Tuesday, January 21, 2014
How to Adjust Shovelhead Shocks
The Shovelhead was the best and worst of Harleys, built mostly when Harley was a division of American Machine and Foundry. The engineering was flawed and the assembly was mostly rushed. Yet the Shovel is the most nostalgically-remembered Harley because it was the last engine type before the motor company began marketing itself to the RUBs, the rich urban bikers who actually saved the company. Chassis parts, including shock absorbers, are still very widely available for all Shovels. Anybody will sell you shocks to fit any Shovel and they are almost always better than the originals. Start with new replacement shock absorbers.
Instructions
- 1
Measure the distance with a steel tape from the middle of the upper shock bolt to the middle of the lower chock bolt for both shock absorbers.
2Measure the same distances again while an assistant who is about your size sits on the motorcycle.
3Subtract the difference, which is called "the squat." Do not adjust the shocks if the distance is between 1/2 inch and 1 inch -- because those measurements mean the squat is just right. Adjust the shocks if the squat is greater than 1 inch or less than 1/2 inch.
4Turn the mechanical pre-load adjusting cam on the bottom of the shock absorber clockwise, with a spanner wrench to increase shock absorber pre-load and decrease squat.
5Turn the mechanical pre-load adjusting cam counterclockwise with a spanner wrench to decrease pre-load and increase squat.
Monday, November 25, 2013
How to Adjust Saturn Rear Drum Brakes
You can adjust the rear drum brakes on your Saturn right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. You should adjust the rear brakes periodically to keep them in the best working condition. As you use your brakes, they wear down a bit causing a space between the shoes and the drum. To close up this space, you need to do an adjustment with a few basic tools you can purchase from your local auto parts retailer.
Instructions
- 1
Disengage the parking brake. Place a wheel chock behind each of the Saturns front wheels to keep the vehicle from accidentally moving while you work.
2Lift up the rear of the car with a floor jack, high enough to slide the jack stands underneath the car next to each control arm by the wheels. Slide the jack stands into place and lower the car onto them.
3Put on a respirator mask, which you can purchase from any hardware store, to protect yourself from brake pad dust. Remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Take off the wheel and set it aside with the lug nuts.
4Twist off the drums clockwise. If they are stuck, strike them with a hammer gently and twist again.
5Locate the star-shaped self-adjuster under the wheel cylinder. Spread the shoes open a bit by turning the self-adjuster. Slip the drums back onto the shoes. They should slide on easily if you did the adjustment correctly.
6Put the wheels back on the Saturn and tighten the lug nuts. Lift up the car with the jack and slide the jack stands out. Lower the car to the ground. Lift up on the parking brake, which should only move up six notches maximum.
7Tighten the lug nuts all the way with the lug wrench and remove the wheel chocks.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
How to Adjust an Ezgo Governor
For those who want to increase the speed of their golf game, they can make some simple adjustments to how fast their golf cart can go. In this case the piece that needs adjustment is called the ground speed governor, which will allow more power and speed to consume the engine at levels that surpass the original speeds of 5 to 10 miles per hour. With current technology, you can only take advantage of this for about five minutes after ignition.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the seat attached to the cart and unscrew the black plastic piece located at the end of the cart. Note that there are five screws that require unscrewing.
2Remove the black plastic cover and look into the empty area that once had its seat in place. The governor appears in the scene of a spring apparatus that is hooked to the throttle cable. This device will consist of both a small and large nut.
3Check the small nut to see that it is less tightened than the larger nut. The speed of the golf cart is greatly enhanced when the larger nut has been severely tightened.
4Tighten the small nut immediately after determining the acceptable speed.
5Re-screw the black plastic piece into the golf cart until the entire seat is back in place.
Friday, October 25, 2013
How to Adjust the Focus on Lightforce Driving Lights
Adding aftermarket driving lights such as Lightforce Lights to a truck or four-wheel drive vehicle can be a great way to increase its value as well as performance. This can be done for a relatively small cost and not much work. However, whether you install these lights yourself or have to job done professionally, you will need to align or focus the lights after use. Luckily this is a straightforward and simple job even someone uncomfortable with truck repairs can master in a matter of minutes.
Instructions
- 1
Park your vehicle one foot in front of a large brick wall or garage door. Youll need an additional 20 feet of room to back up once your targets are marked off.
2Measure up from the ground to the center of the Lightforce Light lens. Transfer this measurement to the wall and use a piece of chalk to mark the wall with a cross shape. The center point of the cross should line up with the center of the lens.Do this for both lights.
3Back the vehicle up 20 feet and turn on the lights. Notice how the lights land in respect to the chalk crosses. The passenger side light should land dead center on its cross. The drivers side light should fall one inch to the right and one inch below the center point so that it will not shine into any oncoming traffic.
4Locate the adjustment screws on your Lightforce light. The screws are located at the base of the light; one for controlling the vertical and one for the horizontal. Use a screwdriver to adjust the screws until the lights hit the desired mark.
Friday, September 27, 2013
How to Adjust a Horton Clutch Fan
All automotive engines use a fan to keep the engine cool during operation. If you are having problems with your engine overheating, it could be due to the Horton clutch fan installed in your car. When the fan does not operate, the engine overheats and turns off. As this could happen during operation, adjusting the Horton clutch fan could keep it attached to the serpentine belt on your engine. You dont have to be a car mechanic to adjust the clutch fan. You can do it yourself with little hassle.
Instructions
- 1
Park your car on a level surface, and apply the emergency brake. Pop the hood, so you gain access to the engine.
2Use a socket to remove the upper fan shroud from the Horton clutch fan. This is the protective piece on the top of the fan.
3Use a belt tool to suspend the serpentine belt. Make sure that the serpentine belt is making contact with the Horton clutch fan. Adjust or replace the belt if needed.
4Use a socket set to loosen the bolts securing the clutch fan to the car. Adjust the fan so you can get a good fit on the serpentine belt if needed.
5Tighten the bolts and situate the serpentine belt to the fan. Release the belt by removing the belt tool. Close the hood.