Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Suspension Faults - Task No 6 - Tuesday 24th March 2015



Plan:

Gather all tools and equipment, retrieve vehicle information and enter details onto Job Card.  Undertake vehicle pre-inspection and apply VPE. Inspect 4 post ramp for correct operation.  R & R McPhearson Strut and Coil and carry out a 4 wheel alignment.






Task Requirements:


  • Inspect Vehicle Suspension
  • R&R Strut and Coil
  • Undertake 4 Wheel Alignment
  • Completed Knowledge Questions
  • Complete Blog
  • Account for all tools and equipment and tidy work area
  • Report to Assessor with analysis and diagnosis
Analysis:
Oscillation Test OSF

Customer complains of knocking and rattling noise from OSF and vehicle slightly lower on that corner.  Oscillation test conducted and distinct difference noted at OSF than at other three corners.  Recommend removal of OSF road wheel to further inspect strut and coil.

Diagnosis:

Strut & Coil R&R
Upon removal of OSF road wheel it became apparent that the coil on strut had snapped.  Coil and strut were removed, new coil replaced and strut and coil refitted according to manufacturer's specifications.

Pre-Alignment Checks:

Alignment was to be undertaken using a Hawkeye 4 Wheel Laser Aligner and a 4 Post Ramp.  Pre-alignment checks were first required to be undertaken.  Manufacturer's information was retrieved regarding tyre sizes and pressures, and also if the test was required to be undertaken laden or un-laden.


Diagnosis:

Manufacturer's Data
All road tyres were of the correct size and required correction to inflation pressures in order to meet Manufacturer's specification.  Tread wear was even across all tyres and exceeded the 1.6 mm minimum legal requirement.  The space saving spare tyre required inflation to 60 PSI from 10 PSI.




Correcting Pressure
Correct Tyre Size & Type

Space Saving Spare

4 Wheel Alignment:


Hawkeye Aligner
The 4 Post Ramp was first checked for correct operation prior to vehicle loading.  With vehicle loaded, chocks placed to rear and hand brake released, the 4 laser targets were situated onto the respective road wheels and leveled accordingly.  Chocks were temporarily moved
Target Leveled
rearward, in order to jounce the vehicle and allow the Hawkeye to acquire the respective targets.  Once targets were acquired, chocks were re-placed with the vehicle forward onto the turn plates, and then the pins removed in order to commence.  Vehicle data was then entered into the computer and the relevant alignment geometry data retrieved.  Areas requiring adjustment are highlighted in red whilst data within specification is highlighted in green.  Adjustments were made accordingly and the results saved and printed out for the customer.



Data Head-Up Display
Analysis:  Toe on the NSF was unable to be corrected sufficiently enough to meet specification without effecting the other readings.

Diagnosis:   Suspect a bent or warped NSF track Rod Arm and recommend R&R and further re-alignment accordingly.

Saturday, 21 March 2015

The Garage - Friday 20th March 2015

Paul Hadley took this picture of the eclipse from Conwy, north Wales
Solar Eclipse as seen from Conwy
Today was a very special day at the garage, due largely to the number of natural phenomenon occurring.  We had a total Solar Eclipse, which also coincided with the Vernal Equinox and, from an astrological perspective, also saw the last of seven squares between Pluto and Uranus (which first began back in 2012 and usually mirror and reflect times of deep unrest and trouble).  Moments and events now finally passing!



Green Eclipse
Viewing the Eclipse
AA Automotive Style!
AA Automotive did not pass the moment by either, as we all momentarily paused and downed tools and kettles at 0930 hrs to observe the event using a Welders Helmet accordingly.  Absolutely "brilliant" does not cover it!  This is the first one I have had the privilege to witness directly and it shall never be forgotten.








Master Tech on
the Welder

With Celestial events fading is was back to work.  First job for me was an exhaust removal and replacement on a Ford Car Transporter (no images due to full engrossment with task to hand)!  I required considerable assistance as it was "stubborn" to say the least!  Two of the bolts required removal via use of an angle grinder, where I got to feel the sensation of singeing hair and overalls for the first time!  I did one bolt just for the experience, for which I am most appreciative.  Once the middle section was replaced it was over to Jim for a bit of welding on another section, prior to satisfactory job completion.


Fire & Rescue Team
Required for Extraction (lol)!
We had a brief break for lunch, as work load suddenly picked up just as we were settling into our deck chairs ready for another mission on Boom Beach.  I managed to get my tub of salad down first though!  In came a Smart Car with a disconnected windscreen wiper mechanism.  This is the first time I had seen a Smart Car up close and personal, and to be honest, looking at the working space available, it appeared to be the equivalent of working through a letter box!  With a new part finally connected, Andy Kirby was duly coated in Vaseline and inserted into the "car" in order to test the mechanism for serviceability.  It was at this point I saw a humorous opportunity for a photo which I duly attach accordingly!  Andy re-gained the situation by asking me to top up the washer bottle, at the point of which he activated the washers unexpectedly - very refreshing!!

My final experience of the day was the observation of the undertaking of an Oil Pressure Test.  No ordinary car was this either!  A 1963 Ford Zodiac, pride and joy of Graham the Body Repair Shop man.  This was a task I previously had only theoretical knowledge of, so it was great to see it undertaken in "real time".


Beauty!!


Oil Pressure Tester
The oil warning light had previously illuminated and the oil pressure was duly required to be checked accordingly.  I checked the engine oil level which was perfectly OK.  Graham then proceeded to remove the Oil Pressure sensor and then insert the correct size adapter, onto which then connects the pressure test hose and gauge.  I struggled to find any information regarding sensor specifications, however I did obtain a positive reading with a Multimeter set to Ohms.  Andy and Graham then had to depart on a mission and left me to monitor the pressure gauge accordingly.  There was initially approximately 50 PSI Pressure which gradually settled at
Tester connected to Sensor Point
25 PSI.  Graham later ascertained from a phone call to a specialist that there should be at least 10 PSI per 1000 RPM, so the reading at idle was satisfactory, and a faulty sensor or connection was probably at fault.  Providing the pressure raised when the throttle was applied, and settled accordingly within the parameters previously described, all was well - with much relief to Graham!




With the time at 1610 hrs it was then time to depart for my evening location.  A very enjoyable and magical day - Thanks guys! - Happy Ecliptical, Equinoxial and Seventh Squared Friday to you!!!!

Thursday, 19 March 2015

Group Tutorial - Thursday 19th March 2014

Today's tutorial began with notice being given of the need for people to register in order to be able to vote at the forthcoming General Election.  The session then moved onto individual progress in the areas of literacy and numeracy, and how we felt we had developed within the requirements of the current course programme.

I feel that I am a lot more confident in the areas of both literacy and numeracy since having commenced this 3 year programme.  The College utilises an on-line assessment tool going by the name of BKSB, something that is undertaken by all students, both at the beginning and end of each learning year. I have always experienced problems with numeracy, and attending this course has been very helpful in focussing my attention toward an issue that has been avoided for far too long.  The issue has always been one of confidence, and this is something I feel is being addressed at last.  My literacy on the other hand is something I did have confidence with at school, and indeed throughout my adult life to date, however, having completed BKSB, I found that even this could do with some polishing.  My main focus remains with numeracy however, and I am currently reviewing the programme from home (where there is "zero" chitter chatter)!

The course content itself has also required a standard of numeracy that was previously beyond my comprehension.  Such areas where numeracy is required within the Automotive Industry include:


  • Calculating cubic capacity
  • Electrical calculations using Ohm's and Watt's Laws.
  • Calculating gear ratios
  • Correctly using a Micrometer
  • Calculating Shim Sizes
  • General assessment and calculation of measurements.
There were also subjects included such as Working With Others and Problem Solving, which developed our communication and organisational abilities.

Throughout Levels 1 and 2 we were also required to undertake Essential Skills alongside our wider programme of studies, which focussed on areas such as numeracy and literacy specifically.  We also were given opportunity to develop our public speaking and presentation skills, presenting researched projects to the rest of the class.

My desire to improve upon these skills (particularly numeracy), has come to the fore since realising a wish to become a Teaching Assistant (rather than a Vehicle Technician), and I continue to make adjustments to my "rest time" in order that it becomes achievable accordingly.

Monday, 16 March 2015

ABS Faults - Task No 5 - Monday 16th March 2015

Plan:

Retrieve vehicle information and record on Job Card.  Gather equipment and tools required.  Undertake vehicle checks and conduct a start to ensure correct prior operation.  Apply VPE.


Task Requirements:


  • Check condition of Front Pads & Discs and Report.
  • Check ABS Sensors and their operation and Report.
  • Use Diagnostic Equipment.
  • Complete Knowledge Questions (within Portfolio).
  • Complete Blog.
  • Report to Assessor with analysis and diagnosis.
  • Account for all tools and equipment and tidy work area.
Analysis Front Brake Pads and Disc (NSF)

Manufacturer's Data
Manufacturer's Data states the following:

Minimum Disc Thickness (Ventilated) - 21.5 mm
Maximum Disc Runout - 0.04 mm
Minimum Pad Thickness - 2 mm




Diagnosis

Measuring Pads
Measuring Disc
Thickness
Pads were removed and measured using a steel rule.  Pads measured 10 mm and are serviceable.  Brake Disc was removed and thickness measured using a Micrometer.  Disc thickness was ascertained to be 23.65 mm.  The disc was reattached to the hub in order to measure Runout using a DTI Gauge.  A reading of 0.19 mm was recorded and exceeds Manufacturer's recommendations.  Accordingly 2 new front Brake Discs are required.
Measuring Disc
Runout
Analysis ABS Sensors

Manufacturer's Data specifies an expected output voltage of 1.3 Volts, and a resistance of between 1280 and 1920 Ohms.

Diagnosis


Suspect broken/missing tooth on Reluctor Ring OSF
I disconnected the NSF ABS Sensor and probed the connector with a Multimeter set to K/Ohms, in order to test resistance.  The reading returned was 1.643 K/Ohms (1643 Ohms) NSF, and 1.639 K/Ohms (1639 Ohms) OSF which are within manufacturer's specifications.  I then connected a Picoscope and 


Damaged Reluctor Ring Tooth OSF
commenced a programme to establish sensor output voltage. Sensor output was established at 2.235 Volts.  Although this reading is higher than the researched Manufacturer's specification, there may be a variance between sensor types used.  The pattern returned indicated that the sensor was operating satisfactorily, and also indicated an issue with the
NSF Sensor Pattern
OSF reluctor ring, probably a broken or missing tooth.  This was confirmed after a visual inspection of the rear of the steering knuckle.  The reluctor ring is a component that is fitted to the end of the CV Boot at the end of the Drive Shaft and requires replacement accordingly.  NSF operation was within Manufacturer's specifications and operating correctly within expected parameters.

Analysis Fault Codes:

Customer stated that ABS warning light had illuminated.

Diagnosis:

I connected the Autel Diagnostics scanner via the vehicle DLC and began a search for DTCs accordingly.  The initial listing of returned DTCs was subsequently erased and a new search begun.  This search returned "No Codes Found".  Recommend customer continues to drive the vehicle in order to see if any further MIL illuminate, and return for further analysis should they do so.


Initial DTCs returned and cleared

Tuesday, 10 March 2015

Engine Cylinder Leakage Testing - Task No 1 - Monday 9th March 2015

Plan:

Gather all tools, equipment and retrieve vehicle information.  Inspect vehicle and check fluid levels prior to conducting a start to ensure correct prior operation.








  • Conduct Cylinder Leakage Test and Report.
  • Check Valves and Pistons for wear and Report.
  • Check Cylinder Head for distortion and Report.
  • Demonstrate correct assembly and Valve Timing of Cylinder Head and Report.
  • Check Cylinder Bores for Taper & Ovality & Report.
  • Complete Knowledge Questions (Within Portfolio).
  • Complete Blog.
  • Report to Assessor after each section with Analysis and Diagnosis.
Vehicle Checks - Analysis

Engine Oil
Discolouration &
Odour
Healthy Battery














Upon checking oil it appeared discoloured (approaching emulsified), and smelt distinctly of fuel.  Initial indications thus far suggest an issue with Piston Rings/Oil Control Ring.  Header Tank was also below the minimum level required.

Diagnosis:

Investigate Oil issue further and undertake Cylinder Leakage Test.  Upon conclusion of all further tests, also top up the Header Tank to the correct level with a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze (sample of current type in use to be extracted from system at suitable access point).

Task Progression

Remove HT Leads, Spark Plugs, Header Tank Cap, Dipstick and Cam Cover.

Analysis Spark Plugs:

All Spark Plugs were already loose.  Manufacturer's Data specifies a Spark Plug Gap of between 1 - 1.1 mm  and a Torque of 17 nm.

Plug Cylinder       Measured Gap      Condition

            1                     0.95 mm                    Clean
            2                     1.15 mm                     Heavily Sooted
            3                     1.00 mm                    Heavily Sooted
            4                     1.04 mm                    Heavily Sooted

Diagnosis Spark Plugs:

Plug 1 was relatively clean whilst Plugs 2-4 were heavily sooted.  Initial indications were a lean burn in Cylinder 1 and a rich burn in Cylinders 2-4.  However upon further interrogation of the customer, it became apparent that the plug on Cylinder 1 had been more recently replaced due to a cracked ceramic.  Due to the condition of the remaining 3 spark plugs, I would recommend replacement with 4 new spark plugs gapped accordingly.

Analysis Cylinder Leakage Test:

Reading Cylinder 1
I connected the Cylinder Leakage Test Equipment to each of the 4 Cylinders (with piston TDC in each), in sequence of the firing order (1, 2, 4, 3) and recorded the following results:

Cylinder 1 - 45% - Evidence of air escaping Dipstick Tube.
Cylinder 2 - 40% - As above.
Cylinder 4 - 35% - As above.
Cylinder 3 - 37% - As above.






Diagnosis:

In light of the evidence of fuel in the oil, and with the levels of air escaping from Dipstick Tube, I would recommend further investigation by removal of the Cylinder Head in order to examine more closely the Piston Rings.

Removal of Valve,
Collets & Spring
Analysis of Valves (Cylinder Head Removed):

Using a spring compressor, valves were removed and laid out in sequence.  Checks undertaken were as follows:

  • Stem Straightness.
  • Visual Examination for pitting or gouging.
  • Check of Valve Stem to Guide Clearance (Manufacturer's Data 0.015-0.042 mm).



Diagnosis of Valves:

Valve, Spring &
Collets
Checking Valve
Stem to Guide
Clearances
Stem straightness's were confirmed as serviceable by rolling on a flat surface.  Using a steel straight edge as a base for the DTI Gauge (Alluminium Head), the Valve Stem to Guide Clearances were confirmed at 0.016 mm, which is within Manufacturer's tolerances.  Visual inspection revealed pitting and other surface markings, which would require the re-lapping of all valves accordingly.









Analysis Cylinder Head & Block Distortion:

Manufacturer's Data specifies distortion allowance at 0.025 mm.  The finest feeler blade available at the time of examination was 0.05 mm.  Using this gauge blade my diagnosis is as follows:

Diagnosis Cylinder Head & Block Distortion:

Straight Edge &
Feeler Blades
Highlighted Areas are Points Measured
in excess of 0.05 mm
Until such time a finer feeler blade can be acquired, I would recommend the re-skimming of both the cylinder head and block accordingly.  A suitably over-sized Head Gasket would also need to be provided in order to maintain recommended compression ratio's, volumetric efficiency and piston clearances.


Analysis Valve Clearances:

Manufacturer's Data recommends that the Valve Clearances be as follows:

Inlet: 0.20 mm (cold)  Exhaust: 0.30 mm (cold)


Measuring Valve
Clearance
Results were as follows:

Cylinder 1  Inlet: 0.432 mm  Exhaust: 0.356 mm
Cylinder 2  Inlet: 0.535 mm  Exhaust: 0.356 mm
Cylinder 3  Inlet: 0.432 mm  Exhaust: 0.406 mm
Cylinder 4  Inlet: 0.432 mm  Exhaust: 0.483 mm

Diagnosis:  New shims would be required in order to meet Manufacturer's specifications.  Removal of Camshaft and old shims recommended in order to calculate correct sizes.





Analysis Camshaft & Bearing Caps


Sheared No 4 Bearing Cap
Upon removal of the Camshaft it became apparent that the No 4 Camshaft Bearing Cap was sheared and therefore un-serviceable.

Diagnosis:

It may be possible to purchase an individual Bearing Cap, as this is a cast iron Cylinder Head and block.  Alternatively a new Camshaft with 5 Bearing Caps would need to be provided. 

Analysis and Measurement of Shims:


Measuring Shims
Shims were measured with a micrometer and the measurements recorded as follows:

Cylinder 1  Inlet:  3.19 mm  Exhaust:  3.74 mm
Cylinder 2  Inlet:  3.93 mm  Exhaust:  3.74 mm
Cylinder 3  Inlet:  3.77 mm  Exhaust:  3.83 mm
Cylinder 4  Inlet:  3.84 mm  Exhaust:  3.75 mm

Detailed calculations and method used can be found within my Portfolio. I have provided below an image of the respective piece of work :


Shim to Valve Clearance Re-sizing Calculations




Diagnosis

New shims to be provided accordingly.







Analysis of Cylinder Taper & Ovality:


Taper & Ovality
Measurements

Manufacturer's Data recommends a Cylinder Bore size of 79.50 mm.  Measurements were recorded using a Telescopic Bore Gauge and Micrometer.

Diagnosis of Cylinder Taper & Ovality:

All measurements were within a maximum 1 mm tolerance. Maximum Taper is in Cylinder No 3 (0.54 mm) and maximum Ovality was recorded in Cylinder No 1 (0.60 mm).










Overall Diagnosis for Customer

Replacement  8 Piston Rings and 4 Oil Control Rings.

Replacement and gapping of 4 Spark Plugs.

Re-lapping of all valves and seats.  

Cylinder Head to be skimmed and suitably oversized Head Gasket to be purchased. New shims to be ordered and replaced as follows:

Cylinder 1  Inlet:  3.19 mm  Exhaust:  3.74 mm
Cylinder 2  Inlet:  3.93 mm  Exhaust:  3.74 mm
Cylinder 3  Inlet:  3.77 mm  Exhaust:  3.83 mm
Cylinder 4  Inlet:  3.84 mm  Exhaust:  3.75 mm

Replacement of a Camshaft Bearing Cap No 4 or, alternatively replacement of Camshaft and 5 corresponding Bearing Caps.

Replacement of Manufacturer's specified quantity and grade engine oil.

Replacement of Manufacturer's specified quantity coolant mixture (50/50).

Saturday, 7 March 2015

Group Tutorial - Thursday 5th March 2015 - Living in Wales

Image result for Face painting Welsh Flag

I have a natural affinity with the land of Cymru/Cambria (Wales), having been born within its current boundaries (in the South), but spending the greater part of my manifested life outside of them.  I returned "home" so to speak, upon leaving the Armed Forces in November 2004, and re-settling in the North, and admittedly, with no current knowledge of the Mother Tongue. This is something I would also wish to address upon the conclusion of my current course of studies, as it is actually a wish of mine to eventually finally settle in an area where, to not have knowledge of it, would be arrogant and ignorant of the areas' deep and colourful heritage and culture (Anglesey - Mam Cymru - Mother of Wales - Druid's Island).  Living within the borderlands of Wales is significantly different to that of life within the interior.  The Welsh language and culture here are sadly non-existent and, on a day to day basis it would be passable to be living in a suburb of Liverpool (Day doo dat doh don't day doh)!


The British Isles have been in a state of conflict since time immormorium.  However, rather than a clashing of Clans' and Armies on a battlefield, we now have processes in place going by the name of "Devolution" (including Scotland and Ireland), and it is important to recognise it as a process rather than an event.  Time is the Great Healer and this process can only be achieved accordingly within it. The in-effective and in-appropriate governance of the extremities of the British Isles by Westminster (not "The English)", has been clearly recognised for some time, and is now thankfully being addressed in a peaceful and civil manner within the framework of this process.  Such matters being handed over to local governance (Cardiff) include Education and Health, areas which are key to the positive sustainment and further positive development of any region, but also understandably exclude such matters as Defence (let not history ever repeat itself again).  We should continue to endeavor to be good neighbours with our common interests at heart instead?

Brief Overview of Welsh History and the Devolution Process

c. 940 Welsh laws are brought together as one code under Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good)
1282 The Edwardian conquest of Wales and the end of government by native Welsh princes
1400 Owain Glyndwr’s revolt starts and for a short time establishes an embryonic Welsh state. Parliaments are held at Harlech and Machynlleth
1536 The Acts of Union, making Wales a part of England but providing for parliamentary seats for MPs from Wales
1881 The passing of the Sunday Closing Act 1881 – the first specific law for Wales
1907 Welsh department of the Board of Education created
1920 The Church in Wales becomes an independent body, separate from the state
1951 Post of Minister of State for Wales created
1964 Welsh Office established along with a cabinet post of Secretary of State for Wales
1979 First proposals for a Welsh Assembly turned down in a referendum
1997 Wales votes in favour of creating a National Assembly for Wales in a referendum
1999 First elections held; the National Assembly starts work; Government of Wales Act 1998 comes into force
2007 Government of Wales Act 2006 comes into force; the National Assembly and Welsh Government are formally separated and the National Assembly gains powers to make laws for Wales in defined areas
2011 Wales votes in favour of giving the National Assembly further law making powers