How to Adjust Motorcycle Front Brake (Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, or Suzuki)

Brake on the front wheel is the most powerful brake in motorcycle since the center of gravity will move to the front tyre as the front brake is applied. It is clear that excellent front brake condition is the important aspect of motorcycle handling, and the brake lever freeplay plays a major contribution to the brake control since the brake lever is the component in which the driver put on his command to the mechanism.
This post will show you the general procedure of how to adjust motorcycle front brake freeplay, which is you can easily do by yourself at home.

1. Check:
- Brake lever free play [a]. Out of specification → Adjust.
   Free play (brake lever): 2 ~ 5 mm (at brake lever end)

2. Adjust:
- Brake lever free play
---------------
Adjustment steps:- Loosen the locknut [1].
- Turn the

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How to Adjust Motorcycle Clutch Lever Freeplay

Clutch lever freeplay is the important aspect of clutch control in motorcycle handling. However, some people might not aware about this point in the maintenance. This post will show you the general procedure about how to adjust clutch lever freeplay in motorcycle.

1. Check:

- Clutch cable free play [a] Out of specification → Adjust.

   Clutch cable free play (at the end of the clutch lever): 10 ~ 15 mm

2. Adjust:

Clutch cable free play
----------
Adjustment steps:
A. Handlebar side
- Loosen the locknut 1.
- Turn the adjusting bolt 2 in or out until the specified clutch cable free play is obtained.

   Turn in Clutch cable free play is

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How to Replace Motorcycle Engine Oil (with Pictures)

Replacing the motorcycle engine oil is quite easy. Yet, some people still don't understand how to change their own motorcycle engine oil. So in this post we will show you the step-by-step procedure of replacement and how to check if your work is on the right path.

1. Start the engine, warm it up for several minutes, and then turn it off.
2. Place a container under the engine oil drain bolt.
3. Remove:
- Engine oil filler bolt
- Engine oil drain bolt [1] (along with the gasket)

- Oil filter element drain bolt [2] (along with

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How to Adjust Motorcycle Engine Throttle Cable (with Pictures)

Throttle cable free play is commonly the forgotten part of motorcycle maintenance. Despite of its minor role, throttle cable free play can significantly affect your handling ability. This post shows you the general procedure of throttle cable free play in motorcycle with carburetor.

Prior to adjusting the throttle cable free play, the engine idling speed should be adjusted.
1. Check:
- Throttle cable free play [a]
   Out of specification → Adjust.
   Free play (throttle cable): 3 ~ 5 mm at throttle grip flange.

2. Adjust:
- Throttle cable free play
---------------------
Adjustment steps:

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How to Adjust Motorcycle Engine Valve Clearance

Valve clearance adjustment should be made with the engine cool, at room temperature. When the valve clearance is to be measured or adjusted, the piston must be at Top Dead Center (T.D.C) on the compression stroke. Below are the general procedure of adjustment.

Valve Clearance Adjustment

1. Remove:
- Spark plug
- Tappet cover (intake side) [1]
- Tappet cover (exhaust side) [2]

2. Remove:
- Timing mark accessing screw (with

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Training for a Career in Automotive Service: Which Program should I Choose?

Those interested in a career in auto service can receive training in formal school settings—secondary, postsecondary, and vocational schools; and technical or community colleges, both private and public.

Student Work Experience
There are many ways to gain work experience while you are a student. You may already be involved in one of the following; if not, consider becoming involved in one of these programs. Job Shadowing Program In this program you follow an experienced technician or service writer. The primary objective is to expose you to the “real world,” to see what it takes to be a successful technician or service writer. By job shadowing, you will also become familiar with the total operation of a service department.

A career possibility for an experienced technician is that of a trainer for the various manufacturers or instructors for an automotive program.

Mentoring Program
This program is not the most common program, but it can be one of the most valuable. In a mentoring program, you experience the duties and responsibilities of a technician while you have someone who is successful to use as an expert. Your mentor has agreed to stay in contact with you, to answer questions, and to encourage you. When you have a good mentor,

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Ohm’s Law: How to Apply it in Practice on a Vehicle

In 1827, a German mathematics professor, Georg Ohm, published a book that included his explanation of the behavior of electricity. His thoughts have become the basis for the understanding of electricity. He found it takes 1 volt of electrical pressure to push 1 ampere of electrical current through 1 ohm of resistance. This statement is the basic law of electricity and is known as Ohm’s law.
A simple electrical circuit is a load connected to a voltage source by conductors. The resistor could be a fog light, the voltage source could be a battery, and the conductor could be a copper wire.

A simple circuit consists of a voltage source, conductors, and a resistance or load.

In any electrical circuit, current (I), resistance (R), and voltage (E) are mathematically related. This relationship is expressed in a mathematical statement of Ohm’s law. Ohm’s law can be applied to

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Basics of Electricity: Electricity is Not Magic!

Perhaps the one reason it is difficult to understand electricity is that its action is not usually seen. By knowing what it is and what it is not , you can easily understand it. Electricity is not magic! It is something that takes place or can take place in everything you know. It not only provides power for lights, TVs, stereos, and refrigerators, it is also the basis for the communications between our brain and the rest of our bodies.

Electricity is the flow of electrons from one atom to another.

The effects of electricity can be seen, felt, heard, and smelled. One of the most common displays of electricity is a lightning bolt. Lightning is electricity—a large amount of electricity! The power of lightning is incredible. Other than lightning, electricity is not normally seen because

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Car and Motorcycle Engine Noise Diagnosis

More often than not, an engine malfunction will reveal itself first as an unusual noise. This can happen well before the problem affects the driveability of the vehicle. Problems such as loose pistons, badly worn rings or ring lands, loose piston pins, worn main bearings and connecting rod bearings, loose vibration damper or flywheel, and worn or loose valve train components all produce telltale sounds. Unless the technician has experience in listening to and interpreting engine noises, it can be very hard to distinguish one from the other.

Using a stethoscope helps to identify the source of an abnormal noise.

When correctly interpreted, engine noise can be a very valuable diagnostic aid. Always do a noise analysis before

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Wheel Alignment: Caster/Camber Adjustment

Caster affects steering stability and steering wheel returnability. Zero (0) caster is present when the upper ball joint or top strut bearing and lower ball joint are in the same plane as viewed from the side of the vehicle. Positive caster exists when the upper ball joint or top strut bearing is toward the rear of the vehicle in relationship to the lower ball joint. When the upper ball joint or top strut bearing is toward the front of the vehicle in relationship to the lower ball joint, negative caster is present. If the caster at both wheels is not equal, the vehicle will tend to drift toward the side with the lowest caster.

Examples of the screens available on the latest alignment machines.

Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel. Adjusting camber centers the vehicle’s weight on the tire. Proper camber adjustment minimizes

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Air-Conditioning Performance Testing

Performance testing provides a measure of A/C system operating efficiency. A manifold pressure gauge set is used to determine both high and low pressures in the refrigeration system. The desired pressure readings will vary according to temperature. Use temperature/pressure charts as a guide to determine the proper pressures. At the same time, a thermometer is used to determine air discharge temperature in the passenger compartment.

SERVICE VALVES
System service valves provide the attachment point for the manifold pressure gauge set. They are located in the low and high sides of most A/C systems. Two basic types of service valves were used on R-12 systems: stem and Schrader. R-134a systems have quick-connect fittings. The fittings for the gauges are connected to the system’s fittings. The gauge’s fitting has a knob that is turned in the clockwise direction to open the valve. No refrigerant should leak out when the gauge set is connected.

A thermometer is used to determine air discharge temperature in the passenger compartment.

Stem Valves. The stem valve was sometimes used on twocylinder reciprocating-piston compressors. The service valves are mounted on the compressor head. These valves can be used to

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Air-Conditioning Diagnosis: Noise and Odors on Your A/C system?

Often diagnosis of an A/C system can be done by observing the operation of the system, including listening for noises. When abnormal noises are heard, they can lead to the problem area.

A typical cabin air filter and housing.

NOISE
Often a customer’s concern is the noise emitted by the A/C system. The following discussion covers the common abnormal noises and their causes.

1. Clutch Noises. The clutch normally makes a clicking noise when it engages and disengages. This noise will become louder as the clutch wears. Once the clutch is severely worn, it will make a squealing noise when it is engaged. This noise can also result from oil on the clutch. A very loud screech or squeal can indicate a seized compressor. A bent drive pulley also can cause a growling or rubbing noise.
2. Hose Noise. The change in pressures in the suction/discharge hoses can set up vibrations that cause sounds to appear from the inside of the vehicle. The noise is typically caused by

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How to Convert (Retrofitting) R-12 Air Conditioning System to R-134a

The following guidelines should be followed when converting an older A/C system to R-134a. These guidelines should allow you to provide the customer with a cool vehicle and to meet current legislative mandates.

A label showing that an R-12 A/C system was converted to R-134a. This must be attached to the vehicle whenever the conversion has taken place.

The guidelines are listed in order and reflect the necessary steps for making this conversion.

1. Visually inspect all A/C and heater system components.
2. Use a refrigerant identifier to make sure the system only contains R-12.
3. Check the system for

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Automobile Air-conditioning: REFRIGERANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Air-conditioning (A/C) service, in many ways, is different from service to other parts of the vehicle. Although there are few parts in the system, each component has a specific purpose and service procedure.

R-12 should be stored and sold in white containers, whereas R-134a should be stored in light blue containers.

That by itself is not a big deal. The challenge with the A/C is how it operates. The system operates on changes of refrigerant pressure. There are many things that can cause the pressure to change; some are part of the system, some are part of the environment, and some of them are faults or bad components in the system.

There are some precautions when you work with refrigerants.

1. Always work in a well-ventilated and clean area. Refrigerants are colorless and invisible. Refrigerant is heavier than oxygen and will displace it in a confined area. Avoid breathing the refrigerant vapors. Exposure to refrigerant may irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.
2. Refrigerant evaporates quickly when it is exposed to the atmosphere. It will

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Automobile Air-conditioning: Service Precautions

A/C systems are extremely sensitive to moisture and dirt. Therefore, clean working conditions are very important. The smallest particle of foreign matter in an A/C system contaminates the refrigerant, causing rust, ice, or damage to the compressor. For this reason, all replacement parts are sold in vacuum-sealed containers and should not be opened until they are ready to be installed in the system. If, for any reason, a part has been removed from its container for any length of time, the part must be completely flushed using only the recommended solvent to remove any dirt or moisture that might have accumulated during storage. If the system has been open for more than 2 minutes, the entire system must be completely evacuated and a new accumulator or desiccant bag must be installed.

A late-model air-conditioning system.

It is important to remember that just one drop of water added to the refrigerant will

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Exhaust Smoke Diagnosis: Evaluating the Engine's Condition

Once the compression, cylinder leakage, vacuum, and power balance tests are performed, further testing can be done to evaluate the engine’s condition. For example, an engine with good relative compression but high cylinder leakage past the rings is typical of a high-mileage worn engine. This engine would have these symptoms: excessive blowby, lack of power, poor performance, and reduced fuel economy.

Exhaust analysis.

If comparable compression and leakage test results are found on an engine with comparatively low mileage, the problem is probably

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Fluid Leaks: Evaluating the Engine's Condition

When inspecting the engine, check it for leaks. There are many different fluids under the hood of an automobile so care must be taken to identify the type of fluid that is leaking.

Identification of fluid leaks.

Carefully look at the top and sides of the engine, and note any wet residue that may be present. Sometimes road dirt will

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How to Change the Oil and Oil Filter (with Detailed Demonstration Pictures)

Maintenance
Perhaps the PM service that is best known to the public is changing the engine’s oil and filter. Because oil is the lifeblood of an engine, it is critical that the oil and filter are changed on a regular basis. These photo sequence show the steps involved in changing the engine oil and oil filter. Whenever doing this, make sure the oil is the correct rating for the vehicle.

1. Always make sure the vehicle is positioned safely on a lift or supported by jack stands before working under it. Before raising the vehicle, allow the engine to run awhile. After it is warm, turn off the engine.

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Mass and Weight, What's the Difference?

Mass is the amount of matter in an object. Weight is a force and is measured in pounds or kilograms (1,000 grams). Gravitational force gives the mass its weight. As an example, a spacecraft can weigh 500 tons (one million pounds) here on earth where it is affected by the earth’s gravitational pull. In outer space, beyond the earth’s gravity and atmosphere, the spacecraft is nearly weightless but its mass remains unchanged.

The difference in weight of a space shuttle on earth and in space.

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Preparing Your Cover Letter: Seeking and Applying for Employment

A cover letter should be sent with every resume you mail, e-mail, fax, or personally deliver. A cover letter gives you a chance to point out exactly why you are perfect for the job. You should not send out the same cover letter to all potential employers. Adjust the letter to match the company and position you are applying for.

Yes, this means a little more work, but it will be worth it. Address the letter to the person doing the hiring. Do NOT use “Dear Sir, Dear Madam, or To Whom it may concern.” If the job posting does not give the hiring person’s name, you can normally find who to send the resume to by calling the employer and asking to whom to address your cover letter. You can also try checking other business information sites to determine the name of the person conducting the interviewing.

An example of a cover letter that can be sent with the resume.

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