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Maintenance techniques, tools and working facilities
Working facilities
Not to be overlooked when discussing tools is the workshop. If
anything more than routine maintenance is to be carried out, some sort
of suitable work area is essential.
It is understood, and appreciated, that many home mechanics do
not have a good workshop or garage available and end up removing an
engine or doing major repairs outside (it is recommended, however,
that the overhaul or repair be completed under the cover of a roof).
A clean, flat workbench or table of comfortable working height is
an absolute necessity. The workbench should be equipped with a vise
that has a jaw opening of at least four inches.
As mentioned previously, some clean, dry storage space is also
required for tools, as well as the lubricants, fluids, cleaning solvents,
etc. which soon become necessary.
Sometimes waste oil and fluids, drained from the engine or
cooling system during normal maintenance or repairs, present a
disposal problem. To avoid pouring them on the ground or into a
sewage system, simply pour the used fluids into large containers, seal
them with caps and take them to an authorized disposal site or service
station. Plastic jugs are ideal for this purpose.
Always keep a supply of old newspapers and clean rags
available. Old towels are excellent for mopping up spills. Many
mechanics use rolls of paper towels for most work because they are
readily available and disposable. To help keep the area under the
motorcycle clean, a large cardboard box can be cut open and flattened
to protect the garage or shop floor.
Whenever working over a painted surface (such as the fuel tank)
cover it with an old blanket or bedspread to protect the finish.
