Just a Scootch
Spring is starting to unfold and we’re headed into the spring commissioning process. Now, if you’re somewhat of a DIYer, you understand that commissioning involves a lot of different activities: tightening belts; changing plugs; replacing thermostats and water pump impellers; connecting battery cables, etc. One thing you may or may not initially recollect is that new parts are not always quite what you expected and even installed parts can be off, just a scootch.
For example I’ve changed thermostat housings only to find that the new gaskets supplied in the kit didn’t seal as well as the old gaskets being replaced and needed “tailoring” to fit. And, I’ve encountered brand new plugs, right out of the box, which had a different gap setting than the one specified by the engine manufacturer, which resulted in resetting gap adjustments all around. And, I’ve tightened down cables, belts, and fasteners only to find that they initially got “stuck” before totally seating properly, necessitating a couple more wrench turns to make things move a scootch into the right place.
A small movement or scootch could make an important difference whether it’s stopping a leaking thermostat housing or keeping the prop on the shaft. So, pay attention to the small adjustments – they can be important to your health and safety during the upcoming season.
