Looks like I'll be wrenchin over the Holiday weekend

  • May 26, 2010
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I just had Dave at Mastertek in Algonquin check out the van.  FWIW, Dave is a great guy and I highly recommend him if you happen to need car work done.  Anyway, from time to time the van was idling a bit rough and I thought it was due to low compression in cylinder 1.  Turns out that’s not the issue.  He seems to think it is an ignition related problem.  I’ll probably just replace that coilpack and see how it goes.  The issue is that it isn’t consistent.   I suppose that is a blessing since it tents to imply that it isn’t a mechanical problem.

Still Dave suggested a laundry list of items for me to do

  • Upper and Lower ball joints
  • Pittman arm
  • Outer tie-rods
  • Front brakes
  • right side exhaust manifold

Excluding the oh shit factor, I should be able to knock most of that out over the weekend

I did learn a new way of testing compression without using a mechanical tester.  I have yet to try it, but the concept seems sound.  Basically, using a scope, you hook an inductive coupler up to the starter lead to measure current and one lead to one of the cylinders.  The scope may be the easy way to do this but I suspect that it can be done with just a multimeter.  The concept is to look for deviations in current draw on the compression stroke while cranking the engine.  The lead on the coil/plug is just to determine the firing sequence.  You need to disable fuel while performing this test for obvious reasons.  If I get time this weekend I’ll give this test a go.  It sure sounds a lot easier than removing all the plugs and doing it the traditional way.

I almost forgot.  Since I’m going to be spending the weekend packing and working on the van I’m going to treat myself to a new impact gun from Harbor Freight.  I think 650 Ft pounds of torque is just what the doctor ordered.  Enjoy the 20% off coupon.  I know I’m going to put it to good use.

Harbor Freight 20% off coupon

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