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Discover the expert in you.
If you're looking to change a muffler on a Kenmore riding lawnmower, in all likelihood your lawnmower is actually a Craftsman. The Kenmore brand is one Sears uses for appliances; Craftsman is Sears' brand for lawn equipment and tools. Now that that's straightened out, it's time to get to work. Muffler replacement is a fairly simple process. These instructions for the Craftsman LT 2000 lawn tractor -- based largely on guidance from a Sears ManageMyLife expert -- should prove helpful.
Ford Motor Company made very little changes to the Mustang for the 1966 model year. The gas tank placement was still at the rear of the car in between the frame rails. Like the Falcon on which the Mustang is based, the top of the tank forms the bottom of the trunk floor. The tank is removed through the trunk compartment -- not the underside of the car -- when repair or replacement is necessary.
Like most modern motorcycles, Victory's line of cruiser and touring motorcycles rely on a telescopic hydraulic fork to provide the first line of defense against pot holes, dips and other irregularities found on the open road. The fork is filled with a thick oil that slows the movement of the lower fork slider as it is pushed upward. Over time, this oil will degrade and begin to lose its ability to resist this action, creating a rough and unstable ride. A Victory's fork is serviceable and can be disassembled to drain and refill the oil supply. Doing so, however, requires…
Kawasaki's KZ550 made its first appearance in the USA for the 1980 model year. By 1983, the 550 transformed from a standard motorcycle to a more cruiser-like LTD appearance while its 553 cc air-cooled four-stroke inline-four-cylinder engine remained largely unchanged. An internal gear-driven pump circulated oil throughout the engine, serving to lubricate and cool internal engine components. A faulty oil pump can lead to extensive engine damage, if the pump's condition is left to worsen. However, identifying the exact cause of the problem and making the appropriate repairs calls for the partial disassembly of the motorcycle and should not be…
The 1994 Honda XR250R hailed from a long line of trail bikes that began production in 1986. Unlike its more motocross-focused CR-series counterparts, the XR250R was a versatile off-road motorcycle that could be used for more than just competition. The XR250R relied on a hydraulic front fork to absorb the brunt of the dips and bumps encountered on rough terrain. A thick oil supply and an internal piston contained in each fork leg dampen the shock of each pothole and rut. The oil, however, has a finite life span and must be replaced periodically to ensure the front fork's performance…
Yamaha's 1999 YZ250 was equipped with an inverted, fully adjustable hydraulic front fork that could cope with the rigors of competitive off-road racing. The fork legs relied on a seal to contain a small supply of suspension oil. But the seals can rupture after one-too-many hard landings, allowing the oil to seep out in small amounts. This is typically seen as a light, slick film around the lower fork sliders. If left unchecked, the loss of oil could reduce the fork's shock-absorbing abilities and may even prevent the front brake from working should the oil drip onto the brake rotor.
The YFZ350 Banshee is one of Yamaha's most notorious sport-biased all-terrain vehicles ever produced. Initially introduced in 1986, the Banshee would continue to be sold in the US with relatively few changes until 2006. The Banshee was powered by a variation of Yamaha's two-stroke RZ350-streetbike engine that was renowned for its astonishing power output versus its engine displacement. The Banshee relied on a solid axle held in a carrier tube on the rear swingarm. A pair or bearings ensured that the axle could spin freely, but were easily damaged by rough terrain. Damaged bearings can allow the rear axle to…
Fixing a concave flat roof as a do-it-yourself project can save a home owner the costs of hiring a contractor. Most flat roofs are not truly flat. Some are convex, or higher in the center. Others are concave. A concave flat roof angles downwards towards the center, typically to a drain. Both designs allow water to drain instead of pooling on the roof. When repairing a concave roof, the key is to keep the slope the same. This is achieved through replacing one piece of the roof base at a time to keep the original shape.
Removing the EGR exhaust tube on a car is something you need to do in a very specific way to avoid damaging other components. Learn about EGR exhaust tube removal with help from an automotive expert in this free video clip.
Valve springs, as a whole, are underrated in terms of importance to the engine and priority where rebuilds are concerned. Valve springs are what keep the valvetrain dancing in tune to the camshaft, and they do wear out over time. The results vary from a mildly irritating surging to catastrophic failure depending on the mode and location of failure.
Chevy offered the 1999 Malibu base model with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. The muffler is located at the rear of the car and is attached to the bottom of the vehicle by a single hanger. You can clamp a new muffler to the original exhaust piping or weld it to the original exhaust piping if a welder is available. You'll need to cut the old muffler off the original exhaust piping.
The hydraulic front fork used by a 2003 Yamaha YZ125 relies on a viscous oil to dampen shock generated by rough terrain. The oil is contained within the fork legs by a pair of seals that form an airtight environment. The seals are fairly durable; however, severe impacts can rupture the seals and allow the slippery fork oil to leak onto the front wheel or brakes. Replacing the seals requires a near-complete disassembly of the individual fork legs as well as a few specialized tools.
Nitrogen fixing bacteria are known to split the molecules of nitrogen gas and combine the nitrogen atoms with hydrogen. Find out exactly what goes on when nitrogen fixing bacteria split molecules of nitrogen gas and combine the nitrogen atoms with hydrogen with help from a teacher with over 20 years of experience in this free video clip.
Some Kohler toilet models have a quiet flush design that almost makes them silent. These use lower water pressure when flushing to reduce the noise from the moving water. Leaks from a toilet might flow onto the floor or from the tank into the bowl. Identifying where the problem starts helps you determine the best way to fix it. When you have identified the leak, repairing the problem is the same as for other type of toilets.
Leaking pipes can damage your home if not repaired quickly. Excessive moisture leads to mold buildup and causes warping or cracking in wood, drywall and even concrete. Any pipe can leak, including more durable types, such as brass. Pipe sweating makes the problem worse and is caused by high humidity that interacts with cold water in the pipes. Repairing a brass pipe leak that sweats requires that you deal with the leak itself while also addressing the humidity that is contributing to the sweating.
The chain drive on the Craftsman rear tine rototiller model 917.293201 is used to ensure the operation of the tiller's tines in tandem with the operation of the motor. A failing chain drive will result in a rototiller that cannot use its tines to dig up and rotate the dirt in your lawn. You can replace the chain drive on your Craftsman rear tine rototiller no matter your level of lawn machine troubleshooting experience.
The heat exchanger on a Hayward pool heater is a primary component in maintaining set pool temperatures. However, the heat exchanger may become corroded or damaged over time or due to excess chlorination or exposure to mineral scale. These high concentration levels typically occur when the pump is not run regularly. Troubleshooting and fixing the heat exchanger may be necessary if the Hayward pool heater is not operating as expected or the heat exchanger is leaking.
A flat cement roof is a logical choice during the construction of many different types of dwellings, but it can result in problems with leakage as the roof ages. Water has a tendency to pool on a flat roof, and any weak points are more susceptible to leakage into the building. Once you’ve discovered a leak in a flat cement roof, fix it quickly to prevent interior damage. Do not perform repairs on a roof unless you're experienced with this task; this is extremely dangerous for anyone who's inexperienced to attempt. Call a professional if you are at all uncomfortable…
Sunrooms are often relaxing and aesthetically pleasing, but because they rely on a lot of windows to let in sunlight, they are susceptible to leaking. Leaks need fixing as soon as they happen because moisture buildup damages your walls and floors while also inviting mold growth. Mold inhalation causes health problems, including asthma, in many people. The most common location for sunroom leakage is in the seams between glass panels. Inspect these seams as soon as you suspect a leak to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible.
Almost all residential underground irrigation systems use common PVC pipe. This type of piping is preferred because it is easy to work with, it's available at major home improvement stores, and there are fittings for almost any configuration you can dream up. If you see a wet spot on your lawn or driveway, and you haven't been watering recently, you might have a leak in the system. You can easily dig it up and replace any leaky part in one afternoon.
A skylight can not only greatly increase the aesthetic appeal of a room by allowing natural light to enter the home, but it can also offer a means of ventilation. As with roof vents and chimneys, skylights do give rise to the risk of water leaking into the home. To prevent this, skylights feature metal pieces collectively referred to as flashing that cover the seams between the skylight and the roof. Given enough time, the flashing will corrode and require replacement. Although it does take time to replace the old flashing, doing so is fairly straightforward and should stop the…
A puddle of water beneath your Maytag washing machine can be an indication of a leaking drain pump. The purpose of the drain pump is to pump out the used water inside the machine into the sewer system. Because there can be a number of reasons why a drain pump is leaking -- from loose bolts to a bad gasket to faulty wiring -- you'll need to check different pump elements to help pinpoint the source of the leak and repair it.
Many homeowners have had the unpleasant experience of discovering their bathwater dripping into the kitchen through the ceiling. Although the damaged ceiling is the most visible part of this problem, the most important part is the source of the leak. Fixing the ceiling is a waste of time until you locate and repair the underlying problem. Take your time and resign yourself to whatever expenses may be incurred; when it comes to plumbing, it's futile to try to cut corners.
Water spigots are a multi-use faucet typically found in laundry rooms and yards. Unlike a standard faucet, a spigot cannot be properly used without an attachment -- typically a hose. Leaks in water spigots usually occur from worn threads inside the spigot. Thankfully, you don’t have to replace the spigot to stop the leak; just get specialized tape called Teflon tape, which can be found at plumber's supply stores or home improvement centers.
Yamaha's VX 1100 WaveRunner was offered in two trim levels: the basic Sport model and the fully-equipped Deluxe model. Both watercraft are propelled by identical 1,052 cc four-stroke engines that require an oil change after the initial 10 hours of usage. Subsequent oil changes and a new oil filter are required every 100 hours. Extracting old engine oil from the WaveRunner's engine requires the use of an oil change pump, since the engine is not equipped with a drain plug.
The Shovelhead engine was introduced by Harley-Davidson in 1966 and was used until 1984, when it was replaced by the Evolution engine. The engine boasted a 1,340 cc displacement and Harley-Davidson's classic 45-degree V-twin cylinder arrangement. The Shovelhead engine, as produced up to 1981, relied on an in-oil tank filter element to keep debris from entering the engine. While the process of changing the engine oil and filter differs slightly from later Shovelhead models, which use a spin-on automotive-type filter, nearly any Shovelhead owner can complete the job with little difficulty.
A Yamaha R6 relies on precise throttle openings to operate at its peak potential on the road or the race track. But a sticking throttle can not only cost an R6 rider a race track victory, it can create a very dangerous situation for all involved. A sticking throttle is often caused by an over-tightened or unlubricated throttle cable, which causes the inner steel cable to bind and hold the throttle in a partially opened position. The carburetor or throttle body valves can also stick open if there is a buildup of dirt or debris preventing the throttle from closing.
The VT600 Shadow VLX is a cruiser-styled motorcycle produced by Honda from 1988 to 2007. Like most modern motorcycles, the Shadow is fitted with a pair of telescopic hydraulic front fork legs. These fork legs are filled with a heavy oil that reduces the shock generated by uneven road surfaces. The oil is held in place by a seal between the upper fork tube and the lower fork slider. These seals can rupture over time, allowing the slick fork oil to leak onto the front wheel. The fork legs must be removed and disassembled to replace the fork seals.
Yamaha's all-terrain vehicles use a thumb-operated lever attached to the right handlebar to open and close the throttle valve within the machine's carburetor or throttle body. The lever is attached to an enclosed housing, where a barrel-shaped fitting at the end of the throttle cable is kept safe from dirt and other elements. However, the throttle is not impervious to damage. Wear and tear can weaken the plastic lever and severe impacts can crack the throttle assembly open. Replacing a damaged throttle is not difficult, allowing most ATV owners to make repairs with only a small selection of tools.
The Raptor 660 is a sport-oriented all-terrain vehicle produced by Yamaha from 2001 to 2006. The Raptor's 660 cc single-cylinder engine was fed by a pair of 33 mm Mikuni BSR constant-velocity carburetors, as opposed to a single carburetor setup customarily found on similar machines. Each carburetor was fitted with differing fuel jet sizes, providing a broader spread of power. These jets can be removed and replaced to accommodate elevation changes or alter fuel output with the addition of a performance exhaust and intake system. However, selecting a suitable combination of jets to meet your needs is a time-consuming task…
Modern motorcycle gas tanks are painted and covered with a clear finish to protect the paint. The clear coat does a good job with protection, but gasoline and the gas pump nozzle itself can damage the finish around the fuel tank filler opening. The damage may create bubbling around the filler opening as the gasoline causes the paint to separate from the tank; it can eventually cause the tank to corrode. Avoid fuel tank damage by preventing contact with gasoline and the gas pump nozzle when filling the tank.
Aluminum coils provide heat transfer for home heating and cooling systems. When an aluminum coil has a leak, your heating or cooling system won't work as well. You may notice that your air conditioning stays on but the house doesn't cool off. By using an epoxy sealant, you can quickly repair the leak. Look for an epoxy sealant that is NSF approved if you're fixing a leak on a potable water line, and seek professional help if the hole is larger than 1/8 inch.
The dunecycle was first introduced in the 1970s to provide another recreational vehicle besides the dune buggy. The vehicle was not in production for long and rarely seen today. However, you can build your own dunecycle by retrofitting a three-wheel motorcycle. You must know a lot about fabrication, welding and mechanics to build one of these recreational vehicles. By using the frame and most of the parts from a three-wheel motorcycle, you can make the task simpler.
Pipes leak due to corrosion and rust. They can cause significant damage to your home. Fix the leak yourself with a patch if the leak's in an accessible area. These patches hold until your pipes needs further work. In older homes, galvanized piping often sprouts leaks as the pipes rust from age. These pipes eventually need replacing. Fixing leaks also prevents further rusting by keeping the pipes dry.
An attic leak can cause a great amount of damage to your house in a short time. Water can penetrate the roof shingles when flashing comes loose or ice dams build up near the eaves, preventing water from draining correctly. While a ventilated and insulated attic will prevent roof ice dams in the winter, you may be able to quickly fix an attic leak yourself.
The Harley-Davidson Sportster primary chaincase houses the compensator sprocket, primary drive chain and clutch pack. Passages at the rear of the inner primary housing connect to the transmission to allow the transmission and primary drive to share a common lubricant. The operating temperatures within the primary and the high shear of the transmission gears break down the primary chaincase lubricant over time. Change the lubricant every 10,000 miles as part of the regularly scheduled maintenance.
The chain belt on a garage door opener is the part that connects the opener to the door, allowing it to be opened and closed. This part begins to wear down over time. The most visible sign of belt degradation is that the garage door begins to open more slowly and the opener is less responsive. Replacing the chain belt should cause the garage door opener to become more responsive again.
A set of gleaming laced wheels on a motorcycle brings the terms "classic" and "cool" to mind. In addition to being traditional, spoked wheels are strong and flexible. However, bad weather and road conditions, brake dust, humidity and salt spray wreak havoc on spokes, causing corrosion and rust. Unattended, rust eventually weakens spokes, resulting in possible tire damage and dangerous driving conditions. Cleaning and polishing the spokes after every ride is a tedious and time-consuming process, but thorough detailing on a regular basis is the best method of preventing rust from developing.
Valve adjustment on a Kohler 16-horsepower engine is usually necessary once a year in order to ensure proper air intake into the engine and keep it running efficiently. You may avoid the inconvenience and expense of taking your engine to a small engine repair shop. Instead, adjust the Kohler's valves yourself by way of the valves' rocker arms — even if you have never attempted valve adjustment on a small engine previously.
In the winter season, keeping a full gas tank helps prevent frozen water from entering your fuel line, which can potentially cost you a new fuel pump. Unfortunately, the very same cold temperatures that make keeping a full tank so important can also lead to iced-over gas tank doors. Keep an arsenal of de-icing supplies on hand during the cold season to tackle this problem with ease.
Toro yard maintenance machines utilize Briggs & Stratton engines that make use of a tang within the carburetor bowl to adjust the carb's fuel float level. Adjusting the float for better engine efficiency is not a task that just professionals can perform; you can do it too. Disassemble the Toro's carburetor bowl and gain access to the tang for float adjustment even if you have no experience troubleshooting Briggs & Stratton engines.
Motorcycles typically come with parts made from aluminum or aluminum alloy. Such parts include wheel rims, draft tubes, carburetor bodies, engine, clutch and transmission cases, rocker panels and other "dressy" or exposed parts and covers. Aluminum alloy has lightweight and strong characteristics, but it can corrode and pit, losing its luster and aesthetic appeal. Aluminum is subject to oxidation, chemical contamination and road salts, which can form a white crust. White crust actually is deteriorated and detached aluminum. A motorcycle owner can fix his aluminum corrosion problems by using some special products and tools, and following some basic repair and…
Although the Vulcan 900 is not the largest model in Kawasaki's Vulcan series of cruiser-style motorcycles, it is a capable short-range touring. But long stints on the highway can turn the vibration of the Vulcan's V-twin engine into a real pain in the saddle. Installing an aftermarket overdrive rear pulley, which has less teeth than the stock rear pulley, can reduce the engine's rpm at highway speeds. This in turn reduces the severity of the vibrations transmitted directly through your seat. As an added benefit, your Vulcan will enjoy a higher top speed, but it will lose some acceleration from…
A snowblower engine has a float valve to regulate fuel transfer from the fuel tank to the carburetor float bowl. When the fuel level in the bowl drops, the float drops with it and the valve opens. As the bowl fills, the float rises to shut off the flow of fuel. The cycle repeats itself over and over as the engine continues to run. If you have removed your snowblower's float valve to make repairs or for cleaning, you probably already know enough basic small-engine carburetor know-how to reinstall it properly. But it's good to have a refresher.
A clothes washer leak should be fixed immediately, because leaking water can ruin the washer's motor, transmission and bearings. It can also damage the floor, necessitating costly repairs. It is also important to determine whether the machine leaks all the time, during the fill cycle or during the drain and spin cycles. The timing of the leak may determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Aluminum awnings are affordable and durable structures built to cover windows and entrances. If they are cared for, they can last for years. However, even a well-cared-for awning will need some work over time because it is susceptible to rust and other damage. You can fix your awning yourself using one of several options that will allow you to patch a leak while staying dry undercover.
The 1979 LTD was based on Kawasaki's flagship KZ1000 motorcycle but was influenced by the growing "cruiser" styling trend that was emerging in the late 70s and early 80s. Like its counterparts, the LTD relied on an oil-damped telescopic fork to provide its forward suspension. Over time, the fork's oil supply will degrade, reducing the fork's ability to reduce shocks caused by imperfections in the road. While a drain screw is fitted at the bottom of each fork leg, completely draining old or degraded fork oil requires the removal and partial disassembly of the individual fork legs.
If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound coming from your gas grill, you will need to find and repair the leak before igniting the burners. Fortunately there are few connections you can check when pinpointing a gas grill leak. The most common area for a leak is the regulator hose connection. The regulator hose connects the propane tank to the gas line, and it regulates the amount of fuel pressure to the burners. Fixing a gas leak requires finding the exact source of the leak and either tightening or replacing parts.
A countertop stove can leak gas if it isn’t calibrated correctly. The nut that controls the output of gas is behind the control knob that corresponds to a given gas burner. Viking countertop stoves have sealed burners.
Harley-Davidson Sportster shifter shafts penetrate the outer primary drive cover. On Sportsters with mid-mount controls, the shifter foot lever mounts directly to the shifter shaft. Sportsters with forward controls have the shifter foot lever connected to the shifter shaft through intermediate linkage. Since the primary drive case contains oil to lubricate the primary drive and transmission components, the shaft is sealed with a shifter shaft seal, which looks like an O-ring when installed but is actually an O-shaped sleeve. This seal prevents oil leakage and water intrusion. Age and high usage can cause the shifter shaft seal to deteriorate and…
