Camshaft Alignment | Crankshaft Alignment – Automotive Specialty Tools
In the past, changing a timing chain or belt required only basic tools. The camshaft and crankshaft sprockets could only go one way due to their key-way design which allowed for one direction of rotation of the pulley. Automotive Specialty Tools service manuals provided instructions on how to align these marks between cam and crank. Nowadays many engines lack keyways or pulleys that can be forced on; as such special automotive tools are now necessary in order to properly align these components.
Searching for Timing Marks
In days past, auto mechanics who needed to replace a timing chain could simply look for marks on the piston itself (including myself). It was usually just a simple process – bring one piston to dead center and search for obvious timing marks. Most often there was only one crank and camshaft involved and pulleys went in one direction. Nowadays however, things have drastically changed.
European Influence
In the past, Volkswagens, BMWs and Volvos were often required to use special line-up and cam holders or even line-up tools. But nowadays more vehicles in America use European-designed or influence engines which may or may not be easier to repair; some even feature VVT (Variable Valve Timing), SOHC (Single Over Head Cam) or DOHC (Double Over Head Cam) designs which require more complex repair procedures. Auto mechanics are now noticing that American cars now feature more engine designs imported from overseas; therefore older timing marks like those found on timing covers or pulleys are no longer necessary.
Ford Explorer
Since 1997, Ford Explorers equipped with the German-built 4.0 SOHC engine have been using German-designed 4.0 SOHC engines as their standard engine. Rotunda has long sold specialty tools for correct alignment of cams and crank, since their pulleys can be put into any position. Eight tools are necessary to align them correctly – these can be found under OTC (Owatonna Tool Company), just as Ford provides other Rotunda specialty tools under their own name (OTC6488 ODEM kit). This OTC6488 ODEM kit contains these same Rotunda equivalent tools under one roof: OTC6488!
Ford Is Not Alone
Ford isn’t the only manufacturer using European engine designs that necessitate specialty tools. Chevrolet and Chrysler also utilize import designs for their engines, with Chrysler using Miller special instruments while Chevrolet opting for Kent Moore alignment tools. All three brands fall under SPX Corporation (Sealed Power Corporation), including Rotunda, Miller, Kent Moore and OTC specialty tools as well as many others.
Expert Repairs
Timing chains or aligning the old timing chain after taking a cylinder head off can be challenging for DIY (Do-It-Yourselfers), as many specialty auto tools are required. Professional auto repair shops that already own OTC6488 -OCDEM components to repair an engine will be thrilled by this announcement, ensuring there will be no shortage of auto repair shop, in the future for those equipped with proper tools.
Automotive Equipment Distributors: Get the Deals
Automotive equipment refers to a collection of tools, lifts and other service items used for lifting and moving heavy objects during repairs or maintenance. While these can serve many purposes, there are plenty of auto equipment dealers across America. This industry is highly competitive with more and more items appearing online as well.
Different Types of Automotive Equipment
Automotive equipment consists of several categories.
Customers have access to various automotive tools and equipment depending on their use and location.
*Autolift Equipment
These can be used to raise automobiles and other objects as their name implies, providing mechanics with access to the car’s stomach for repairs and cleaning inside of it easily. There are four primary kinds of auto lift equipment: two posts, four posts parking, mid-rise and turf; the most popular being the two post lift.
Air Compressors
Air compressors consist of a pump connected to an engine. Compressors can range in type from diesel or horizontal models, gas compressors, duplex or stack compressors; their purpose is to infuse air into tyres.
Equipment for Lubrication
Automotive lubrication equipment refers to oil pumps, grease valves and oil meters. These items help keep various parts of a vehicle lubricated.
Service Equipment
Automotive equipment distributors typically stock service equipments like wheel balancers, booster cables, battery chargers and brake fluid exchangers in separate categories to make servicing your car simpler and faster. Automotive service equipment distributors offer these items as part of their comprehensive product lines.
Tire Changers
Altering tires is never a quick or effortless task. But with the tire changing machine, it takes only minutes to do so with pinpoint accuracy. Plus, the machine provides free access to various tire sizes and shapes in seconds!
Exhaust Equipment
Car manufacturers certify exhaust systems through an auto distributor of equipment. Standardized products are essential since exhaust hoses must be able to withstand intense pressure and heat during transportation.
Wheel Alignment Equipment
Most distributors offer wheel alignment Automotive Specialty Tools of high quality. Hunter’s wheel alignment equipment is widely renowned and trusted by companies and auto repair services alike.
Other Auto Accessories
Automobile servicing and repairs necessitate a number of accessories such as jacks, dollies, testers, monitors and hammers/screwdrivers that can be obtained from distributors of automotive equipment. These ranges and types vary by model.
Additional Resource:
https://www.allstate.com/auto-insurance
https://www.iii.org/article/what-auto-insurance
https://www.libertymutual.com/vehicle/auto-insurance
