Greasing the parking brake cable

Is it a good idea to pump grease into a brake parking brake cable that is sticking to free it up?

No, Pumping grease into a parking brake cable is not a good idea because, often the lubricant winds up working it’s way down the cable into the rear brake assembly where it contaminants the rear shoes. If the brake cable is sticking or freezing up because water is getting inside, or it is rusted best thing to do is replace it!

* From Mr. Know -It-All- Motorwatch Journal

Storing small gas engines

I have heard that when I store my small gasoline tractor, lawn mower, snow blower, I should turn the engine over by hand until I feel the compression stroke. Why would this matter? Also, is it better to leave the gasoline in the tank, treated with fuel stabilizer or should I drain the tank?

Yes, if it’s possible on your engine, turn the engine over by hand until you feel the compression stroke. This closes the valves and prevents moisture from getting into the engine.


On the gasoline issue, there are 2 schools of thought here. One is to drain all the gas leaving the fuel system dry for the winter. The problem with this is that water can collect in the system because of condensation. The water will cause as much or more damage then the gas will. But leaving the fuel system full will cause just as much trouble due to stale gas and the solids that collect at the point of evaporation. The latest thinking for storage is to fill the tank with gas that has been treated with stabilizer. The stabilizer keeps the gas fresh and helps prevent the build up of deposits. The full tank keeps the condensation from happening. Note that after you fill the tank with stabilized fuel you must run the engine so that the fuel enters the carburetor, an almost forgotten step!

Turning off the wipers when it quits raining

Is it true that turning off the wipers when it quits raining helps keep the wiper motor from overheating?

True, it’s the friction from the wiper blades dragging across the dry windshield that puts extra strain on the wiper motor and can cause the wiper motor to burn out prematurely. It is best to turn them off, if it stops raining. *

*From Motorwatch "Mr-know-it-all"

The radiator pressure cap

I have heard that the radiator pressure cap has four additional functions in addition to pressurizing the system. What are the other functions?

1) Filler cap to access the cooling sytem.
2) Closure cap to keep coolant in the radiator.
3) Pressure cap to prevent overheating by pressurizing the system to raise the boiling temperature of coolant and allow the automobile's engine to operate at more efficient higher temperatures.
4) Pressure relief valve to safely and harmlessly vent excess pressure into the overflow jug.
5) Vacuum relief/siphon valve to draw coolant from the overflow jug back into the radiator to prevent air from entering the system and allowing the coolant to perform its function more efficiently.