About
DenLors’ Automotive Tool Blog’s First post on was June 14, 2008, Our auto tool business website, DenLorsTools.com went “live” in 2005. DenLors Auto Blog is the official blog of DenLors Tools Plus LLC. We have articles on auto specialty tools, mechanics automotive tools and auto repair industry topics. Our blog is one of the first of it’s kind tailored specifically to the automotive repairs and tools. Besides featuring mechanics specialty tools for certain automotive repairs, we also write about other related topics many of which are inspired by our customer’s inquiries. In communicating with our customers we get an understanding of what topics are important to cover. Chances are, if one person has a question or inquiry, others may have a similar problem or may be facing the same issue. So don’t be surprised if we post an article on a topic related to your question or inquiry!
Dennis Bandy Master Tech & Tool Sales Specialist
About … I live in Florida near Tampa in Riverview (as you can see from my photo I like to fish). As owner of DenLors Tools Plus LLC, my duties include managing and marketing our automotive tool and shop equipment business. I write frequently for this blog and several other websites. My latest activity is listed on Facebook on the group DenLors Tools linked from my profile info.
Our customers include the US Government, auto repair shops of all sizes including new car dealerships, do it your-selfer’s and of course individual auto technicians. In 2005 DenLors Automotive Tool business was started with the idea to sell something that I am knowledgeable and passionate about. With my more than 25 years as a Master Automotive Technician, selling tools is a natural fit. Since our start back in 05, we have grown tremendously but we still run our business based on the original founding principles of honesty, reliability and striving to exceed our customer’s expectations.
Slow Economy … Even though the over-all economy may not be in as good of shape as it was several years ago, our business continues to grow. Sales this year have increased compared to last years totals. As people keep their cars longer, naturally automotive tools are needed for repairing them to allow them to go those extra miles.
We also attribute our increase in business to the following reasons.
- We sell quality automotive tools, auto shop supplies and repair shop equipment at discount prices.
- Great customer service before and after the sale earns repeat business.
- Let’s face it, it’s hard to find good service anywhere these days; that’s why we employ only the best staff possible – knowledgeable, helpful and that believe in treating others as they like to be treated.
Ideas for Blogs … If you have an auto repair shop, know of a tool manufacturer with a new or innovative product or are promoting a tech school that you would like to have featured on our auto blog, use the comment form below, please include as much information as possible. All other ideas for future blogs are also appreciated.
Linking … At this time we are not accepting offers to exchange blog roll links, so that we can provide only truly relevant and useful links to our visitors. We do allow “do follow links” to be associated with your comment as long as your statements are on topic and helpful to our readers. Obviously, general comments that have nothing to do with the blog it will not be approved. Spam comments with keyword user names will also be deleted.
Plagiarism … Copying is a form of flattery right? Well not so much on the Internet (or anywhere else for that matter). We spend a lot of time creating our quality original content and we will not stand for another website to copy and paste our articles. If you would like to quote some words out of our blogs, we have no problem with that as long as a link is provided to the source article.
Mark Ericksen :
Date: October 12, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
Mr. Bandy, I thoroughly enjoyed your video, Servicing GM Intake Gaskets with Pushrod Tool. I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu that needs the gaskets replaced and I found your video helpful.
Do you have a video or an article with photos that shows how the engine was torn down to the point where the pushrod tools was used?
I am a little confused as to how the intake manifold is removed and reinstalled with the rear valve cover in place. I am also not sure what has to be removed on the engine.
I would appreciate any assistance that you can provide.
Thanks
dennisb on GM Intake Replacement :
Date: October 12, 2008 @ 9:01 pm
Mark, Glad I could help. The article and video you saw is all I have on this particular job. Complete instructions can be obtained from a service repair manual including torque specifications. The on-line Mitchell repair instructions can be viewed for a small fee from Mitchell, the link is at the bottom of the Tech Article page. But basically the following parts need to be removed; Serpentine belt, front spark plug wires, electrical plugs for sensors, throttle cables, throttle bracket, coil bracket to intake/plenum, map sensor, vacuum hoses, upper intake, coolant pipe, fuel rail, front valve cover, top valve cover bolts for rear cover loosened and then the lower intake. This is at the point the specialty tool is used to remove the pushrods. After preparing the surfaces and installing the new gaskets and applying Right Stuff or silicone, the lower intake is slipped into place under the rear valve cover and reassembled. This job pays about six hours book time, but could take much longer if it’s your first one even with the time saved by using the pushrod tool. Good Luck
Griff :
Date: December 1, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
Hey I see you have restored a 1967 mustang and it looks quite good. I have one myself but it needs alot of fixing up and we can’t find anyone to do it for us or any sources that will help us out. I live in Scranton, PA if you no anyone thats 45 minutes away from there or something please tell me. The car has been sitting in my grandparents garage for years and I want to get it fixed but need help.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: December 1, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
Thanks. Anyone close to Scranton that can restore this Mustang, can comment here and plug their business and/or website.
Lance Winslow :
Date: December 28, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
Lots of great information here. If you would like some more ideas on what to write about, I have an old blog like bulletin board that may be worthy. The information is old, but with your expertise, you could re-write some of these topics to help everyone out there who reads your blog! – Lance
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: December 28, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
Lance, Thanks for your comment on our blog. I appreciate the information, I’ll check it out as time allows.
Auto Repair Money Saving Tips - Practical Advice - articleurge.com :
Date: March 2, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Socialism Movement Underway - Obama Nation - articleurge.com :
Date: March 2, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Starting a Business - Reluctant Entrepreneurs - articleurge.com :
Date: March 7, 2009 @ 10:01 am
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Adding 134A to Car’s A/C - Topping Off a System - articleurge.com :
Date: April 23, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Classic Car - Urge to Buy - articleurge.com :
Date: April 30, 2009 @ 9:06 pm
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Neil :
Date: May 12, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
In Aug ‘08 my ‘01 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/170K miles was diagnosed as having rear end noisy pinion bearings. Your piece on noisy differentials leaves me with 2 questions: (1) what would you estimate the cost of the job, and (2)with moderate whining on acceleration what is the risk of deferring the repair. We greatly appreciate your view on this matter.
China Mini Van Craze! - Chevy Van Sales Top Out - articleurge.com :
Date: May 16, 2009 @ 8:23 am
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
dennisb - Auto Repair Blog :
Date: May 17, 2009 @ 10:23 am
Neil,
So others know, the article you’re talking about is on another website that I write for occasionally. The job pays about 7 hours (multiply this times the shop labor rate). The cost of the parts will vary depending on if the parts are original equipment or aftermarket.
Since August of 2008 ( 5 months ago) the noise was only moderate, if it hasn’t gotten noticeably louder you may be able to postpone the repair. However, metal circulating in the oil will continue to cause wear and could cause damage to the ring and pinion gears, which are much more expensive than just bearings, races and seals. Since you say it does whine on acceleration, I would think the ring and pinion is worn already -but that’s not surprising on a Jeep, especially one with 170,000 miles.
2010 Camaro - Last Chance for Muscle Car Revival? - articleurge.com :
Date: May 25, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Snipe On Ebay - Win at the Last Second! - articleurge.com :
Date: May 29, 2009 @ 9:17 am
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Windshield Fogged Up - Auto Repair Tips - articleurge.com :
Date: June 6, 2009 @ 11:26 am
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Dealers Forced to Get Out of Dodge - articleurge.com :
Date: June 8, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Wrap Code for Adsense Used In WordPress Blog - No Plugin! - articleurge.com :
Date: August 10, 2009 @ 9:08 pm
[...] By Dennis Bandy [...]
Nathan :
Date: September 24, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
I read your post at:
Jeep Dual AC Problems
Great post btw.
I have a broken blend door caused by the corrosion from lingering antifreeze from a broken heater core. The thing just fell apart when I finally got it out.
Now I’m hunting down a replacement. Were you able to find this aftermarket or through a part shop like O’Reily or did you need to go to Mopar/Jeep to get it? I called Jeep and the guy is telling me I may need to replace the HVAC housing… That seems bogus. The guy at O’Reily is trying to see if he can even get the blend door part.
Any ideas since you’ve done it a few times?
thanks
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: September 25, 2009 @ 6:53 am
Nathan,
If your talking about just the blend door part – then that is available at the dealer. The entire case does not need to be changed just the small section that has the doors built in, just like the picture shows – the door assembly.
Nathan :
Date: September 25, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Excellent! Thanks! I think this was the confusion I had with our parts guy over the phone. I was thinking of just the door, but he was probably looking at the whole section.
Thanks for your help.
Tom's Automotive :
Date: December 23, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
We are looking to buy these doors
are there any available after market
the dealers say not available
Must buy the hole box 1,700 on back order
Help please – Tom
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: December 24, 2009 @ 8:37 am
Tom, I’ve never had to replace the ENTIRE box. There is a TSB with updated part numbers for the air mix sub-assemblies, click here to view.
Also there are some aftermarket door assemblies available, sometimes their advertisements run on our tech article through automated ads by Google.
ryan :
Date: January 10, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
what could be the cause of hot air coming out of the passanger side but cold air on the driver side on a 2002 dodge ram?
david :
Date: January 20, 2010 @ 1:08 am
I have a 2008 250 super duty 4×4 and i have to run 75 air presure in front and 80 in the rear i dont carry any large loads in my truck and it is eating my tires up and it makes the truck ride hard what can i do the dealer say they cant change it i dont live in CA.i also hear that 2010 trucks dont have this trouble please can you help.
dennisb :
Date: January 20, 2010 @ 10:12 am
David, unless you have a tire pressure monitoring system – just lower your tire pressure. Make sure the alignment is within specification, since tire wear, especially edgewear is usually caused by the toe setting being off.
Unfortunately, at any tire pressure your F250 Super Duty is destined to ride like a TRUCK.
Howard Miller :
Date: March 12, 2010 @ 12:07 am
Hi Dennis,
How come Denlors doesn’t sell Innova diagnostic tools ?
regards,
Howard Miller
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: March 12, 2010 @ 7:21 am
Howard, we actually do under the name of Equus Innova, see the link below.
Equus Innova Scan Tools
Gene :
Date: April 15, 2010 @ 11:41 am
Dennis,
Am doing the intake gasket on a 2002 Buick Rendezvous, with your tool, but there is no service manual. The only question I have is when and where to use silicone and/or RTV sealant, on this job. Please elaborate and assume I have no idea where and what to use, because I do not. Thanks.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: April 15, 2010 @ 12:09 pm
Gene, You’re funny and brave. I recommend using a service manual since you admittedly “have no idea where and what to use.” On-line service manuals are available on our Auto Repair Manuals link at the top of the page – pick a subscription that’s right for you.
Once the intake is off you will see silicone on both ends of the intake. Also apply silicone to the valve cover gaskets where the intake meets the heads and valve covers – look for old silicone. Also see my response to Mark above. And if you haven’t already, see our tech article on Changing GM Intake Gaskets with the Pushrod Tool
Kiffin A. G Sr. :
Date: May 10, 2010 @ 6:51 am
I have a 1991 Plymouth, Voyager with a 3.3L motor. I made a mistake and must have vacuum off both of the valves they are both reading zero and the compressor is not turning on. My gauges are color coded so I Mickey moused a vacuum Guage to see how much I was vacuuming my vacuum pump would only go to 26 for 30 minutes out of high and low pressure inputs. Next I am on disability and only have $2.00 lef tout of my check for this month. Do I need to add oil I have 4 cans of r134 left and what I collected. But I don’t think I can re used what I’ve collected. It is kind of a one way deal. Is there a way to bypass the low freon cut off to get the compressor running again and do I need to add oil to the system.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: May 10, 2010 @ 8:43 am
Kiffin, I’m not sure what the reason is for evacuating and recharging at this time, since there is no mention of any parts being replaced or any symptoms listed of the original concern. However, assuming you are just evacuating and recharging the system, below are basic steps.
1. Measure oil removed when the system has been emptied. The only legal way to empty a system is with an AC recovery unit.
2. Replace the refrigerant oil that was previously measured. Lack of oil may ultimately cause compressor failure, just like running a car motor without engine oil will cause siezing. (old oil not the best, but better than nothing)
3. Vacuum the system down with a vacuum pump. The AC manifold gauges should both be OPEN while doing this. The longer the better, but 15-20 minutes ok.
4. Close both valves – 28-29 inches of vacuum should remain, if there’s no major leaks. Remove vacuum pump. Connect to refrigerant source. Start engine and turn AC on. Start charging the system by opening the Blue valve which is the low side.
No need to jump the low pressure switch. The compressor will come on when enough pressure is in the system for it to run without it being damaged.
Robert Holland :
Date: June 6, 2010 @ 3:51 pm
Hello,
I would like to offer you a free custom designed license plate for you or your company in exchange for an occasional mention of our web site on your blog. Our web site is http://www.customlicenseplatesandkeytags.com . If you have any interest in this exchange please feel free to contact me at any time. Just e-mail your design, logo or just a description of what you want and I will send a layout proof for you to review before proceeding.
Best Regards,
Bob Holland
Fiber Laser Systems, LLC
216 Brooklands Way
DeLand, FL 32724
Cell: XXX-XXX-XXXX (removed for privacy)
http://www.fls-us.com
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: June 18, 2010 @ 1:01 pm
Hello Bob,
Thanks for the offer. I think that’s a great deal. I have approved your comment on our about us page, but removed your contact information for your privacy. Just in case you didn’t know, links on our blog are “do follow” so they have value when it comes to SEO (search engine optimization). Would you be interested in creating a custom blog to help promote your site? If so write a 300-500 word article with at least one picture. One idea for a blog post would be to show highlights of how you create a custom tag. You could also occasionally comment on our blogs – as long as the comment is relevant and adds value – and NOT just a generic comment, it will be approved. With an approved comment a link is generated for your URL.
If the offer still stands, I would like a Florida style tag with “DenLors” on it.
Best Regards,
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: July 3, 2010 @ 9:29 am
As you can see, Bob came through for me with a great Custom License plate. It took a while for me to decide on what type of plate I wanted. After I decided, he provided the custom design for my approval, custom made it and got it to me really fast. Many thanks Bob. If anyone is looking for something special, visit Bob’s site. He offers a great selection and wonderful service.
