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Hop-Ups
for Dummies - What's in YOUR Tool box? - Engine Tuning and
Service Tools
by
Chad Baird
I
left the Marine Corp as a line mechanic and applied for a
job at John Deer working on small farm tractors. My toolbox
(5-gallon bucket) had three combo wrenches a pair of pliers
a hammer and a few screwdrivers. I took a lot of ribbing,
paid my dues and within a few years I had a fully stocked
toolbox.
So to help y'all budding mechanics, in the next few articles,
I'm going to list the contents of my toolbox, with prices.
:)
Let's
start by talking about some of the special engine
tuning and service tools that you might need as you
go along.
Feeler Gauges
$5-$50
Used to check valve-rocker arm clearance. These come in a
few different types.
 Valve
Tappet Adjusters
Motion Pro #08-0073 $43.60
This tool will save you allot of frustration when adjusting
screw/lock nut type valve adjusters. Believe me it works.
Vacuum
Gauge
$40 - Here's an interesting diagnostic tool used to diagnose
valve train or piston sealing problems by watching the sweep
of the needle.
Manometer
or Carb Sync Tool
Deluxe Carb Tuner - Motion Pro #08-0009 $86.50
 I
have two of these tools, one is electronic (for fuel injection)
and the other is filled with mercury. If you have more than
one carb you'll need one of these. I prefer the mercury gauges.
You can also make your own tool.
Timing
Light
$65-$250 In addition to setting the static timing, I have
the dial back type so I can dial in total advance for high
RPM applications.
Compression
Tester
$45-$150 Yet another diagnostic tool to check the health of
the piston rings and valves.
Auxiliary
Fuel Cell
Motion Pro #08-0032 $53.60
This nifty tool get's filled with the fuel of your choice
and hangs from the ceiling or garage door when you have to
remove the fuel tank for tuning.
Spark
Tester
Motion Pro #08-0122 $11.20
I use this diagnostic tool to check for spark. It keeps me
from getting shocked and it also saves the coil from burning
out if the high-tension (spark plug wire) wire isn't grounded
on a digital or electronic ignition.
Leak
Down Tester
$180-$250 Yeah, it's expensive but this is yet another great
diagnostic tool to check the sealing of rings, valves and
gaskets. I made my own.
 Carburetor
Jet Wrench
Motion pro 08-0181 $12.80
The brass in your carb is very soft so I use this tool when
removing or installing brass. It also fits in those tight
places to get at them pesky pilot screws.
Until
next time: If it doesn't fit, force it. If it broke then it
needed to be replaced anyway.
Related
Links:
Motion Pro
Sears Craftsman
Tools
About
the Author: Chad Baird - My riding/wrenching
obsession started in the summer of 88-89. My Dad got me a
used $50 Sears minibike with a seized 4hp Tecumseh. I spent
hours upon hours in the garage hooking up throttle cables/linkages,
kill switches, changing tires, swapping engines and of course
riding and crashing. Dad would hand me a repair manual, show
me how to do something once (mostly how to use a tool) and
then was pretty much hands off except to yell at me about
loosing his tools. He would also cuss me out for taking off
without making the bike 100% ride-able or fixing something
half-assed. So that's basically how I learned, lot's a trial/error
and getting yelled at. heheh.. Now my whole life revolves
around working on, riding, talking about and teaching others
who are interested and even some who aren't, how to do the
same.
Motorcycle Missionary? or just an annoying biker with a tendency
to pontificate? You decide...
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