Repair And Mod M Essay Example

Some may prefer the soldering technique demonstrated on American Chopper, where wires are pulled through the frame and connected with shrink wrap, resulting in a fast, tidy, and inconspicuous finish.Despite solder joints being a popular and easy way to make a connection, they may not be the best option for wiring on motorcycles due to their susceptibility to damage from vibration. Even the best solder joints can crack under long-term and severe vibration loads, making them an area where no bending or flexing is possible. As a result, solder connections are not permitted as repairs in modern aircraft wiring due to their unacceptable rate of failure. Instead, solder connectors are used, commonly known as crimp-on connectors with color-coded plastic shells. Although soldering may look neater than crimping, using cheaper tools and connectors can result in unsightly connections.When the proper connector and tool are used, the resulting connection will be stronger than the wires it's holding and resistant to vibration stresses. Complaints about solder connectors stem from their tendency to accumulate road grime and cause corrosion, which can be avoided by using a quality crimp tool. A good crimp tool should have two crimps for each color coded connector, one for the metal wire joining and another for the plastic outer sleeve, creating a weather proof seal. Some connectors, called "environ-connectors," feature a metal crimp and a plastic heat shrink sleeve for an air-tight and low profile connection that can last many years even in harsh environments. This type of connector is used in areas like airplane landing gear wheel wells where weather and environment are critical. This section covers basic techniques for both soldering and

using crimp connectors, as both may be necessary in the lifetime of a motorcycle.The choice of style is a personal decision, and in this text, basic maintenance practices and tips for keeping your bike's electrical system healthy will be covered. The battery plays a vital role in this system, acting as its heart and soul. Similar to how oil is the blood of an engine, the battery not only stores and releases electricity but also acts as a shock absorber for voltage spikes and current surges. With proper maintenance, a good quality battery can provide several years of service. It is unnecessary to delve into servicing older-style lead acid batteries or how to use a hydrometer since modern motorcycle batteries are now sealed maintenance-free units. Typically, adding acid and installing the sealed cap when new are the only things necessary, and dealers usually perform these tasks. However, to ensure long-lasting performance, investing in a battery maintainer/trickle charger is recommended. For around $35, a solid-state electronic maintainer that monitors the battery and charges it when required can be purchased. Many units come with leads that can be installed on the bike and then run out to one of the side panels with a quick disconnect fitting, allowing for simple maintenance/charging of your bike's battery while it is stored.When your bike will not be used for more than a month, it is recommended to remove the battery and place it on a maintainer. Alternatively, you can connect the maintainer directly to the bike. For winter storage, it's best to put the battery in a cool, dry area on a maintainer. If that's not possible, charge the battery

at least once a month. Checking the voltage of the battery only does not give an accurate reading on its "health." If you suspect your battery is weak, take it to a shop for a full load analysis. It's essential to avoid running your motorcycle at idle for long periods as it can drain the battery slowly, particularly if you've added extra electrical accessories. It's essential to understand that solder is used to hold conductors together and not make electrical contacts or provide mechanical support.Solder is used to protect, encapsulate, and provide minor mechanical support for joints. To begin soldering, basic tools and supplies are needed, including a soldering iron. There are various types of soldering irons available for different projects and budgets. A simple 25 watt pencil type soldering iron is sufficient for small projects and electronics and costs around $10. For precise control of wattage and a full range of soldering applications, a soldering station priced at $50-100 is recommended for indoor, controlled shop areas. For heavy duty soldering of thick wires, a soldering gun kit with wattages ranging from 100 up to 300 watts and different tips for cutting and shaping plastic and vinyl can be purchased for about $35 up to $60. Additionally, the ultimate soldering iron for outdoor and on-the-go work is a butane powered soldering iron.This iron operates similar to a butane lighter, with the ability to run for up to two hours on a fuel load and is comparable to an electric Ron within the 25 to 80 watt range. Some models include interchangeable tips, such as heat shrouds for shrinking tubing. The price of these irons ranges

from $60 to $150 depending on the make. Solder is the adhesive used to hold wires together, made from a mixture of tin and lead in various proportions with distinct melting points and characteristics. While silver solders are available for stronger joints and lower resistances, they have a higher melting point and are more expensive. The most commonly used solder types have ratios of 60% tin and 40% lead or 63% tin and 37% lead, labeled as 60/40 and 63/37, respectively.