DennisB
Hello, my name is Dennis Bandy. I’m an ASE Certified Master Auto Technician. In the past I’ve worked at Western Auto, Good Year, Pep Boys and Carmax. Like many auto mechanic’s, I’ve done my share of side jobs over the years to make some extra cash. Away from the shop, everything is a little more difficult. At home I’ve done everything from simple brake jobs to restoring a classic Mustang. A partial list of the jobs I’ve done at home are; intake gaskets, water pumps, head gaskets, replacing transmissions, rebuilding rear differentials, motor swaps, AC compressors, evaporators and the list goes on. With more than 25 years of experience in the car repair industry, I share my knowledge of certain repair jobs here. I’ve learned a lot from personal experience and also from the great auto technicians I’ve worked with in the past.
DenLors Tools History -
DenLorsTools.com which sells quality namebrand auto tools went “live” in 2005. DenLors’ Automotive Tool Blog’s First post on was June 14, 2008. DenLors Auto Blog is the official blog of DenLors Tools Plus LLC. We have car repair articles related to auto specialty tools, mechanics automotive tools and auto repair topics for the professional tech as well as the DIY’er. Our car repair blog is one of the first of it’s kind tailored specifically to automotive repairs and car specialty 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!
I live in Riverview Florida which is near Tampa. As one of the owners of DenLors Tools Plus LLC, my duties include managing and marketing our automotive tool business. I write frequently for this blog and several other websites. Our latest news, specials and other activity is listed on our Facebook business page. If we’ve helped answer a question about your car repair issue or have assisted in finding a product – “Like Us” on facebook and help spread the word. Thanks.
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. Our website gets between 1 to 1.5 million visits every year. As people keep their cars longer, naturally automotive tools are needed for repairing them to allow them to go those extra miles.Our customers include the United States Government, car repair shops of all sizes including new car dealerships, do it your-selfer’s and of course individual automotive technicians. In 2005 DenLors Automotive Tool business was started with the idea to sell quality automotive tools, which is something that we are 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.
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.
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After you’ve checked out the blog, please visit our website for browsing our approximately 20,000 car tools, automotive shop equipment and mechanics supplies.
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 ALLData repair instructions can be viewed for a small fee from ALL Data, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Cleon :
Date: December 3, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
Hey Dennis I have this 2004 Ford Explorer. First the spark plug(#6) broke and that was repaired, but it still has some hesitation during acceleration. Is it possible the injector is defective? Would you be able to help me obtain a wire schematic and a component location for this vehicle
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: December 3, 2010 @ 5:00 pm
Cleon, I recommend getting an online subscription to a repair manual – either Mitchell or ALLData, both are great. You not only will access to schematics and component location today, but will be able to look for help for other problems that come up as well. click below
See our repair manual page for more information.
Cleon :
Date: December 3, 2010 @ 5:09 pm
Thanks Dennis, you’re the best!!!
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: December 15, 2010 @ 12:22 pm
Need repair help? Ask in the box below. A dealer tech can help with your repair.