Monday, May 19, 2014
How to Replace Install a Blower Motor Resistor
A blower motor takes still air and forces it in one direction. In cars, theyre an essential part of the air conditioner because they blow air through an evaporator and into the cabin. Blower motors can move air at different speeds by switching between different resistances. Resistors with low impedance let the motor spin faster and high impedances make it spin slower. A short circuit can damage the resistors in your blower motor and the only way to fix them is to replace them.
Instructions
- 1
Disassemble your blower motor and expose the electronics inside.
2Inspect the resistors in your blower motor. They are either a small coil with electrical connections or are a removable part of an integrated circuit board. Damaged resistors may appear and smell burnt, or look melted.
3Remove the screws holding the resistor to the board, then remove the resistor from the motor.
4Insert the replacement resistor in the same place as the old one and secure it with screws. Ensure that no stray wires or connections are touching the resistor.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
BMW Motor Problem
Fuel pump problems in certain BMWs may cause motor trouble, according to the results of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation. Fuel pump failure could cause longer engine starting times or rough engine running.
Consumer Complaints
In 2008, 27 consumers complained to the NHTSA and to BMW that a fuel pump problem had caused engine trouble in their 2007 BMW 335i models. Some of these drivers experienced the motor suddenly shutting off on the freeway. Others crashed when the fuel pumps malfunctioning led to engine trouble.
NHTSA Investigation
NHTSA opened an investigation in April 2008 to determine the cause and safety risks of BMW high-pressure fuel pumps causing engines to stall. NHTSA closed the investigation in August 2008 noting that the stalled engine problem occurred in only four percent of complaints, but disclaiming that the closing of the investigation doesnt necessarily mean a safety risk does not exist.
No Recall
As of 2010, the manufacturer has not issued a recall to repair this problem. This means BMW owners will bear the financial burden of any repairs that arent covered under warranty.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
How to Install a Rocker Shaft on a Ford 390 Motor
The rocker arm in a combustion engine translates the rotation of the camshaft into the linear movement needed to open the intake valve of the cylinder head. The Ford 390 engine appears on various Ford vehicles from 1961 to 1976, such as some 1968 Mustangs. The rocker shafts on this engine are part of the intake manifold assembly, so the rocker shaft installation procedure requires the removal of any components needed to access the intake manifold.
Instructions
- 1
Drain the coolant from the radiator into a container, and store the coolant for later use.
2Detach the radiator hose from the housing of the thermostat, and remove the bypass hose from the intake manifold. Disconnect the air cleaner and ducts from the the intake manifold with a socket wrench. Remove the distributor cap, and detach its electrical wiring from the engine.
3Mark the distributor housing to indicate the rotors position, and detach the electrical primary wire from the ignition coil. Disconnect the hold-down bolt for the distributor, and remove the distributor from the intake manifold.
4Detach the vacuum lines on the intake manifold, and disconnect the electrical wire for the temperature sending unit. Remove the vacuum lines and fuel line from the carburetor. Disconnect the linkages that attach the carburetor to the intake manifold.
5Disconnect the valve covers with a socket wrench. Turn the four mounting bolts for the rocker shaft two turns counterclockwise, proceeding from front to back. Repeat this until you disconnect all of the mounting bolts for the rocker shaft.
6Mount the new rocker shaft and fasten the mounting bolts with a socket wrench. Tighten each bolt two full turns at a time, proceeding from back to front.
7Install the remaining components by performing steps two through four in reverse sequence. Use the mark that you made on the distributor housing in Step 3 to install the distributor in the correct position. Refill the radiator with coolant, and check the vehicle for fluid leaks.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Electric Hydraulic Motor Types
Hydraulic motors utilize fluid pressure in the operation of the mechanical loads. (See Reference 1) Hydraulic motors are unable to function separately from a circuit, pump, valves, filters, hoses, metal tubing and other hydraulic components. There are three major types of hydraulic motors that each operate within this same capacity but are unique in their own respects.
Gear motors
Gear motors come in two types, internal and external. Internal gear motors generally are constructed of an output shaft and an inner-outer gear set. (See Reference 2) The outer gear has an additional tooth compared to the inner gear, and the shape of these teeth makes it so the two gears are constantly in contact with one another. Motor housings for the motors have kidney-shaped inlet and outlet ports. In addition, the center rotations of both gears are separated by a predetermined amount called the eccentricity. In this design, the center of the output shaft and the inner gear are located in the same place. (see Reference 2) In contrast to the internal design, external gear motors are constructed of matched gears contained within a single housing. A similar tooth formation is seen in both gears and propelled by fluid pressure, with one gear connected to an output shaft and the other an idler. The force of the pressure fluid creates the rotation of the gears along the outside of the housing, and the fluid flows at a low pressure from the other side of the motor. (See Reference 2)
Vane motors
Vane motors are constructed of a slotted rotor affixed to the drive shaft, which is then operated through the rotor. (See Reference 2) The vanes move in a radial direction to seal the cam ring. This ring, with dual major and minor sections, is connected by transitional ramps or sections. Grooves and holes in the vanes are used to provide balance to the radial forces throughout the operation of the motor. (See Reference 2)
Piston
There are two types of piston motors, axial and radial piston motors. With the axial piston motor, the cylinders are in a 360-degree circle and are parallel to one another. (See Reference 1) Each individual cylinder contains a piston that "reciprocates with one end of the piston pushing against an eccentric swash-plate located at one end of the bank of cylinders." (See Reference 1) Through this arrangement of cylinders, the plate is connected to an output shaft that is "axially aligned with the cylinders." (See Reference 1) Generally seen in cylindrical hydraulic motors, axial piston motors are largely meant for compact designs. Radial piston motors are defined by the arrangement of the pistons on cams alongside the camshaft that is then attached to the output shaft. Using a reciprocal movement, the pistons create a rotary motion to the variant shafts to create power. Radial piston hydraulic motors are often seen in vehicle and airplane engines but are additionally useful in large equipment such as forklifts.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
How to Install a 48 CC Gas Bike Motor
Knowing how to install a motor on a 48CC gas bike -- also known as a pocket bike or mini bike -- is a very important skill if you are assembling your own pocket bike or selling them. Due to the nature of such bikes, many of them are shipped in parts, with assembly instructions. No skills beyond a basic proficiency with a wrench and experience with assembling items is necessary. Approximately 1 hour of your time is necessary.
Instructions
- 1
Lift up your bike and put it on its kickstand. If it is the two-sided kickstand, leave the back wheel touching the floor and the front wheel suspended in the air.
2Unpack your motor, if necessary. Lift your motor up and locate the hole for the exhaust pipe. That will be the front end. Locate the holes in the back and match them up with the poles sticking forward on the bike frame, directly behind the front wheel. Gently push the motor in.
3Locate the bolts that came with the motor. They should be wrapped in a plastic bag if the motor is new. If you are rebuilding your bike, simply find the bolts that you removed previously. Bolt them on with the socket wrenches.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
How to Replace the Blower Motor Resistor on an Odyssey
A common sign of a bad blower motor resistor is when the fan motor refuses to operate on the lower speed settings, operating instead only in the full-on or full-off position. When properly functioning, the lower speed settings add resistance to the current, causing the motor to run slower. If youre having problems with the fan settings on your Honda Odyssey, it might be time to replace the blower motor resistor.
Instructions
- 1
Evacuate your air conditioning system to recover the refrigerant, or take the Odyssey to an auto mechanic and have him evacuate the system.
2Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
3Remove the two rubber stops from the inside left and inside right of the glove box, using your fingers. Tilt the glove box all the way down toward the floor. Remove the two bolts on the left and right side of the glove box. Remove the glove box.
4Cut the plastic cross brace spanning the open area behind the glove box, by slicing the left and right sides with a utility knife. This piece does not need to be replaced.
5Open the hood of the car, if it is not already open. Remove the two nuts on the two refrigerant lines to and from the evaporator, located to the left rear of the motor in the engine compartment. Cap the open refrigerant openings with plastic caps. Remove the nut on the firewall, above the two refrigerant lines you just loosened. This nut holds the evaporator in place on the other side of the firewall.
6Return to the glove box area. Remove the wiring harness from the evaporator. Disconnect the temperature sensor (the smaller wire on the upper left). Remove the mounting bolts. Remove the evaporator.
7Remove the front passenger airbag (see warning below).
8Disconnect the wiring harnesses from the blower motor. Remove the clips that hold the control cable in place. Remove the control cable. Remove the mounting bolts from the blower motor. Remove the blower motor unit.
9Remove the two screws holding the blower resister to the blower motor. Reinstall a new blower resister.
10Installation is the reverse of removal.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Cummins 555 Motor Specifications
Diesel engines were once manufactured primarily as heavy-duty, internal combustion engines for use in machinery that required more power than a gasoline engine could provide. The Cummins model 555 diesel was no exception. This workhorse engine was used primarily in large pleasure boats but also had applications in heavy machinery and large, heavy-duty trucks.
General Specifications
The Cummins 555 is an eight-cylinder, four-stroke, turbo-charged diesel engine in a V formation with four cylinders on each side set at 90-degree angles to one another. This engine has a displacement of 555 cubic inches.
Power
The 555 is available in three power configurations, depending on the intended use and the number of hours per year it will be operated. There are two high-output power options and one intermittent power option. The first high-power option calls for 270 basic horsepower (BHP) at 3300 RPM. The second high-power option provides 270 BHP at 3000 RPM. The intermittent power option provides 235 BHP at 2800 RPM. Actual output is calculated at the shaft and is rated at 97 percent of BHP, but actual output depends on the accessories driven by the motor, such as alternators and other additional equipment. The high-power options are limited to full-speed operation for two hours of every six the engine is run. Intermittent operation is allowed at full power for six hours of every 12 hours of operation.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption by the 555 is dependent on the power option of the engine and on the engine speed. Fuel consumption figures are based on using No. 2 diesel fuel and are given in U.S. gallons per hour. For the intermittent power rating, fuel consumption ranges from 6.9 GPH at 2200 RPM to 13 GPH at 2800 RPM. The first high-output application consumes fuel at a rate of between 8.9 GPH at 2700 RPM and 16 GPH at 3300 RPM. The fuel consumption of the second high-output power option ranges from 8.1 GPH at 2400 RPM to 15.1 GPH at 3000 RPM.
Engine Specifications
The cylinder bore is 4 5/8 inches with a piston stroke of 4 1/8 inches, allowing for a 17:1 compression ratio, and there are four valves per cylinder. Oil capacity is 6 gallons, with 5 gallons held in the oil pan and the remainder in the oil filter and tubing. The engine is water-cooled, and the configuration varies depending on the type of installation. The engine is a maximum of 63 inches long, 37 inches wide and 35 inches high.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
How to Replace the Water Pump on a 1997 Northstar Motor
The Northstar series of engines was manufactured by General Motors from 1991 to 2010. They are fuel-injected engines with double overhead camshafts. Northstar engines are most common in Cadillac vehicles such as the 1997 Eldorado, which has an eight-cylinder 4.6-liter engine. The water pump in a 1997 Northstar engine prevents overheating by circulating water and coolant around the engine. The procedure for replacing the water pump is generally the same for all Cadillac cars made from 1990 to 1998.
Instructions
- 1
Park the car, turn off the engine and open the hood. Detach the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to avoid accidentally starting the engine. Position a container under the radiator drain and open the drain. Allow the coolant to drain into the container and seal it for later use. Close the drain.
2Disconnect the air cleaner with a socket wrench. Remove the mounting bolts for the water pump pulley, and detach the drive belt from the pulley. Disconnect the water pump pulley.
3Remove the mounting bolts for the water pump, and disconnect the pump from the engine. Discard the gasket for the water pump, and clean the mounting surfaces for the gasket with a clean cloth.
4Mount the new gasket to the studs of the water pump, and install the new water pump. Tighten the mounting bolts for the water pump to 5 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
5Install the water pump pulley. Install the water pump pulley bolts finger tight. Install the drive belt. Tighten the water pump pulley bolts to 22 foot-pounds.
6Connect the air cleaner and the cable for the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Replace the coolant in the radiator and check for coolant leaks.
7Run the engine until it reaches its normal operating temperature. Check for coolant leaks again and top off the coolant if necessary.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
How to Replace a Chrysler Pacifica Blower Motor Resistor
Replacing the blower motor resistor pack may be necessary if the blower motor in your Pacifica is not working correctly. Most often, the blower will run on high and turn off but not function on any of the settings in between when the resistor is bad. A replacement resistor pack is available from most auto parts stores and is located on the face of the blower motor, where it meets the HVAC duct under the dash.
Instructions
- 1
Open the hood of your Pacifica and locate the negative battery terminal at the battery. Loosen the pinch bolt on the cable end with a wrench then remove the cable from the terminal, isolating the cable while you work.
2Open the passengers door and locate the blower motor under the dash on the passengers side. The motor sits directly behind the glove compartment.
3Find the resistor pack on the face of the blower motor then remove the wiring harness connector by releasing the locking tab on the connector and pulling the connector straight off the resistor pack.
4Locate the two retaining bolts on the ends of the resistor pack and remove them with a socket and ratchet. Slide the resistor out of the HVAC duct then lower it from behind the dash.
5Position the new resistor pack in the HVAC duct then install the two retaining bolts and tighten them with a socket and ratchet. Do not over-tighten the bolts or you will damage the plastic housing.
6Push the wiring harness connection onto the new resistor pack, making sure it is secure. Take your time to be sure it goes on straight or the pins can bend on the resistor pack, causing it to function incorrectly.
7Move to the battery and install the negative battery cable on the negative battery terminal then tighten the pinch bolt with a wrench. Test the repair by running the blower through the speeds and verify it is working properly.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
How to Find a Chevrolet Motor Size
There are several reasons that you might need to know how to find a Chevrolet motor size. Two typical reasons are for ordering replacement parts or while finding replacement parts for your engine on another same-sized engine on a wrecked vehicle in a junkyard. In general, motor sizes are referenced by their cylinders, like 4 cylinder (V4), 6 cylinder (V6), or 8 cylinder (V8). There is another measurement referring to engine size that is important when replacing engines, the cubic inches (ci) displaced by the cylinders. A 3.6 Chevy engine displaces 3.6 liters or approximately 219ci.
Instructions
- 1
Open your glove box and remove the owners manual. In the index or glossary, look up engine and these pages will tell you all the specs (specifications) of your Chevrolet motor size.
2Pull the lever under your dashboard to pop the hood. Run your hand under the hood to find the latch that is present on some models of Chevy hoods that allow you to unlock and lift the hood.
3Look at the engine case. Some motors have the engine size, cylinders, and ci (cubic inches) or liters (1 liter is 1,000 cubic centimeters). For example, you might see V8 for an 8 cylinder or 3.6L for a 3.6-liter engine.
4Remove the valve cover and write down the code on the underside for the head numbers. Replace the valve cover securely. Use the code to find the matching motor size or compare the code to an engine chart like the Chevy big block engine charts found in the "references" below.