| NOVAMOG The Northern Virginia Merkur Owners Group |
 |
 |
| How to Buy a Merkur XR4Ti Recommended Tools to Buy By Richard Curtis |
| Tools to have: Although a complete set of tools is by far the best thing to have, including an engine hoist and drive-on ramps, you can make most repairs with the following: --A digital voltmeter --Assorted screwdrivers (I've found that a very long 24-inch Philips screwdriver is helpful in more instances than you might imagine) plus a very small (1" long) Phillips. --Pliers --3/8-inch socket wrench with various extensions; a 1/4-inch set plus a 1/2-inch set come in handy sometimes --Set of metric sockets (from 8mm to 21mm) --Combination metric wrenches (8mm to 17mm) --Torque wrench --Locking pliers --Wire strippers --Side cutters (diagonal pliers) --Razor knife --Floor jack and jackstands; also roll-on ramps. --A "magnet-on-a-stick" for retrieving dropped nuts/bolts/screws. You won't believe how often you use this tool. --Timing light. --Did I mention that "magnet-on-a-stick"? Things the smart XR owner carries in the car: --Jumper cables --Fire extinguisher (don't leave home without one) --Tools, metric --Extra fan belts --Extra coolant hoses or a hose repair kit --Duct tape --Digital volt meter --Cellphone --Flashlight --Hand cleaner, rags, a plastic sheet to lay on the ground so you can crawl under the car --A spare TFI (Motorcraft only) and the wrench to R/R it (the tool costs $10.00 and is worth every penny; there simply is no substitute) --Spare timing belt (not that you'll be able to replace it at roadside, but having it means that any halfway-competent mechanic could do it) --AAA membership or similar --Blanket, matches, survival gear --Your Helms shop manual --Did I mention cellphone |