Auto Tuneup Tools
Performing a tune-up on your vehicle will depend on its model and year; and when to do one will also vary since different vehicles have their own tune-up intervals and needs. Tune-ups can be either basic, major or high-performance, with mileage intervals ranging from 6,000, 30,000 to 100,000 miles. Whatever the application, some basic and specialized tools are needed for any tune-up.
Other People Are Reading
-
Tachometer
-
A hand-held tachometer reads engine RPM. Usually hooked up to the battery and the negative side of the coil, tachometers read critical RPM numbers when adjusting the low and high speed mixture screws on the carburetor. They can be used for higher readings when diagnosing low- or high-speed engine miss.
Vacuum Gauge
-
A vacuum gauge provides a reading for engine vacuum (suction) and can diagnose back-pressure or restrictions in the exhaust system. These gauges can also detect engine air leaks in and around the carburetor base or intake manifold. They can find variations in the old-time vacuum advance on distributor-equipped cars.
-
Trouble Code Scanner
-
The trouble code scanner, sometimes called a code reader, has its benefits before performing a tune-up. Plugged into the engine's wiring loom, the trouble code scanner can detect component fault codes that currently exist, have existed in the past or might be pending, making them an excellent record keeper. Used with a book of fault code descriptions, the trouble code scanner can pinpoint an exact failure in the system, no matter how complex. The code scanner works in conjunction with the vehicle's computer, swapping information back and forth.
Timing Light
-
A hand-held timing light has a strobe light that fires every time an electrical pulse triggers it. The timing light shines the strobe onto the crankshaft pulley and a small metal tag that has a scale written in degrees. The timing light allows you to set the ignition timing to manufacturer's specifications.
Feeler Gauge
-
The feeler gauge has a variety of small blades of different thicknesses that measure increments in thousandths of an inch, used for measuring gaps. A feeler gauge provides the correct gap measurement adjustment for a distributor equipped with points and can also be used to measure the air gap in electronic ignition distributors.
Voltmeter
-
The voltmeter can detect the charge condition of a battery, determining if all the cells are holding the proper charge. The voltmeter can also determine the charging voltage of the alternator and determine if a low or high voltage charging condition exists. Voltmeters can track down any shorts or abnormal readings in the entire electrical system.
Socket Sets
-
Complete socket sets, in either standard or metric design, are used for loosening any nut or bolt on the engine system, including oxygen sensors, throttle body bolts, spark plugs and other related tune-up components. Recommended shaft sizes include 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 varieties. Extensions and universal sockets should be included for hard-to-reach nuts and bolts.
Channel Locks and Pliers
-
Channel locks, regular pliers and spark plug pliers have their applications in tune-ups. Channel locks can turn large sockets. Spark plug pliers can remove spark plug wires at the boot without damaging the wire leads or connectors. The plug socket has a special design for removing spark plugs, with a six-point head and interior rubber cushion that allow safe plug removal without breaking tips or porcelain plug bodies.
Screwdrivers
-
A complete set of screwdrivers, including hex and star heads, Allen, slotted and Phillips, are used for tune-ups. Slotted and Phillips head screwdrivers can remove all manner of fuel line and hose clamps. Slotted screwdrivers might also be needed for idle speed and fuel mixture screws on carbureted vehicles. Sometimes screwdrivers must be used on cabin and air cleaner box hold-down fasteners.
Oil Filter Wrench
-
The oil filter wrench can reach difficult areas to remove the oil filter when no other tool will do. The collapsing clamp on the oil filter wrench can grip large or small oil filters and loosen them by pushing on a leverage handle. Their reversible design also makes them practical for removing or installing oil filters.
-
References
- Photo Credit Auto Engine image by Andrew Breeden from Fotolia.com
