Fix It

A camshaft sprocket is in the center of the timing belt of a car engine. It is a round shaft driven by the timing belt that opens and closes the fuel and exhaust valves of an engine. The camshaft supports are in the front and rear of the engine crankcase. Camshafts sprockets often need to be removed to have their gear teeth cleaned or to be replaced when they wear down from use.

Instructions

1

Remove the A/C compressor belt by loosening the pivot and locking belt on the belt idler pulley until the belt is loose. Flip the A/C compressor belt up over the lip of the pulley, and remove it.

2

Loosen the pivot nut and locking nut of the alternator/water pump belt. Turn the alternator adjusting bolt counter-clockwise to loosen the belt, and remove it from the pulley.

3

Loosen the locking nut and pivot bolt of the power steering pump belt. Turn the adjustment nut counter-clockwise, and remove the belt. Loosen the nuts and bolt of the air pump belt, and remove its cover. Remove the locking bolt and pivot bolt, and pull the air pump until it is out of the way.

4

Remove the nuts on the valve cover studs of the engine and the 10 mm bolts on the underside of the engine mount. Pull off upper belt cover.

5

Place a car jack underneath the right (passengers) side of the car. Jack up the car, and lock the car jack. Using a socket wrench, take off the bolts that secure the right front wheel, and lift the wheel off its mount.

6

Detach the plastic wheel well shroud at the back of the wheel well. Using a socket wrench, remove the four or five bolts that secure the main crankshaft pulley onto the engine. Do not remove the center bolt.

7

Remove the 10 mm bolts holding the lower belt cover on, and pull the cover off. Place a car jack under the drivers side front. Jack up the car to take the weight off the right side of the car.

8

Remove the nut and bolt of the center mount and the large nut directly underneath it. Unscrew the two bolts that attach the engine mount to the frame of the car. Lift off the outer half of the engine mount, and set it aside.

9

Loosen the timing belt idler pulley bolt, and rotate the pulley 180 degrees with a large wrench. Remove the bolt that secures the camshaft sprocket at the center of the pulley onto the engine. Slide the camshaft sprocket off the camshaft.

Automotive reprogramming or re-flashing is the act of basically rebooting the automotive engine control modules (ECMs). ECMs are small computers built into your vehicle, and they have many standard computer features, including random access memory (RAM), a microprocessor and chips. These computers also have programmable read-only memory (PRsaya) type chips, which help calibrate the ECM computer. When you reprogram your vehicle, you are actually deleting the data stored on the PRsaya and reprogramming it with new accurate data.

CarDAQ-Plus

This tool is designed to work with any type of controller area network (CAN), which is generally found in newer model cars and trucks. This tool comes with both a universal serial bus (USB) port and an Ethernet port, which allows you to connect this tool to your computer. This tool helps you diagnose problems on CAN vehicles, and you can use this tool to re-flash the computer systems. Other features of this tool include that it comes with expansion slots, which allow you to add memory and additional functionality, and the system can be upgraded via firmware updates. As of 2010, this tool costs $1,638, and is manufactured by Drew Technologies. It is targeted to industry professionals and smaller automotive repair shops.

Race Technology

This re-flashing software is for Race Technology products, and this is a free product. You just need to download it from the company website. This tool is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and 7, and this re-flashing software allows you to delete stored information. Then, the software will update the system with the latest firmware updates, which include security and software updates. These updates could also correct things like emission, transmission and fuel economy problems. You must plug your device into either a computer or a laptop since this is where you will install the software.

Universal Reprogrammer

The Universal Reprogrammer is compatible with General Motors (GM), Toyota, Ford and Chrysler vehicles, and it allows you to re-flash your system using the same software updates as the dealer does. This is a stand-alone tool, and it uses a wizard to guide you through the process. Other features of this reprogrammer include that it comes with its own scan tool, and it is compatible with Windows XP with the Service Pack 3 (SP3), Vista and 7, and it is only compatible with 32-bit systems. As of 2010, the Universal Reprogrammer costs between $1,000 and $2,395 if you want a wired connection, and it costs between $1,000 and $2,495 if you would like a wireless connection.

The Nissan 200SX is one of the many editions of the Nissan Sentra that have evolved over the years. The Nissan 200SX utilizes the serpentine belt system to turn various components of the engine, such as the air conditioner and the water pump. Depending on the exact make and model of your 200SX, the number of components driven by the serpentine belt can change, but the overall removal and installation process is the same. Change the belt when it begins to fray and stretch to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Instructions

1

Park your Nissan 200SX in a flat, level area such as a garage, where you can keep your work area secure. Set the parking brake and allow the engine to cool. Release the catch for the hood and open it to expose the engine. Look for the serpentine belt configuration diagram on the shroud cover for the radiator or on the underside of the hood. Disconnect the negative battery lead with the adjustable wrench and set it aside.

2

Locate the belt tensioner pulley referenced on the diagram under the water pump hose in most 200SX models (your particular year/model could have it placed differently -- use the diagram to find exactly where it is on your Nissan). Slot an appropriate socket over the end of the nut that protrudes from the side of the tensioner pulley and attach the ratchet to the socket. Turn the pulley in the direction indicated on the diagram to loosen the pulley. Remove the serpentine belt and allow the tensioner pulley to return to its original, closed position.

3

Remove the belt from the other pulleys in the engine. Refer to the diagram chart to install a new belt. Start with the crankshaft pulley and attach the notched sections of the belt to the corresponding pulleys and match the smooth sides of the belt with the smooth pulleys. Work your way up to the tensioner pulley and use the ratchet to "open" the pulley. Slide the belt over the pulley and let it close again to tighten the belt.

4

Start the engine of your Nissan 200SX. Let it run for several minutes and listen for sounds of the belt screeching or flopping. Allow the tensioner pulley four to five minutes to adjust the tension on the belt before driving.

One of the most important functions of a cars exhaust system is to protect the occupants of the vehicle from hazardous fumes. If the exhaust system leaks, carbon monoxide and other waste gases can collect in the cabin and harm or kill the passengers. Because of the abuse and exposure suffered by the exhaust system, faulty or leaking parts are usually replaced. If the exhaust system is sound enough, it can be repaired.

Braze Welding

Braze welding is a way to join two metals with different melting temperatures. The filler metal has a lower melting point than the base metal. Small holes in a muffler may be patched by braze welding filler material into the holes. Larger holes in a muffler may be repaired by braze welding patches of steel over the holes.

Brazing

Brazing is similar to braze welding in that the filler material has a lower melting temperature than the base metal. The difference between brazing and braze welding is that in brazing the filler metal is drawn into the joint by capillary action. In plumbing, this process is called "sweating" a joint. Exhaust pipes can be repaired at the joints by brazing.

Why Does the Shop Want to Replace Instead of Repair?

Repairs to any metal can only be done where the metal is in good shape. The exhaust system of a car is subjected to abuse from both the inside and the outside of the system. The temperatures of exhaust gases are high enough to weaken any metal. Cars driven in areas that use salt to clear snow from the road can suffer corrosion very quickly. If an exhaust system is more than two or three years old, it probably is not a candidate for repair.

Benefits of Braze Welding or Brazing

Joining metals with either a brazed or a braze-welded joint can result in a stronger joint than traditional welding because of the difference in melting points between the two materials. If steel is heated to near its melting point then allowed to cool slowly, it becomes weak. With either of these techniques, the steel never gets hot enough to be damaged.

Used to attach moldings, emblems and accessories to both the interior and exterior of your car, 3M double-sided foam tape can effectively mount items to your vehicle. Peel off the covering and stick on the tape with a little pressure to make it adhere. When it comes to removing the tape, however, it may prove a little more difficult. Even after prying the object off, you will have to tackle the tape residue left behind.

Instructions

1

Pry the object off carefully, if it is mounted in a sturdy area. Use your fingers to pull, avoiding tools which may damage your car while levering on the piece you wish to remove.

2

Heat the object and surrounding surface with a hair dryer if it is in a breakable area or you are concerned about breaking the object. Hold the hair dryer 3 to 4 inches from the surface and allow it to run for three or four minutes. Pull carefully to remove the item.

3

Cut a short section of fishing line and wrap it around the fingers of both your hands, just like you are preparing to floss your teeth, if an object remains mounted. Slide the line gradually behind the object and saw back and forth to cut through the adhesive bond. Remove the mounted item and set it aside.

4

Spray or wipe a 3M brand adhesive remover or other brand adhesive solvent onto the area where the item was mounted. Allow it to sit on the residue for a couple minutes, then scrape gently with a plastic squeegee or rub with a cotton rag. Continue scraping and scrubbing until the area is clear. Reapply the solvent as necessary while you work.

5

Clean the area after adhesive removal. Use a mild dish soap and very warm water; dry thoroughly to finish.

The exhaust pipe of your car may accumulate rust due to extensive rain exposure. The rust will eat away at the metallic components and cause holes to form in the exhaust system. A damaged exhaust pipe may emit a loud noise as the engine is engaged. If your exhaust system has already formed rust, perform a few basic techniques to scrub the components clean. Avoid costly car repair bills by cleaning your exhaust pipe on a regular basis.

Instructions

1

Carry the rust-removal supplies to the back end of your vehicle. Kneel down to view the exhaust system found under the trunk of your car. Locate the cylinder-shaped component known as the exhaust pipe.

2

Spray the rust-removal product onto the exhaust pipe of your vehicle. Rub the piece of steel wool around the length of the exhaust pipe. Repeat the process until the pipe retains its original metallic color.

3

Rub the cotton cloth around the exhaust pipe to remove any debris. Examine the length of the pipe to ensure you have gotten rid of the accumulated rust. Repeat the scrubbing process if necessary.

You can reset the ECU code on your Honda right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The ECU generates codes pertaining to the Electronic Control Unit, which governs the engine. When the vehicles computer detects an error, it illuminates it on the vehicles instrument panel in the form of a "Check Engine" light.

In order to properly clear this code and reset it, you will need an OBD scan tool. This can be purchased online or from your local auto parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port just to the left of your Hondas fuse panel. The fuse panel can be found on the drivers side, underneath the steering column.

2

Plug the OBD scan tool into the OBD port.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position. Wait for the scan tool to retrieve the codes from the ECU.

4

Select the "Delete Codes" command or something similar. Wait while the scan tool deletes the codes and resets the computer.

5

Unplug the scan tool and turn on your Hondas engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have shut off of the instrument panel.