Now this lady is no doubt a “Garage-Girl”, check out her passion, still at 91 years old. We love how she has cared for this car and documented everything, this lady ROCKS!!! We hope she inspires you to treasure your passion for your vehicles!
Category Archives: The Machine
Riding out to Sturgis, Get your Spectro in!
If your riding your bike out to Sturgis, odds are your going to be putting enough miles on to warrant an oil change along the journey. We just got word that you can get those fluids changed at the Buffalo Chip Campground. Spectro is going to be the featured oil at “Easy Eddie’s Oil Change”. “We’ll be providing a full range of lubricants — petroleum, semi-synthetic and synthetic along with transmission and primary oils,” says Rollin Karoll, VP – Sales, Spectro Oils of America. Spectro products will also be available for carry out sales.
The Oil Change facility is located just outside the Buffalo Chip west gate, and you don’t need a Chip pass to enter. The Easy Eddie crew not only does oil changes, they can fix just about anything from a minor electrical problem to major engine repairs. With 10 years of Rally Service experience, (MMI and HD certified techs) they can solve your problems quickly and have you back enjoying the rally. If you do swing by tell ’em Garage-Girls sent ya!
Moto Adventure Gal
For most of us we get interested in motorcycling for the adventure, to roam the wide open to put ourselves in open places and discover what is around us. Well we came across this blog by Alisa Clinkenger, aka Moto Adventure Gal. This lady is living the dream and doing it to help out others at the same time. One of her motorcycle adventures took her from her home in Connecticut on a six month ride tour through Mexico down through Central America and South America. During this trip, which she paid for out of her own pockets, she helped raise funds for women’s cancer research. Not only should she be praised for her courage to take this long ride alone, but for her dedication to helping others. You defiantly have to check her out, http://motoadventuregal.com/blog/ .
Smart Cars
While most people don’t drive around with these newest technologies, as more and more people start buying up the latest models it won’t be long before almost everyone on the road has this technology at their fingertips… So what do you think, is this technology that rocks and we should embrace, or is it kinda creepy???
Blind Spot and Cross-Traffic Detection
Blind spot detection features identify people, other vehicles, or objects within vehicles’ blind spots and provide an instant warning to the driver. Similarly, cross-traffic detection systems can detect vehicles, people or objects in a vehicle’s path while backing out of a parking space and alert the driver.
Driver Recognition System
This system allows multiple drivers of a vehicle the ability to program various vehicle settings including seat positions, mirror positions, and climate control & stereo settings that can all be activated when the driver enters the vehicle.
Night Vision System
This technology provides the driver with a high-beam image of the road ahead, without distracting other drivers, using an infrared light beam that is invisible to the human eye. An on-board camera is used to capture images up to 500 feet away that are then presented on a display in the vehicle’s cockpit.
Parking Assist System
Parking assist systems help drivers park backwards or parallel park using a built-in computer and small sensors located at the rear of the vehicle. After confirming feasibility of targeted parking position, the vehicle’s parking movements would be done automatically by the vehicle.
Keep your Vehicle A/C crankin’
So most of the country is in the middle of a major heat wave, and that means your vehicle’s air conditioning system is going to be under a serious strain. If you haven’t had your system serviced in a while, take some time for an air conditioner tune up. While most new vehicles may simply be able to get away with having their A/C recharged, older cars and trucks may require a little extra attention.
If you think your A/C isn’t as frosty as it used to be, but it’s still blowing cold, you may be able to get away with simply recharging your system. To keep your vehicle in the best condition, your vehicle’s A/C system should be checked annually. Symptoms of a low refrigerant charge include poor cooling and the compressor for the air conditioner frequently engaging and disengaging (the air conditioning is constantly stopping and starting).
A service technician can check the levels of your refrigerant in your vehicle, and make sure they are refilled according to your vehicle’s manual, safely and efficiently.
For optimum functioning, make sure the system is fully charged with no leaks.
You might also choose to have a technician replace or repair any leaking components in your A/C system. Air conditioning repairs involve locating and stopping leaks; it can be tricky to find a small, slow leak in a hard-to-reach area, so it can sometimes require several attempts to fix the system. Leaks can be found by adding special dye to the system, or several other methods to locate the leak. Most repairs involve replacing O-rings, seals or hoses. A technician will troubleshoot your A/C issues, whether it is the compressor, a bad temperature sensor, or leak within your system.
Leaks or poor performance are also potentially harmful to the environment. By stopping the leak, you will prevent refrigerant from leaking into the atmosphere or on the ground where pets could get to it.
So have your A/C checked and charged and keep cool these summer months!
Spark Plugs, how and why we need to change ’em!
Spark plugs are responsible for transferring energy from the ignition system into the combustion chamber. The spark plugs also transfer heat into the cylinder head where it is pulled away via the exhaust stroke. Why do you think those exhaust pipes are so hot? Plugs come in different heat range settings. Which is best for you, well 9 times out of 10 the heat range plug your service manual is telling you to use will be right. Now if you are loading up a full dressed motorcycle and are going to be doing some real hard touring in high temps you might want to consider using a colder running plug vise versa for the opposite situation.
In order to change your plugs you’ll need to determine what size hex your plugs are and then grab the correct socket to match so you can remove the plugs. Remove the plug wires form the spark plug and go ahead with your wrench or ratchet and break the spark plug loose. Once you loosen the plug enough you can grab it with your hand and remove it. Careful if your engine is still hot, you’ll burn your hand. Wait until your engine has cooled some to change the plugs. If the plugs are totally black and reek of fuel then it’s telling you the engine is running rich, this means it’s getting too much fuel during the process of mixing fuel with air. A black plug could also mean your air filter is clogged or maybe you made some changes to your ride, like a set of pipes which is effecting how fast the exhaust is being pulled away, or it could be as simple as a change in altitude and air. A rich plug means that you will lose power as the plug tip temperature drops and causes the plug to foul out. The engine is running too fat (rich) and this is why you’ll see a plug covered with carbon or unburned fuel creating that black look.
If the plugs are totally white then the engine is telling you it’s not getting enough fuel, it’s running lean. A lean mix means the cylinder and plug tip temperature are running high. This bleached look will indicate a lean fuel air mix. Sparkplugs should have a beige color to them; if they look real black or white and you can’t pin-point why then you’ll want to have a certified mechanic take a look. Your spark plugs should also be even in color. You never want to see one spark plug black and one beige; both spark plugs should have the same color. A fuel mixture problem could be robbing you of power. Your Engine mixes fuel with air and combustion happens when the air fuel mixture meets the spark from the spark plug. The faster you get air and fuel in and the quicker you get the exhaust out will enhance the performance of your ride. When changing sparkplugs you’ll need to gap the electrode according to the spec listed in your Service manual. Use a spark plug gapping tool to get the correct gap. The “gap” is where the spark happens, therefore allowing the igniting of fuel, the width of the gap is determined by the strength of the igniton. The wrong gap on a spark plug can cause your engine to run improperly. Don’t over tighten when installing the spark plug back into the cylinder head or you’ll be rather annoyed when you want to replace that spark plug and can’t break it loose. I recommend cleaning the threads on the cylinder head before installing a new plug to rid any dirt that may have collected there. It’s also a good idea to use a bit of anti-seize on the plug threads, this will eliminate the threads from corroding in the cylinder head. Refer to your service manual for the proper torque on the plug.
Get Your 4th on!
Ok this weekend we will all be out at parties celebrating the good ol’ USA and along with good eats on the grill some of us will be blowing things up. This might seem like common sense to you, but trust us, some people need this friendly safety reminder… See video above, DO NOT DO THAT!!!!
Use fireworks outdoors only.
Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
Use Caution with Animals. Be careful with animals. Noise and lights of fireworks often frighten animals.
Need to get Grounded?
Ok so it’s not a big secret that some of us gals are vertically challenged when it comes to riding stock bikes. That being said if your feeling like you need to get grounded then check these sucka’s out….
Made famous by the Burly Slammer Kits, the stubby Burly shocks are now available on their own! Measuring in at only 10.5” eye to eye, they live up to their name and are available in black or chrome for most Sporties and Dynas. Burly Slammer Shocks may be short, but they are well thought out and are travel limited to prevent tire/fender contact. Five position preload adjusters allow for fine tuning to rider weight for optimum feel. Fitment for 1988 and newer Sportsters as well as 1991 and newer Dynas and an MSRP of only $199.95. Check them out at your local dealer or the Burly web site.
My cars Check Engine Light is on: What should I do?
You’re driving along in your car or truck and suddenly a red light illuminates on your dash telling you to check or service your engine. As drivers, we are trained to respond to orders of this sort. When a light flashes “Low fuel,” we hurry to a gas station. When the tiny oil indicator comes on, we add oil. But “check engine”? Unfortunately, this indicator light is one of the most misunderstood indicators on your vehicle’s dashboard. But by ignoring this indicator, there are many dangers and potential financial risks, and it is vital to address.
After the fear and panic of the light’s first flash, the driver who doesn’t rush to a service center usually notices as the days pass that nothing at all seems to be wrong. However, by continuing to drive with the light indicator on, you may be exacerbating problems by driving with an issue. The light may mean many things. One frequent problem, for example, is that the emissions system is off kilter, and the car is polluting the air; another is that the gasoline cap is loose, causing the car’s computer to detect an unusual pressure level in the tank (tighten it and the light will eventually go off). But the glitches that activate the check-engine light are often nothing a driver would readily notice. As a result, the country is full of people driving around with check-engine lights aglow – often while trying to figure out how to shut them off.
If you continue to drive your vehicle with the check engine light on, you may experience a difficulty starting your car, a loss of power, and lost fuel economy. There is a reason why the manufacturer installed the check engine light and it is in your best interest to pay attention to what it’s telling you. As a general rule it is less expensive to have the check engine light code repairs when it first comes on.
If you choose to continue ignoring the service light, repairs can become costly and potentially create a cascade effect of issues. The most common check engine light is the old “forgot to tighten the gas cap” signal. Either you did not replace the cap after filling the tank, or you did not properly reseal the pressurized fuel system.
In late-model cars, a blinking light usually indicates an engine misfire so severe that unburned fuel is being dumped into the exhaust system, where it can quickly damage the catalytic converter, requiring an expensive repair. If that happens, you should reduce power and have the car or truck looked at as soon as possible.
According to a Consumer Reports study in 2009, “The customer is really, in the long run, potentially hurting their pocket book by leaving that light on and ignoring it,” says Jim Collins, a national training team leader for Ford Motor Company. In some extreme cases, the car’s computer may reduce power for you, as it tries to limit the risk of damage.
The check-engine light, formally known as a malfunction indicator lamp, is an indication of a failure somewhere, and the problem is often emissions related.
If you find yourself with a check engine light blinking your options are to get it looked at Right away, before you end up doing more damage. If you don’t have a shop you normally rely on for this type of work you might want to locate a Cottman Total Auto Car and transmission near you. Cottman can perform a FREE TransCheck 21 Plus(R) with a FREE computer scan. The TransCheck 21 includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, road testing your car, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. This free scan will give you the info needed to fix your car and stop that annoying blinking light. Locate a Cottman Center near you.
How do you prefer to order your parts?
Hey guys can you help up out? We want to hear it from you. How to do you prefer to order your car or motorcycle parts? Dealership, online, or smaller aftermarket shop? Please leave a comment below and fill us in on why, share an experience that helped you with how you prefer to order your parts. Thanks!