Bikes, Tattoos, Music and all things Metal
Archive for October, 2009
Standard Tests for Carpet Tiles
Oct 31st
Specifying floor covering for a commercial application requires at least a passing understanding of how it will perform in the workplace.Unfortunately, markings like “contract quality” or “heavy domestic” are open to interpretation, making it difficult for the specifier to make an informed decision.
Simon Lawrence of UK carpet tile specialist, Bürofloor, offers some insight into the standard tests that can be applied to carpet that has to perform – and last – in the punishing commercial environment.
Commercial premises place heavy performance requirements on any sort of floor covering. When coffee gets spilt at home there’s an immediate flurry of mopping and spraying with stain remover. In the workplace it’s more likely to be ignored and then walked on by unwiped outdoor shoes. Your sofa at home gets moved when you need to remove dust or dinky toys from underneath it. The castor chairs in your office travel miles, boring holes in the carpet tiles as they do so.
This means that we need a benchmark by which we can judge the suitability of carpet or carpet tiles for commercial contract use. Fortunately there are standardised tests to provide Euronorm (EN) and International Standards Organisation (ISO) certification. Genuine heavy contract products should carry the standards described here.
ISO 8543 – Effective Pile Weight
Carpet tiles need dense, closely-grouped pile to provide the required wear resistance. To provide a standard for this, ISO 8543 specifies a method of shaving the carpet down to its backing. It simply measures the mass of the pile removed in grams per square metre. In general, the greater the pile mass, the harder-wearing will be the carpet tile.
ISO 1765 – Total thickness
This is another relatively simple test. In this case the carpet tile is compressed by a standard weight, and then its thickness is measured to the nearest 0.1mm.
EN 1963 – Lisson Treadwheel Test
This test measures the carpet’s resistance to scuffing, in particular highlighting how strongly the pile tufts are secured. The treadwheel is positioned above the carpet to be tested and rolled to and fro across the sample 400 times. The wheel turns slightly faster than it moves across the carpet creating a severe scuffing effect. The tested carpet sample is compared to the master samples and is rated accordingly. This is a particularly aggressive test, literally ripping some types of carpet tile to shreds. A pass under EN1963 is a strong indicator of good wear resistance.
ISO 10361 – Accelerated Wear Testing
This standard is particularly relevant for carpet tiles that will be used in an office. It’s composed of two tests, the Vetterman drum test and the castor chair test.
Vetterman Drum Test
The Vetterman Drum Test is intended to simulate heavy, focused footfall. Foot traffic tends to be concentrated around doorways or narrow passages between desks, and these areas can quickly become threadbare.
The carpet for testing is fixed inside a revolving metal drum. A heavy (7.5Kg) ball, covered in hard rubber protrusions, is placed inside the drum and is allowed to bounce around freely. The carpet is subjected to two test programmes, one of 5,000 rotations of the drum and one of 22,000 rotations.
The carpet is then visually judged against master wear samples and is given a rating for how well it has withstood the effects of the test.
The visual inspections of the carpet give results from 1 to 5 for both 5,000 and 22,000 rotations and the final result is a combination of the two results according to the formula below;
Total Result = 0.75 x Result after 5,000 rotations + 0.25 x result after 22,000 rotations
A result of 2 or more is a pass
A result of 2.4 or more is a pass for intensive use
Castor Chair Test
Castor chairs are particularly damaging, and the ragged holes they wear in floor coverings can represent a tripping hazard. The results of this test should be an essential part of the office carpet specification.
The test rig rolls a three-castored chair, carrying a weight of 90kg, across the carpet. Two samples are used, one run for 5,000 and one for 25,000 cycles.
The tested samples are visually assessed against standard samples and are rated on a scale of 1-5. The final result for the test is given according to the formula below;
Total Result = 0.75 x Result after 5,000 rotations + 0.25 x result after 25,000 rotations
ISO/DIS 10965 – Electrical Resistance
This test is particularly important for contract carpet that could well find itself in computer rooms where a build up of static electricity could damage valuable equipment.
The carpet sample to be tested must be acclimatized for at least 7 days before the test at a temperature of 23+/-1°C and 25+/-2% relative humidity. This is because humidity impacts so greatly on conductivity of textiles and must be controlled rigorously to get a meaningful test.
In this test regime the horizontal resistance and vertical resistance of the carpet is measured (in Ohms).
Horizontal resistance: An isolating underlay is placed under the carpet tile sample which should be pile upward. 2 electrodes are connected to the tile 200 mm apart and the resistance in Ohms is measured between them.
Vertical resistance: Here the electrodes are above and below the carpet tile and the resistance in Ohms is measured between them.
Measurements of less than 1010 Ohms are necessary for computer rooms.
ISO 3415 – Static Loading (Compression test)
This test is designed to see how much the carpet is compressed by a weight placed on it. It replicates the effect of furniture on the carpet.
The thickness is measured before compression
A pressure of 220 kPa is applied for 15, 30 and 60 minutes.
The result is simply given in the loss of thickness in mm after
a recovery period of 1 hour.
ISO 140-8 Acoustic Properties
The test equipment for this standard consists of two spaces, one above the other and 5 hammers, each of 500 gr. The first test is to measure impact absorption – i.e. how much impact noise is absorbed by the carpet sample.
First of all the hammers are allowed to free fall onto the floor of the upper space from a height of 4 cm, each striking the floor 10 times / second. The noise in decibels is recorded in the space below.
The test is then repeated with the addition of the sample carpet to the floor of the higher space.
The difference in decibels is the amount of impact noise that has been absorbed by the carpet sample. This test is interesting in that it shows how well carpet performs to stop noise transmission compared to other floorcoverings like wood or vinyl.
For ISO 354 the absorption of ambient noise is measured. Noise of different frequencies; (125 – 250 – 500 – 1000 – 2000) are broadcast down into a room of 200m³ and the amount of noise bounced back from the floor is measured. This is then compared with the noise reflected by the floor when covered with sample material. A result of 0.5 in this test shows that 50% of the noise that would have been reflected was absorbed by the test sample and that the remaining 50% was reflected by it.
ISO 2551 – Dimensional Stability and EN 986 for tiles
Carpet tiles must maintain their dimensions ±0.02% after the following treatments:
Heating to a temperature of 60°C for 2 hours
Bathing in water at a temperature of 20°C for 2 hours
Further heating to a temperature of 60°C for 24 hours
Conditioning in normal atmospheric conditions for 48 hours
These treatments demonstrate that the tiles will retain their integrity in the toughest conditions like hot water cleaning and extreme temperatures.
Cost of Ownership
All floor coverings carry a hidden expense in the form of replacement costs. In commercial premises this cost is raised further by the business disruption of installing new carpet tiles. Buying unwisely will inevitably lead to higher expense. A reputable supplier should respond positively to a request for test data. Hopefully the information in this article will help make sense of the test specifications and support a properly informed choice.
By: Simon Lawrence
About the Author:
Simon Lawrence is Managing Director of Bürofloor, a UK company specialising in carpet tiles for commercial premises such as offices and shops. Having worked in the carpet industry for more than 35 years, from production and design through to senior management, he set up Bürofloor in 2001 to provide commercial users with access to test-compliant contract standard carpet tiles.Carpet Testing
Looking For the Right Wholesaler
Oct 30th
When you wish to trade your itemsin the retail market, your most important step should be to search for a reliable wholesaler. Looking for a good bulk trader is important because, there are several of bulk traders who fail to carry merchandise on time when you try to establish a deal. So, before you set out trading your items into the retail arena through a wholesaler, here are a couple of advice that can help you in choosing the best bulk trader.
begin with research on the target market of your merchandise. You primarily have to find out if the items that you are ready to sell may find a place in the industry or not. This is due to the fact that it is not a necessity that a merchandise that finds good sale in one area is likely to meet equal sales in another area also. So, before you set out your research for a wholesaler, it is critical that you first find a market position for your items. Conducting an investigation can likewise be of value when you search for a wholesaler, therefore you could make him conscious of the market research that you have already completed.
These days, that you are aware of the potential market of your merchandise, go on and pick out the wholesalers. You may look for wholesalers via a number of supplier directories. The best option is to seek for a wholesalers on the web. Nonetheless, it is advised that you must not rely on the ads putup on the internet sites of the wholesalers. Check for the storage terms that the wholesaler offers and validate whether it would adopt with the essentials of your merchandise. Before you embark on dealing, discuss the terms and conditions and sign a contract. It is advisable that you should never commit any advance to the wholesaler unless you get a bit of trust.
You cannot require the wholesalers to offer you super inexpensive prices. If any wholesaler is ready to give you low prices, then be sure that you have done enough inquiry on them. Getting the proper wholesalercalls for so much persistence. It is critical that you research cautiously and then ascertain which wholesaler may be the most advantageous to provide your merchandise to the retail industry. You haveto depend on your gut feelings and pick out a wholesaler who can give you the best service for establishing your product in the retail market.
By: yitianjue
About the Author:
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After Market Motorcycle Parts
Oct 28th
Learn about after market motorcycle parts including what they are and what you can use them for.
After market motorcycle parts are parts that are bought and sold through an aftermarket dealer. These dealers usually work within a network of parts suppliers, dealers and manufacturers. They carry parts that are used, salvaged and that also come straight from the dealer. After market parts dealers are a great resource for people who own a motorcycle.
The first type of after market motorcycle parts that aftermarket parts dealers carry and trade are used parts. These parts have been acquired through personal searches conducted by the dealer, by trades made by the dealer for other parts and by ordering the parts from another dealer in their parts trade network. You can feel confident buying parts from aftermarket parts dealers because they usually test and clean the part to make sure that it is still functional.
The second type of after market motorcycle parts that aftermarket parts dealers carry are custom motorcycle parts. Not every aftermarket dealer will have custom parts but it is still a good idea to check with your dealer. After all if they don’t have the part that you are looking for they may know how to get that part for you.
The final type of after market motorcycle parts that these dealers carry are salvaged parts. Salvaged parts are usually taken from motorcycles that have been in an accident and rendered unfixable. You can find great deals when you buy salvaged parts. Sometimes the parts are so clean that they look practically new.
By: Sarah Freeland
About the Author:
Learn about custom motorcycle headlights that you can install on your motorcycle to customize it. Harley Davidson is a name that is synonymous with motorcycle. When you hear this company name you can’t help but think about the rumbling growl of a Harley engine and the burley silhouettes of Harley Davidson motorcycles streaking down an open highway. If you are trying to restore an antique Harley Davidson motorcycle then you may be interested in looking for used and salvaged motorcycle parts.
Is a 50cc scooter enough or should I Get A 125cc?
Oct 28th
Did you ever wonder why hats you bought in the early 70’s always seems to be popular again 30 years later? Two wheelers are really no different. In fact, many of these companies are playing up the trend and coming out with scooters that look retro. The Metropolitan from Honda and the GVS from Vespa actually look like a form of older versions.
Around the beginning of the 20th century, scooters made there way to the market in Europe. They looked like what we think of as a moped in today’s world. A bike with a motor attached is kind of a crude way to describe it. By the late 1910’s people in the USA were driving scooters, but they still never reached the popularity of the auto mobile. Here is a look at some of the better know scooters on the market today:
Cushman Motor Scooters — Between 1936 and 1965, Cushman made many of the scooters that the military had during WWII. These mopeds are really cool. If you ever get a chance to ride one, make sure you take advantage.
Mitsubishi — One of the first scooters made in Japan was the Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon. It was a scooter largely made of warplane wheels and discarded warplane parts, believe it or not.
Vespa Motor Scooters — If you had a scooter in Europe after WWI, it was almost certainly a Vespa. To this day, they are still one of the most popular scooters in the world.
Honda — Honda launched the most popular scooter of all time, the Super Cub, in 1958. With more than 60 million sold worldwide, it is the best selling powered vehicle of all time. Pretty impressive. If you can get your hands on one of these, you will have a classic on your hands.
You can not go wrong with a Honda. They have sold more scooters than any other company. In fact, the Honda Motor Company makes more engines than any other company in the world if you count generators, cars, lawnmowers, snow blowers, etc…….
Fuel injection and the introduction of the 4 stroke engine have made these scooters one of the best buys in terms of cost of purchase and cost of fueling it.
What is old becomes new again.
If a ton of free information is what you want and you can get it at scooterandmopedreview.com. Whether you want to find out If a ton of about street legal scooters or Honda Metropolitan scooter, this site cover it all for free!
By: Bill E. Sheers
About the Author:
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Metal-Free Fillings – What’s Wrong With Amalgam?
Oct 28th
Fillings replace decayed tooth tissue. If even small amounts of decay are left in place, they’ll continue to spread and eventually the tooth will need a crown, a “root canal”, or extraction. Even then, untreated decay will spread further, into the gums and bone, and into the blood circulation, which will carry it to all other parts of the body. In this way dental health can directly impair general health.
So fillings are essential for most of us. Dentists use several different types of materials to fill cavities:
· White dental composite – consisting of a blend of glass or quartz filler and resin. This produces tooth-colored fillings for small-to-medium cavities and is good when the teeth are used for moderate chewing.
· Porcelain – a pearly white dental ceramic which reacts to light in a way similar to tooth enamel, and makes beautiful, durable fillings anywhere in the mouth
· Metal amalgam – a mix of 50% mercury, with smaller amounts of tin, zinc, silver and copper. It has been used for about 150 years but recently has come under attack.
What is mercury?
It’s a basic chemical element, which means it can’t be broken down into any components. It’s also a heavy metal like lead, and therefore harmful to our bodies. It occurs naturally on planet Earth and can take several forms. It can exist by itself as elemental mercury, or combine with other substances in organic or inorganic compounds. Traditionally it was used in thermometers but that is now banned in many states and in the European Union. When it’s exposed to the air, it gives off mercury vapor, more when the air is warmer. It is known to harm the nervous system, so that someone with mercury poisoning loses control of their movements.
The Amalgam Controversy
Probably most of us have had amalgam fillings at some point, and may still have them. In recent years, as porcelain and white dental composite have grown more popular, along with cosmetic dentistry, discussion has evolved as to whether the mercury in amalgam is a health hazard. It has been linked to neurological disorders, birth defects and mental disease.
Those who maintain it is harmful are concerned about the mercury vapor which is continually rising from the amalgam whenever warm food or drink contacts it and whenever a person chews on something like gum. Many cosmetic dentists now have metal-free practices, meaning that they offer no amalgam fillings, and even offer to replace those you have with more pleasing and healthy white fillings.
Acute mercury poisoning has recognized symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty with breathing, tremors, blindness and seizures. This is not what amalgam fillings would induce. There is also chronic mercury poisoning which creeps up on a person slowly over the years and decades. This is what worries many people, that illnesses we name differently, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome might really be chronic mercury poisoning.
Advantages of porcelain or composite fillings
Some dentists still offer amalgam fillings. It does take extra training to do porcelain and white fillings well. Increasing numbers of others offer metal-free fillings only. Aside from the mercury controversy, metal-free fillings provide several advantages over amalgam, namely:
· They do not expand in heat like the metal in amalgam and thus do not weaken teeth.
· They are more aesthetically appealing.
· They are bonded to the tooth, which holds it together and prolongs its life. In contrast, amalgam fillings are simply packed tightly into the cavity, putting outward pressure on the tooth perimeter
· Less healthy tooth tissue needs to be removed because the cavity does not have to be shaped to hold in the un-bonded amalgam.
To use amalgam or metal-free fillings is a decision made by you and your dentist. While research continues and final results are yet to be known, it rests on the individual to decide whether to live with possible risks from amalgam or to avoid them by opting for metal-free fillings.
By: Lynn Fugaro
About the Author:
If you are considering tooth-colored filling to replace your outdated metal fillings, contact an experienced cosmetic dentist for your consultation today.
The Collectors of Curios and Relics Firearms License (c&r Ffl) is the License for Those of You Who are Avid Collectors
Oct 27th
The collectors of curios and relics firearms license (C&R FFL), also known as a type 3 license is the federal firearms license for those of you who are avid gun collectors with a particular interest in firearms that are 50 years or older. The exact definition of these firearms is listed in 27 CFR 478.11, subpart B. This includes for example, old military rifles from the first and second World Wars.
It is important for you to know that this is a collector’s license for specific firearms and is not a dealer’s license. Therefore you cannot sell your firearms as a dealer, although you can occasionally sell them in the interest of your collection. For example, if you would like to upgrade a firearm from your collection you can sell a current one to do so.
For those of you interested primarily in collecting, a C&R license will allow you to buy firearms directly from a dealer and order from a catalog or online and have it delivered directly to you. By not being required to have it shipped to a dealer first you can eliminate the middle man and the extra cost associated with this extra step. The savings you’ll get due to this will easily offset the cost of the license. At a fee of only $30 it is the cheapest FFL license and will last for three years.
In order to obtain your C&R license you will need to fill out 2 forms which are the ATF F 7FR (5310.16), and ATF form 5330.20. These forms are available online at the ATF website. After filling out 2 copies of the 7FR, send one copy to the BATF with your payment of $30 and send the other copy to your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer. Check whether this is the local Chief of Police or the head of your local Sheriff’s Department where you live. The other form, ATF 5330.20 is the alien compliance form that is necessary to establish your residency.
Once you obtain your C&R license you are required to keep a “Bound Book” which is a log of your purchases and sales of firearms. However, this is all the paperwork that you’ll need to deal with. There are no background checks required and no need to fill out form 4473.
If you have any other questions, check the ATF website for further information. The site includes a list of types of firearms covered by the C&R license, detailed requirements for obtaining the license and information regarding inspections. Overall, if you want a license to collect older firearms and ones listed as curios and relics, the C&R FFL license is the one you’ll need to obtain.
By: John R. Thompson
About the Author:
John R. Thompson has been an avid gun collector for the past 30 years. Having experienced firsthand the bureaucracy involved in obtaining a Federal Firearms License he decided to help others out by providing as much information as possible about the licensing process. For more information on how to obtain your Federal Firearms License, check out his lens http://www.squidoo.com/federal_firearms_license/
Simple Tips on How to Clean Your Motorcycle
Oct 27th
Cleaning your motorcycle can be a hassle, but with periodic care you can make it easy on yourself. Depending on where you ride and how often will determine how frequently you need to clean.
Wash your motorcycle in a shaded area so as not to let the soap dry too quickly and leave a film. Make sure the engine has cooled down before washing with soap and water. When using a hose don’t spray too hard around the engine so you won’t short out the ignition system. If you have an air compressor use the air gun to blow out as much moister around the engine area as possible to dry it out. Regular car soap will work best along with a wash mitt that will allow you to get around the areas of the bike. When you want to get to the really small nooks and crannies use a soft bristle toothbrush. Wax all painted areas of the bike, there are many waxes available on the market to use, I just stick to the basic turtle wax, it’s been around for years, but you might like to shop around. Using an SOS pad can clean up minor rust on chrome pieces. Make sure you put a coat of wax after clearing. Depending on your seat style you may want to use a leather treatment or possibly Armor All on the vinyl seat. Just remember it’s going to be a little slick when you get done.If your bike has a chain make sure you lubricate it properly after washing and check for any other areas that might need to be re-lubricated. Lastly if you have a nice motorcycle cover then use it to save the hassle of cleaning so often.Having a clean motorcycle makes it a lot more fun cruising.
Take care and drive safely.
By: Mike Webb
About the Author:
The author Mike Webb was an automotive technician at a Chrysler Dealership for 15 years and an agricultural technician for 5 years. He won the prestigiousToptech award from Chrysler in 1996 and is an ASE certified Master Technician. He currently owns and operates the Okinawan School of Karate with 2 locations. To learn more about Mike Webb you can go to his website: http://www.karatebenefits.com
The above article may be published freely as long as no content is changed and all links are included. Copyright Mike Webb 2007
The Ins and Outs of Harley Exhaust Systems
Oct 26th
Most of us like to turn heads with our bikes and the exhaust is a big part of that. A cool looking exhaust system can really enhance the appearance of your motorcycle. Plus the distinctive throaty roar of a Harley-Davidson engine comes from the exhaust.
But there is more to Harley exhaust systems than gleaming chrome and bestial growls. Understanding the function of your exhaust lets you choose the best one for your bike.
Dealing with Emissions
The full Harley exhaust is designed to deal with the output of an engine, dealing with environmental, aesthetic, and legal issues.
The converter is designed to change harmful chemicals in the emissions into something less damaging to the environment. It uses a catalyst to convert dangerous gasses, including carbon monoxide and unburned fuel into carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other innocuous compounds. Reducing harmful emissions is not only environmentally friendly – it is also required by the EPA.
The muffler control sound and sparks. Although many Harley owners like the roar of their engine, many communities have noise ordinances that limit how loud your bike can be. Mufflers don’t necessarily just suppress sound. They can also be used to control sound to get the noise you want from your bike.
Performance Enhancement
Your Harley exhaust system has a strong effect on engine performance and power. A clogged or poorly designed system restricts the flow of exhaust and reduces engine efficiency. Consider a path from the gas tank through the engine to the exhaust. If any part of that path is restricted, the whole system slows down and that means less fuel to your engine and less power.
Most people understand that a clog in the fuel line reduces power but may not realize that a clogged exhaust can do the same. Clogs aren’t the only problem. An inefficient Harley exhaust restricts the flow from the engine and that creates a backup which cuts performance. Well designed systems with smooth curves rather than sharp corners allow the exhaust to vent more easily and the engine to run better.
High vs. Low Mounting
Where you put your exhaust, a high vs. a low position, will generally be determined by the bike’s use. High-mounted Harley exhausts are used for bikes that will be used on trails and off-road. These bikes get a lot of dirt and water coming their way and the pipes are mounted high to keep these contaminants from getting into the exhaust and clogging it.
The problem with high-mounted exhausts is that they aren’t very passenger friendly. Street bikes are more likely to carry passengers and don’t need the protection of high mounts. These motorcycles are more likely to opt for low-mounted exhaust systems.
Choosing the right exhaust system is key to both the look and performance of your bike so consider all of your needs before making your choice.
By: Christine Harrell
About the Author:
Author is a freelance writer. For more information on a Harley exhaust please visit http://www.jirehcycles.com.
Adding in the Culture of Freedom With Harley Davidson Collectibles
Oct 26th
The culture of bicycle riding is one that is not only designed with specific alternatives for transportation, but also has created a statement about culture. When most think of the idea of the Harley Davidson, then specific concepts about this bike come to mind. This is not only associated with one of the best manufacturing companies for bikes, but is also related to the idea of freedom on the road and rebelliousness. This has led several into the culture of bicycle riding, not only through the basics, but also by tapping into Harley Davidson collectibles.
The main set of Harley Davidson collectibles is based on the fashion and clothing that is available. Many will use the clothing as a statement of freedom and rebelliousness that comes with this specific culture. Hats, shirts, coats and other clothes are popular for those that enjoy this specific statement of culture. Other collectibles will move into accessories for the home, such as mugs, house ware and ornaments that are a part of the specific culture.
The second type of Harley Davidson collectibles that are in high demand are based around accessories that bikers will use while on the road. This was first a popular concept because bikers needed to have extra support while on the road. However, many will also use these items as collectibles, even if they don’t have a bike. Helmets, gloves, saddlebags and other biker accessories are often used to provide a statement about the biker culture.
If you are looking for a way to represent freedom of the road and rebelliousness of culture, then looking at a statement with Harley Davidson collectibles is one of the alternatives. This specific option can then provide you with the ability to represent a different side of culture while enjoying the strong statements that are made through the Harley.
By: Elanora T. Kelly
About the Author:
Learn More about Harley
For information on all types of ways to find Harley Davidson Collectibles, come to harleybeltbuckle.com
Money Saving Tips for Next Oil Change!
Oct 26th
Save at least $30 by changing your oil yourself every time. When it comes time to change the oil of your Ford Tempo, doing it yourself could save you up to $30 or more. How do you know when to change your oil?
Change your oil every 3000 miles or about every 3 months, whichever comes first. SAE 5W-30 motor oil is the preferred motor oil to use for all weathering conditions, but if you are like me and live in moderate to hot temperatures then SAE 10W-30 motor oil is also acceptable.
Never change your engine oil while the engine is hot. This should be common sense. If your engine is hot, wait 2 hours. You could suffer terrible burns from your car’s engine or oil drainage. We don’t want any hospital bills over here.
Locate your car’s oil pan drain plug. Place an oil pan underneath the plug so you don’t spill any oil on the ground. Unscrew the drain plug and let the oil drain out for about 20 minutes to ensure all oil has poured out. Screw the plug back in. If you start pouring oil in without the plug tightly fastened then you are in for a greasy mess.
Locate the oil filter, unscrew it, and take it off. The oil filter is the piece that is shaped like half a cylinder. Be careful because oil will want to leak out of it after you unscrew it so keep it upside down. Then screw the new oil filter in.
Pour the correct amount of oil in for your vehicle. For a 2.3L engine, the oil amount should be 5 quarts. If you have a 2.3L engine, make sure the oil filter says FL-300. For 3.0L Tempo engines, you will want to put only 4.5 quarts of oil in, and make sure the oil filter says FL-400A.
If your car has a lot of miles on it (lets say +80,000), it might be a good idea to use oil that is specifically designed for cars with high mileage. I use Valvoline High Mileage and it seems to work pretty good for my 1993 Tempo (+120,000 mi).
A quick auto maintenance tip to keep in mind is to periodically check the ground underneath your parked vehicle. Look for any liquids that look like they are new. If it looks like fresh liquid, there could be a chance that it is coming from your car. Be sure to keep an eye the next time your car is parked for a while to confirm any suspicious liquid.
Just for reference, reddish liquid will be power steering fluid, brownish liquid will probably be oil, and if it is a bluish liquid it is most likely radiator coolant.
Check your oil level every couple of weeks. Make sure your oil level is within the regulated guidelines located at the bottom of your oil dip stick. Your dip stick is the stick with a round, usually colored ring at the top. All you do is pull it out, wipe off excess oil with a rag, stick it back in, pull it out again, hold it level, and decipher where the oil line stops.
Don’t be an idiot. Always properly dispose of any used oil. Local auto parts stores and service stations usually have a receptacle in the back of their store where you can recycle any used oil. Start recycling now before we jack Earth up anymore and there is nothing left to protect.
By: Jeremy MacDonald
About the Author:
Jeremy is the owner/developer of The Ford Tempo Center. It’s the one stop car shop for all your D.I.Y. Ford Tempo needs. To browse car parts, auto accessories, articles, FAQ, or save cash using car tips and secrets, view the above link.