Friday, February 28, 2014
How to Check the Oil in My Yamaha V Star 1100
The Yahama V-Star 1100 is a cruiser-style motorcycle produced by Yamaha. As part of the routine maintenance of the motorcycle, users should check their engine oil level often, as operating the bike with too little oil can cause serious damage to the engine. The Yamaha V-Star 1100 does not have a dip-stick. Instead, it has a small window, or sight glass, located on the left side of the engine. This allows owners to check the oil level quickly, without the need for a rag to clean the dipstick.
Instructions
- 1
Turn off the Yamaha V-Star 1100s engine, then put the kickstand down to secure the motorcycle in an upright position.
2Locate the small, round, glass window, on the bottom of the left side of the motorcycle.
3Locate the two hash marks on the glass, one near the top of the glass, and one near the bottom. The top hash mark indicates the maximum amount of oil that should be in the engine, and the bottom mark indicates the minimum amount of oil that should be in the engine.
4Bring the bike to a vertical position, to ensure an accurate reading. While the motorcycle is straight up, look at the glass and determine where the oil falls in relation to the two marks. The oil level should be between the two hash marks. If the oil level is below the minimum line, add oil before starting the engine again, and if it is above the maximum line, you should remove oil prior to starting the engine. Add oil a little at a time, and check the glass each time, to avoid over-filling.
Monday, February 3, 2014
How to Troubleshoot a Honda CR V
The 2011 Honda CR-V LX is a four-door sport utility vehicle. The CR-V is equipped with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine. It includes many different standard features such as a height adjustable drivers seat, reclining rear seats, remote power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, 17-inch steel all season wheels, a rear liftgate door, tilt and telescopic steering wheel and 12-volt front and rear outlets. The CR-Vs complex makeup of parts and systems can make it challenging to troubleshoot a problem with the vehicle. One way to locate the problem is by looking over general troubleshooting tips.
Instructions
- 1
Check the rear brake caliper when the CR-V pulls to the left or right while you are driving. The caliper could be sticking. The hardware mounting brackets could also be stuck. Look also at the brake hoses of the vehicle to see if any of them have collapsed. The front brake caliper that is on the opposite side of the direction the vehicle pulls towards when you are driving may also be faulty or damaged and not working properly. The steering gear may also be worn out or one or more of the coil springs are broken or weak.
2Find the PCV valve inside the engine of your CR-V and check whether it is plugged or damaged in any way when you see excessive smoke coming from the exhaust of the vehicle while you are driving. The fuel injectors may also be dirty or burned. The amount of fuel being inserted into the combustion chamber by the fuel injectors may also need to be adjusted depending on whether too much fuel or too little is being injected.
3Examine the power steering hose when it sounds as if an unusual amount of air is being sucked into the engine compartment when you turn the front wheels to the left or right. The power steering hose could have a loose return line clamp or there may be an air leak between the power steering pump and the reservoir. The power steering pump could also be low on power steering fluid.
4Inspect the fuel line assembly when you smell gas fumes inside the passenger compartment of the CR-V while you are driving. There may be one or more fuel line connectors that are loose or a fuel line may be damaged and leaking gasoline. The fuel filter may also be leaking or the fuel tank could be damaged or punctured. Look also at the carburetor and make sure it is not dirty or broken and check the fuel injectors to ensure that they are clean and still working correctly.