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31September 2004

Tools ThatDefy

ConventionBY THE EDITORS OF MOTOR

E ach year, word goes out to the world’s automo-tive tool designers, manufacturers and suppli-ers. The message is simple: We’re looking fortools that are truly new and innovative. Show

us something that makes us say: “Wow! We’ve neverseen anything like this before.” Besides knockout origi-nality, there’s only one other criterion for considera-tion: The product must have been introduced betweenJuly 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004.

MOTOR’s annual Top 20 Tools competition is nowin its 13th year. As in years past, we were impressedby the quality and ingenuity of the entries we re-ceived. We offer our sincere thanks to all companiesthat submitted candidates for consideration. Andnow that the votes have been counted, we offer spe-

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TOOLS THAT DEFY CONVENTION

Nomad Expert Technician Systemby MicrovisionAre you tired of running back and forth between yourservice information computer or service manuals, yourworkbench and the vehicle? The Nomad Expert Tech-nician System allows you to superimpose text and dia-grams from electronic service manuals directly overyour workspace. Weighing only 4.5 oz., the Nomadhead-worn Display Module delivers high-contrast, high-resolution (SVGA) transparent images overlaid on theuser’s vision. Two comfortable headgear options areavailable: mounted under the brim of a baseball cap orintegrated into a headband.

The Nomad Expert Technician System includes a ful-ly integrated wireless (802.11b) Windows CE.Net “thinclient” computer, for simplified connection to an exist-

ing computer terminal or remote server to access web-based service content via the included Internet Explor-er browser. Input and navigation are controlled througha touch pad and keypad on the belt-mounted NomadControl Module. No programming, transfer or storageof content is necessary.

Recycle Guard Sealant,Dye & Lubricant Separatorby AirSeptDo you resent buying equipment that protects you fromsomeone else’s bad move? Recycle Guard is in that cate-gory. If everyone who serviced a vehicle’s air conditioningsystem before you got to it did things right, you’d neverneed it. But one bad apple (or even the motorist himself)could put your a/c service equipment out of commission.The problem: installation of sealers, unapproved flushes,

questionable oils and additives. We don’t object to seal-ers, etc., per se...if the vehicle is plainly labeled. Thenyou can make a decision on whether or not to try to ser-vice the vehicle. However, do you know in advance and,even if you’re told, is there a way to do the job withoutdamaging your recycling and/or recharging equipment?

Because Recycle Guard blocks both stop-leak and“seal-swelling” products, plus other additives, it offersboth peace of mind and the ability to take on all comers.The system uses two special filters and a separator, andhas a reservoir that holds up to a pound of refrigerant.So except for high-capacity systems, there’s usually noreal slowdown in the evacuation process. The filtershave to be replaced after about 50 vehicles, but theprice of a replacement filter kit brings the cost per carfor “consumables” down to under $1.

SteerClean MPS 7000 Power SteeringFluid Exchange Serviceby MotorVac TechnologiesPower steering used to be a simple hydraulic system,and aside from an occasional top-up with fluid andtightening the cap to keep out dirt, that was it for pre-ventive maintenance. Today, there’s recognition that(like with cooling systems) a periodic flush & fill can ex-tend the life of the pump, steering gear and any elec-tronically controlled assist valves, by replacing deterio-rated, contaminated fluid.

The new SteerClean MPS 7000 does the job semiau-tomatically, using a voice module to direct the techni-cian through the process. The MPS 7000 flushes thesystem with a detergent and vacuum-refills it with freshpower steering fluid, in about five minutes. So powersteering flush & fill becomes a convenient additionalservice to perform on a car in the shop for lubrication or

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cooling system service. Because the equipment operateson 12 volts, the flush & fill can be done anywhere, evenoutside the shop.

Eclipse Inspection Enclosureby Robinair/SPXWhen it comes to automotive diagnosis, being in thedark normally is not a good thing. Contrary to thatstatement, the No. 16390 Eclipse Inspection Enclosureis designed to enhance your visual senses and increasesblack light intensity by blocking out sunlight and shoplights during leak-detection procedures. It also en-hances electronic leak detector performance by shield-ing the engine compartment from prevailing winds thatmight otherwise dilute leaking refrigerant. The enclo-

sure also can be used with smoke machines duringevaporative emissions leak testing and other proceduresbecause fine smoke will not dissipate as quickly. TheEclipse Inspection Enclosure is sure to reduce the timeit takes to detect leaks in a/c systems, engine compo-nents and evap systems.

EScopeby Automotive Test SolutionsPC-based oscilloscopes are not new. It’s the ability todisplay eight channels in full color on dual charts, withtwo different time bases, that distinguishes the EScopefrom other PC-based scopes. The eight channels can al-so be displayed on eight individual stack charts foranalysis. Data is gathered by a 12-bit, double-bufferedmicroprocessor and can be held in memory for later

analysis. You can view oxygen sensor and injector wave-forms live on the same screen, with two time bases. TheEScope will also flow-test injectors, pulse solenoids, fireignition modules, check shorts to ground, check foropens, send signals with a full-function generator, inter-cept and modify sensor signals for virtual sensor re-placement, count pulses, measure frequency, periodand pulse width and more.

With the addition of ATS’s EIgnition Analyzer, theEScope can also display ignition primary and secondarywaveforms. Each cylinder is displayed in color on dualcharts with two time bases, or on eight individuallystacked charts. Burn time is displayed simultaneouslywith eight sliding bar graphs and eight scrolling graphs.Max kV is displayed digitally or with a scrolling graph.This unit conducts a fully automated power balance testor allows manual spark kill to each cylinder. The EIgni-

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tion Analyzer can kill spark on most systems, includingconventional, DIS, CNP and COP. It’s fully portable forroad tests. The EScope and EIgnition Anayzer are fullyweb-enabled for remote monitoring on local networksor the Internet.

CAN+ Vehicle Data Recorderby Kent-Moore/SPXWhen there’s a driveability glitch that refuses to surfaceduring a road test, the use of a vehicle data recorder(“flight recorder”) is an alternative many shops havefound helpful. Connect it to the data link connector, tellthe customer to drive the car, and when the hiccup oc-curs, press a button and the tester stores the data.

Kent-Moore’s new recorder takes the technology toCAN (Controller Area Network), the latest level of OBDII diagnostics. It also works—without external adapters—on GM vehicles with Class 2 OBD II systems. The toolwas designed not only internally with CAN capability,but externally to the most popular shape possible foreasy temporary installation: It fits into the cupholder, soit’s right at hand for the motorist to push the lightedbutton for data capture. But the tester doesn’t rely

strictly on the motorist; it also can be programmed to beself-triggering for some specific conditions.

Variable Angle Valve Stem Seal Pliersby SP Tools/Schley ProductsPerhaps you’ve struggled to remove valve stem seals usingconventional seal removal pliers. Thin-nosed pliers were in-troduced to fit into the narrow valve spring cavities on mul-

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tivalve engines. However, valve springcavity diameters are not all that’schanged on engines. There’s lessroom and more difficulty accessingvalve stem seals than in the past. Ac-cess to valve stem seals has also be-come complicated by manifolds,

wires, tubes and linkages. The No.62900 Variable Angle Valve Stem SealPliers features a rotating jaw assemblythat allows the plier handles to rotateto any position while the jaw assemblyreaches into the spring cavity. Thesepliers can be used straight or at any

angle up to a full 90°. The jaw tip alsohas a thin ledge for “hooking” under-neath stubborn valve stem seals. Fourvertical raised ridges on the inner di-ameter of the jaws grip the outside di-ameter of the valve stem seal.

Electro-Pro V14 ElectricalSystem Testerby Bright SolutionsMany battery testers provide a“Charge and Retest” or equivalentmessage when testing batteries withan open circuit voltage much below12 volts. They also may provide dif-ferent test results based on changingtesting conditions, such as the surfacecharge on the battery. The Electro-Pro can accurately diagnose batteriesin various conditions of charge, elimi-nating the need to recharge first. Bat-teries may be erroneously replacedwhen the root cause of the batteryfailure is not the battery, but the al-ternator or a parasitic amps drain.The Electro-Pro also takes accurateamp readings from milliamps up to450 amps with its integrated ampprobe to identify these problems.

TOOLS THAT DEFY CONVENTION

Key-off battery drain is determined by the Electro-Pro during its Managed Test, which incorporates the in-vehicle battery test, alternator test and key-off ampsdrain test. The test takes from 30 seconds up to fourminutes, depending on the condition of the battery.Test results (battery condition, percentage of batterylife expectancy, safety checks for shorted cells and opencircuits, corrosion, temperature, alternator volts, amps,diode ripple and key-off parasitic drain) are displayedon-screen or can be sent to a printer via the tester’s IRport. The unit also incorporates a DVOM, starter motortester, fuel injection tester and rpm measurement to an-alyze battery and other electrical problems.

CJScantool C30 Scanner & 9171 LabScopeby InjectocleanThe CJScantool C30 Scanner and 9171 LabScope arethe first scan tool and lab scope to offer integratedBluetooth wireless communications. This allows you toread and capture live data with a Palm OS or Pocket PCPersonal Digital Assistant (PDA), up to 30 feet awayfrom the vehicle. In addition, the CJScantool functionsas a stand-alone quick OBD II scanner.

Wireless communication with a scan tool or scope of-fers several advantages: It’s no longer necessary to stayclose to the OBD II connector for data scanning. A sen-sor or component can be manipulated under the hood,while viewing scan data at the same time. You can com-mand a fuel pump ON while standing below a vehicleon a lift. There’s no need for wires between the engineand passenger compartments when capturing wave-forms during road tests with the wireless 9171 Lab-Scope. Diagnostic data and screen shots can then besent from the PDA to cell phones, PCs, printers or oth-er PDAs utilizing Bluetooth communications.

In stand-alone operation, the C30 can retrieve as well asclear pending and permanent DTCs and turn off a vehicle’sCheck Engine lamp once the memory has been cleared. Itwill also display live data parameters in grid and numericformat, in addition to freeze frame data and readiness status.

Light Gloveby Mechanix WearYou’re working in tight quarters (are there any otherkind?) under the hood or dash and you can barely getyour hand in to move wires and hoses, much less a light tosee what to do or where to insert a tool. The Light Gloveputs an LED light between the thumb and forefinger soyou can see into those dark areas. The glove’s fingers stopshort of the fingertips, to aid in dexterity and fine control,while still protecting the rest of the hand. A full-fingeredversion is also available. With either type, just press a but-

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TOOLS THAT DEFY CONVENTION

ton on the back of the glove to turn on the light, which au-tomatically turns off after seven minutes. Both gloves aremade of nylon, with synthetic leather palms (and finger-tips, in the case of the full-fingered glove).

Spark Plug Rethreading Kit for Fordby LisleWe use some tools every day, and each time we think,“Boy, have I gotten my money’s worth out of this one!”The Lisle No. 65900 Spark Plug Rethreading Kit for Fordmodular engines (4.6 and 5.4 V8s and the 6.8 V10) isn’t aneveryday tool, but you’ll consider it a bargain wheneveryou do need it. If the plug hole threads are worn or dam-aged, the “book” repair is to replace the head. This well-thought-out kit costs a fraction of that job, and overcomesmany technicians’ fears about installing spark plug inserts.

The Ford engine procedure: Drill out the plug holethreads with a special bit (that cuts only on the sides, so itcan’t damage the piston if it happens to go through thehole into the cylinder). Then clean out the cylinder witha special vacuum adapter. Use a borescope to ensure thatall drilled debris is out. If necessary, revacuum (or evenrun the engine for an instant to blow out any shavings).Install a special stop so the tap doesn’t go in too far, thentap the hole. Install the steel insert with a special toolfrom the kit until the insert bottoms, then use a swedgingtool to seat the insert. That’s basically it. The steel insertis designed to hold the plug in original alignment.

SOLUSby Snap-on DiagnosticsIt’s been 15 years since Snap-on Diagnostics introducedthe MT2500 Scanner, and about 350,000 of the familiar“red brick” units have been sold since then. SOLUS is

the company’s next-generation Scanner, with a biggerscreen, newer data, faster performance and easier up-grades. SOLUS replaces the need for multiple manu-facturer-specific tools. The hand-held system includesan easy-to-read 6.2-in. color one-half VGA screen.Viewing options include one, two or four graphs with upto 512 frames of data. Classic “Y” and “N” buttons sim-plify operation.

SOLUS eliminates the need for software cartridges.Flash software updates are accomplished right on theSnap-on dealer van. There are no additional hardwarecosts or installation procedures when receiving softwareupdates. Two compact flash slots store all software titlesand user files, as well as individual user profiles and in-formation.

SOLUS supports all domestic and Asian import vehi-cle coverage Snap-on has offered for its previous hand-

held scanner. European vehicle communication soft-ware titles for BMW, VW/Audi and Mercedes-Benz arealso available separately for upgrade. Technicians willalso have access to five Fast-Track Troubleshooter pro-grams that include more than 50,000 real-world repairtips. Controller Area Network (CAN) vehicle support isavailable for enhanced coverage of vehicles with theseup-and-coming protocols. The system also includes con-nectivity adapters for all domestic and Asian vehiclesback to 1980. A wireless infrared port provides commu-nication with printers, and a USB port for wired con-nectivity to personal computers.

i flash 2534 Global Programmerby Blue Streak ElectronicsThe i flash Global Programmer is claimed to be the firstaftermarket generic device designed to enable the inde-pendent shop to program all makes of vehicle computers

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without the need for separate toolsand subscriptions. The programmeris designed to conform to SAEJ2534, the document that defineshow all vehicle makers deliver new-vehicle software through the datalink connector (DLC). There still aresome i’s being dotted and t’s beingcrossed in J2534, but with a genericprogramming device such as i flash,you’ll be able to service all makeswith one moderate investment in atool, plus a per-use or per-day ex-pense of about $25 for the software.Using a current-generation WindowsPC connected to the Internet, you’llpay a programming fee, download

operating software and the new pro-gram from the vehicle maker’s techservice website, then upload it to thevehicle through the DLC.

At this time, J2534 still has to be“tweaked” to work with a numberof makes (particularly Japanese ve-hicles), but by the end of this year,the work will be done. The operat-ing software itself is in flash memo-ry for easy revision, if necessary, forit to work with any specific make.

EZ-Charge � 100/200by AutoXrayMidtronics’ conductance technologyfor testing batteries is a well-regard-ed method, approved by many car-

makers and recognized severaltimes in MOTOR’s Top 20 Toolsawards. This time, it appears in theEZ-Charge �, a low-cost add-on tothe AutoXray scan tool. Even if a re-pair shop already has a stand-aloneMidtronics tester, the EZ-Charge �,

available in two models, gives an in-dividual technician the capability forbattery evaluation during scan andother electrical diagnosis. Just selectthe “Utilities” function of any EZ-Scan 3000 to 6000 series tool (pro-grammed to the latest level, if nec-

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essary, update software is free on the AutoXray website,www.autoxray.com). Plug in the battery tester, select thebattery capacity in CCA (cold cranking amps) and pressa button. The Model 100 will display battery conditionon the scan tool’s digital display: Good; Good-Recharge;Charge and Retest; and Replace. The premium Model200 will display any of these, plus Bad Cell-Replace.

Both models also have a 0-19.99 voltmeter mode, andthe Model 200 also has a “voltage capture” feature forstarting system testing. The Model 200 also provides forentry of battery capacity in DIN (the rating system num-ber on most German cars’ batteries) and EN (the ratingsystem on other European makes). If you buy a Model100 and later decide to upgrade to Model 200 specs, it’sstrictly a software change, available for a fee from theAutoXray website.

DrainTwinby Vacula Automotive ProductsThe days of bleeding brake systems with vacuum arenumbered. For example, hybrid automobiles areequipped with electric/hydraulic brakes that can be bledonly using a pressure bleeder capable of a constant 35psi throughout the bleeding process. The DrainTwinbrake bleeder can handle either pressure or vacuumbleeding with the flip of a switch. The unit is poweredby compressed air and container size is expandable from1 to 16 gals. A pulsating pneumatic pressure/vacuumpump produces adjustable pressure up to 35 psi (2.5bar). Drip-free couplings and optional adapters allow theunit be used on any vehicle make or model. The fill/suc-tion gun empties old fluid from the master cylinder

reservoir in vacuum mode and tops it off in pressuremode. An extra long fluid hose allows the DrainTwin tobe used while the vehicle is on a lift. The unit has beenapproved for use on Ford and DaimlerChrysler vehicles.

KTS Series Integrated EuropeanDiagnostic Systemsby VetronixScan tools, oscilloscopes, multimeters, service informa-tion systems and other diagnostic equipment have be-come an indispensible part of the technician’s tool arse-nal. Each of these tools was originally introduced as a

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stand-alone unit, but in recent yearswe have begun to see combinationsof two or more functions in thesame tool. The KTS Series contin-ues this trend by combining scantool functionality with access to ser-ial data from European vehicles.Additional features include a two-channel oscilloscope and multime-ter, system-specific fault diagnosis,a library of wiring schematics, com-ponent location diagrams, actuatorcontrol testing and a detailed partsdatabase with cross-reference table.The KTS Series is compatible withall current communications proto-cols, including CAN, ISO and SAE.

All features are integrated to aideffective diagnosis. Suppose a faultcode has been found. Using the ser-vice information feature, the testerevaluates the situation and suggeststhe probable cause. The KTS Seriescan also suggest where to start thediagnosis and provides a visual guideas to where to hook up leads, if addi-tional data is required for completediagnosis. Then, once the KTS testeris adequately connected to the vehi-cle, serial data and service informa-tion are seamlessly integrated. Forexample, if the data retrieved fromthe vehicle is within an acceptablerange, it’s shown as green; it’s shownas red if it’s out of range.

The KTS Series consists of theKTS 650 and 550 kits. The KTS 650is a tablet PC with 12.1-in. touchscreen, while the KTS 550 is basedon a laptop computer.

Freedom-Liteby UView UltravioletSystemsNo matter how many work lightsare available, the tubular troublelight is a mechanic’s standby. Itwould be great to take on road calls,too. But unless the service truck hasa 110-volt outlet, that won’t work.In fact, the lack of a 110-volt outletcan be a problem even in the shop,where the use of power tools and a

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compressor often requires extra-long extension cords snaking alongthe shop floor.

Trouble lights with a built-in out-let have not been a satisfactory an-swer. With today’s improved-LEDtechnology, it was only a matter of

time until LEDs were incorporatedinto a rechargeable trouble light,and that’s exactly what UView has in-troduced in its new Freedom-Lite.It has 30 very bright, long-life LEDsin an impact-absorbing tube with arubber handle for a good grip. The

light provides up to five hours ofcontinuous use on a single charge,although there’s a drop-off in bright-ness as it approaches or even ex-ceeds that number. The Freedom-Lite recharges in about an hour.

Inject-A-Flush for Dieselsby BG ProductsOnly about 30,000 Volkswagendiesel cars are sold here annually,but there’s a large SUV/heavy-dutymarket that’s largely diesel, and sev-eral carmakers are testing the wa-ters with additional choices. Dieselinjectors not only run at high pres-sures (up to 30,000 psi), but eachinjection stroke actually is as manyas five mini-pulses for smootheridle and lower emissions. The injec-tors obviously have to be clean tomaintain diesel performance, and

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BG’s new Inject-A-Flush forDiesels is a complete package forthat purpose, whether done as pre-ventive maintenance or as a “re-pair” for clogged injectors.

The heart of the system is a canis-ter that’s hung from the hood to

provide gravity feed of the compa-ny’s proprietary injector cleaner/fuelproduct. Connect the canister to thevehicle’s fuel system with the in-cluded hoses, using adapters avail-able from BG, then run the engineon the cleaner/fuel. The canister’s

tank is vented (or pressurized, if theengine won’t start otherwise), butbecause there’s extra cleaner/fuelproduct, the level in the canisterdoesn’t get low enough for air to bedrawn into the fuel system. If pres-surization is necessary to start theengine but the job will be doneaway from the shop air source, thecanister can be filled and pressur-ized at the bench, then brought tothe worksite.

BrakeKare FluidService Systemby Snap-on ToolsBrake system maintenance is essen-tial on today’s ABS and tractioncontrol-equipped vehicles. Water-saturated brake fluid can danger-ously compromise brake systemperformance and damage expensivecomponents. The BrakeKare FluidService System is an all-in-one solu-tion that handles all aspects of hy-draulic brake fluid service. The unitfeatures a combination of pressureand vacuum flushing while also al-lowing simultaneous fluid refillingof all four wheels in 10 to 12 min-utes.

Once the BrakeKare unit is con-nected to the master cylinder reser-voir and all four-wheel cylinderbleeder valves, the system automat-ically performs the cleaning and di-agnostic functions with new brakefluid. An electronic control panelguides the operator through a step-by-step process. Color-coded teststrips are included, to enable quickand accurate fluid diagnosis.

Contained in a compact wheeledcabinet for easy movement aroundthe shop, the BrakeKare system in-cludes a 64-oz. container for newfluids, a 4-gal. waste fluid container,adapter-storage drawers, a flat worksurface and a full complement ofEPDM hoses for filling, vacuuming,bleeding and disposing of brake flu-ids. Standard hose adapters covermost domestic and import passen-

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ger vehicles and light trucks. Deluxe adapters are avail-able for select Asian, European and domestic applica-tions. The unit operates on standard 110- or 220-voltAC power.

GearPlierby K-D ToolsEvery technician has a toolbox drawer full of special-purpose pliers. Still, there’s always that extra one heneeds, either because he just can’t get the type he has to

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work in a particular car, or for somenew application. The new GearPlierkit features not only a pair ofsmooth-working ratcheting gear pli-ers, but up to 14 sets of easily inter-changeable tips, including the newpush-pin plastic “Christmas tree”fasteners for trim panels. If you’ve

long wanted to get cable-type hoseclamp pliers but haven’t, you canget them as just one set of specialtips in a kit. Among the tips arethree other types for hose clamps,plus pairs for hose pinch-offs, brakesprings, spark plugs (three types),piston rings and even valve stem

seals. You can buy tips as individualpairs or in kits with six or 14 sets.The tool is also sold by Matco Toolsas the Uni-Pro Plier.

Visit www.motor.com to downloada free copy of this article.

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For more information on these Top20 Tools award winners, circle theappropriate number(s) on the Prod-uct Information Card in this issue:

AirSeptCircle #100Automotive Test SolutionsCircle #101AutoXrayCircle #102BG ProductsCircle #103Blue Streak ElectronicsCircle #104Bright SolutionsCircle #105InjectocleanCircle #106K-D ToolsCircle #107Kent-Moore/SPXCircle #108LisleCircle #109Matco ToolsCircle #110Mechanix WearCircle #111MicrovisionCircle #112MotorVac TechnologiesCircle #113Robinair/SPXCircle #114Snap-on DiagnosticsCircle #115Snap-on ToolsCircle #116SP Tools/Schley ProductsCircle #117UView Ultraviolet SystemsCircle #118Vacula Automotive ProductsCircle #119VetronixCircle #120

How to Getthe Top 20