Repair And Fix it

Ford introduced the Mustang in 1964 to compete with Chevrolets Corvette. The Mustang quickly became one of the most popular muscle cars ever made and went on to become an American icon. The Mustang has changed dramatically since those early years, in terms of both its appearance and its performance, but it is still one of most popular sports cars on the market.



The Mustang was redesigned in 1994 and kept that body style until it went through another major redesign in 1999, taking on a boxier, more aggressive style than the rounded-off body of the 1994 to 1998 models. In 1996, Ford put a new Borg-Warner T-45 Transmission in the Mustang, as well as a new 4.6-liter, modular engine, which is still used in the Mustang today.

General Alignment Information for the 1996 Ford Mustang

The front end of 1996 Ford Mustang has a modified McPherson strut-design with shock struts and coil springs. The rear end has a solid-axle design, and its alignment cannot be adjusted. Problems with the alignment on the rear end are more likely due to bent or damaged parts.

The front-end alignment specs are the same for all trims of the 1996 Mustang. (Reference 4)

Always consult an owners manual or a certified mechanic before attempting to perform your own automotive repairs.

Caster Angle

The limits for the caster angle for the front wheels of the 1996 Ford Mustang range from +2.65 to +4.15, with the ideal angle being +3.4 degrees.

Camber Angle

The limits for the camber angle for the front wheels of the 1996 Ford Mustang range from 1.35 to +.15 for the left wheel and 1.35 to +.15 for the right wheel, with the ideal angle being -.6 for each wheel.

Toe-in

The toe-in can range from 0 to +.24 inches.

Toe-out on Turns

On the 1996 Ford Mustang, the toe-out on turns, measured by degrees, should be 19.84 for the outer wheel and 20 for the inner wheel.

Correct ignition timing specifications are crucial for engine performance. Timing affects many variables, including fuel economy and engine longevity. Sold for more than six decades, the F150 is a full-sized pickup manufactured by Ford Motor Company. Its engineers have determined precise timing specifications so that you can benefit from your 1989 F150 truck as much as possible.

Measuring Ignition Timing

A timing light is used to check the timing. When the motor is running, an inductive trigger signal is picked up from one of the spark plug cables, causing the light to illuminate and freeze while the spark plug fires. This helps determine the crankshaft position. Use this information for timing adjustment.

Timing Specifications

The ideal time at which the mixture should be fully burned on the 1989 F150 is in the range from 9.5 to 14.0 degrees before top dead center (BTDC) with engine running at 2,500 rpm.

Notes

These adjustments should be performed only on mechanical advance distributors. Also, when the engine is operating at high altitudes, the timing should be set to 14 degrees.

The General Electric (GE) Company is an American company, headquartered in New York, which started in 1892. The company specializes in technology, energy, capital finance and consumer products and solutions. It also creates engines for transportation equipment, including trains. The GE ES44DC is an engine car created by Cooper Bessemer for the GE Company. GE started producing this engine in 2003.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the GE ES44DC are 73 feet 2 inches long by 15 feet 6.5 inches high to the top of the hood. To the top of the cab, the engine is 15 feet 4.5 inches high, and the cab width is 10 feet 3 inches wide. The hood is 9 feet 11 inches wide, and the walkway is 5 feet 5 inches wide. The truck wheel base is 13 feet 2 inches wide, and the wheel diameter is 3 feet 5 inches. The center bolster is 53 feet, and the total distance between the truck center is 66 feet 2 inches. The trailing edge from the rear truck to rear pilot is 1 foot 7.5 inches, and the leading edge from the front truck to front pilot is also 1 foot 7.5 inches. The engine weighs 416,000 pounds (lbs).

Tanks

The fuel oil tanks can hold up to 5,000 gallons of fuel oil, and the lubricating oil tank holds up to 450 gallons. The total sand capacity is 40 cubic feet (ft3), and the engine cooling water tank holds up to 450 gallons.

Power

The GE ES44DC features a four cycle, GEVO 12 model engine, which generates up to 4,400 horsepower (hp). The minimum revolution per minute (rpm) is 450, and the maximum rpm is 1,050. It moves up to 70 miles per hour (mph), and its gear ratio is 53:20. The engine bore is 9.8 inches, and the engine stroke is 12.6 inches. The engine bore is the diameter of the cylinders, and the stroke is the total length that the pistons move.

Features

This engine comes with six GE 752AH traction motors and dynamic braking. It features Westinghouse model 26L air brakes and a model 3CDC air compressor, and it comes with two Koppers 872-22 tractor motor blowers. The tractive effort is the pulling force of the engine. The starting tractive effort is total force produced at a dead start, and this is 142,000 lbs at 25 percent. The continuous tractive effort is the total amount of force at a certain velocity, and this measurement is 109,000 lbs at 13.7 mph.

The Ford T18 transmission was produced by Borg-Warner between 1965 to 1991. The Borg-Warner T18 transmission replaced the earlier T98 transmission model in both Ford, Jeep and IH 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton heavy-duty trucks. There were two variants of the T18 transmission produced by Borg-Warner. It is advised to inspect the model number located beneath the top shaft cover before attempting to install a Jeep T18 transmission in a Ford vehicle.

Borg-Warner Specifications

The standard Borg-Warner T18 transmission has a length of 11.87 inches, a total height of 17.5 inches, and a total weight of 145 lbs. The T18 is cased in cast-iron. The top cover is also cast-iron. The PTO port is located on the passenger side of the vehicle. The T18 has gearing ratios of 6.32, 3.09, 1.69, 1.0 and R7.44. There are slight variations in the length of Ford T18 and Jeep T18 transmissions.

Ford T18 Specifications

The Ford T18 model transmission has a 1 and 1/16 inch diameter. The Ford T18 has a ten-spline shaft extending 6 and 1/2 inches from the front face of the transmission.The Ford T18 pilot tip is 18 mm. The front-bearing retainer flange is 4.85 inches. The diameter of the retainer tube is 1.43 inches in diameter. The front bolt of the T18 is patterned in a typical Ford symmetrical butterfly pattern, 6 and 5/16 inches in length by 8 and 1/2 inches in width.

Jeep T18 Specifications

There were roughly twelve variations of the Jeep T18 transmission released from 1966 to 1984. There are subtle variations present in each of the editions, but the key differences are present in the gear ratios and shaft length. Between 1972 to 1975 the standard gear ratio of the Jeep T18 was 4.02:1. Between 1977 to 1979 the gear ratio of the Jeep T18 was adapted to 6.32:1. The PTO port of Jeep T18 transmissions is located on the drivers side of the vehicle.

The Jeep T18 transmission was originally released with a length of 11.87 inches, a total height of 17.1 inches, and a weight of 145 lbs. Both the shaft and the top cover of the transmission are encased in cast-iron. Variations of the Jeep T18 transmission feature gear ratios of either 6.32, 3.09, 1.69, 1.0,and R7.44, or 4.02, 2.41, 1.41 and 1.0 in the earlier release.

Correct torque value for the bolts on a vehicle is important for auto safety. A torque value that should be paid particular attention to is that of the intake manifold bolts. The intake manifold bolts must have the correct torque value, as well as be torqued in the proper sequence.

Reasoning

The intake manifold is of manufactured of cast iron, and it is bolted to a cast iron block, so proper torque ensures the casting is not damaged. The proper torque also ensures the intake manifold gasket properly seals, preventing debris from entering the combustion chamber. It also prevents vacuum leaks from forming and causing running issues.

How

Proper torque is achieved with a torque wrench. A torque wrench is very similar to a basic ratchet, but it is able to be set to a certain torque value. When the set torque value is achieved, it emits an audible signal, typically a clicking sound, to alert the user.

Amount

Torque is measured in a value known as foot-pounds, sometimes abbreviated "ft-lb." All 12 of the bolts on the intake manifold of a 289 engine require a final torque value of 25 ft-lb.

Process

You cannot simply tighten the bolts in straight sequence, as the last bolts tightened do not seal as well as the first. There is an alternating pattern to assure the best seal. Starting with the front passengers side bolt and moving clockwise, the torque sequence goes 9-5-1-3-7-11-12-8-4-2-6-10 (see reference for image). The sequence must be performed three times to ensure accuracy.

Chryslers LA-series 360 engine, named for its displacement of 360 cubic inches, was one of Mopars mainstays in the 1970s. It was released in 1971 with a two-barrel carburetor; a four-barrel carbureted version was added in 1973. After production of Chryslers 340 ended in 1973, the 360 became the most powerful engine of the LA series. In 1976 it was offered in three forms: a two-barrel version, a four-barrel version and a four-barrel, high-performance version.

Description and Applications

The Chrysler 360 was an overhead-valve, V-8 engine with cast-iron block displacing 360 cubic inches, or 5.9 liters. It had a 4.00-inch bore and a 3.58-inch stroke. It ran on unleaded gasoline, with a minimum recommended octane rating of 87. The engine had five main bearings and featured hydraulic valve lifters. The compression ratio was 8.4 to 1.

The 360 appeared in many Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge cars in 1976 as either the base engine or an option. These models included Chryslers Cordoba and Newport, Dodges Aspen, Coronet, Charger SE, Dart and Monaco, and Plymouths Fury, Gran Fury, Valiant, Duster, Scamp and Volare.

Performance

In its basic, two-barrel carbureted form, the 360 produced 170 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 280 foot-pounds of torque at 2,400 rpm. In California, a four-barrel Carter carburetor was used in place of the standard Holley two-barrel; the result produced 175 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 270 foot-pounds of torque at 1,600 rpm. Also available was a high-performance 360 using the same four-barrel Carter carburetor, which produced 220 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 280 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 rpm. This version, known by its sales code of "E58," was utilized primarily in high-performance Dodge Darts, Plymouth Valiants and police cars.

Other Specs

The 360, like the 340, used Chryslers "J" cylinder head, with intake valves measuring 1.88 inches in diameter. The firing order of the cylinders was 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. The engine had a capacity of 16 qts. of coolant and 5 qts. of oil. The recommended spark plug gap was .035 inches. Champion N12Y plugs were standard, with RN12Y optional. RN12Ys were standard on the high-performance engine. The recommended hot idle speed was 850 rpm, 750 rpm in California with 1,700 rpm as the recommended cold idle speed. A single-snorkel air cleaner was used on the 360.

Knowing a spark plugs specifications is crucial to understanding how the engine operates. A spark can make an engine run well, or it can damage it with pre-ignition. If you do not use the plug with the correct rating, your car will not operate properly.

Why Plugs Need Ratings

Different spark plug lengths are compatible with cylinders of different sizes. Different engines also require plugs with different spark ratings. Depending on the engine, choosing the right plug ensures the fuel burns efficiently once the piston compresses it against the cylinder cap.

Sparks also indicate whether the engine is burning fuel properly. If the fuel is burning too lean, the spark plug tip will show a chalky white residue. If it is burning too rich, the plug will be black or oily.

Spark Specification Coding

Sparks are usually coded in four digits. The first letter is thread diameter code. This lets a user know the plug will fit right in the engine socket or not.

The second digit is a number for the heat rating (the lower the number, the hotter the plugs spark).

The third letter is a digit for the length of the plug (short or long). Smaller engines tend to use a shorter length that screws into the cylinder cap.

The fourth digit is for any special codes of manufacturing company differences and brand identifications.

Lastly, if a fifth digit exists, it represents the electrode gap measurement.

Using the Wrong Plug

While spark plugs are generally designed similarly enough that they can be used interchangeably, doing so is not a good idea. The wrong specification will mean the spark plug will run too hot or too cold and foul.

Running too hot is more serious; a hot spark plug will cause pre-ignition which makes the engine misfire and can melt a hole in a piston.

The Cummings 3.9-liter turbo diesel 4BT engine is a straight-4 configuration engine used in automotive applications including small trucks, SUVs and commercial vans in addition to many off-road applications that include boating, construction equipment, farm machinery and other off-road uses. Owing mainly to its ability to generate high torque at lower rpm, this Cummins workhorse engine is a favorite replacement engine for any application calling for a small diesel engine or changeover from gasoline to diesel.

General Specifications

The 4BT measures 30.6 inches long, 24.6 inches wide and 37.7 inches high. It has net of 745 to 785 lbs. without fluids or accessories, depending on configuration. The "4BT" designation means it has four cylinders and belongs to the B series of Cummins engines. The "T" stands for "turbocharged." The 4BT is a four-cylinder version of the Cummins 6BT used in Dodge trucks as a replacement for eight-cylinder gasoline engines.

Mechanical Specifications

This 3.9-liter Cummins diesel engine is an eight-valve, in-line four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.9 liters, or 239 cubic inches. It has a bore of 4.02 inchesand a piston stroke of 4.72 inches. With the piston at top dead center, the engine has a compression ratio of 17.5 to 1. Engine air delivery occurs via a non-intercooled turbocharger. With the oil filter, the engine holds 10 quarts of oil.

Power

As originally manufactured, this four-cylinder diesel delivered 105 horsepower at 2,300 rpm and 265 foot-lbs. of torque at 1,600 rpm. As of 2010, recent configurations deliver 130 horsepower and 335 foot-lbs. of torque. You can easily tweak the engine for more power by adjusting or changing the turbocharger, or by using different injector nozzles.

For the 2010 model year, Chevrolet sold three lines of pickup trucks, the Avalanche, the Colorado and the Silverado, which comes in 1500, 2500 and 3500 models. Each vehicle comes in several trims. The specs provided below should be applied only to the assigned vehicle and should not be used on any other models or trims of a Chevy truck. The rear alignment is not adjustable on any of the vehicles below.

All Trims of the 2010 Avalanche With 18-Inch Tires

The caster should be set at plus 3.3 degrees on the left front tire and plus 3.5 degrees on the right front tire, with a variance of one degree relative to the ground. The ideal camber setting is minus 0.1 degrees, with a variance of 0.5 degrees. The ideal setting for the toe-in is 0.1 degrees, but it can range by 0.2 degrees.

All Trims of the 2010 Colorado 4x4 Except the Z71

The caster should be set at plus 3.8 degrees on the left front wheel and plus 4.0 degrees on the right front wheel, with a variance of one degree. The camber should be set at zero, but can range by 0.5 degrees. The toe-in should also be set at zero, but can range by 0.1 degree.

All Trims of the Silverado C/K 2500HD

The caster should be set at plus 3.25 degrees on the left front wheel and plus 3.5 degrees on the right front wheel, with a variance of one degree relative to the ground. The camber should be set at plus 0.25 degrees, but can range by 0.6 degrees. The toe-in should be set at 0.1 degree, but can range by 0.2 degrees.

Nissan introduced the full-size Titan pickup truck in 2004 and continues to sell it in 2010. The Titan comes in more than a dozen two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive trims. All two-wheel-drive trims shared the same alignment specs for the 2006 to 2010 model years, and all four-wheel-drive trims shared the same specs for those years. The rear alignment is not adjustable on any 2006 to 2010 Titan.

Caster

The preferred caster angle is +3.0 degrees for the two-wheel-drive trims and +2.2 degrees for the four-wheel-drive trims, but it can vary by -0.75 degrees or +0.75 degrees on any trim.

Camber

The preferred camber angle is -0.2 degrees for the two-wheel-drive trims and +0.3 degrees for the four-wheel-drive trims, but it can vary by -0.75 degrees or +0.75 degrees on any trim.

Toe-in

The preferred toe-in is +0.22 degrees for the two-wheel-drive trims and it is also +0.22 degrees for the four-wheel-drive trims, but it can vary by -0.08 degrees or +0.08 degrees on any trim.

Thrust Angle

The preferred thrust angle is 37.5/34.0 degrees for the two-wheel-drive trims and 37.9/34.0 degrees for the four-wheel-drive trims, but it can vary by -1.5 degrees or +1.5 degrees on any trim.

Cadillac had three engines in its lineup for 1976. Two of the engines were different versions of the 500 cubic-inch V-8, which was one of the largest engines on the market, and the third engine was a 350 cubic-inch V-8.

Standard

The standard engine in 1976 Cadillacs was the 7.7-liter 500 cubic-inch V-8 engine. This engine had a four-barrel carburetor, a compression ratio of 8.5-to-1, a bore and stroke of 4.3 inches and put out 190 horsepower. It had 360 foot-pounds of torque and could power the Calais to 130 miles per hour.

Potential

The fuel injected version of the 500-cubic-inch V-8 was a 8.2 liter engine that could produce 210 horsepower. It had 380 foot-pounds of torque. The rest of its dimensions were the same as the other 500-cubic-inch engine.

Significance

While Cadillacs were known for their size and power, refinement of the smaller Seville continued in 1976. The smaller car had a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine that produced 180 horsepower and 275-foot-pounds of torque. It had a compression ratio of 8-to-1 and fuel injection.

The Mazda 20B rotary engine belongs to a very rare classification of engines known as Wankel rotary engines. Wankel rotary engines do not have traditional cylinder-and-piston designs. Instead, they operate with a rotating reaction chamber. The Wankel rotary engine has roots that go all the way back to early propeller-driven aviation, and it combines high engine power with a great deal of space reduction, making it a good choice for a sports car motor.

General Wankel Engine Specifications

A Wankel rotary engine operates using a triangular prism-shaped internal rotating combustion structure. Each face of the prism performs the same function as the cylinder head in a typical engine. Rather than having a simple up-and-down piston movement, the Wankel rotary engines entire internal structure moves around within the engine block enclosure. Because of the greater mass of the internal moving parts, Wankel engines need to be more securely mounted to the vehicle frame than conventional cylinder/piston engines in order to avoid damage from vibrations.

20B Engine Specifications

The Mazda 20B engines central triangular reaction surfaces can be removed from the camshaft, a notable change from early types of Wankel engine where the two pieces were fused. This makes for simpler repairs and engine rebuilding. The entire engine block of the Mazda 20B engine can be disassembled into 11 smaller replaceable components, which to some extent addresses mechanic complaints about other manufactures Wankel engines in terms of finding replacement parts. The modular design makes replacement parts easier to stockpile and simpler to custom-fabricate should the need arise. The 20B engine has a compact design, and retains a high horsepower output at 250 HP stock without enhancements.

20B Engine Successors

Motor Trends Magazines 2009 article "Mazda RX-7 Dilemma" pointed out the notable absence of a next-generation Mazda rotary-engine sports car. It did, however, showcase a new hybrid minivan powered by a hydrogen-compatible rotary engine. This translates into a possible future for the technology derived from creating and supporting the 20B engine. It also signals a possible future trend in mainstream, family rotary-engine vehicles. Previously, the rotary engine has been reserved for high-performance sports cars, motorcycles and aircraft.

The TE12FUA is part of Snap-ons Torqometer line of torque wrenches. Its important to learn a torque wrenchs specifications so you will know whether the tool is applicable to the job at hand. An example is when you tighten lug nuts on a vehicle. If you use a torque wrench that has a range of 30 foot-pounds, you will not be able to properly torque the lug nuts, which can require as much as 100 foot-pounds of torque.

Physical Dimensions

The Snap-on TE12FUA is the follow-up model to the TE12UA. The TE12FUA is 9 and 29/32 inches long, 2 and 11/16 inches wide, and has a head depth of 1 and 1/4 inches.

Torque Specifications

The Snap-on TE12FUA has a torque range of 150 foot-pounds and can measure torque values in 2.5 foot-pound increments. It has a 3/8-inch square drive to attach a 3/8-inch socket.

Accuracy

According to Snap-on, the TE12FUA is accurate within 2 percent of the reading on the dial when the reading is between 20 percent of the maximum on the dial and the maximum reading on the dial.

Parts

Snap-on sells replacement parts for the TE12FUA, ranging from the dial ring to the movement adjusting screw.

Chevrolet introduced the Corvette, the first sports car manufactured by a U.S. company, in 1953. Since then, the Corvette has remained one of the most recognizable and esteemed performance cars on the U.S. market. The C3, the third generation of the Corvette, was sold from 1968 to 1982. It was commonly referred to as the Mako Shark and it replaced the popular second-generation Sting Ray. As is common with most vehicles, the alignment specs changed from year to year. The alignment specs provided here apply to all trims of the 1982 Corvette, but should not be used for aligning the wheels of any other model year of the Corvette.

Caster

Caster is basically the slope of an imaginary line drawn through the upper and lower pivot joints of a wheel when viewed from the side of the vehicle, with zero being a vertical line straight up through the center of the wheel. If the top of the slope crosses the vertical line toward the rear of the car, then the car has a positive caster. If the top of the slope crosses the vertical line toward the front of the car, then the wheel has a negative caster. Most vehicles are designed to have a positive caster -- meaning the steering pivots will be slightly angled toward the rear of the vehicle. The preferred caster on the front end of the 1982 Corvette can range from +1.75 degrees to +2.75 degrees, with the ideal setting being +2.25 degrees. The caster cannot be adjusted on the rear wheels.

Camber

The camber is the angle the top of a wheel tilts when viewed from the front of the vehicle. When the top of the wheel tilts out, it represents a positive camber. When the top of the wheel tilts in, it represents negative camber. The camber on the front end of the 1982 Corvette can range from +0.25 degrees to +1.25 degrees, with the ideal setting being +0.75 degrees. The preferred camber angle for the rear wheels is zero, but it can range in either direction by 0.5 degrees.

Toe-in

The toe of a wheel is often given in inches and represents the difference in the space between the fronts of two opposing wheels and the rear of two opposing wheels. For instance, if a vehicle has a toe-in of 1 inch, that means the fronts of the wheels are 1 inch closer to each other than the rears of the wheels. The toe-in on the front end of the 1982 Corvette should be set at +1/4 inch, but it can range in either direction by 1/16 inch. The toe-in on the rear wheels should be set at +1/16 inch, but it can range in either direction by 1/16 inch.

Sold in the majority of automotive markets throughout the world, Camry is a mid-sized family vehicle, manufactured by Toyota, since 1980. The factory specifications for the alignment are slightly different for all 2004 Camry models, though the toe specification is the same.

Toe Definition

Toe is the difference between the leading and trailing inside edges of the front wheels. Wheel toe position out of specification can cause unstable steering and uneven tire wear.

Specifications

The total toe-in specification should be 0 degrees with maximum allowable difference of 0.6 degrees. Rack end length difference should be 1.5 mm (0.069 inches), or less.

Notes

These specifications are given for a vehicle at curb height with one-half tank of fuel. Also, the wheel toe position should be the final front wheel adjustment, performed after camber and caster adjustments.

Ford introduced the Aspire in 1993 as a 1994 model. It replaced the Festiva as the companys affordable, compact car. Ford discontinued the Aspire in 1997. The head torque specs were the same for the two-door and four-door trims that year, as both of them came with the same 1.3-liter engine.

Understanding Torque

When using hand tools, torque is basically the same thing as leverage. It is the measurement of force applied to turn or twist an object. Torque is given in distance-and-force measurement. For instance, 10 foot-pounds represents a torque of 10 pounds applied to a lever or tool at a distance of 1 foot from the object being turned. This would equate to applying 10 pounds of pressure while using a wrench that is 1-foot long.

Tightening Sequence

It is important to tighten the bolts on the Aspires cylinder head in the proper sequence. There are two lines of bolts, sequenced 8-4-1-5-9 and 7-3-2-6-10. The bolts must be tightened in sequence from 1 to 10.

Torque Specs

Tighten the bolts in sequence with 35 to 40 foot-pounds of torque. Then tighten the bolts in sequence again, using 56 to 60 foot-pounds of torque.

The 2001 Chevrolet Malibu was a four-door sedan with a maximum horsepower of 170 hp at 5200 rpm. The car takes P215/60R15 tires. You should rotate your tires to prevent uneven wear. This helps you get more mileage out of the tires. After rotating or changing tires, you should align your vehicle for better steering and handling.

Camber Angles

The camber angles in both the front and rear should ideally be -0.2. However, they can be aligned anywhere between -0.5 degrees and 0.5 degrees.

Caster Angle

The caster angle on the 2001 Malibu can be from 3.1 to 5.1 degrees. The optimal alignment is at 4.1 degrees.

Toe-In Alignment

The toe-in angle should be in the -0.15 to 0.35 degree range. Ideally, it should be at 0.1 degrees. In the rear, the toe-in angle should be between -0.26 and 0.14 degrees. The optimal toe-out angle is 0.06 degrees.

Ride Height

After aligning the tires, check the ride height of the 2001 Malibu. Ride height is also known as ground clearance. The distance between the center of the front axle to the ground should be 32.2 inches. The bottom of the rocker panel should be 9.33 inches off the ground. The distance between the bottom of the ball joint and the bottom of the frame rail should be zero inches. The center of the rear axle should be 25 inches from the ground.