Fix It

The side post battery is a simple connection that has a special bolt with a large built-in flat washer surrounded by and tucked under a plastic cover. This terminal, bolts to a flat lead post with a 3/8-inch threaded hole in the center. The plastic cover of the side post terminal holds the special bolt securely in place and protects the connections from the elements reducing corrosion which reduces connection failures. If the terminal bolts head or threads become stripped or damaged the bolt should be replaced. Replacement bolts are available.

Instructions

1

Disconnect both side post terminals from the battery using a socket and ratchet or vise grip pliers if the bolts head is stripped. Remove the negative terminal of the battery first.

2

Thread a 3/8-inch nut a few turns onto the terminal bolt to be removed. The nut will expand the surface area of the bolt end.

3

Pull the terminal with the bolt to be removed away from the battery. Select a deep well socket that is much larger than the terminal bolts washer located under the plastic cover and place it centered over the head of the bolt.

4

Hammer the nut end of the terminal bolt while supporting the other side with a large deep well socket until the bolt pushes through the plastic and into the socket. It may require the socket be backed up against the engine block or a solid surface.

5

Place the new terminal bolt into the terminal and use a small screwdriver like a shoe horn to slip the washer ledge of the new bolt under the plastic cover.

6

Brush the battery posts clean with a wire brush.

7

Reconnect both battery terminals. Connect the positive terminal first as a safety precaution.

Sand is best left on the beach or in a sand box. If it makes its way to your autos gas tank you may be in for a headache and expense.

History

The concepts of putting something other than gas in the gas tank allegedly originated in the 1996 movie, "Kingpin," where sugar was placed in a victims gas tank.

Potential Damage

If the tank was filled up with sand to the brim, it could damage the engine. Snopes.com notes that most cars contain a "sock" at the end of the tanks pickup tube that prevents anything that is not liquid from entering. The cars fuel filter should collect any remaining sand from entering the engine.

Solution

A complete flush of the tank and a change of the fuel filter should fix the problem. This kind of repair could range anywhere from $450 to $500.

Prevention

A locking gas cap might be a good investment. Speedconcepts.net offers several varieties for different vehicles in the $30 to $40 range.

There are many reasons you might need to jack the axle ends of your Chevy K5 off the ground. Whether you are making repairs, rotating tires, or just trying to get a better look at the underside of the vehicle, jacking it up is a pretty simple task. The job can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Jacks and jack stands can be purchased at most automotive repair and supply shops.

Instructions

1

Locate the marked jack points beneath your K5. They can be found on the frame in back of the tires, facing the center of the SUV.

2

Go to the front drivers side and position the floor jack below the jack point. Raise the SUV with the jack.

3

Slide a jack stand behind the jack.

4

Cover the top of the jack stand with a rag.

5

Lower your K5 onto the stand with the jack.

6

Repeat Steps 2 through 5 to get the three remaining sides onto the jack stands.