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Instruction: How to do tech

To: ba-autox@autox.team.net
Subject: Instruction: How to do tech
From: "Darren P. Madams" <darren@madams.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 08:56:28 -0700
OK, I know I'll get a lot of other things to check, but this should be good 
enough for most regional events.  I don't have a copy of the back of a time 
card handy, but you can also use that as a checklist.  I'll just tell you 
the order that I do things.  Feel free to add/change/whatever as you see fit.

=====
o Approach car and inspect overall condition.  Make sure no body panels are 
falling off or there's anything else dangerous on the car.
o Enter vehicle and check inside is clean.  Floormats removed if not held down.
        o Verify brake pedal works and holds pressure. (Step on it!)
        o Verify seatbelt locks under tension.  Check for any frays on 
webbing.  Check that aftermarket belts are adequately anchored and are 
acceptable type.
        o Check helmets. Should be SNELL approved (are we at 90 yet?) not DOT 
only.  M (motorcycle) helmets are OK for Solo2.
        o If car has a roll cage, check that there is enough padding and it's 
secured.
o Exit vehicle and check inside trunk.  If battery is back there, check it too.
o Check under the hood.
        o Check for strong battery tie down and cover over terminals.  If in a 
different location, verify wiring is covered and not pinched anywhere.
        o Quickly check major belts and hoses for squishiness or cracks or 
excessive play.  Squeeze them and pull on them.
        o Verify throttle return springs and throttle action does not stick, 
etc.
        o Check spark plugs wires are all fully connected and neat.
        o Check brake master cylinder for leaks.
        o Verify coolant overflow bottle.
        o Close hood and verify locking mechanism or lock pins.
o Check wheels, for cracks and clearance and suitability.
        o Check lug nuts (all are there, can't move by hand).
        o Shake wheels for play.  Give them a solid push/pull.
        o Check tires for cracks, under-inflation, cord, etc.
o Take a quick look underneath for anything obviously broken or leaking.
o Optionally, verify
o Sign tech card.  Report all oddities, even if small and acceptable.
=====

That procedure can be done in under 2 minutes.

You can also add, perhaps at larger events or on cars that have never been 
teched before:

o Verify thread engagement of wheel nuts.
o Jack up car and check wheel bearing play.
o Check suspension parts such as bushings and CV boots.
o Proper numbers and class stickers or magnetics. [Not tech's responsibility]
o Time card filled out correctly. [Not tech's responsibility, but good for 
1st timers]

For those teching mod cars and karts can you please also check this:
o Play in suspension and steering mechanisms.
o All locks on rod ends are tightened.
o Certain important things should be wire-tied. (hubs, etc.)
o Battery is completely held down and no loose wires showing.
o No excessive leaks from tranny or anywhere else.
o Proper action on the shifter.
o Full motion on throttle cable (no sticking).  Cable stops on tight.
o Double check throttle return springs.
o Fuel cell and lines are all connected properly and in good shape, no leaks.
o Fuel pump is bolted down securely and looks in good shape.
o Carb is secured and airbox is connected properly.
o All bodywork is fastened down.

Just because we work on our mod cars more, doesn't mean we still wouldn't 
like a fresh pair of eyes to take a quick double check of 
everything.  Please don't just throw your hands up and say "I don't know 
what to check on these".


I feel like I may have missed something... hmmm...

        --Darren


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