[V8] Gunked Up Locks & Electrical Testing II

[ProfessorGT]

Well, I did more research, seeing as though there seems to be some
disagreement regarding what is the best lock tumbler lube.

Have a look at this very thorough test, performed by a locksmith:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZaPWGo8TbE

Interesting that this "Locksmith" would surprise himself, at the results of
his own test. This guy went way overboard testing a whole bunch of
lubricating products, and even started off saying that the old tried and
true graphite, was not his product of choice. In the end it was interesting
to find that white lithium lube came in 7th out of 7 products tested, and
silicone spray 4th of 7. Neither fared nearly as well as graphite: Rated
2nd of 7. (Note that the graphite he used is simply powered graphite,
whereas "Lock Ease" is powered graphite suspended in a liquid carrier which
evaporates out, leaving behind just the graphite. The carrier allows the
graphite to more easily "flow" into the tumblers to do it's job, so might
have in fact done just as well as the PTFE product.)

Shame on me for providing an online link, and oh nooo, even worse that it's
from You-Tube! LOL!

Not that I feel a compelling need to explain myself, but I am a
professional in the automotive repair business. I worked as a heavy truck
tech early in my career, spent many years as a field service engineer for a
major automotive manufacturer, and have worked as an automotive technical
trainer for many years (15+), and that in fact, is my current position. I
say this not to impress anyone, because I am comfortable with my
capabilities. As a professional instructor, I have been complimented by
many students stating that I am the best instructor they have ever learned
from. What makes me tick is my passion for all things automotive, and
knowing that those who attend my classes are able to put into practice what
they have learned, in order to put food on the table! That totally jazzes
me - helping other by sharing my favorite subject - technical automotive
diagnosis and repair procedures. I tell my boss, "Hey, you PAY me to bench
race!" :>)

Over the years, one virtue I have learned, that is exemplary of the best in
the business, is that no one knows it all, and no matter the situation,
there is always something that can be learned. (In this case, the PTFE lube
is the perfect example, but note that the graphite came in a VERY close
second, not 4th or 7th.) So the great thing is that having been through
this process I've learned something too, so yes I'll be testing straight
100% Dupont Dry Film PTFE (Teflon) lube for my lock cylinders to see how
well it performs against Lock Ease.

And oh, by the way, I stand by what I said about Power Probes, and the new
Hook, too. Great tools, which I teach in my classes, but which I also tell
guys to leave in their tool boxes until they truly understand proper
voltage drop testing. Otherwise, not only can they unintentionally pop
fuses, but can easily damage things like expensive computers.

Any oh yea, I own 4 Fluke meters: A 78, 87, 88 and a real old one I don't
even remember the number model number on. With respect to DVOMs Fluke is
the best there is. In fact, once you fully understand how to properly use a
Fluke, then, and only then, should you think about taking on a Power
Probe/Hook. I teach that you have to crawl before you walk, and walk before
you run. So, save your money and learn how to dynamically test circuits
using proper voltage drop tests, or you'll do more damage than good. I
don't want to discourage anyone, but I've seen more damage done by guys
trying to use electrical test equipment they really didn't understand, than
anything else. It's not terribly difficult, but a foundational
understanding needs to be established before moving forward. It's kind of
like hopping on a very high end racing bicycle before you've ever even
established your balance on a basic bicycle with training wheels! You are
bound to damage that real expensive bike before you ever get your balance,
but once you do, you're off and running, and if you get a little rusty,
just hop back on and you're right back in the saddle in real short order.

I'm also not trying to discourage any one who wants to tinker with their
own vehicles, but again, poking around with electrical systems when you
don't have your "sea legs" is just not a good idea. Here's a good example:
Got a phone call in the late 80's when I was a BMW rep. At that time cell
phones were just coming into their own. Like the phones in our V8's, BMW
had contracted with Audiovox to offer a "factory" phone. Had a customer who
spent $75 G's for a 750 when it was first introduced in '88, but he opted
NOT to purchase the "factory" phone, to save a couple hundred bucks by
having an independant garage install a phone. The customer called the
dealership ripping them a new one, saying they had sold him a piece of junk
because after driving it over to the phone place, the car went dead and
would no longer start. The Svc Mgr called me, and said he had a hot one,
but that I was going to enjoy it. The 750 had "Central Body Electronics"
which amounted to a bank of computers under the rear seat, next to the
starting battery. Once towed back to the dealership, examined and
diagnosed, we found that just about every wire going to the computers had
been pricked by a needle type probe. Turns out the guy looking to install
the phone was probing the computer wires looking for power and ground using
a conventional test light, and blew out a few thousand dollars worth of
computers in the process!

I had the dealer order up and install replacement computers to restore the
car to functionality, but explained to the customer what had happened. He
started off being rather arrogant, but once he saw that we had his best
interests at heart, he calmed right down. I told him that I valued his
business, and would get him back on the road, but that I was holding the
bill for the replacement computers against his account, and that it would
be up to him to get the independant shop to pay the bill. He had to sue
them to get his money, but it cured him of getting his vehicle serviced by
unqualified shops any longer.

It's all about the relationships we establish with our customers, through
the passion we have for what we do. Be flexible, and be the best we can
possibly be to help our customers: in my case my technicians (students).
That's what it's all about!

-- 
*​Regards,*


*ProfessorGT*