A playlist of videos from a recent trip to a Dorman contributor’s personal shop.
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Fuse box-compatible circuit breakers are the ultimate spares when space is limited
Throw a set of these resettable “fuses” in your toolbox.
Harmonic balancers – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
A defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings or a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Which technician is correct?
Easy tests for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) contamination (VIDEO)
DEF is easy to contaminate, and fortunately, it’s also easy to test. Check to be sure that your customers’ DEF is up to spec with these simple tests.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
New techs: hang in there. An old transmission pan mystery exemplifies the difficulties of being a mechanic
What do you do when a part isn’t in an IPD/fiche?
Brake rotor thickness variation – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
On a car with disc brakes, what is the most likely symptom of a vehicle with rotors that measured out-of-spec for thickness variation when measured at several places on the rotor surface?
The importance of testing engine coolant (VIDEO)
Peter Meier discusses the importance of testing coolant and how mechanics can use simple strip testers to keep cooling systems safe.
How to use a refractometer
Dorman trainer Pete Meier turned me on to a handy new tool.
Transfer cases: Married vs. divorced FAQ (VIDEO)
When two transfer cases love each other very much…
ABOUT SHOP PRESS
Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle. With interesting stories from around the world, features on creative people and solutions, and all kinds of other stuff that’ll make you use your mind and your hands.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
LT-series vs. P-series tires
The truck and SUV have never been more prolific than they are today. Learn when to sell each type of these tires.
Square drive: make or buy before you need ‘em
Female metric square drive plugs were new to me. They might be to you, too.
Customer states truck was vandalized… Do you know what happened here? (VIDEO)
Each line item confirms it—cheating doesn’t pay.
Watch this video on the invention of the Ford V-8 engine
Ford made a V-8 engine affordable to the mass market consumer for the first time.
How to crimp heavy gauge wire (VIDEO)
Working on some battery cables or custom ground straps? A proper tool like Dorman’s 90707 heavy lug crimper has you covered.
VIDEOS
Tapping V6 – ASE practice questions (VIDEO)
Two technicians are examining a tapping sound coming from a V6 engine. See who has the correct response about what’s causing the noise.
Buy once, cry once: Auto parts that are worth the extra cost (VIDEO)
We’ve all heard the expression “buy once, cry once,” and for some auto parts, those are words of wisdom. For others, it might be an unnecessary expense.
Making your own gaskets? Get a hollow punch set for pro results. (VIDEO)
When it is necessary to make your own gaskets, small bolt holes are often the trickiest features to cut.