Friday, April 29, 2011

Install A Flash Player On A Ps3 Browser

Install A Flash Player on A PS3 Browser


In addition to playing video games, Sony's PlayStation 3 gaming console is a full-fledged entertainment hub. It plays CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays and has a built-in web browser for going online. Certain Internet websites require Flash to be installed on your computer. As you aren't using a computer but a PS3 to view the Internet, you'll have to install Flash on it instead. Use this article as a guide as you do just that.


Instructions


1. Start your PlayStation 3's web browser. You can do this by navigating to the "Network" category on your PS3's main menu and selecting the "Internet" option.


2. Point your web browser to a website that uses Flash. YouTube, at www.youtube.com, is a good example.


3. Let the page load. Depending on your Internet connectio, this could take a few seconds.


4. Click "OK" when the box reading "Install Missing Plugin" appears on screen. As Flash comes pre-installed on the PS3, this will update you to the latest version of Flash. You will know the update is complete when YouTube videos then begin to load.







Tags: Flash Player, Flash Player Browser, Install Flash, Install Flash Player, Player Browser

Gifts For Motorcycle Riders

Gifts for motorcycle riders include practical gifts that they'll find useful.


Shopping for a motorcycle rider usually involves visiting a motorcycle dealership or buying from a website that sells authorized merchandise. Sticking to novelty items, including clothing and toys, is bound to get boring after awhile, for both you and the recipient. Gifts for motorcycle riders include items that give them inspiration and items that they'll actually use on their bikes.


Motorcycle Accessories


Motorcycle accessories include items that fit onto the motorcycle and things that the rider needs. A simple bag that attaches to the bike is a good gift idea. The bags are waterproof and protect the things they need on their travels. You'll also find packs that attach directly to the back of the motorcycle, which gives the rider easy access, without taking up too much space. Messenger bags are another idea because the bags fit comfortably over the rider's arms and have just enough room to store their everyday items and personal effects. Manufacturers also make comfort grips that attach directly onto the handlebars of the motorcycle and keep the rider's hands from cramping up. Gloves and clothing that protects the rider also make good gifts.


Motorcycle Books


For riders who enjoy time away from the bike, look for books specifically by motorcycle riders or for motorcycle riders. Gregory Frazier is the author of "Riding the World." The author rode his motorcycle around the world on two different occasions and used those experiences in his book. The book offers advice, from both him and other riders, to those planning to travel by motorcycle. Different sections of the book focus on staying safe, packing for the trip, planning a route and where and sleep. The book also includes some color photographs. The rider in your life might also appreciate the "Harley Davidson's Ride Atlas of America." This road atlas was specifically written for motorcycle enthusiasts and includes information on scenic routes across the country, gas stations and laws in each state.


GPS System


Motorcycle gift ideas also include a useful GPS system. Look for one that easily mounts to the front of a motorcycle, or even a handheld device, which fits into the rider's pocket. If you can't find one that attaches to the bike, purchase an extra holder that the rider can attach himself. The GPS system provides detailed routes and directions to locations across the country. It's a must for riders who like traveling on their bike because it effectively keeps them from getting lost.







Tags: items that, across country, also make, attach directly, attaches bike

Fix A Rear Main Seal

Neoprene rear main seal


The rear main seal in an automobile engine is located directly behind the rearmost main bearing journal of the crankshaft.


Its job is to keep the oil that sloshes around in the crankcase and oil pan from escaping out the back of the engine. Symptoms of failure are usually a wet area on the rear of the oil pan, an oily wet spot on your driveway or a completely oil covered transmission; depending on the gravity of the leak. You can try to temporarily "fix" this problem by adding heavy 50 weight oil or thickeners, by adding chemicals that soften rubber and other schemes, but eventually you will have to remove and replace it.


If you are planning to replace this seal, prepare yourself for a very oily messy job. To have a dealer replace this part will cost upwards of $500; it is very time consuming and they charge by the hour. Don't despair however, you can do it yourself. In most cases you will not even have to remove the engine. This article will show you the steps you need to follow for a typical rear main seal replacement. Your total cost in parts and supplies should be about $50 or less.


Instructions


1. Pressure wash, with soapy water, under the engine and transmission. The night before the fateful day, drain the oil out of the crankcase. Also drain the radiator. Yes you can let them drip all night. This will make for a cleaner job in the morning.


2. Remove anything that will impede the engine from being lifted a few inches. Loosen motor mounts. Remove the distributor it it's located in the back of the engine, or at least the cap and rotor. This will keep them from hitting the firewall and breaking off. Also, disconnect the radiator hoses, the fan and the fan shroud; keeps them from gouging the radiator. Unbolt the engine from the transmission if needed.


3. Now jack or hoist the engine off its mounts high enough to allow the removal of the oil pan. Use jack stands to safely suspend the engine. Remove the oil pan bolts. Use a sharp, stiff putty knife to pry the oil pan off the engine. Continue to jack the engine until you are able to remove the oil pan. You may have to remove the starter motor and exhaust pipes to get access to all of the oil pan bolts.


4. Once you have the oil pan off, remove the rear main bearing cap bolts. Pry off the bearing cap with the sharp, stiff putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the crankshaft!


5. There are three kinds of rear main seals. The one piece metal clad rubber is found on newer front wheel drive cars. The two part rope type and the two part neoprene lip type are found on most of the rear wheel drive cars; we will deal with these two part seals. Look at the old oil seal; if it's neoprene, the lip should be facing towards the front of the engine. If it's not, it would be a good reason for it to leak. The rope type seal will just appear mashed in its groove.


6. To remove the upper part of the seal you will need a small brass punch. Tap one end of the seal with the punch in the direction the crankshaft normally rotates. As you tap, have someone turn the engine over by hand. This will make it easier to remove. Some seals have a wire embedded in the center of the seal. Try to tap on the wire if you can. When the seal shows up at the other end grab it with needle nose pliers. Use an insulated 8 gauge wire to push the seal while you pull it with the pliers. The wire insulation prevents the crankshaft from getting scratched.


7. To install the upper seal back over the crankshaft, soap-up the side that goes in the block and oil the side that slides on the crankshaft. Make sure you do not soak rope seal in oil; damage to the graphite in the seal will occur if it's soaked in oil. Place the seal on the crankshaft and push it into the hole while rotating the crankshaft in the same direction. Make sure the lip is facing towards the front of the engine. Make sure you push the seal with a rotating motion so as to not damage it. If your car is older and uses the rope seal, you will need a "Chinese finger" type puller. Thread this puller over the crankshaft and insert the rope seal in it. Pull until the seal is in place. Trim rope seal flush with engine block.


8. Press neoprene and rope seal on main cap with a very large socket. Make sure that the neoprene seal lip faces towards the front of the engine.


9. Use a dollop of RTV sealer on the ends of the seal before replacing the main cap. Tighten the cap bolts to 40 ft. lbs., then to about 80 ft. lbs., and lastly to 100 ft. lbs., or whatever the specifications are for your car's engine.


10. Clean-up the oil pan and install new gasket. Replace oil pan and torque to specifications. Jack the engine back down. Replace all other parts in reverse order of removal.


11. Fill engine with oil, Fill engine with coolant. Start her up and check for any leaks. After a week or so, if you still have no leaks, you will take great comfort in knowing you saved a substantial amount of money, and in a job well done.







Tags: rear main, rope seal, have remove, Make sure, seal will

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Train A Grape Vine

Train a Grape Vine


Taking the time from the start to train a grapevine is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure success and a high fruit yield during the long life of a well-cared-for vine. While it takes three years of training followed by regular pruning and care before you may even see a grape, the bounty that follows such care is rewarding. During those three years your goal is to establish a solid trunk and thriving roots; grapes are not the goal. Even though the continuous care of a grapevine can seem laborious, the end product is truly delicious. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


The First Year


1. Set up your trellis, wire or rail fence before or soon after planting your grapes to create a support. Set a support stake next to or near your new planting if a main portion of your wire system is far away from the plant.


2. Allow the vine to grow after planting through the first spring and summer of year one. Loosely tie the strongest shoot to your support stake to train it upward. Cut away the other vertical shoots. You will also want to remove any flowers and side shoots from your main shoot as well.


3. Look over your main trunk during the winter. Cut the vine, leaving the trunk with only five to ten buds, fewer if the plant appears weak or unsturdy. You should be cutting away the light brown wood but leaving the green, healthy trunk to remain. Trim away any other growth from the vine. While it will feel cruel to cut your plant so extremely, you will see better results because of it.


The Second Year


4. Allow the buds to grow four to six inches long during the spring of year two. Pick the strongest one of these buds to be the continuation of the trunk to run vertically up your support. Look over the other buds and select two to be your first set of horizontal shoots, they should run in opposite directions creating a lowercase "T" shape. Tie these shoots to your lower rail or wire. Trim away any other shoots after you have selected those three.


5. Cut the tip of your trunk once it reaches the top of your posts or fence during the summer of year two. As they grow, select the two strongest shoots at the top and trim away the others. Tie these top arms to your upper fence or wire.


6. Remove any flower or fruit clusters as you see them. Remember, you are working on vine growth and strength still, so you don't want grapes to form on the plant just yet.


7. Prune away growth from the four arms and the trunk during the winter of year two. This will let the plant focus on strength. The trunk portion of the vine should retain about 10 to 15 buds with each of the four arms having two to four buds each.


The Third Year


8. Continue to prune growth away from just the trunk during the summer of year three. Let the arms grow as they need to and tie them to the supports as they grow longer. The two to four buds that were kept on each of the arms will produce some fruit during year three.


9. When pruning over the winter of year three, leave as many as 30 buds total on the vine between each arm at both the upper and lower wires. Continue to train the vines along your fence, wire or trellis. As spring comes of the fourth year, tying the vines will be easier as sap makes the vine more movable.


10. Follow regular maintenance pruning during each year of growth and continue to do so for the life of the vine. This can be done in a number of ways, so research the pruning style you need for your plants once the vine is established.







Tags: away other, summer year, trunk during, year three, after planting

Harley Night Train Specs

The Harley-Davidson Night-Train was discontinued after 2009.


Part of the Softail group of motorcycle cruisers built by Harley-Davidson, the Night Train was only sold to the European market. Born in 1998, the bike got a fuel injection system in 2002 and a boost to a 1580cc engine in 2006. In 2009, the last version of the bike was produced.


Engine


The 2009 Night Train has a 1,584cc engine (the figure refers to the volume inside the cylinders that is swept by the pistons). It is a V-twin, meaning it has two cylinders arranged at an angle to each other. It has two valves per cylinder. The engine is a four-stroke, which means the pistons take four strokes to complete an engine cycle. The 2009 Night Train's motor -- called a Twin Cam 96 -- produces 87.9 ft-lbs of torque.


The Night Train engine has a bore and stroke of 3.75 by 4.38 inches and a compression ratio of 9.2 to one. The bore is the diameter of the engine cylinder opening and the stroke is the total distance the piston travels up and down. Compression ratio is the ratio of the volume between the piston and cylinder head before and after a compression stroke.


Transmission and Suspension


The Night Train has a chain final drive system to transfer engine power to the rear wheel, and six manual speeds. The front suspension of the bike uses telescopic forks, and the rear suspension uses a steel twin swing arm. The brakes on the Night Train are both 11.5-inch-diameter discs. A disc brake is a metal disc fixed to the wheel. When force is applied by pulling on the brake lever, a caliper pushes brake pads against the disc, causing friction and slowing the wheel.


Dimensions


The Night Train is a heavy motorcycle, weighing 656 lbs. dry. The low cruiser seat is 25.2 inches high. The Night Train is 94.5 inches long. It has a wheelbase of 66.9 inches and a ground clearance of 5.1 inches. The rake (angle of steering) of the bike is 32.3 degrees and the trail is 5 inches.


Harley cruisers have wide tires, and the Night Train delivers, with a Dunlop MH90-21 54H front tire mounted on a 21-inch-diameter wheel and a Dunlop 200/55 R17 78V tire mounted on the 17-inch diameter rear wheel.


The Night Train's tank holds 5 gallons of fuel, The bike has fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon in the city and 54 mpg on the highway.







Tags: Night Train, 2009 Night, 2009 Night Train, bike fuel, rear wheel, tire mounted

Performance Specifications For The 1982 Yamaha Xj 1100

1982 was the last manufacturing year of the impressive Yamaha XJ 1100, also known as the Maxim 1100. While this large displacement bike was one of the early attempts for a Japanese manufacturer to mimic American cruiser Harley-Davidson, it packaged some big performance surprises along with reliability unseen in American motorcycles.


Engine


At first blush, the Maxim looks like a cruiser, and it is. But it's adapted from sport bikes, not other cruisers. The Maxim actually displaces 1101 cubic centimeters with a bore or 75.5 cc, stroke of 68.6 cc and modest compression ratio (for a motorcycle) of 9.0:1. Breathing through four 34-mm Mikuni carburetors, the power-plant produced 95 horsepower and 65 ft-lbs. of torque at 6,500 rpm.


Performance


While the seat and the back-swept handle bars of the 1100 Maxim have more in common with a laid-back chopper, the seating position is actually neutral, like that of the sporty Yamaha Seca line which shares the XJ badge. The upright position gives the rider better control. The XJ had good stopping power with dual front disc brakes and a single disc in the rear. Front forks were a bit deceptive; while the handlebars and the forks were both a bit taller than the Seca, they didn't have relaxed angle or "rake" of most cruisers, which gave them slow steering. They also used an air-assist system which provided a supple ride.


Power-to-Weight


With a dry weight without fuel, lubricants or fluids of 560 lbs., the 1100 Maxim wasn't a light bike. When compared with the 782-lb. 1982 Harley FLT which produced 70 horsepower, the XJ 1100 had a respectable power-to-weight ratio for a cruiser-style bike and impressive acceleration. Power was delivered to the rear wheel through a shaft drive, which gave the Maxima an odd suspension lift associated with shaft drive motorcycles. But it was more an idiosyncrasy of the bike than a drawback as it wasn't designed for the racetrack.







Tags: 1100 Maxim, forks were, produced horsepower, shaft drive, which gave, Yamaha 1100

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Make My Computer Picture Fit The Screen On The Tv

Make My Computer Picture Fit the Screen on the TV


While attaching your computer to the television is a good way to improve your equity from the purchase, there are a number of different setup tasks to consider that will optimize the experience. One of the most important is sizing the screen to fit the television set. Although you might assume that you will be able to use a larger resolution (as the television is much larger than your computer monitor), many televisions have a lower resolution than comparable computer monitors, necessitating a reduction or alteration in resolution to fit the screen.


Instructions


1. Right click anywhere on the desktop of your Windows computer. This will bring up a general options menu. Click on the option to "Personalize" your computer. From there, click on the option to change "Display Settings."


2. Consult your television manual to determine the native resolution of your television set. The resolution is provided with two separate numbers - something like 1280x960 or 1024x768. If you have lost your manual, either contact the manufacturer or look online for the particular specifications of your model.


3. Adjust the resolution slider on the lower left side of the window to match the native resolution of your television.


4. Press "OK" to confirm your choice, then "OK" again when the confirmation dialogue appears. Reboot the machine after resetting the resolution to make it "stick" in the computer's memory, avoiding the need to change it again so long as the machine remains hooked up to the TV.







Tags: your computer, your television, Computer Picture, Computer Picture Screen, Make Computer, Make Computer Picture, native resolution

Harley Street Glide Specs

As of 2010, the Street Glide started at a price of $18,999 USD.


The 2010 Touring Street Glide by Harley Davidson is a low, lean and light motorcycle that has minimal trim and chrome for a minimalist appearance. Designed for long-haul touring, the Street Glide is fully loaded with a state-of-the art engine and boasts a stylish exterior that comes in seven colors, all of which are easily customizable.


Engine Specs


The Street Glide's engine has a bore of 3.75 inches, with a compression ratio of 9.2:1. This Twin Cam 96, V Twin, two-cylinder, 4-stroke engine is air-cooled with a fuel injector. It takes premium fuel and uses an electric starter.


Performance & Fuel Economy


The Street Glide has an engine displacement to weight at 2.05 cc with a torque of 92.6 ft lbs at 3500 rpm. This bike also boasts a fuel economy of 35 mpg city and 54 mpg highway with a 6 gallon tank. The exhaust system is a chrome 2-1-2 dual exhaust with a slash-down end.


Transmission


The Street Glide has six gear ratios: 9.59, 6.65, 4.94, 4, 3.41 and 2.88. This bike is equipped with a standard heel toe shifter and six speeds. Th primary drive is chain for engine and transmission, and belt for the rear wheel. The primary drive has a 34/46 ratio. The Street Glide has a manual transmission.


Wheels & Tires


The wheels on the Street Glide are not chrome, but the front wheel is 18" in diameter and the rear wheel is 16". The wheels are composed of black, slotted disc cast aluminum. The front tire is a Dunlop 130/80 R18 63H with an aspect ratio of 80, a speed rating of 63H, and a width of 130. The rear tire is a Dunlop 180/65 R16 81H with an aspect ratio of 65, a speed rating of 81H and a width of 180.


Brakes, Suspension & Steering


The standard brakes are Brembo. The front brake, a dual hydraulic disc, has a diameter is 11.5 inches and a front brake rotor width of 0.2 inch. The rear brakes are hydraulic disc with a diameter of 11.5 inches and a rotor width of 0.23 inch. The suspension is air adjustable with no front central suspension strut. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with two rear shock absorbers. There is rear adjustable rebound damping as well as rear adjustable shock/spring pre-load available. The rear suspension is a twin sided swing arm made from steel. The rake steering head is 26 degrees.


Seats & Bodywork


The bike is 95 inches in length with a ground clearance of 4.7 inches. The dry weight of the Street Glide is at 773 lbs, with a running order of 810 lbs. The color options are vivid black, scarlet red, brilliant silver pearl, black denim, red hot sunglo, two-tone merlot sunglo/cherry red sunglo, and two-tone white ice pearl/black ice pearl. The seat is not adjustable without a detachable passenger seat, but a grab rail comes standard. There are two leather seats available are 26.3 inches from the ground. For the bodywork, an air cleaner cover comes standard; however, brush guards, carburetor covers and chain guards are not standard on the Street Glide. There are chassis protectors and an engine guard, but no choke knob cover, drive shaft cover or drive shaft guard. The exterior covers, exterior guards and floor boards are standard. The frame, front and rear fenders are steel with rubber hand grips. The kick stand comes standard.


Instrumentation, Bags & Storage


All instrumentation is standard, including the clock, fuel level warning gauge, oil pressure gauge, speedometer, tachometer and trip odometer. Lap timers, multi-lingual instrumentation, shift lights, temperature warnings and trip computers are not available. For lighting, LED indicator lights and a 6-speed indicator light come standard. High beam, running lights, front fender lights and a directional light bar are also standard features. Hard side cases, helmet storage, lockable storage and tank dividers come standard. However, dash storage, front racks, saddle bags, side racks, sidecar fender racks and tank bags are not available for the Street Glide.







Tags: Street Glide, comes standard, aspect ratio, aspect ratio speed, come standard

Paint Flames On A Harley

Paint Flames on a Harley


Nothing says Harley quite like killer flames painted on your motorcycle. Getting a flame paint job, however, is expensive. Save money by creating your own custom paint job with some basic enamel auto-paint. Be sure to take your time for the best results.


Instructions


1. Place painters tape around the edges of your design area to protect against paint. Attach a garbage bag to the edge of the tape to make sure that you cover the areas thoroughly. Paint flames with red enamel on the gas tank, rear guard and front splash guard. Paint five curved triangular shapes starting at the base of the metal and continuing up towards the top of the metal. Repeat for each section you want to paint.


2. Wash out your brush and add orange enamel to the middle of each curved triangle of red flame. Leave only a small amount of the base coat of red near the top and bottom of the flames.


3. Wash out your brush and paint yellow enamel in the center of the orange. Leave a fair amount of orange around the yellow.


4. Dip your brush in some paint thinner and blend the flames. Start in the yellow section and gently blend it into the orange. Use light lines that are curved and wavy to capture the feel of flames licking the metal of your motorcycle. Blend the orange into the read in the same manner. Let the enamel dry overnight.







Tags: your brush, Flames Harley, Paint Flames, Paint Flames Harley, Wash your, Wash your brush, your motorcycle

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Remove The Compensating Sprocket On A Harleydavidson

The compensating sprocket is located inside the primary chaincase.


Located just inside the primary chaincase of your Harley-Davidson, the compensating sprocket is responsible for minimizing the jerkiness of your motorcycle at slower speeds. It works in conjunction with the clutch assembly and the primary chain to ensure the motorcycle operates smoothly. Replacement of the compensating sprocket is rare, as it is only necessary if the teeth wear down. You can identify the worn teeth by a loud noise in the outer primary.


Instructions


1. Remove the seat by removing the bolt and nut located at the rear of the seat. This is the bolt that connects the seat to the rear fender.


2. Remove the magnetic drain plug with a wrench from underneath the outer primary chaincase located on the left-hand side of the motorcycle. Drain the fluid into a drain pan.


3. Remove both the driver and passenger floorboards from the left-hand side of the motorcycle. The floorboards connect to the motorcycle by a socket screw with a lockwasher and flat washer. To remove, use a 3/8-inch ball Allen wrench with extension. Remove both the upper and lower hex bolts with a wrench and socket.


4. Remove the shift rod from the shift lever using a wrench. Remove the socket head screws from the toe and heel shifter levers with a standard screwdriver.


5. Remove the outer primary chaincase by removing the 10 Allen-head screws with an Allen wrench. Once removed, set the outer chaincase aside.


6. Loosen the bolt holding the chain tensioner assembly with a standard wrench. Lower the chain tensioner assembly so that the adjuster shoe lays flat on the inner primary chaincase.


7. Remove the retaining ring from the clutch hub with retaining ring pliers. Also remove the pull release plate locknut and adjuster screw with a wrench.


8. Insert a primary drive locking tool into the teeth of the compensating sprocket. Turn the sprocket nut counterclockwise using a breaker bar and socket. Turn the nut until it becomes loose.


9. Insert the primary drive locking tool into the teeth of the clutch sprocket. Turn the clutch hub mainshaft clockwise using a breaker bar and socket. Turn the nut until it becomes loose.


10. Remove the sprocket cover and sliding cam by hand once you remove the compensating and clutch sprocket nuts.


11. Remove the clutch, compensating sprocket, primary chain and shaft extension by hand. They will remain a single assembly once removed.

Tags: primary chaincase, compensating sprocket, outer primary, with wrench, Allen wrench, becomes loose

Change The Clutch Lever On A Harley

Change the Clutch Lever on a Harley


Whether you are putting the final touches on your custom Harley-Davidson or repairing damaged parts, replacing the clutch lever is a fairly simple affair. With a staggering array of levers available from the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, not to mention other aftermarket companies, selecting the style of your new levers can be harder than the actual installation process. As always, refer to a service manual specific to your model for in-depth removal details, adjustment instructions and other requirements.


Instructions


1. Park the motorcycle on a smooth, level surface and place the ignition switch in the "Off" position. Turn the handlebars to the right until the handlebars rest against the fork stop to provide better access to the clutch lever and perch.


2. Locate the cable adjuster at the middle of the clutch cable and twist clockwise until the adjuster is seated against the cable sleeve. This will loosen the cable and place the clutch lever at its loosest point.


3. Remove the anti-rattle screw and clip from the bottom of the clutch lever perch using a Phillips head screwdriver. Place these aside for re-installation.


4. Locate the retaining ring that secures the clutch lever pivot pin to the perch and remove it with a retaining ring pliers or needle nose pliers. Set the ring aside and push the pivot pin upwards until it can be removed.


5. Pull the lever out of the perch. At this point, the lever will be attached only to the clutch cable. Push out the cable anchor pin to release the clutch cable from the lever.


6. Insert the clutch cable into the new clutch lever and secure it in place with the anchor pin.


7. Insert the lever into the perch and secure it in place by sliding the pivot pin into place. Attach the retaining ring to the underside of the pivot pin.


8. Replace the anti-rattle clip and screw, tightening them with a Phillips head screwdriver.


9. Twist the mid-cable adjuster counterclockwise to tighten the slack in the cable, leaving 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch of slack at the clutch lever. Pull and release the clutch lever to ensure that the cable is moving properly within the cable sleeve.







Tags: clutch cable, clutch lever, clutch lever, lever perch, retaining ring, cable sleeve

Monday, April 25, 2011

Diy Replacing Rear Brake Pads On An Acura

DIY Replacing Rear Brake Pads on an Acura


Replacing the rear brake pads on your Acura vehicle requires some specialty brake tools and a little mechanical know-how. It's a great way to educate yourself in the braking system for the vehicle, as well as saving yourself a bunch of money on labor charges that dealerships and repair stations will tack onto your repair bill. Brake pad sets are fairly inexpensive and the money you'll save on labor can be invested buying the tools you'll need to do the job.


Preparation


Remove half the brake fluid from the master cylinder. Use a turkey baster or a hand pump to do this, but be careful not to get the fluid on the paint of the Acura. Brake fluid is highly toxic and will damage paint.


Block one or both of the front wheels and make sure the parking brake is not applied. The rear calipers on Acuras integrate the parking brake system, so if it's applied, you will not be able to get the calipers off of the pads and rotors.


Crack the lug nuts loose with a tire iron or suitable tool prior to lifting the Acura. A quarter turn is all that's necessary. Lift the rear of the Acura on a flat and hard surface and then support the vehicle on jack stands. Never use a jack as a support. Finish removing the lug nuts and then remove the wheels. Set the wheels out of the way so they do not interfere with your work area.


Replacing the Pads


If applicable, remove the dust shield and then locate the two caliper guide bolts on the inside of the rear calipers. Perform the repair on one side at a time, so you can use the other as reference if necessary. Remove these bolts from the caliper using a ratchet and socket or a box-end wrench. You don't have to remove the parking brake cable if you're just replacing the brake pads. Next, pry the caliper off of the pads and rotor. Supporting the caliper to the rear suspension coil spring with a bungee cord or hook will prevent any damage from occurring to the rubber brake hose attached to it.


Use a caliper reset tool to screw the piston in on the rear caliper. These tools can be rented as complete kits at most auto parts stores. They're also quite affordable to purchase. There are also even cheaper tools, like cubes that can be used in conjunction with a ratchet and extension.


The rear calipers on Acuras feature two notches in the solid piston opposite one another. Find the correct adapter fitting on the reset tool that matches up to the notches and then use the clamp to screw the piston in clockwise until it bottoms out in the bore of the piston.


Remove the old pads, shims and retaining spring and then clean off all the pad-to-caliper and caliper anchor contact points. Use a wire brush or something abrasive to do this. This will get rid of all the rust and corrosion on the hardware clips and caliper. Before installing the new pads, apply the shims if required. Lubricate the contact surfaces of the cleaned hardware and caliper. All sets of brake pads feature a small tube of lubricant, or you can purchase a higher quality lubricant inexpensively.


Insert the new pads onto the lubricated hardware and then replace the caliper and caliper bolts.


Finishing the Job


Once the Acura brake pads have been replaced, put the wheels and lug nuts back on. You won't be able to torque the lug nuts with the rear axle raised, so tighten the lug nuts snugly to hold the wheels secure. Raise the Acura to remove the jack stands and then slowly lower the vehicle back to the ground. At this point, you can torque the rear lug nuts with a torque wrench and a socket. Most all Acuras require about 80 foot pounds of torque for the lug nuts.


Make sure the cover to the master cylinder is in place, then pump the foot brake pedal and apply the parking brake and then release it several times until the brake pedal feels firm. This will extend the pistons of the rear calipers outward so the pads will contact the rotors. Failure to perform this step will result in rear brake failure and a low brake pedal. Once the brake pedal is firm, recheck the master cylinder fluid and add new brake fluid to it (to the full mark), if necessary.







Tags: brake pedal, parking brake, rear calipers, brake pads, master cylinder

Harley Davidson Scrapbook Page Ideas

Harley-Davidson shipped 112,720 motorcycles in the first six months of 2010, according to the company's public financial statement.


Harley-Davidson owners are a proud bunch who love their bikes. Ever since four young men played around with internal combustion engines in 1903, the Harley-Davidson company has grown steadily, according to its website. Possibly, Evel Knievel's famous 1975 Wembley Stadium jump had something to do with it. Or maybe it was the Easy Rider movie craze of 1969 that brought the Harley-Davidson name to be synonymous with coolness. No matter the cause, Harley-Davidson is here to stay. Celebrating your love (or your loved one's love) of a Harley-Davidson is easily done through scrapbooking.


Scrapbooks as Photo Pages


Using a scrapbook as a photo album makes sense. Unlike old photo albums where there was a little plastic sleeve for each photo and room for nothing else, scrapbooks today open a world of possibilities. Paste photographs of yourself and/or your friends on the pages along with silly or profound captions. You can find quotes about motorcycles online, print them out and paste them in strategic places around your photos.


Scrapbooks as Journals


Use your scrapbook to journal your journeys with your Harley-Davidson. Using the company colors of black, orange and white as the background pages, chronicle the exploits you've experienced on your Harley on typewritten pages and paste them on the scrapbook pages. Experiment with different fonts and colors. Use orange, yellow and black font colors against a white background, pasted onto an orange, black or white scrapbook page. Don't forget photos, postcards and little souvenirs, such as event tickets and matchbooks.


Scrapbooks as a Collector's Display Case


Collectors of Harley-Davidson embroidered patches will want a clever and original place to display them. Harley-Davidson patches come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Everything from the company logo to fiery embellishment and eagles with golden wings are depicted on patches along with the Harley-Davidson logo. In addition to patches, this artwork is available as stickers and decals. A scrapbook is the right place to sort and display these tiny masterpieces, along with a caption as to where the patch was acquired and under what circumstances. Use hot glue or double-sided tape to fasten the patches to the heavy scrapbook paper.







Tags: along with, paste them, white background

Look For Car Parts

Locating auto parts is almost like following a corporate flow chart. Start with the place where you would most like to get the part. If it's not available, explore other options. Aside from vehicle dealers and auto parts shops, you may also be able to find car parts in junkyards, online or advertised locally. Before you start shopping, make sure you know exactly what you're looking for.


Instructions


1. Gather as much information as possible about your car to make sure you get the right parts. This includes the make, model and year of production, any special trim packages, optional features that may have been added or installed, and the engine size.


2. Start with the dealer, if possible. This will give you a price point to compare with other sources for vehicle parts. Often the dealer will be one of the more expensive options, but some consider it worth the extra money to have OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or factory-standard parts, as opposed to generic parts that might be very slightly off specification.


3. Call auto-parts stores in your area and inquire whether they have the parts. If they do have the parts, ask how much they are. If they don't have the parts, ask how much it would cost you to order them and how long it would take for them to arrive. Make sure that any shipping costs and special order fees are included in the quote, and ask--or compare for yourself--if you might get a better deal by ordering the part from the same company online.


4. Contact junkyards and used part dealers. These will usually be listed in a subhead of the Automotive section of the local yellow pages. Try to find the parts locally if possible but, if you urgently need the part and are willing to pay shipping costs, extend your search to the next nearest towns if necessary.


5. Check the classified ads in your local newspaper and also online classifieds like Craigslist.org. You're looking for inexpensive cars of your make and model that might be worth purchasing for parts; some vehicles will be specifically labeled as being parted out--either they don't run any longer or they were badly damaged in a wreck--in which case you might be able to purchase just the part you need instead of the vehicle itself. Others may simply be for sale so cheaply that using them for parts is a cost-effective option.







Tags: have parts, they have, they have parts, auto parts, find parts, have parts much

Measure The Thickness Of Brake Pads

Regular visual brake checks will prevent your rotor from getting damaged.


Brake pad manufacturers include an indicator that produces a high-pitched squealing sound when it is time to change your brake pads. You cannot always rely on this signal as you may not always be able to hear it. If you wait too long, your rotors will be damaged by the exposed metal scraping against it. Regular visual checks on the thickness of your brake pads will ensure that your brake pads are replaced as needed.


Instructions


1. Move and park your car in a shady area. Set your parking brake and place a large rock behind each of the two rear wheels to prevent your car from rolling.


2. Loosen the lug nuts on one of the front tires with the tire iron that comes with most cars. The tire iron is the metal rod that has a lug socket on its ends. Remove any hubcaps, if necessary, to reach the lug nuts. Loosen the lug nuts just enough for them to be easy to remove completely but don't remove them completely.


3. Place your jack under your car directly behind the front wheel whose lug nuts you have just loosened. You want the jack to hoist up that wheel by lifting up the car frame and not something that can be damaged by the jack. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your brand of jack to hoist up the car and free the wheel from the ground.


4. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel. Your brake pad and rotor for that wheel should now be clearly visible. The brake pad is part of the caliper that is next to the rotor. The rotor is the big, round, shiny metal piece that you see.


5. Measure the pad width using a ruler. The pad will be the portion of the brake caliper that is between the metal part and the rotor. According to Edmunds, if your brake pads are under 0.25 inches, you need to replace them soon. If they are under 0.125 inches, then you need to replace them immediately or as soon as possible before your rotor starts getting damage. These are general guidelines and your particular brand of brake pad may have slightly differing guidelines.


6. Replace the wheel and the lug nuts. Lower the car to the ground and tighten the lug nuts completely. Replace any hubcaps that were removed. Repeat the above steps for the other front wheel.







Tags: your brake, your brake pads, brake pads, brake pads, caliper that, front wheel

Friday, April 22, 2011

About After Market Oil Pumps For Harley Davidson Motorcycles

After-market oil pumps for Harley Davidson motorcycles are available at some motorcycle parts stores and online. They allow you to do your own custom work on an important part of your ride. An oil pump is visible on most Harleys, and that means more surface area to cover in chrome. Putting on a new after-market oil pump also gives your bike a performance lift.


Significance


Oil pumps are the muscle behind your lube system. They pump oil to vital engine parts like the pistons, and they keep everything running smoothly. Not all oil pumps are equal. Some after-market parts are made from high-quality metals that won't crack, rust or corrode, and that means better performance and more reliability.


Function


An after-market oil pump takes power from the battery and uses it to push oil through your engine. This means it needs to connect to your existing oil lines. Most after-market oil pumps connect with both steel and rubber oil lines on Harley Davidson bikes. All you need to do is hook them up. With other improvements over the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) pumps, new pumps can improve the looks and performance of your bike and allow easier usability.


Benefits


An after-market oil pump can have many benefits, like shorter relief valves, which relieve oil pressure when necessary. This can allow you to attach other components to the bike. Many are also designed to have a better look and are made with higher-quality billet aluminum. The biggest benefit is the fact that you get to customize your bike by buying an oil pump that fits the character of your bike.


Features


After-market oil pumps are designed to fit several types of engines used on Harley Davidsons and usually fit a series of engines (e.g., the 36-99 Big Twin). They also have the same bolt patterns as your bike so they can be easily attached, and a few have bolt patterns that match both old and new Harley Davidsons.


Considerations


These oil pumps usually come with everything you need to put them on your bike, but always make sure. A good after-market oil pump should have the gaskets, O-rings and cover. It might also include supply and return gears, drive shaft with keys and snap rings, pressure relief valve, check ball and the springs that go with them, release valve cover screws and other miscellaneous fittings. If it doesn't come with these, you may need to buy an oil pump kit assembly, because your old oil pump gaskets and screws should probably be replaced, too.







Tags: your bike, after-market pump, Harley Davidson, After-market pumps, bolt patterns, come with, Harley Davidsons

Transport A Vehicle Import In Canada

Import your car to Canada by meeting both U.S. and Canadian requirements.


If you're moving to Canada and want to bring your vehicle with you, that can probably be done if you meet certain requirements. Both the U.S. and Canada place restrictions on vehicles moving between the two countries.


Instructions


1. Check if the car meets the requirements set by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Transport Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). RIV ensures that cars imported from the U.S. meet Canadian safety standards. You can find a list of approved vehicles, exemptions, and other requirements on the RIV website. (See References 2 and 3)


2. Collect the original certificate of title for the vehicle and other required documents, and present them at least 72 hours before exportation to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office, which is part the of Department of Homeland Security. Then present the vehicle to U.S. Customs at the port of exportation. (See References 1 and 2)


3. Bring the car to Canada and pay the applicable duties and taxes on the vehicle. Generally, you don't have to pay duty if you import the vehicle for personal use and it was manufactured in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. (See References 2)


4. Register your car in Canada's RIV program. You have 45 days to get RIV to inspect your vehicle and make any required changes so that it can be operated according to Canadian standards. (See References 2 and 3)


5. Contact the transport authority in your province or territory to license your vehicle. (See References 3)







Tags: your vehicle, your Canada

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Install An Open Belt Drive On A Harley Davidson

Install an Open Belt Drive on a Harley Davidson


For some Harley-Davidson owners, it's all about horsepower. If the engine of a Harley-Davidson has better-than-factory horsepower, installing an open belt drive will improve the performance. This is major modification. An open belt drive can be installed on a Harley-Davidson in a backyard or garage, but some things are better left to a professional. This project involves specialty tools and procedures, including some that an average Harley rider would not have in a toolbox or know about. An owner's manual is a must to do this large of a job.


Instructions


1. Put the bike on a bike stand, securely. Tear down the bike. Refer to the service manual for the exact parts that need to be removed as this differs by model.


2. Take the bearing race out of the main shaft using the JIM'S No. 34902-84. Take off the alternator rotor. Check the sprocket shaft seal for wear.


3. Glide the motor plate to where it will be installed. Insert the heel/toe shifter shaft into the motor plate.


4. Continuing on the right side of the bike, put the starter back in place at the rear of the motor plate by installing the two flange bolts.


5. Slide the entire assembly, as shown in the manual, over the end of the starter shaft. Thread the bolt into the middle of the entire belt drive assembly. Torque as instructed in the manual.


6. Install the belt on the drive shafts temporarily. Adjust the shafts for the belt to slide into position. Remove the belt once the shafts are set to the proper setting.


7. Install both pulleys, torquing as directed in the manual.


8. Working the pulleys, install the belt on both. Position the front and rear pulleys with the motor sprocket and transmission main shaft.


9. Take the pulleys out again. Install the alternator cover by sliding it over the sprocket shaft right next to the stator rotor.


10. Install the pressure plate with the stamped word "out" showing.


11. Install the diaphragm spring and retainer. The stamped word "out" will face away from the bike. Tighten all nuts and bolts.


12. Replace the starter jack shaft with the bolts supplied in the kit.


13. Reassemble all other parts for your model. Adjust the clutch. Go for a test ride, adjusting as necessary.







Tags: belt drive, motor plate, Belt Drive Harley, Drive Harley, Drive Harley Davidson, Harley Davidson, Install Open

What Is The Difference Between 60hz & 120hz Hd Lcd Tvs

A TV's refresh rate affects the quality of the picture.


As LCD TV manufacturers introduce new models and updated technology, consumers have taken special interest in the terms "60Hz" and "120Hz," which refer to a TV's refresh rate. A higher refresh rate means a better picture, and discriminating buyers are seeking out the more advanced sets. Many consumers, however, notice little difference in the image quality.


Definition


The "refresh rate" is the number of times an image refreshes each second. A 60Hz LCD or HDTV refreshes an image 60 times per second. While this may sound good, when a viewer is watching fast-moving images on the screen, the refresh rate may not keep up with the speed of the image. This may cause the image to appear out of focus or blurred. A 120Hz TV provides a smoother-looking picture because the images are refreshed twice as fast.


Effects


The best way to understand refresh rate is to imagine a flip-book featuring a man in different running positions. As you flip the pages, the man appears to move. If you flip too slowly, the movement looks choppy. If you flip the pages faster, the man "runs" more smoothly. The book can even have the same picture two or three times, but if you flip fast enough, you wouldn't notice the duplication.


Significance


Whether a 120Hz refresh rate is better than 60Hz is a matter of debate. The difference is most noticeable with fast action, such as live sports and films viewed in high definition. For non-HD broadcasts, a 60Hz image can be perfectly suitable.


Marketing


As consumers became more familiar with HDTV technical terminology, manufacturers looked for features they could market as innovative or as distinctive. As HDTVs with 1080p resolution became the sets of choice, manufacturers began marketing the refresh rate and promoting 120Hz.


Cost


When LCD TVs were initially introduced with a 120Hz refresh rate, the price was as much as $1,000 higher for 120Hz. As newer models were introduced, prices came down within buying reach of most consumers. (Manufacturers have even introduced a 240Hz.)







Tags: refresh rate, 120Hz refresh, 120Hz refresh rate, flip pages

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Tighten The Primary On A Harley Davidson Electra Glide Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson equips its Electra Glide motorcycles with the Big-Twin engine, which has the transmission separate from the engine case. Power from the engine drive sprocket flows to the transmission via a primary drive chain. The primary drive chain connects the engine drive sprocket to the clutch and is subjected to heavy loads when accelerating or using compression braking. Primary chains gradually stretch under these loads and require adjustment to maintain the proper amount of chain "free play."


Instructions


1. Remove the negative battery cable bolt from the battery terminal with a wrench. Pull the negative cable off the battery terminal.


2. Place a bike lift under the frame toward the rear of the bike. Lift the bike so that the rear wheel is off the ground and the bike is stable.


3. Remove the primary chain inspection cover screws with a ratchet and Allen driver. Pull the inspection cover and gasket off the primary cover.


4. Locate the tightest spot in the primary chain. Place the transmission into 1st gear with the shift lever. Rotate the rear wheel forward while checking the chain free play (up-and-down movement). Stop the chain with the tightest point at the top of the inspection hole.


5. Loosen the primary chain tensioner nut with a wrench. Slide the tensioner upward to tighten the primary chain. Tighten the tensioner nut lightly with a wrench and check the free play. The specifications are 5/8 inch to 7/8 inch if the engine is cold and 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch if the engine is hot.


6. Adjust the tensioner in small increments until the desired measurement is achieved. Torque the tensioner nut to 21 to 29 pound-feet with a torque wrench and socket, then recheck the free play.


7. Position the inspection cover and new cover gasket over the inspection hole. Install and torque the inspection cover screws to 50 to 70 pound-inches with a torque wrench and Allen driver.







Tags: free play, inspection cover, primary chain, with wrench, Allen driver

Types Of Pickup Trucks

Types of Pickup Trucks


The pickup truck has evolved from a workhouse sold as a chassis, cowl and engine to a luxury vehicle that rivals the best and most expensive cars on the road. Through much of the pickup's existence, the truck was equipped only with a regular-size cab and six-foot cargo bed. Ford's introduction of the four-door crew cab helped changed the course of the pickup truck forever.


Background


Mass-produced pickup trucks began appearing in 1917 with the introduction of the Ford Model TT chassis. It wasn't until the early postwar period that Detroit automakers began to take comfort, body style and safety more seriously. As a consequence, a wider variety of pickups began to appear.


Cab styles


Four-door crew cabs date to the mid-1950s. Volkswagen in the 1960s offered cab-forward single cab or dual cab pickups. The extended two-door cab of the 1970s featured extra space behind the bend seat for storage or for jump seats. The extended cab has evolved into today's four-door luxury crew cabs that can accommodate up to six people.


Body styles


Chevrolet popularized the Fleetside body style with its C/K Series that was launched in 1960. The Fleetside had the bed stretched over the rear wheels with flat side panels. The Fleetside soon became the standard body style for trucks. Traditional stepside trucks remained with the bed located inside the wheels with protruding rear fenders.


Compact Pickups


Today's compact pickups are the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota, Chevrolet Canyon, Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier among others. These trucks are essentially junior versions of the full-size pickups. The compact pickup's wheelbase averages about 111 inches and measures around 190 inches in length. The compact has lost ground in sales in recent years because gas mileage is not significantly better than the full-size versions.


Coupe Utility


The popularity of the passenger car-based coupe utility pickup has ebbed and flowed over the decades with the 1957-1979 Ford Ranchero and 1959-1960 and 1964-1987 Chevrolet El Camino being top sellers. Unlike traditional pickups that are placed on a truck platform, the coupe utility is placed on passenger car platform. It has all the comforts of a car but has the bed and towing capacity of a truck.


Luxury Trucks


The growing popularity of the sport utility vehicle prompted demands from the public for a pickup truck that offered all the workhorse ability of a truck, but the comforts of an ultra-luxury car. In 2001, Ford launched the luxury Lincoln Blackwood. But the Blackwood proved too luxurious and not practical for pickup duty and ceased production a year later. Its competitor, the Cadillac Escalade EXT, introduced in 2002, is a much more versatile pickup with a practical non-luxurious bed.


Special Editions


Aftermarket truck customization has prompted automakers to develop their own special edition trucks. The Chevrolet Silverado had featured a Super Sport, or SS, package with stiffer suspension, special exterior badging and a performance engine. The Silverado SS, however, is not currently offered. Ford produces its Harley-Davidson edition with the motorcycle company's logo emblazoned on exterior of the truck and a host of other performance features.







Tags: body style, pickup truck, coupe utility, crew cabs, Pickup Trucks

Repair The Vertical Valve On A Running Toilet

A toilet that works well makes life easier.


When a toilet continues to run after it has been flushed it's likely the result of a faulty vertical valve, or the flush valve. The flush valve controls when water enters the tank and it has a float which shuts off the water when it reaches the proper level in the toilet tank. A new flush valve will cost around $7 and can be installed by the novice in less than half an hour. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Shut the water off to the toilet. If the toilet has its own shut off use it; otherwise the main shut off for the entire house will have to be used. Flush the toilet and remove as much of the water in the tank as possible.


2. Unscrew the toilet supply line from the bottom of the flush valve. Loosen the plastic nut from the bottom of the outside of the tank underneath the old flush valve. Channel locks may need to be used to loosen it. Remove the old flush valve. Place the shallow bucket or pan underneath to catch any water that may drip out.


3. Compare the old flush valve to the new one to ensure the new one is the same length as the old one. The flush valve is adjustable so if it needs to be made longer simply unscrew the bottom which telescopes out.


4. Place the black rubber gasket (from the kit) onto the bottom of the new flush valve. Insert the bottom of the flush valve through the hole in the bottom of the tank from the inside.


5. Tighten the plastic nut (from the kit) to the bottom of the flush valve sticking through the tank. Attach the toilet water supply line and tighten.


6. Attach the black rubber tube (from the kit) to the nipple at the top of the flush valve. Place the other end in the tank's overflow reservoir. Turn on the water.







Tags: flush valve, bottom flush, bottom flush valve, from bottom, black rubber

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tours Of Western Usa

The San Francisco Gate Bay Bridge is just one of many possible places to visit in the West.


Even before Lewis and Clark made their overland journey to the Pacific Ocean, the western portion of the United States has always been filled with adventure and mystery. Now that the 21st century has arrived, travelers can still enjoy covering the vast distances that make up the sparsely populated region of the Great Plains and Great Basin or perhaps spend time traveling north and south along the busy edge of the "Blue Pacific".


The Old Santa Fe Trail


In the early 1800's, the Santa Fe Trail turned the small city of Santa Fe into a western hub of commerce. For a great slice of the western prairie, the Front Range of the Rockies and the still-thriving Santa Fe, follow the Old Santa Fe Trail from Franklin, Missouri west to New Mexico. The route passes through Independence, Missouri; Kansas City, Council Grove, Dodge City and Ulysses, Kansas; before finally reaching Watrous and the original Las Vegas in New Mexico. The last leg is an ascent over Glorietta Pass and arrival at modern-day Santa Fe.


Back in the heyday of the trail (1821 to 1871), there were two routes that ran between Ulysses and Watrous. Try the southern route just for its fascinating trek through the grasslands and mesa of the Oklahoma panhandle and northeastern New Mexico. Back in 1840, this southern branch was the more dangerous branch because of possible Indian attacks and lack of water. For a detailed list of historic sites along the way, visit the NPS site listed under references.


Pacific Coast Highway


The 700 miles of Pacific Coast highway (route 101) from San Francisco to the Columbia River is almost 700 miles and attracts visitors from all over the world. This famous coastal ride can be done either by automobile or bicycle. Those traveling on bikes can either tote camping gear or splurge and rent a motel room for each night on the road. Cyclists can complete the route in two weeks by covering just 50 miles a day. Automobile drivers should allow at least several days to catch the main attractions, but longer time would permit extra daytime activities along the way. Highlights include the San Francisco Bay Bridge, Point Reyes, the town of Mendocino, the Redwood National Park, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Newport Harbor, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Ecola State Park and Fort Clatsop at the south shore of the Columbia River. Culinary travelers can sample cheese in Tillamook or dine on fresh fish in Newport.


Highway 50 in Colorado


Highway 50 runs all the way from Ocean City, Maryland to Sacramento, California. For a fun trip take Highway 50 west from Pueblo to the Utah state line. After departing Pueblo, the first obstacle will be Monarch Pass (elevation 11,312 feet), but you might want to visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is located about 50 miles south of the highway. Next, the road follows the deep chasm of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, which is now a national park. This natural area could possibly keep the avid hiker occupied for weeks. After crossing miles of wild country U.S. 50 arrives in Grand Junction, which is worth a night in a motel and a short trip to the Colorado National Monument, actually a scenic state park. Genuine desert rats can continue the trip west to Sacramento.







Tags: Santa Trail, Columbia River, Dunes National, National Park, Pacific Coast

Install An Nfusion Hd Receiver

It is possible to watch satellite programming in full high definition.


The NFusion HD receiver is a high-definition, free-to-air satellite receiver. This allows you to obtain unscrambled programming without paying for a monthly service -- unlike the scrambled service obtained by DirecTV and Dish Network. The receiver connects directly to a high-definition television system just like any other receiver. So if you have hooked-up satellite equipment, you should have no issues with the equipment.


Instructions


1. Connect the coaxial cable running from the satellite dish into the "In" port on the NFusion HD receiver.


2. Plug the HDMI cable into the "HDMI Out" port on the back of the NFusion HD receiver.


3. Plug the opposite end of the HDMI cable into one of the "HDMI In" ports on the high-definition television system.


4. Power on the TV and the NFusion HD receiver. Select the "Input" option on the TV, and then choose "HDMI." The NFusion programming appears on the screen.







Tags: NFusion receiver, cable into, cable into HDMI, HDMI cable, HDMI cable into, high-definition television

Install An Hd Satellite Dish

Satellite Dish


Many people would like to get the hundreds of high definition channels that are available through satellite providers, but don't do so because they feel that installing the dish is too complicated or they are afraid of doing something wrong. Here is how you install a Satellite Dish system


Instructions


1. First you should determine where you are going to place your new Satellite Dish.


2. Next take the mounting bracket and draw an outline of the bracket and mark where the holes are located on the outline.


3. After you finish the outline drill the holes into the areas you have marked and then take the mounting bracket and bolt it to the area you have selected for your dish.


4. Once you have installed the bracket and mounted the dish connect the small television to the dish. The dish will have a signal strength application in the menu selection screen.


5. Once the application is active take the small television and place it where you will be able to both see the television and move the dish at the same time.


6. Make sure the dish is locked in the middle of its vertical movement.


7. Move the dish back and forth horizontally and stop where the signal is strongest and then tighten the bolt that holds the dish in place horizontally.


8. Loosen the bolt that holds the dish in place vertically and then move the dish up and down vertically and stop where the signal is the strongest


9. Tighten the bolt that holds the dish in place vertically.


10. Disconnect the from the small television and connect it to the television you wish to view your newly acquired channels on.







Tags: Satellite Dish, bolt that, bolt that holds, dish place, holds dish, holds dish place, small television

The Internal & External Factors Of Globalization

International companies must consider several internal and external factors when it comes to globalization.


Globalization is a ubiquitous term that has became increasingly significant following the Second World War. As a function of primarily free economies, globalization allows businesses and individuals to interact and trade as part of a world economy. It removes traditional geographic and political boundaries to commerce, staging the entire world as a theatre for business. Such staging has internal and external affects on various segments of a business, including company branding, employee capabilities, and consumer and market analysis.


Globalization Factors


A global economy opens new markets for both buying and selling; as such, the way companies do business, and the way consumers interact with companies, must change. These changes are the internal and external factors of globalization. Internal factors of globalization include how the firm changes its practices to compete on a worldwide scale. Production, development, customer service and marketing strategies are all internal factors of globalization, according to the Intelligent Business Plan Software website. External factors include new market environments to which the company must become accustomed, particularly the nuances of the people and laws to which the company will be exposed.


Company Branding


Internally, the company should develop branding strategies that align its logo and external presence in a new market with its global image. One approach is to emphasize the brand's association with quality products and services, according to the website My Strategic Plan. Company branding needs to spark interest in the company itself, according to The M Companies. The perceptions worldwide consumers have of a company and its brands are a prominent factor of globalization because a company's brand is often the first thing consumers see when they interact with the company.


Employee Capabilities


To compete in a worldwide market, companies must internally evaluate the work that their employees are capable of. Primarily, companies need to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of their employees, as well as any problems, constraints or performance uncertainties that global competition might create, according to My Strategic Plan. Identifying strengths and weaknesses internally permits the company to reorganize itself for maximum efficiency and will help the company negotiate the world economy and the new markets it opens.


Consumer Analysis


Consumer reaction to a new product or company is paramount when entering a new market. Externally, globalization requires a company to analyze consumption trends for several markets, then adapt to what their new customers buy. Analyzing consumer trends includes segmenting the market into different types of consumers, identifying a consumer's motivation for buying and ascertaining the market's unmet needs, according to My Strategic Plan. Such an analysis enables the company to create unique offerings for unique consumers, creating a vibrant presence.


Market Analysis


Externally, companies in global markets need to understand the market itself. Market analysis helps a company determine the size of the market, how it is growing and create a presence in the market geared toward profitability, according to My Strategic Plan. Each market will have unique barriers to entry, including local political or economic uncertainties, the availability of resources, and even the local reaction to a global company.







Tags: Strategic Plan, according Strategic, according Strategic Plan, companies must, factors globalization, compete worldwide

Monday, April 18, 2011

Specifications For A 2007 Ultra Classic Electra Glide

Harley-Davidson has been producing motorcycles since 1903.


Produced by Harley-Davidson, the Ultra Classic Electra Glide is one of the most luxurious touring motorcycles on the market. These bikes, also known as a dressers, are meant for long-distance riding, so they are specially equipped with large windshields, wide fairings, high capacity fuel tanks and comfortable upright seats to accommodate riders on long journeys. The Electra Glide was introduced in 1965.


Engine


The 2007 Ultra Classic sports a two-cylinder, four-stroke V-twin engine with a four-valve overhead camshaft and an air cooling system. Displacing 96 cubic inches, this motor offers 92.6 ft.-lbs. of torque. It has a bore and stroke of 3.6 and 4.4 inches with a compression ratio of 9.2:1. An ESPFI fuel injector, a six-speed transmission and a chrome exhaust system are also standard features of this engine. It has a fuel efficiency of 45 miles per gallon with a fuel tank that can hold 5 gallons; the bike emits 121.1 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.


Dimensions


Weighing 840 pounds, fully loaded with oil and gas, the Ultra Classic is 98.3 inches long with a wheelbase of 63.5 inches in length and a seat height of 30.7 inches. It clears the ground by 5.1 inches.


Tires, Brakes and Suspension


In the front, the 2007 Ultra Classic uses MT90B16-72H tires with dual disc brakes. In the rear, it has MU85B16-77H tires with single disc brakes. The suspension travel is 4.6 inches in the front and 3 inches in the rear, and the rear suspension is air-adjustable.


Features


The 2007 Ultra Classic offers several amenities for the long-distance rider: a Harman/Kardon CD/Radio/WB/MP3 Advanced Audio System, storage compartments in the vented lower fairings, lockable GTX nylon saddlebags, custom-fit luggage liners, a backrest and comfort-stitched seat, full instrumentation, a CB and an intercom with CB controls for the second passenger and cruise control.







Tags: Ultra Classic, 2007 Ultra, 2007 Ultra Classic, Electra Glide, Classic Electra, Classic Electra Glide, disc brakes

Ideas For Rock N Roll Birthday Parties

Make the Rock N Roll Party rich in music and memories.


The Rock N Roll era is a great theme for a birthday party that really rocks. Use the music, the clothes and other signs of the times for inspiration. Include food items that are reminiscent of drive-ins that served burgers and hot dogs. Include decor that accentuates the theme. Hunt down lava lamps, beaded curtains and posters of 1960s artists and bands. Most of all, provide music that puts guests in the mood to let the good times rock and roll. Does this Spark an idea?


60s Music CD Invitation


Make a musical invitation by creating a CD of 1960s Rock N Roll Classics. Include California beach music classics, rhythm and blues from Motown, Elvis, the Las Vegas "Rat Pack," and top hits from the "British Invasion" of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Design a CD label that includes the party details. Mail the CD invitation to guests, or hand deliver it in your 1960s rental car. Guests will love having a musical memoir of the party to enjoy and share after the party is over.


Rent Classic Cars and Motorcycles


If your budget permits and you live in near a large car rental agency, rent a classic car to add even more pizzazz to your 1960s party theme. Rent a classic pink Cadillac, Mustang, Pontiac GTO or Harley Davidson motorcycle. Take advantage of the rental time to ride around town and pass out party invitations. Park the vehicle in the driveway on the night of the party as a perfect signal that a Rock N Roll Party is going on. If classic vehicles aren't readily available in your area, post an ad to structure a rental deal with owners of classic cars and bikes, or contact local auto dealers for resources. Offer vehicle owners a daily or flat fee with incentives, such as free rental of an outfit from the heyday of the rock n' roll era to wear while they share in the party festivities. Structure rental terms that include a ride for guests in the vehicle during the party with picture-taking afterwards.


Hire a DJ


Music will make the Rock N Roll party. Hire a DJ who knows the era and knows keep guests dancing, reminiscing and enjoying the festivities. Hiring a DJ rather than making pre-recorded music allows the DJ to sense the mood of the party and select songs to keep the festivities entertaining and engaging. Contact local nightclubs for recommendations for a DJ who knows the era's music.


Costume and Karaoke Contest


Ask guests to dress for the occasion. Provide suggestions on the invitation by including classic pictures of 1960s Rock N Roll icons. Notify guests that there will be a costume and karaoke contest. Ask them to provide an early RSVP of the artist they will represent. Give out prizes, such as CDs of music from the 1960s, coffee table books about rock n roll legends or framed posters.


Photo Thank You


If you can't afford to hire a professional photographer for the party, encourage guests to bring their digital cameras and cell phone cameras and serve as party photographers so you can assemble as many photo memories as possible. Ask them to share their cameras with others so that no visual memory is missed. Assign someone to upload pictures to your camera before the night ends, or remind guests to send JPEGs of photos to you via e-mail. Assemble all the photos for online sharing and distribution to your guests, along with a thank-you note for making the 1960s party a success.







Tags: Rock Roll, 1960s party, 1960s Rock, 1960s Rock Roll, Rock Roll, your 1960s

Oil Specifications For A Harley Shovelhead

The Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine requires different oil types depending on modifications.


Harley-Davidson's Shovelhead engine, produced between 1966 and 1984, was the predecessor of the modern-day Evolution engine. Initially offered with a displacement of 73 cubic inches, by the end of its production run in 1984 it had a displacement of 82 cubic inches. Oil specifications for all motorcycles built with Shovelhead engines between 1966 and 1978 are the same. Stock valvetrains require a higher viscosity oil than is listed in the Harley-Davidson owner's manual. Screamin' Eagle oil is Harley-Davidson's preferred oil and is available from your local Harley dealership.


Stock Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Engine: 1966 to 1978


Use 4 qts. of 25W-60 weight oil in stock Shovelhead engines built between 1966 and 1978. Avoid using automotive oil, as specialty motorcycle oil has specific weight properties necessary for twin-cylinder engines to run properly. Using Harley-Davidson's Screamin' Eagle oil is recommended.


Modified Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Engine: 1966 to 1977


Use 4 qts. of 25W-50 weight oil for engines that have had minor or major modifications to either the valvetrain or pistons. The 50-weight oil is also recommended for stock Shovelhead engines in cold climates or in high altitudes.


Stock Harley-Davidson Shovelhead engine: 1978 to 1984


Stock Harley Shovelhead engines built after 1978 require 4 qts. of 20W-60 oil, even though displacement on these engines was increased. Use 25W-50 oil if you live in a high altitude, such as Denver. Hotter climates, such as in Arizona, require the use of thicker oil, such as 70-weight oil.


Modified Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Engine: 1978 to 1984


Modified Harley Shovelhead engines produced after 1978 still require 4 qts. of 25W-50 oil. Use a lighter-weight oil for these engines to optimize performance.







Tags: Harley-Davidson Shovelhead, Shovelhead engines, 1966 1978, between 1966, Harley Shovelhead

Friday, April 15, 2011

Change The Drive Belt On A Softail Deuce

Deuce is a trim level for the Harley soft tail Screaming Eagle Sportster models. The Deuce uses a Kevlar belt drive as the final drive instead of a chain. The process for changing a belt drive is different than popping a chain link off a chain. It requires the removal of the transmission cover, shock and brakes. This makes the process relatively difficult.


Instructions


1. Place a jack stand under the frame of the Harley to support the vehicle and to lift the rear tire off the ground.


2. Locate the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the right side of the motorcycle frame. Remove the bolts using an Allen wrench and pull the brake caliper off the brake rotor.


3. Loosen the axle nuts that secure the rear axle to the motorcycle frame using a socket and ratchet. Do not remove the axle nuts at this time just loosen them.


4. Locate the drive belt adjuster bolts next to the axle nuts on both sides of the Deuce. Turn each nut equal turns counterclockwise using a docket and ratchet.


5. Push the rear wheel forward to release tension on the drive belt. Pull the drive belt off the rear pulley.


6. Remove the axle nuts and drive the axle out of the wheel using a rubber mallet. Remove the rear wheel from the motorcycle.


7. Remove the bolts that secure the left shock absorber to the swing arm using a socket and ratchet.


8. Remove the bolts that secures the transmission cover onto the left side of the transmission using an Allen wrench. Remove the cover and expose the front drive belt pulley.


9. Slide the belt off the front pulley, lift the shock absorber up and pull the belt out of the back of the transmission.


10. Slide the new belt through the back of the transmission while holding up the shock absorber.


11. Place the belt over the front pulley.


12. Secure the shock absorber to the swing arm using the bolts, socket and ratchet.


13. Place the wheel against the motorcycle frame; place the belt over the rear pulley and drive the axle back into the wheel. Thread the axle nuts onto the ends of the axle. Do not tighten them.


14. Turn the belt adjustor nuts equal turns clockwise to tighten up the belt.


15. Rotate the tire to make sure the wheel turns straight and the belt rides correctly on both the front and back pulleys.


16. Place the cover back onto the transmission and secure it into place using the Allen bolts and Allen wrench.


17.Place the brake caliper onto the brake rotor and secure it using the bolts and Allen wrench.







Tags: axle nuts, Allen wrench, shock absorber, bolts that, brake caliper, drive belt, motorcycle frame

Battery Powered Motorcycles For Kids

Battery-powered ride-on toys offer kids a revved up alternative to regular bicycles.


Battery-powered ride-on motorcycles are for kids and look a lot like the real thing. Choose from colorful scooters, Harley-Davidson chopper and Indian inspired motorcycles, motocross dirt bikes and a police patrol motorcycle. Children can ride on the battery-powered motorcycles from age 3 and over. Children can ride for about two to three hours with a 6-volt battery. The motorcycles can be operated using a foot or hand pedal throttle and electric brake system and some can suffice as an entry-level bike.


Dirt Bikes


Buy your 18 to 36 months old his first Scooby Doo model battery powered dirt bike. The battery lasts up to 2 hours. The Scooby Doo goes 1.24 mph, and stops when the throttle is released.


Choose the Motorcycle-Febercross SXC 6-volt Dirt Bike if your child is a little older, from 3 to 7 years. The bike takes 2 to 3 hours to charge, and it reaches speeds of 3 to 4 mph. This bike is imported from Spain.


Try a Kaylee 12-volt dirt bike for a faster ride at over 4 mph. This ride lasts a couple of hours. It is recommended for kids 3 and older and includes training wheels.


Scooters


Consider an Injusa Scooter Duo. This 6-volt scooter from Spain drives 4 to 5 mph for children ages 3 and up. It includes training wheels and stays charged for about two hours. It comes in green and pink.


Racing


Check out the Feber Mega Racing Bike 6-volt motorcycle that runs 3 to 4 mph and has lights, sounds and a radio. It is for children 3 or older. It comes 85 percent assembled and has a 6-hour charging time.


The Injusa 24-volt Repsol Pocket Bike can go as fast as 10 mph, with a ride time of about 5 miles. It is for children 8 and up. This bike is modeled after the Repsol racing bike. It has a steel frame, key ignition and freewheel, which allows the wheel to turn without pedal action and so the rider can coast.


Choppers and Classics


The Kalee Indian Kids Motorcycle in red is modeled after the 1948 Indian motorcycle. It comes with working front and back lights and has an engine sound. Kids can move backwards and forwards. It comes in red, charges for 4 to 6 hours and goes about 2 mph. It brakes as soon as your child takes his foot off of the throttle.


The American Chopper has chrome engine parts, a headlight and horn that work, and a synthetic leather saddle that's padded for comfortable riding. Children for ages 3 and over can use a hand throttle, foot brake and rear view mirrors.


The All American Classic features chrome engine parts, a head light and horn that work, a buddy seat and rear view mirrors for kids ages 3 years and over.







Tags: Battery-powered ride-on, Children ride, chrome engine, chrome engine parts, dirt bike, engine parts, from Spain

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Install An Easy Clutch On A Harley

The clutch lever is on the left handlebar.


There are two popular accessories that reduce the grip strength needed to squeeze a Harley clutch lever. Harley-Davidson sells a "reduced effort clutch" kit and White Brothers sells its "Easy Boy Lite Clutch." The Easy Boy Lite Clutch is much easier to install than the Harley kit because there is less to it. While the Harley kit replaces a clutch spring and two ramps in the transmission, the Easy Boy device provides a mechanical advantage by lengthening the leverage on the transmission inner ramp. Many riders get the two products confused. "Easy clutch " usually refers to the White Brothers accessory.


Instructions


1. Loosen the transmission drain plug with a socket wrench and hex socket and drain the transmission fluid into a pan.


2. Access the clutch cable adjuster nut assembly under the black rubber boot in the middle of the clutch cable. Completely loosen the long lock nut and the smaller clutch adjustment nut with open end wrenches.


3. Remove the six bolts that fasten the transmission cover to the transmission with an Allen socket and socket wrench. Remove the cover and gasket.


4. Remove the C-clip that retains the ball/ramp mechanism with snap ring pliers. Lift out the ramp, cable coupling and three ball bearings. Disconnect the coupling from the clutch cable.


5. Unscrew the clutch cable from the transmission cover. Remove the clutch cable O-ring from the transmission cover.


6. Attach the "Easy Boy Lite Clutch" arm to the original equipment inner ramp with the bolt and hex nut included in the kit. Tighten the bolt to 10 to 12 foot-pounds of torque with a hex socket and torque wrench.


7. Slide the spacer included with the kit onto the end of the clutch cable. Re-install the O-ring and screw the end of the clutch cable into the transmission cover.


8. Hook the cable coupler to the clutch cable. Attach the coupler to the clutch arm bolted to the inner ramp. Re-install the inner and outer ramps and the three ball bearings, and replace the C-clip with snap ring pliers.


9. Install a new transmission cover gasket. Replace the transmission cover and tighten the six screws to 96 foot-pounds of torque with an Allen socket and torque wrench.


10. Replace the transmission drain plug and tighten the plug with a socket wrench and hex socket. Refill the transmission with approximately 20 fluid ounces of transmission fluid, or the amount specified in the owner's manual for your motorcycle.


11. Tighten the clutch cable adjusting nut with an open end wrench. Leave less than 1/8-inch free play in the clutch lever.


12. Tighten the lock nut with another open end wrench. Replace the clutch adjustment nut assembly's rubber boot.







Tags: clutch cable, transmission cover, clutch lever, Easy Lite, Easy Lite Clutch

Install An Ati Radeon Hd 3200 Driver

ATI's Radeon HD 3200 notebook graphics card provides the processing power needed for games and video playback. However, as with most components within your notebook, the HD 3200 also needs drivers in order to function properly. Drivers allow the card to properly communicate with the other components of your computer. ATI's support site will let you download the most updated version of the 3200's drivers.


Instructions


1. Go to ATI's support page in your Internet browser.


2. Use the bottom pull-down menu to choose your computer's operating system. This will bring up search results in the tab labelled "Drivers & Downloads."


3. Click the link in the search results to go to the download page. Press "Download" to begin downloading the driver's installation package.


4. Wait until the file is finished downloading. Navigate to the folder where your Internet browser keeps downloaded files to locate the installation package.


5. Double-click the file to begin the automated installation wizard. Follow the onscreen prompts to progress through the installation process until the computer reboots. Once the computer returns to the desktop, your Radeon 3200 HD's drivers will be properly installed.







Tags: Radeon 3200, 3200 drivers, installation package, Internet browser, search results