to work on
a car or truck with bad tools. Your monetary
savings will be far outweighed by frustration
and mangled knuckles.
Begin accumulating those tools that are
used most frequently; those associated with
routine maintenance and tune-up.
In addition to the normal assortment of
screwdrivers and pliers you should have the
following tools for routine maintenance jobs:
1. SAE (or Metric) or SAE/Metric
wrenches—sockets and combination open
end/box end wrenches in sizes from % in. (3
mm) to % in. (19 mm) and a spark plug socket
(
13
/ie or % in. depending on plug type).
If possible, buy various length socket drive
extensions. One break in this department is
that the metric sockets available in the U. S.
will all fit the ratchet handles and extensions
you may already have
(¥4, %,
and
Yi
in. drive);
2. Jackstands—for support;
3. Oil filter wrench;
4. Oil filler spout—for pouring oil;
5. Grease gun—for chassis lubrication;
6. Hydrometer—for checking the battery;
