[MasterTecInSTL]

I too always use anti-seize. Of course I only use a little tiny bit. I'm cheap so I keep the little tiny packets that come with oxygen sensors and that little packet will get me through about four or five oxygen sensors and about 10 spark plugs. A little bit goes a long way with anti-seize!

As far as gapping plugs goes... yes platinum (and iridium) plugs are supposed to be pre-gapped. I always just eyeball them to make sure all four look about the same (to make sure one hadn't been dropped or something) and then just put them in if they look good.

It's not even advisable to check the gap on these. Why? Because there is a little tiny "fleck" of platinum or iridium attached to the tip of the plug and the gapping tool can possibly knock this fleck loose allowing it to fall off after installation and cause engine damage. I don't think there's much danger of this anymore but back when platinum plugs first came out.. it was a big deal.

If you must gap a platinum or iridium plug do not slide the tool, instead make sure the next more narrow size fits easily and if not bend it outwards with a small pair of needle nose. Don't use the tool to open the plug up further. EXAMPLE: If 0.035" is spec then make sure the 0.030" fits loosely in there. Try not to exert any pressure on the platinum/iridium tip.

To be fair though gap isn't as critical as it once was. Spark voltage has increased so much and since it's direct ignition there is no "loss" of voltage due to wire resistance anymore. I've had cars in that ran "perfectly" fine with plugs worn so bad that the gap was well over 0.120"! Might not be the most healthy thing for the coils but as long as your plugs are within 0.020 or so to spec it shouldn't be any issue whatsoever.

I should also note that a small piece of 3/8" hose usually works great as a spark plug starter!

 

[bull6791]

Battery replacement

I know how to replace my battery. My question that nobody will answer is when replacing your battery how to you hook a jump starter up to the car. The jump starter is so you do not lose memory and also have to reprogram radio stations.
Any info on this subject would be great. Thanks

 

[GREENPUS]

Just hook it up to the cables on the battery. neg to neg, pos to pos. When you disconnect the battery from the cables of the car, make sure the cables from the jumpstarter stay connected to the battery cables in the car. If the cables fall off then you lose power to radio.

 

[funman1]

Or try one of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Computer-Me.../300984313202?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4614102572&vxp=mtr

 

[greeky510]

Depending on how good your wire condition is, a 9volt battery with alligator clips to a clean ground near the firewall and the positive input on the fusebox might be enough.
I've tried it a few times, some it worked, some others it didn't.

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

 

[rgurleyjr]

I just saw something either in Walmart or Autozone similiar to what Funman posted on ebay, maybe try it. I've always just reset everything given the few times I have to replace my battery.

 

[Dave's]

Got one at wallyworld which plugs into the aux power (cig lighter) with a 9v battery. Worked fine.

 

[bull6791]

Getting stuck battery terminal off post

I just changed my battery and had a hard time getting negative terminal off post. I want to know for next time how do I get the terminal off with out breaking it. Is there a tool to get stuck terminal off or does somebody have another way. Any ideas or thoughts would be great.
Thanks.

 

[Merkle]

I usually just grab the connector with some pliers and twist it a little from side to side and/or use a screw diver to pry up from underneath. That usually does it, and of course, loosen the screw/bolt.

Did you actually break the terminal?

 

[memo3027]

I would say to spin it back and forth or pour some coke on it to help loosen it a little

Aj

 

[mikered30]

Buy some dielectric grease and felt battery washers and install soon so you don't have this problem next time. Also brush the posts and terminals with a wire brush. Should last you 5 years if you keep down the corrosion.

 

[dorman68]

This article has helped me greatly. Hope this will be of some value to you.



http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/Corroded-Car-Battery-Terminal-Replacement-Guide/index.html

 

[GREENPUS]

Buy some dielectric grease and felt battery washers and install soon so you don't have this problem next time. Also brush the posts and terminals with a wire brush. Should last you 5 years if you keep down the corrosion.

I don't waste my time with felt pads but I do use tons of dielectric grease. Best stuff ever for all electrical connections...

 

[greeky510]

What I do is put a flat screwdriver in between where the two halfs of the terminal meet and spread it apart a little bit. Then twist a bit back and forth and then out it comes.

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[koreywill]

Battery terminal removal

If you want fancy just "Google" battery terminal puller. There's a bunch of them out there. Neat little tool.

 

[bull6791]

Code reader

I am looking to buy a code reader for my car. Does anybody have any insite on what would be a good on to get. Someone recommend innova 3030. I am leaning towards buying it but I want to hear other peoples recommendations.
Any help and info would be great

 

[pcorlatan]

I've had ScanGauge e for a little over 2 years and it's been great for seeing stats such as mpg and component temps. I've never needed the code reader functionality but it's built in and should work just as well as the other dedicated readers under $100. I guess it depends on how much you're willing to spend and if you care about extra functionality or just want a code reader.

 

[Vibe]

I am looking to buy a code reader for my car. Does anybody have any insite on what would be a good on to get. Someone recommend innova 3030. I am leaning towards buying it but I want to hear other peoples recommendations.
Any help and info would be great

Do you have an android device?

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[MasterTecInSTL]

What features do you want out of a scanner? If you just want to read engine codes and basic OBDII data then any cheap <$100 OBDII scanner will do.

If you want to be even cheaper you can buy a chinese-knockoff ELM327 adapter and use it with an android device with the free "torque" app installed. This would cost less than $20.

If you want something that gives you full capabilities over all vehicle systems the most cost effective would be the Autel diagnostic system at about $1200.

 

[bull6791]

Interstate battery

I was thinking about getting an interstate battery. Never had one before. What are people's opinions. How good are they.
Thanks