Universal joints that stay put Every time you add a universal joint to an extension, you know the socket is going to weigh it down, making it hard to fit onto the fastener. I saw this Titan Tools 3 Pc. Auto Flex Universal Joint at SEEMA Show 2022 and had a chance to try it. NOTE: Ricksfreeautorepairadvice receives a commission on any purchases made when using the link below. ©, 2022 Rick Muscoplat
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Wrench organizer trays that really hold Wrench organizer trays from Ernst Manufacturing I found this neat Ernst Manufacturing wrench storage system at SEEMA 2022. Most wrench trays are designed for a particular wrench brand. But these wrench storage trays accept all brands. Just snap the wrench into place and it stays even if you carry the tray to your work site. Full assortment of wrench organizer tray sizes Ernst makes just about any size organizer to fit your wrench set and toolbox. Choose from trays that hold 4, 5, 6, … Read More
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Socket organizer system from Ernst Manufacturing I found this neat system at SEEMA 2022. Most socket rails are either spring clips or magnets. But the SocketBoss is different. Just twist the socket to lock it to the rail and untwist to remove the socket. They mount drive-end down. Buy the socket rails individually or in a set with a tray. To remove a rail from a tray, just push a button and it unlocks. Choose from Blue, Red or Yellow • 15 locking clips per rail • Move the clips … Read More
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The Mechanic Doctor – Resources for Amateur and Pro Auto Mechanics
There are mainly two types of car owners present out there. The one who always keeps his car’s key safe
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Catalyst Monitor – What does it do? The catalyst monitor checks the efficiency of the catalytic converter by monitoring the upstream (pre-cat) and downstream (post cat) oxygen sensors. The ECM expects to see large fluctuations in the upstream oxygen sensor. But if the catalytic converter is doing it’s job, the ECM should see an almost flat line from the downstream oxygen sensor. To test the efficiency of the catalytic converter, carmakers will command a series of rapid fluctuations in air fuel mixtures. It will then watch the results of both … Read More
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Heated Catalyst Monitor A catalytic converter must reach at least 400°F to 600°F before it can properly reduce emissions. Some carmakers equip their catalytic converters with a heater to speed up bring the catalytic converter to its operating temperature more quickly. This helps reduce emissions by reducing the converter’s down time when the engine is cold. The Heated Catalyst Monitor performs the same diagnostic tests as the catalyst Monitor, and also tests the catalytic converter’s heater for proper operation. This Monitor is also a “Two-Trip” Monitor. ©, 2022 Rick Muscoplat
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Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Monitor The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system reduces the formation of Oxides of Nitrogen during combustion by keeping combustion temperatures below 2500°F. The EGR system accomplishes the heat reduction by recirculating a small amounts of exhaust gas back into the intake manifold at cruising speeds, where it is mixed with the incoming air/fuel mixture. This reduces combustion temperatures by up to 500°F. The ECM determines when, for how long, and how much exhaust gas is recirculated back to the intake manifold. How the EGR Monitor works … Read More
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Evaporative System (EVAP) Monitor All OBD2 vehicles are equipped with a fuel Evaporative system (EVAP) that prevent fuel vapors from evaporating into the air. The EVAP system stores fuel vapor in a charcoal canister during fillup. After fillup, the ECM commands a purge cycle where the fuel vapors are burned in the engine and the system conducts and integrity test to ensure there are no fuel vapor leaks. Each manufacturer conducts the integrity test in their own way. How the EVAP system works After fillup, the system open a purge valve … Read More
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Secondary Air System Monitor Secondary air systems are used to jump start a cold catalytic converter and to cut down on cold start emissions. A catalytic converter must reach approximately 400° to 600°F in order to properly reduce emissions. When a cold engine is started, a large amount of fuel is unburned due to the “quench” effect of the cold combustion chamber and cylinder head. That unburned fuel then enters the cold catalytic converter where there’s not enough oxygen to burn it off. Lacking extra oxygen and heat, that raw … Read More
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Non-Methane Hydrocarbon Catalyst (NMHC) Monitor Some diesel vehicles include an extra catalyst called a Non-methane Hydrocarbon Catalyst. It’s designed to remove non-methane hydrocarbons (NMH) left over from the combustion process from the exhaust stream. The NMH catalyst materials react with the exhaust gases to convert CO, HC, Particulate Matter and Soluble Organic Fraction into CO2 and H2O. The computer checks the efficiency of the catalyst by monitoring the quantity of NMH in the exhaust stream. The monitor also verifies that sufficient temperature is present to aid in particulate matter (PM) … Read More
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