Virtual Mechanic

Mechanical configuration of linkages

 
PURPOSE
A mechanical configuration of linkages is to move the clutch lever fork.  A mechanical configuration is used instead of a hydraulic clutch applicator.  This is also adjustable.  A mechanical configuration may also use a cable that makes it adjustable.  Any clutch assembly must have free play.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
A mechanical clutch configuration may require adjustment.  If you notice the pedal becoming hard to press this could be an indication of a frayed cable or a clutch assembly sticking.  As the pedal becomes harder to push this shows that it needs to be attended to ASAP.  A mechanical or cable clutch assembly may not tolerate a hard pedal and either snap the clip or rod.  When driving up hill if you notice the engine revs increasing but the speed doesn’t, the clutch assembly is slipping.  It either requires adjustment or the assembly itself needs replacing. 

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Most mechanical configurations use a cable assembly which costs between $60.00-$80.00 for the cable.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
A cable or mechanical assembly is best with 2-4mm free play.  A cable without free play will cause the clutch assembly to slip and rapidly deteriorate costing a lot more than the cable or cable adjustment.

 
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

PURPOSE
The clutch slave cylinder is designed to plush the clutch lever in order to engage or disengage the clutch lever or fork.  The clutch slave cylinder has a bleeding nipple fitted  and bleeds the clutch hydraulic system.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The clutch slave cylinder is a component under pressure while it is in use making it possible to leak.  If there are any drops, or dampness is found around the clutch slave cylinder, it needs to be attended to ASAP.  The most common sign is a clutch pedal going to the floor and also there is difficulty in selecting gears. If you have to force a gear selector into gear this is the time to stop as the selector mechanism is a fragile component that will not tolerate the mechanisms being forced.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
The clutch slave cylinder is repairable but not if the bore is scored then it needs to be replaced, costing between $50.00-150.00.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
It is possible to repair the clutch slave cylinder especially if it is made of cast iron but check the bore.  If the bore is scored it may be better replaced.  The clutch slave cylinder will need to be bled after being installed.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

PURPOSE
The carburettor is a very important multi function component as it mixes air and fuel together and it allows the engine to idle, to rev and to maintain desired speeds and overtake on full throttle.  At the same time its purpose is to mix air and fuel at the correct ratio.  The carburettor is only designed to operate with clean fuel and must be mounted securely in the manifold. 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The carburettor is capable of leaking fuel.  Signs of dampness or of red colour are indications of this.  Any fuel leak or smell must be attended to A.S.A.P.  A carburettor is also capable of blocking up the cruising, idle or full throttle circuits.  All these circuits are linked to a fine orifice or emulsion tube.  A flat spot or an automatic choke staying on for too long, indicates a problem circuit but the most dangerous indicator is a sticky throttle as this may cause an accident.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Carburettors are costly, ranging from $85.00 for a single barrel to $350.00 for a four barrel.  Fuel over the years may gum up the operation and this is time to have the carburettor serviced.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
A blocked carburettor may go away or it may stay and require mechanical attention.  One option is sucking the problem out with a rag but be very careful as anything with fuel is dangerous and you can risk a backfire in your face or risk damage to your skin.
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

PURPOSE
A brake warning lamp may be a handbrake light, a master cylinder level indicator or a master cylinder losing excessive fluid which enables the switch to be activated.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The most serious light indicator is a brake light staying on because the system is leaking excessive fluid.  The first step is to check the fluid reservoir.  If it’s exactly at the full mark while you have the cap off, push the level indicator down to see if the light goes out.  Also check the hand brake lever to see if the light fades or goes out if you manipulate the on and off on the handbrake.  If either works, disconnect the connection to the master cylinder.  If the light goes out have your mechanic inspect it before you drive it anywhere as the light connected to the master cylinder, the warning brake light, is a brake fluid loss indicator.  This is a serious problem.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Costs may vary, depending on the source of the problem.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
Disconnecting the warning lamp to prevent the light from coming on is not the way to go as it’s designed to prevent the brakes from failing.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

PURPOSE
Brake lights are designed to let other drivers know when you’re braking.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
The problem with brake lights is that it’s hard for the driver to know if they are operating or not.  One way to check this is to reverse close to a wall at night and view the reflection of the brake lights in the rear vision mirror.  Also you can ask a friend to view the rear lights while you depress your brake pedal with the ignition on.

IS IT EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR?
Brake globes are cheap at under $2.00 each.  If you decide to fit a globe make sure  that the new globe has the same voltage and wattage as the old one as this will affect the brightness of the globe.

TEMPORARY REPAIR AND LONG TERM REPLACEMENT
If you find that the globe is out, give the assembly a light tap or remove the globe and refit it.  This may resecure the connections and the globe will become operational again.  A discoloured globe is a dead globe that needs to be replaced.  There is only one way to fit a globe.  It has offset mechanism.  This will be explained in the video.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

PURPOSE
Brake fluid is designed to operate under high temperatures therefore it contains additives that make it hydroscopic, this means its properties will become affected if it’s exposed to water.  Brake fluid is not designed to last forever as moisture may affect the boiling point.  For this reason brake fluid must be kept in a dry place and the rubber lid on the master cylinder must be sealed to prevent moisture and dirt from entering into this reservoir.  Brake fluid is best kept for 12 months, and after that, throw it away as it may contain moisture.

Things to look for
Brake fluid, depending on its demand, may become discoloured.  When this happens renew the brake fluid..  It is important to observe the brake fluid reservoir on a weekly basis as it may descend as the front disc callipers self adjust.  It should only descend slightly, measured in millimetres at a time.  If the reservoir descends completely in a month  then it’s leaking.  At this stage, don’t even drive the car to the garage.  Brake fade is also a sign to change the brake fluid.  Brake fade is when the pedal is still hard but there is no braking reaction

Is it expensive to repair?
Brake fluid is not expensive and if you decide to replace the brake fluid make sure your mechanic bleeds all the nipples and cleans the reservoir.  If this is completely flushed, it may cost around $45.00 including time.

Temporary repair and long term replacement
Brake fluid may descend slightly in the reservoir as the disc callipers self adjust.  At this stage it’s okay to top it up with new brake fluid to prevent the buoyant level indicator from switching the brake warning light on.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
Non start..

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Remove the distributor cap and have a look at the rotor button when cranking.  If it doesn’t turn, this is either the distributor drive stripped or the cam shaft gear stripped.

COST
Somewhere between $65.00-$300.00.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
This will give a high pitched squeal all the time, not just when braking and usually happens on disc brakes.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
You will need to remove the wheel from where you think the noise is coming from and have a look around the stone guard.  The stone guard is a guard to prevent stones from hitting the disc brake rotor.  What you should find is a stone.  These noises just come on out of no where and they usually come on when you have been travelling on an unsealed road.

COST
You can do it yourself or your local auto club can come out and look at it for you, or your local mechanic.  The cost is around $10.00 for an inspection..

 
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
A tappet noise can be an irritating noise but it is better than a quiet tappet.  Tappet noise may be the result of hydraulic tappets requiring replacement.  It also may be the effect of a low oil level or the result of the tappets requiring adjusting.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Check the oil.  If it’s been a long time since the oil has been changed, eg. 10,000kms, change the oil.   Consult your local spare parts dealer and tell them you’ve got noisy tappets.  They might be able to suggest a thicker viscosity oil.  Also check to see if your tappets are hydraulic or adjustable.  If they are adjustable then it might be okay to get these tappets adjusted.

COST
Getting tappets adjusted costs around $35.00-$45.00.  Getting hydraulic lifters replaced costs around $180.00-$250.00.

 
This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009

THE EFFECT
The whole neighborhood gets to hear it!  It’s a high pitched metallic noise that when cranking the pinion gear from the starter motor is trying to turn the ring gear that has no teeth left. 

THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Basically what you will find is that with every second crank, every fifth, fifteenth or hundredth crank, you will hear this noise..  If the noises become more common, eg. every second or third or tenth crank, it’s time to get the ring gear fixed and also the starter motor pinion will have to be examined to see if it’s worn.  It may be causing the ring gear to wear.

COST
Cost of a ring gear or fly wheel and the starter motor pinion may cost around $600.00 for the complete job.  A temporary repair is, with a set of gloves,  to try to move the harmonic balancer.  That way you are moving the location of those sets of teeth and of the ring gear, and the car might start if you are stranded in a remote location.

This article is found in the Virtual mechanic CD Rom
You can download it for the price of a latte, but you will learn not to buy a lemon
By Darren Gow-Brown, Melbourne Australia ©2009