How to Repair a Stereo Amp

Repairing a stereo amplifier, though an intimidating task, can be tackled once you have properly diagnosed the problem. Typically, there are only a handful of issues that can cause your stereo's amplifier to misbehave. However, it can be difficult to figure out which issue is causing it to give you problems, as often any number of problems will all result in the same affect: The stereo will simply shut down completely


Step 1
Locate the fuse housed in the amplifier unit to check if it has blown out. Typically, the fuse is a brightly colored plastic tab (usually yellow, red or green), and is plugged into the amplifier somewhere near the terminals where the amplifier wiring is connected. Pull the fuse from the unit with a firm tug, and hold the tab side of the fuse up to an exposed light. You should see a thin wire running through the tab. If the fuse is not blown, this wire will be undamaged, but if the fuse is blown, then the wire will be broken. If you find that the fuse is blown, replace it with another fuse of the same wattage.


Step 2
Open the hood of your car and find the line running from the red, negative (-) terminal of the car's battery to the amplifier's power terminal (the battery's location can vary with the make and model of your car, but is found typically against the left or right wall of your car). The line should not be difficult to locate because it should be the only cable attached to the car battery's negative terminal. Once you find this line, locate the fuse built into the line and check it as you checked the fuse in Step 1. Replace the fuse if it is blown


Step 3
Locate the red power wire connected to the terminal on the amplifier labeled "Power," and connect one of the lines from your voltmeter to this terminal. Connect the remaining second line to any exposed metal surface, and turn on both the voltmeter and the car. If the voltmeter indicates that you have completed a circuit (typically indicated by lighting up and/or beeping), then you have correctly wired the amplifier's power. If the meter does not indicate a completed circuit, however, then there is a fault in the power line. You can fix a faulty power line by running a new power wire, preferably along the same route that the original wire has been run.




Step 4
Locate the black wire connected to the terminal on the amplifier labeled "Ground" and connect one line of the voltmeter to this terminal. Connect the remaining line of the voltmeter to any exposed metal and turn on both the car and the voltmeter. The voltmeter should indicate that you have not completed a circuit. If the meter indicates a complete circuit, run a new ground wire from the same ground terminal on the amplifier and connect it to any exposed metal in the car.


Step 5

Old Fashioned Amplifier image by Yali Shi from Fotolia.com
Amplifiers are typically designed with several exposed terminals.Use short lengths of electrical tape to cover all of the exposed surfaces of the amplifier's terminals. This will prevent any of the wires connected to the terminals from making contact with each other and avoid a short circuit at the terminal

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How to Repair Sliding Glass Door Rollers

Every time we go out our sliding glass door and hear that grinding under the rollers, and have to use excessive force to open it, we say to our selves, "I'm gonna fix that one of these days"! But then we realize, "HOW"? Well, it's really quite simple, but there are a few tricks; so let's get started.


Removing the door panel: On a sunny day with mild temperatures, purpose to "fix that sucker", and do it expediently. Sliding glass doors are heavy and awkward, so get some help to remove the panels if you need. Usually, the operable panel of a sliding glass door will come out on the inside of the structure. Sometimes there will be sag in the header above the unit, so it may be necessary to remove the fixed panel from the outside first. Take your small Phillips screw driver and find the roller adjustment holes at the bottom of the door. Insert the tool into the hole and engage the roller screw. Lower the door down as much as possible, by doing forward and back rollers. Now try to lift the door up and swing the bottom into the room to remove the door



Removing the rollers: Rest your door on it's edge, and locate the roller adjustment hole. JUST ABOVE that hole is another hole. This is the hole that has a frame/roller screw in it. You must completely remove this screw to remove the old roller.( Be careful not to separate the frame from the glass when doing this procedure)Use the large Phillips screw driver to remove this screw. Pry out the old roller. Secure the door.

Go shopping: VERY IMPORTANT; TAKE THE OLD ROLLER TO THE HARDWARE STORE. You must get the identical roller. Examine the new roller and match it in every way to the old. Double check by getting a clerk. BUY TWO ROLLERS. Save money by NOT making a return trip.


Installing new rollers: Insert the new roller in the frame you disassembled, and screw it back together. Flip the door over and do the other side. Put the door aside and prepare the sliding glass door frame track.



Cleaning the track: Lay paper towels on your carpet to protect it. Vacuum and brush out the track all the way across. Now spray the roller track with the WD-40 and let it soak in. Wear safety glasses and use the tooth picks to gouge out all the dead bugs, leaves, dog hair, alligators, and rhinoceroses out of the track. And stay at it until you can see shiny aluminum at the very bottom of the crevice. Use toilet paper or more paper towels to mop up the sludge.

Re-installing the door: Bring over your door and put it back in. First insert it in at the top, and then swing the bottom into place and down onto the track. Use the small Phillips screw driver to adjust the new rollers. Slide the door over to the closed position, but leave a 1/4" gap top to bottom. Adjust the rollers so the gap is parallel to the frame vertically. Congratulations, your door slides very nicely now, and you can say, "I did it myself"! Thanks to Ken Swanson



Optional Extraction: Sometimes lodged doors have to be removed from the outside. Even to the point of grinding off the screen guide. To do the panel extraction, remove the top and bottom fixed center screws on the fixed panel.(see picture)Pull the fixed panel out of the side frame, lift the panel up, and swing the bottom out and away, and take out the fixed panel. Now the operable panel will swing outside and be

Read more: How to Repair a Broken Plasma TV eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4618534_repair-broken-plasma-tv.html

How to Repair Credit After Bankruptcy

Repairing your credit after a bankruptcy can be hard, but it can be done. Your focus should be on gaining positive accounts on your credit report that will "age" as your bankruptcy does. So, while your bankruptcy gets further into the past, your good accounts get older as well and you will have positive, recent credit history built up. It is important to remember to wait to get new credit until your situation (the one that caused you to file for bankruptcy) has changed


Step 1
Get a secured card. With this kind of card, you will send the company a deposit and they will send you a card with your deposit amount as the credit limit. The card will work like any other credit card and you will receive your deposit back (assuming you don't default) when you have build enough history with the company.

Step 2
Apply for a store card. These can be easier to get than regular credit cards, so it is your best bet after having a secured card or two for about a year. If you cannot get approved for a store card, then you are probably not ready to apply for an unsecured credit card after your bankruptcy.

Step 3
See about qualifying for a car loan or small personal loan to repair your credit. With the way FICO scoring is set up, you need variety on your credit report. Besides positive revolving accounts, you also need some positive installment accounts. A car loan or small personal loan will be easiest to qualify for.

Step 4
Try for a credit card. Once you have successfully established history with a secured card, store card, and installment account, you are ready for the big leagues. This is the best time to apply for an unsecured Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express credit card. If you are denied, let your accounts age for another six months and try again. Before you know it, your bankruptcy will be a distant memory.
.

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How to Repair a Broken Plasma TV

A repair technician may charge hundreds of dollars to repair a plasma TV, but you can save time and money by repairing it yourself. You can fix internal plasma TV problems such as dead pixels, screen burn and other distortions. You can also master fixing a broken plasma TV that has an external problem or physical damage, such as a bent screen or TV frame.




•Step 1
Connect your external DVD player to your plasma television and turn the power on. Use an external DVD player for this process, even if you have an internal DVD player on your plasma television.

•Step 2
Access the television's main menu and navigate to Display Options and change your settings to the highest resolution available for your set.

•Step 3
Put a Pixel Corrector DVD (see Resources) into the external DVD player. Access the main menu and choose the repair functions that you need, or let the wizard run all of the tests concurrently.

•Step 4
Let the repair wizard run the DVD and evaluate the improvement. Watch the washes, pixel corrector and other tests as it repairs your plasma screen, and rerun the repair wizard for problem areas that do not self-correct.




•Step 5
Use your repair and protect DVD on a regular basis. Use the DVD on other flat screen television sets to keep the plasma screens in good condition and protected from damage.

•Step 6
Tap on the TV frame if your plasma TV has physical damage. Tap above the broken area on the screen on the TV frame and continue to tap until the dead pixels or screen distortions dissolve. Continue to tap and bend until you fix your screen (see Resources for a demonstration).



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How to Repair a Running Toilet

•Step 1
Remove the toilet-tank lid and place it out of the way on the floor.

•Step 2
Investigate the ball cock. It's a valve attached to the float (which is either a metal or plastic ball on the end of a long rod or a plastic canister that slides up and down a vertical plastic pipe). If you can see or hear water coming from this valve, it may need to be cleaned or replaced.

•Step 3
Reach down into the bottom of the tank and press down on the edges of the tank flap (a black or red rubber cone that fits into the tank's hole). If the sound of water running into the bowl stops, you know that the flap may be deformed or worn from age and needs to be replaced.

•Step 4
Get ready to work. Turn off the water supply for the toilet (this valve is most often found coming out of the floor or wall near the toilet; turn the handle in a clockwise direction). Flush the toilet to drain some of the water and make the work easier.

•Step 5
If you need to replace the diaphragm or tank flap, take it with you to a hardware store or plumbing supply house to make sure you buy the correct replacement.

Cleaning or Replacing the Ball-Cock Diaphragm
•Step 1
Snap off the cover of the ball cock and put it out of the way.

•Step 2
Remove the four screws holding down the top plate of the ball cock, using a screwdriver. The float-control arm is attached to this and may be spring-loaded. You'll see a rubber diaphragm.

•Step 3
Remove the diaphragm carefully, noting which side is up, and check its condition. Sometimes a piece of gravel or rust or a hard-water deposit can get lodged under the diaphragm and cause a leak, or the diaphragm can become misshapen or worn through with age.

•Step 4
Replace the diaphragm or clean it by rinsing it in the tank's water; flush the valve itself by turning on the water supply for the toilet just enough to get a flow of water for a couple of seconds.

•Step 5
Replace the top plate and secure it with its screws.

•Step 6
Turn the water supply back on, allowing the tank to fill, and replace the lid.

Replacing the Tank Flap
•Step 1
Remove the tank flap. Some have a clamp-type assembly, while others hook to short posts that stick out from the overflow pipe; all attachments are fairly easy to remove by hand.

•Step 2
Install a new tank flap.

•Step 3
Turn on the water supply and replace the lid.

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Audio Repair Tips

•Modern audio sound systems are modular, with different components for each function. The receiver tunes in radio signals; the amplifier creates strong current to power the speakers; an equalizer balances the sound between high and low notes; and the speakers generate the audible sound. Audio systems may also have different components for playing recorded music: a turntable for albums, CD player for compact discs, tape player and an Mp3 player for digital sound computer files. Repairing an audio system usually involves first pinpointing the source of the problem and then replacing the malfunctioning part in the individual component.


Cables

•Cables are often a source of problems for audio systems. As each component must be connected to the amplifier and often to other components, cables carry the sound signal from component to component and then to the speaker. Always begin a repair effort by checking the cables. This is done by replacing the cables to and from each component one at a time. If a particular replacement solves the problem, then replacing that individual cable completes the repair.


Speakers

•Speakers physically vibrate at different rates to generate sound. The speakers have lightweight cones of paper or composite material to create the sound. Speaker cones can fail at any time whether the speaker is new or old. If the amount of power to the speaker is too high, it can damage the speaker. Test the speaker by disconnecting the connection wire to each speaker cone to find the damaged part. Replacing a speaker cone is a simple process of finding a replacement with the same watt and Ohm rating, disconnecting a wire from the old speaker and connecting it to the replacement.


Receivers

•An AM/FM receiver must have an antenna to receive the signal. With some audio systems the antenna is part of the power cord plugged into the wall receptacle. Other systems have wires connected to antenna leads for receiving the signal.



If the receiver has only a very weak or no radio signal, check the back of the receiver for antenna leads and see if there is an antenna connected. If there are no antenna leads, then check the power cord. If it is coiled and secured with a twist tie (often done to keep all the wires and cables manageable), stretch out the cord to its full length. This may be enough to improve the signal. If the wall receptacle is directly behind the audio system, it may be necessary to plug in the receiver to a more distant receptacle with an power extension cord. This will stretch out the internal antenna for better reception.


Amplifier

•Amplifiers handle significant electrical loads in order to power other components. If the amplifier fails it could be something as simple as the fuse being damaged. Check the back of the amplifier for a small round plug labeled FUSE. Remove the plug and the fuse. Examine the small wire inside the fuse. If it is burned through, then replacing the fuse with an identical type will repair the amplifier. Be sure, however, to only use the exact same type of fuse. Using a larger, more robust fuse will not improve performance but will allow too much electricity to course through the amplifier and possibly do serious damage. The fuse burning out protects the amplifier from power surges and other electrical disturbances

How to Repair a Roof Sag

Roofs are a major part of a house, and among the most expensive parts to maintain. Roof jobs run into the hundreds and even thousands of dollars, so it is smart to keep the roof in good repair. Leaky roofs can cause serious interior and other structural damage very quickly. Saggy roofs should get immediate attention when they are noticed. Sag is a big indicator that the roof has structural damage in the trusses or the sheathing, or perhaps foundation issues. The first two problems are the most common


•Step 1
Enter the attic and go to the point you were able to see the sag as you viewed the roof from the outside. Use a strong flashlight and carefully inspect the entire roof truss. Shine the light into the corner of the truss, and move it slowly across the entire truss.

•Step 2

attic window image by green308 from Fotolia.com
Angle iron bolted into place properly will reinforce the compromised timberRepair any broken, split or damaged trusses instead of trying to replace them. Drill three or four holes into one side of a 3-foot piece of 90-degree angle iron that is 2 inches on each side. Drill an equal number of holes into the other side, being sure to stagger or offset the holes.

•Step 3
Place the drilled angle iron on the damaged rafter so the damage is in the middle of the angle iron. Drill through the holes of the angle iron into the rafter on the bottom and on just one side of the damage.

•Step 4

Do it yourself image by Hedgehog from Fotolia.com
Lag bolts and washers will give a much stronger hold than nails or spikesInsert 3/8-inch diameter lag bolts and washers. Use bolts at least 2 inches longer than the space between the end of the angle iron not bolted down yet and the rafter. (For instance, if the gap is 1 inch between the loose end of the angle iron and rafter, use a 3-inch lag bolt.) Bolt the 2 by 2 angle loosely into place on one side of the damage.

•Step 5
Repeat the same procedure for the other end of the angle on the other side of the damage, using the same length bolts. Use a ratchet and work the bolts alternately on both sides of the damage, gradually bringing the damaged rafter back into alignment. Tighten down all six or eight bolts once the rafter is re-aligned.

•Step 6

new construction house image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
Sheathing is difficult to patch, so replacement is the best repair choiceRepair broken or rotting sheathing by replacing it. Locate any edges of the damaged piece. Drive nails at four corners of the broken sheathing, between rafters, up through the sheathing, from the attic. Locate the nails driven through from inside the attic, and mark the damaged area on the roof's shingles with a chalk box.

•Step 7
Remove the shingles and felt within the nailed off area using a scraper. Pull all nails from the sheathing. Use a reciprocating saw and make the vertical cuts on sheet of broken sheathing, avoiding the rafters. Pry off the sheathing with short pry bars and hammers. Replace the sheathing, felt and shingles


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How to Fix the XBox 360 CD-ROM

The Xbox 360 has a DVD drive for playing optical game discs. Vibrations from the CD-ROM/DVD drive's motor can dislodge a magnet from inside of the case and cause game discs to play erratically. You can fix the game console's CD-ROM/DVD drive so that optical game discs will again play correctly. You need a few hardware tools to partially disassemble the Xbox 360, but you do not need to have electrical skills.



•Step 1
Place a bath towel on a table. Remove all cables from the Xbox 360. Place the Xbox 360 horizontally on the bath towel with the power button facing you. Squeeze the upper left corner of the Xbox 360 with one hand while pulling up on the open slot at the bottom right corner with the other hand. Slide the faceplate off the Xbox 360 once it has been loosened by the squeezing and pulling.

•Step 2
Insert the tip of the #10 Torx screwdriver into the top hole in the ventilation grill on the right side nearest to you. Lift up on the tip of the #10 Torx screwdriver to release the plastic latch inside. Repeat this procedure in the middle hole at the top and the top right hole farthest from you. Repeat this procedure with the ventilation grill on the left side of the Xbox 360.

•Step 3
Turn the Xbox 360 over. Lift up on the bottom shelf to reveal the 14 screws. Remove the screws with the #20 Torx screwdriver. Turn the Xbox 360 over.

•Step 4
Lift the outer casing off the Xbox 360. Unscrew the back panel using the #10 Torx screwdriver. Remove the plastic inserts on the left and right side of the Xbox 360. Remove the back panel.

•Step 5
Remove the screws from around the metal plate on the Xbox 360 with the #10 Torx screwdriver. Lift the metal plate off the Xbox 360.

•Step 6
Remove the screws from around the CD-ROM/DVD drive with the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. The CD-ROM/DVD drive is the metal rectangular box lying next to the hard drive.

•Step 7
Lift the CD-ROM/DVD drive up. Pull the two connectors out of the back of the CD-ROM/DVD drive with your fingers.

Fixing The Xbox 360 DVD/CD-ROM Drive

•Step 1
Place the CD-ROM/DVD drive on the bath towel with the warning sticker facing down. Pull the disc tray halfway out of the front of the CD-ROM/DVD drive with your fingers.

•Step 2
Remove the screws from around the CD-ROM/DVD drive with the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Remove the case from off of the CD-ROM/DVD drive. Grab hold of the magnet that is now clinging to the inside of the case.

•Step 3
Apply bonding glue to one side of the magnet. Place the magnet, bonding glue side down, onto the center of the spindle hole at the middle of the CD-ROM/DVD drive. Push down on the magnet for 10 seconds. Let the bonding glue set for an hour.

•Step 4
Place the case back onto the CD-ROM/DVD drive. Reattach the screws. Push the disc tray back into. Turn the CD-ROM/DVD drive over.

•Step 5
Reattach the two connections to the back of the CD-ROM/DVD drive. Place the CD-ROM/DVD drive back into its original position on the Xbox 360. Reattach the screws.

•Step 6
Place the metal plate back onto the Xbox 360. Reattach the screws. Reverse the disassembly process to reassemble the Xbox 360. Reattach the cables.



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How to Fix Virus Damage

Despite your every attempt, your computer may become infected with a virus or some malicious program. The virus must be removed in order to get your computer to its prior working state. Depending on the virus or program, the removal process can be simple or amazingly hard. Many viruses can be removed with common anti-virus software, while others must be manually removed. Often a removal program can be downloaded from the internet to remove the infection


•Step 1
Run your virus scanner to find the virus .In many cases, allowing the scanner to remove the virus is all you need to repair the damage. If this doesn't completely remove it, there are many other steps you can take to remove and repair virus damage.

•Step 2
Run your virus protection software in safe mode. By running the program in safe mode, all nonessential programs are disabled, meaning that only the programs needed to start Windows will load.

a) Turn on your computer. If your computer is on, restart it. If it is not on, press the power button.

b) Enter safe mode. When your computer restarts or powers on, repeatedly press the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu will come up. Use the arrow keys to select "Safe Mode" and press "Enter".

c) Choose your version of Windows. On the next screen, if there is more than one operating system on your computer, chose the version that you currently use.

d) Select the user that you are going to log under (if applicable).

e) Run a virus scan. When your computer has finished loading, start your virus program and allow the process to completely scan your computer.

f) Delete all detected viruses. Follow the process recommended by your virus scanner to remove all viruses.

g) Close your antivirus program.

h) Restart your computer.

•Step 3
Search the Internet. Your virus-protection program should have located the virus and supplied you with the name and type of infection that is on your computer. In almost every instance, the Internet can be a great reference for information about and the removal process of the virus. Often a free program exists that you can download to remove the virus. If the virus has hijacked your computer, you may have to use another computer to search for this information.

•Step 4
Run a system restore.After you have completely removed the infection, you may be worried that you have lost files from its attack. By running a system restore, you can restore your computer to a previous time.

a) Log on to Windows as an administrator.

b) Click "Start", point to your mouse to "All Programs," point to "Accessories," point to "System Tools," and then click "System Restore." System Restore will start.

c) Click "Restore my computer to an earlier time" on the next page (if it is not already selected), and then click "Next".

d) Choose the most recent system-restore point in the list, and then click "Next".

e) Click "OK" to confirm the list of configuration changes that System Restore will make.

f) Click "Next" on the Confirm Restore Point Selection page. System Restore restores the previous Windows configuration and then restarts the computer.

g) Log on to Windows as an administrator.

h) Click "OK."

•Step 5
Format your hard drive if running these processes did not remove the virus or the damage from the virus is too severe. By formatting your hard drive, you will erase everything that is currently on it and install a fresh version of your operating system. Use this only as a last resort. Before you proceed with this step, Microsoft suggests that you contact them for support. Check the Resources to link to more information

How to Fix Tires Without Removing Them

A flat tire on your vehicle is a major inconvenience. But you don't need a professional to fix it. Keep a tire repair kit in your trunk or glove box. In fact, you don't even have to remove the tire to repair


•Step 1
Use a car jack to lift the corner of the car with the bad tire.

•Step 2
Find the object that punctured the tire. If it's not immediately visible, spray the tire with soapy water, if handy. It will bubble around the leak.

•Step 3
Remove the object from the tire with pliers.

•Step 4
Clean out the hole with the rasp tool from the repair kit. Insert it into the hole and rock it back and forth (this both cleans the hole and roughs up the rubber so the patch adheres better).

•Step 5
Thread the plug through the needle tool from the repair kit. If necessary, coat the plug with the adhesive that's in the repair kit.

•Step 6
Insert the needle with the plug into the puncture, then remove it just enough so you can cut the plug from the needle. The hole should now be plugged.

•Step 7
Allow any adhesives used to dry.

•Step 8
Trim the plug flush with the tire.

•Step 9
Fill the tire using the aerosol tire filler or air pump.

•Step 10
Release the car jack to return the tire to the ground

How to Fix Power Washers

Power washers are a must-have for any homeowner. A high-pressure stream of water makes it easy to maintain patios, decks and walkways, and can even be used to clean aluminum or plastic siding on homes. But if the pressure drops or a strange noise develops, doing a relatively easy chore could become difficult or nearly impossible. Taking your power washer to get fixed could dip into your wallet unnecessarily. To diagnose and repair the problem, first make sure to consult your product manual. If all else fails, take your newly found knowledge and price compare parts at your local hardware store. Then, take your power washer to a professional and make sure you aren't being overcharged


•Step 1
If the pump runs but no flow is produced, this could indicate that the pump needs to be primed. To fix, flood the suction (usually a button you can press) and then restart the pump.

•Step 2
If you have a noisy pump, this could mean that the pump is sucking in air. To fix, check the suction manifold. If air has been trapped inside the pump, you must flood the suction hose and restart. Run the pump until the air has been evacuated. You will need to disconnect the discharge hose from the pump beforehand.

•Step 3
If you hear a loud knocking noise in the pump, chances are that a bearing is worn or broken, or there may be a pulley loose in the crankshaft. To fix, you may need to replace the bearing. Check the crankshaft and tighten any loose screws.

Checking the Pressure

•Step 1
If the pressure gauge is fluctuating and you can't explain why, the valves may be worn or blocked by foreign matter. If the problem hasn't been fixed after cleaning the valves, get them replaced.

•Step 2
Low pressure has many possible causes. Worn nozzles should be replaced (with the proper size). Belts can slip. Make sure all belts are tightened or replaced (with the proper size). During assembly the inlet plumbing may have not been sealed correctly. To fix, disassemble and reseal it.

•Step 3
Make sure the machine has the correct nozzle and that the nozzle isn't worn. A worn or incorrect nozzle can result in low pressure. If correct, the nozzle will match the pressure and flow of the pump. See your product manual for this information.

Fixing and Preventing Leaks
•Step 1
If the packing is worn, this may result in water leakage from either under the manifold or elsewhere. To fix, install new packing. Likewise, worn seals can result in an oil leak between the crankcase and pumping section. If the crankcase piston rod seals are worn, replace them.

•Step 2
If oil is leaking in the crankshaft area, check the bearing, the crankshaft seal and oil seal o-ring. If the bearing is bad, replace it. If the crankshaft or o-ring are worn, remove the oil seal retainer and replace all damaged parts.

•Step 3
Water in the crankcase may not be caused by a leak, but could be the result of collected condensation from humid air. To fix, change the oil intervals. It's recommended to use a high grade 30 weight (non-detergent) automotive oil.


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How to Repair Sagging Upholstery

Step 1
Turn the sofa or chair upside down, and use the staple/tack puller to remove the cloth bottom cover. This will give you a clear view of the underside of the springs. Locate the broken spring or springs.

Step 2
Using the staple/tack puller, remove the tacks holding the zigzag spring clips on both ends of the damaged spring. The spring will lift out when the clips are gone.

Step 3
Fasten one end of the zigzag spring in the clip, making sure the clip wraps around the length of the flat end of the zigzag. One edge of the clip will have tack holes and the other will have a partially open coiled edge to hold the spring. Using the pliers, pinch the coiled edge of the clip to hold the spring tightly. Do not hook the clip on the curved edges of the zigzag spring because it will not hold very long. Place a clip on each end of the spring.

Step 4
Position one clip, either one, over the holes where the original clip was located in the furniture's frame. Insert a tack in each hole, and tap it with the tack hammer until it is halfway in. Make sure the clip is straight, and use the tack hammer to gently pound the tacks in the rest of the way.

Step 5
Push the other end of the zigzag spring into the frame of the furniture. The spring should curve away from your hands and toward the cushion. Position the second clip over the original holes on the opposite side of the frame, and use the tack hammer to pound in the tacks.

Step 6
Position a piece of upholstery twine six inches from each end of the zigzag spring, where it attaches to the frame. Slide the twine ends under the closest spring and tie the twine pieces tightly, because it will keep the springs from sliding apart.

Step 7
Replace the cloth bottom cover and tack it back in place with tacks and the tack hammer. Turn the furniture back over.

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Removing Scratches from your Car

Hey, we are talking about scratches in this segment and when you are dealing with a scratch on a vehicle there is a couple of ways to address it. If it is very light and superficial, you can sometimes remove the entire scratch by hand with a moderately aggressive compound. Most of the time, I address scratches with the same orbital that I used to apply wax. This particular machine is a professional machine that has a variety of speeds. On the maximum speed setting it is rotating at about 3000 rpm and with a proper pad and compound combination, I can remove some serious scratches without harming the paint. You can also use a buffer, but a buffer requires a lot of skill and a great deal of care because you can actually burn through the paint. I always use a dedicated pad for each product; don’t mix products on the pad, so with this example I am using a pad that is just for this moderate compound that I am using. Apply the compound to the scratch and again this is on its very highest speed. So start the process with the pad flat on the surface and don’t put too much pressure on the edge immediately. You are going to use that technique to actually get the scratch out but you need to have the orbital running before you tilt it up. Never let the surface of the pad just dwell in one area, keep it moving constantly. Even though this is spinning at a relatively slow speed compared to a buffer, you can still make a mark on the paint if you just let the pad rest on the area that you are working on without moving it back and forth. After you have removed the majority of the scratch with the compound, I usually use a three or four step method to ensure that the result is of high quality and after a compound I almost always use a slow remover, which is basically just a lighter compound, very little grip, very little abrasion and again we remove the pad that we have used with a compound and we apply another new pad that we are going to use with this slow remover. Basically the same technique is used; we go ahead and apply the product and again we want to start with a pad flat. When you are using the second step with the slow remover, it is not necessary to tilt the pad. Go ahead and just apply wax and again we are using the same orbital but we have turned it down to a more moderate speed and there you have it, the scratch is gone."

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Do-it-yourself house-cleaning products

Say goodbye for these things

Spit and Vinegar - the rebirth of Do It Yourself healthy cleaning products!

Okay, maybe not spit. However, did you know that commercial house-cleaning products can be harmful to your health and the environment. Surprising to most, many of the chemical ingredients in household cleaners have never been tested for toxicity and disease causing properties in humans. Every year, thousands of untested chemicals enter the North American market - many of them used by you, or your children in everyday house cleaning.

Environmental products are readily available but can be overly expensive. Did you know many non-toxic and inexpensive common household products can be used to clean your home? In my mother's day, baking soda and vinegar could be used to clean almost everything. Surprise! They work just as well today. Below find a list of handy do-it-yourself cleaning products!

BAKING SODA:

Baking soda is not only safe to clean with, it is safe to eat! Baking soda can be used for cleaning in several ways:

* Use alone with some water on a sponge to clean any surface you'd clean with a powdered abrasive.
* Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain with a 1/2 cup of hot water and let it stand over night to remove clogs from drains. In the morning, follow with a pot of hot water from the kettle!
* Add cornstarch to baking soda and repeat the above process for especially blocked drains.
* Open a box of baking soda in the fridge, freezer, laundry room, recycling area - the baking soda will absorb unpleasant odors from the air - without releasing harmful chemicals other air fresheners cover up smells with.
* For pet stains and other unpleasant smells or stains, mix some baking soda with water, smooth over surface and allow to sit. After a few hours (or overnight depending on the stain or smell)vacuum or wipe up the baking soda with water, and allow area to dry.
* Leave a mixture of water and baking soda in pots or pans over night to remove tough baked on grime.
* Add vinegar or lemon juice to soda (don't be frightened by the fizzing!) to make a tougher scum busting formula for bathtub rings.
* Add baking soda during your clothes washing cycle to brighten whites without bleach!

WHITE VINEGAR - not just for salads:

Another safe to eat cleaning product, purchased for pennies in bulk!

* Dilute vinegar with an equal part of water to clean all surfaces and floors. You can use this safe mixture to clean anything you'd normally clean with a multi-purpose chemical surface cleaner.
* Use undiluted vinegar
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to fight harder to clean stains or soap scum.
* Be careful when using vinegar on finished wood surfaces or marble as it may dull the surface.
* Pour vinegar into your toilet bowl, allow to sit, and then use a toilet cleaning brush to remove stains and bacteria from your toilet!
* Add vinegar to laundry during the rinse cycle as a fabric softener.
* Vinegar is a disinfectant, no need to use bleach on your food and bathroom surfaces!

LEMON JUICE:

* Use lemon juice to clean hard water stains, rust stains or soap build up. It is also a great grease cutter.
* Add lemon juice to baking soda for a get dish cleaning solution!
* Mix lemon juice with olive oil and use in place of furniture polish!

SALT:

* Salt may be bad for your blood pressure when eaten, but it is the best red wine remover in the world! Simply pour salt over the spill, rub it in and let stand. Repeat as necessary until the salt absorbs the whole stain. Vacuum up extra salt.

* Aside from red wine, salt makes an excellent scrub and stain remover.

* Mix salt with olive oil as an excellent skin exfoliant (stretching here, but you clean your face IN your house!).

* Salt mixed with lime juice will remove rust stains, and sometimes blood stains!

CLUB SODA:

* Use in place of a stain removing spray on fabric stains. Allow soda to soak before blotting the stain. Do not rub the stain lest you spread it.

* Put club soda into a spray bottle and use in place of glass cleaner.

OLIVE OIL

* Olive oil (especially when mixed with lemon juice) makes an excellent furniture polish. Fortunately, the cheaper olive oil works just as well as expensive brands!

* Olive oil is an excellent hair conditioner!

CORNSTARCH:

* Use cornstarch in place of carpet cleaning and deodorizing powder.

* It can also be used as a window cleaner and furniture polisher, but other methods are less messy. It will do in a pinch though. Be sure to wipe off thoroughly so you don't have streaks!

HOT WATER:

* Boiling hot water is a sterilizing agent. Pour over dishes after washing before drying!

* Boiling water is a GREAT pest killer. Pour over dandelions, other weeds and even ant hills instead of using harmful herbicides and pesticides.

BEER:

* Beer mixed with water in a bowl is great for catching and killing earwigs. A great substitute for using spray pesticides in your house. Chemical pesticides are harmful to your family!

BORAX:

This is not a safe to eat product. Borax is a brand name for sodium borate. I'm only adding it to my list because it makes an excellent bug killer, and is less harmful to humans and the environment than commercial pesticides. Put a ring of borax around your house to ward off ants - removing the need for pesticides inside your house!

I DO NOT RECOMMEND:

BLEACH: Most of the things you use bleach for you can substitute in less harmful products listed above. Bleach is often used to "kill" mold and mildew. It does not do so. At best it bleaches mold so you can no longer see it until it regrows. At worse mixes with certain molds to cause a toxic airborne by-product.

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How to save as you rebuild your home after a natural disaster

Many people lose their home to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and more. When you are rebuilding you may be looking to save money any way you can. Consider the following methods to conserve funds.

Look for lower cost contractors and workers

Do not just hire the first contractor that you consult with. You might want to price around. See if you can get recommendations from people who used someone who was both good and reasonable. Those people are out there but you might need to look for them. Unfortunately, some people take advantage after a natural disaster occurs. They know that some people are so desperate to rebuild immediately that they will accept any quote. Do not do this but instead get different people to give you prices for the work. Of course make sure that you get someone who is reliable as well.

Consider whether you need the exact same thing you had before or if you can save money by changing thing

You may be able to save money if you think about exactly what you want done and how you want to implement it. For instance, let's say before you had very expensive custom shelves in your closet. Perhaps they would be very expensive to do now. Let's say that you could instead have a regular closet and then just buy different closet organizers form Target for a big cost savings. Think about all of the expensive features of your home. Also, you might be able to get the windows or roof done cheaper. You may find that you can eliminate or replicate some of them in cheaper ways.

You do not have to get all of the work done from the same vendor

Some people will hire a contractor to do everything for them. You might be able to save money if you find individual vendors to do the different parts. You may be able to find people who will do it cheaper. Sometimes the whole package is cheaper so you will just want to check around. Even a little extra work by you of organizing all of the different workers might make a big difference.

When your home has been destroyed by a natural disaster, you may be in a worse financial situation and looking to save money. Do your research and use the above techniques to help accomplish this in this situation

Best ways to unclog a shower drain

The bathrooms in most homes get more than their fair share of traffic and the problems that accompany heavy use, but by knowing the best ways to unclog a shower drain a homeowner can avoid the panic that occurs when a shower is not working properly. The reasons why shower drains can become clogged are usually all associated with the body oils and hair that go down the drain after each family member showers, and over time can cause a clog that can be tough to remove. The best ways to unclog a shower drain match the remedy to the severity of the clog, because the basic idea is to just get the water flowing again without the use of excessive measures

The best way to unclog a shower drain that is only mildly showing signs of a slowing water flow is to place a cup of vinegar into the drain and let it stand for several hours. Follow this up with by running hot water down the shower drain and in most instances the drain will flow more freely. Another remedy to unclog a shower drain that is minor is to place an ounce of dish detergent that has an degreasing agent in it into the drain and to run hot water through the drain.

To unclog a shower drain that is moderately clogged, one of the best remedies is to place a commercial drain cleaner into the drain that has an acid base. These chemicals can cut through clogs rather quickly, especially clogs that are due to the accumulation of hair. In order to use this remedy, you must first remove the shower drain cover by unscrewing it and then use a crystallized drain cleaner that is placed directly into the drain. The reason for this is that liquid drain cleaners can overflow the drain and cause severe damage to bathtub interiors. After the chemical has been added let it work for as long as possible and then flush the drain by turning on the hot water.

The best way to unclog a shower drain that is severely clogged is to remove the shower drain cover, and using a coat hanger remove as much hair and grease as is possible. A plumbing snake can them be used on the drain to open up the clog. If the water flow is good after this process the job is complete - if not remove the plumbing snake and then add chemical drain cleaner and that should do the trick to unclog the shower drain

How to repair broken Christmas tree lights

You have just spent hours decorating your Christmas tree for the holidays, and your family is waiting for the official lights on. Then Wham-O! Your Christmas tree lights flicker for a second and darkness fills your dimly lit living room. You aren't quite sure whether to scream or cry, but you do your best to hold it together for the children's sake. Faulty Christmas tree lights can be a real disappointment for everyone. Before you throw the light strands away out of frustration, try these few helpful tips to see if you can still light up your Christmas tree. If not, don't despair because strands of holiday lights aren't too expensive to replace.

Unplug and Plug Directly into the Wall Socket

Check to see if you have a bad connection. Unplug the nonworking strand from the other strands and plug it directly into the wall socket or extension cord. That way, you can see if your strand works at all. Sometimes the problem lies within the connection rather than the strand itself.

Check for Damaged or Loose Bulbs

Examine the light strand for any missing bulbs. In addition, take the time to look carefully at each bulb to see if any look blackened or burnt out. Explore a flickering strand by tapping lightly on each of the bulbs. If the strand blinks when you touch one then you know that's the faulty or damaged one. Be careful because handling a broken bulb can cause a shock if the strand is still plugged into the outlet. In addition, a broken bulb can cut your hand or finger like glass so use caution. For a complete assessment of the strand, you can take a working bulb and insert it into each of the bulbs in the strand one at a time.

Assess the Light Strands Location

Analyze the location of your light strand and determine if the faulty Christmas tree light strand could be caused by poor conditions. If you use strands of Christmas lights outside, then you need to make sure that they are not engulfed with water. Check to make sure that the light strands are not resting in water or in a location where water runs or settles. Of course, you must unplug the light strand from the wall outlet before you begin to dry it or move it to another location. You certainly don't want to risk getting a big shock

Top 5 Things that Devalue Your House

Whether selling a home or staying put, an important consideration for any homeowner is the impact he or she is making on the value of the house. There are a lot of factors that go into figuring out how much your home is worth. Some of these include the location, the square footage, the school district, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the age and condition, the number of similar houses on the market and the number of buyers looking for new homes. While several of those aren't easily changed, some are under a homeowner's control.

It's one thing to look at what you can do to improve a home's value, but what about factors that decrease it? Some of those factors you just have to put up with. In other cases, completing renovations and repairs might pay off to varying extents -- or they might not. But letting a house slip into disrepair is a surefire way to decrease its value.­

Most homes have a ceiling price they'll never be worth more than, but on the other end of the spectrum, home values can act like a limbo stick that just keeps dropping and dropping, year after year. It's crucial to be aware of how you're affecting your home's bottom line and to understand what can be done to raise it back up.

One of the main things to keep in mind during that process is that people have a wide variety of tastes, which can vary greatly both geographically and demographically. A house with the flexibility to suit a big slice of the population pie will be more in-demand than one highly customized to any one particular lifestyle. The more people who find a house attractive when it hits the market, the better off you'll be.

On the following pages, we'll examine some of the top causes of home devaluation and see if there is anything to be done about them.