Preparing machined gasket surfaces

-by dolsontire.com

When engineers design components for engines, drive line, transmission, or other critical sealed surfaces they calculate how wide, how much pressure, and how the gasket materials used will interact with their design in order to optimize the fitness of the system.

During the repair process many technicians spend a great deal of energy preparing surfaces. It is often the case the uninformed make this serious repair technician error. 

The use of pneumatic tools with abrasives is a well known risk to the longevity of the repair. Lets explore why any casting, whether cast iron, aluminum, alloys, plastics and more may suffer from the overzealous inexperienced hand.

Tools that spin with abrasives on them can remove a great deal of gasket, and most unfortunately metal during the cleaning process. Because these tools are round discs, they are most likely to remove uneven amounts of material. Because they spin around and must be held at an angle they will never be perfectly square with the surface.

Another consideration is the required finish. While its best to look it up in your machinists handbook, a fine texture flat file is a good choice.

Use a chemical to soften the gasket material and clean the surfaces. Then while the chemical is acting, use a plastic scraper or plastic razor blade to remove the old gasket materials without affecting the original surfaces. In extreme cases use the chemical again with a brass brush that will not scratch up the surface to remove stubborn gasket glued to the surface.

Then use the flat file with just a few even pressured light strokes in one direction, then turn 90 degrees and a few more, and so on. Just enough to clean the surface.

When experienced you will see this removes the high spots around bolt bosses where clamping torque can be limited and quickly shows you the low spots if any. Use a machinists straight edge or granite block to check the flatness. If the casting is within specifications you are ready for the next step of assembly. 

If not, you may have to send it to a competent machinist to restore the perfect finish, replace the part, or if you are good enough, flat file more and check the flatness again.

This is how we do it, you may have your preferences. We fixed a few engines over the years where the other shop or dealer tech said he had always used a "whizzer and I never had a problem before!" at least that he knew of. Its an expensive mistake to let a job go with a possible error. The job may run for a while but eventually fails due to the loss of gasket compression. Its worth sending the job to a competent shop or educating yourself and passing the ASE Engine Machinists exams. If you need any assistance in Middletown NY contact us on our web site or watch these videos about engines here engine educational video

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www.DolsonTire.com A Full Service Repair Work Shop and Tire Center

phone to make an appointment 343-6300

Open 7 Days

Truck hits pole on Dolson ave

A truck hit a pole on Dolson Avenue by Dunkin Donuts. Took out the internet and electricity on much of Dolson Avenue. This caused much destruction this morning businesses have no power no Communications at this time as of 8 a.m. Communications are still down. the truck burst into flames shortly after backing into the pole damaging the electricity and then the air conditioning unit on the truck burst into flames.

Dolson Auto and tire in Middletown NY was without Communications and telephones or down.

EVAP check engine light on, small leak found at Dolson Auto & Tire Middletown NY. We can use various methods and test equipment to pinpoint problems that cause MIL lights (Malfunction Indicator Light) to come on. Commonly called a Check Engine Light (or CEL) this dashboard indicator warns the driver that a problem that may cause damage, high emissions, or other issues is beginning or present and has been detected through various tests or Monitors your vehicle performs while you drive.

These monitors are looking for certain conditions and often they retest and test again until they are pretty sure they have a code. We use things like special tools to access Mode 6 data, PID data, and actual electrical streaming data between components, sensors, oxygen sensors, devices, PCM, ECM, modules, computers and many other devices (there are hundreds of them in modern cars). Since we know how these systems actually work, we can scientifically identify the main causes and interactions and determine the root of the issue, or in the case of some multiple contributing factors or collateral damage.

The environment is a major cause of electrical problems in cars. Winter, salt, acid rain, moisture, and condensation are often creating corrosion on components. Sometimes dirt, oils getting where they should not be, silicone, and even lightning or crossover electrical charges and shorts. We even frequently fix problems caused by mice and rodents.One time a mud wasp next was found on an electrical terminal, we determined the mud even though it was dry was a conductor causing a mild short. Surprisingly we were right! We removed the mud wasp nest cleaned it up and the problem was fixed.

Near Middletown NY you will find a great auto service mechanic team at Dolson Auto & Tire . Check out the web site address at www.dolsontire.com

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J2534 reflash Chevy

Here we have a Chevrolet TrailBlazer. The customer requests a reflash to update the power train.

Some GM cars and trucks have had driveability issues, codes, and drive train control problems. Owners report poor transmission shifting, 4wd selection, performance, and codes that prevent them from passing inspection.

Here is a short video clip of our reflash by connecting the vehicle to GM's servers and download/upload into the vehicle the latest versions of software.

When completed the instructions require a clear codes and road test. It takes about an hour to do the job.

https://quik.gopro.com/v/nIF52jtXik/