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USB Flexible Endoscope

The ability to look around and inside your engine, transmission, under the dash and other hard to reach places can be critical to evaluating a problem and deciding the appropriate course of action before you have to remove too many components.

Add this useful tool to your workshop's suite of  diagnostic and service software!

C$ 125 + shipping

Shipping to destinations within USA and Canada only.

Fully compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 7x64. Hardware, Warranty and software development and support from the author in Canada.

Designed for the automotive enthusiast and professional mechanic or technician, the self-illuminating Endoscope Imager is way more than just a simple video display window and pen camera.

The Endoscope software can be learned in minutes, and simply clicking the button on the endoscope handle starts the video display window automatically. You can set up your own video overlay files with your workshop's name, phone number, website, or any other relevent information.

For example, when inspecting timing belts or turbochargers still on the car it can be hard to obtain a decent close up image. The video parameters can be adjusted for brightness and contrast, and a video sequence and single frames can be saved, by simply clicking a button on the endoscope handle.

More importantly, a saved frame can be additionally processed to enhance the details, and displayed in a larger window with zoom and roam capability. This enables you to examine the full detail of the image and better diagnose the engine or mechanical problem.

The image can be annotated and saved to disk. If required, the image or video sequence can be emailed directly to the customer, or uploaded to a website.

More information, click here .

  Read, Decode and Reset your Check Engine Light

For 1996 and later vehicles (Mitsubishi and Subaru preferred, but I can handle many others.) with the OBD2 diagnostic port. If my equipment can't read the ECU on your car, there's no charge. All codes (such as when the gas cap is loose) can be reset, but will come back if the problem is not fixed.

When there is a recurring problem, it's important that you know what the error code is, and what it means. Please note that some problems are quite simple to fix, but others may require major repairs.

I'll take the time to ensure you understand what's involved in repairing the problem, so you can pass this information on to your garage or dealer, or do it yourself if you have the skills and tools.

Reading your ECU takes 5 minutes, while you wait.

• at my garage $20
• in your driveway $30  (Ottawa and Gatineau only)
• Email me with your phone number and vehicle year and model and I'll call you to arrange an appointment.

 Has your A/C stopped working or does not blow cold?

Most A/C systems eventually start to leak as the system ages. This can be deterioration of tube or hose connection O-rings, or a problem with the compressor, but the most common is corrosion holes caused by salt and road debris impact on the condensor in front of the radiator. I can evaluate your system, and see if it will hold a vacuum. This is absolutely required before the system can be recharged with refrigerant. Not evacuating before recharging will guarantee that your A/C system will not work well if at all. Please note that I provide an inexpensive evaluation and system evacuation service only. I don't do R12 to R134A conversions on 1993 and earlier vehicles, though I can provide advice on doing it. My '93 Eagle Summit GTX has a '94 R134A system fitted and operational.

I can and will do repairs like

• replacing belts and testing | repairing the A/C electronics.
• supply and fit obviously leaking assemblies such as the condensor.
• I can recommend a reputable A/C shop (some are not and treat customers like cash cows) I've dealt with personally for major repairs or full refits.

Perhaps you have replaced leaking or damaged parts yourself, but don't have the equipment to go further to simply evacuate the system to test if your work is OK.

You will have to bring your car to me here in Gatineau.

• evaluation and evacuation takes 30 - 60 minutes. If there's a leak, it's usually obvious almost immediately. $30
• if the system seems to be not leaking (that is, it holds a vacuum for 30 minutes), your $30 gets you another test after 3-4 days, for verification. This is because some leaks are very slow. If the second check shows that the vacuum is holding, your system can be recharged.
• Email me with your phone number and vehicle year and model and I'll call you back to arrange an appointment.

  Welding and Fabrication Services

I can provide MIG welding of mild steel and  stainless steel, also  design and fabrication of custom brackets and small assemblies. For example

• minor exhaust system repairs such as broken hangers and some leaks. If the system is too rusted I'll advise you to get it replaced.
• minor rust repairs. Please note I no longer do major panel, floor or door sill replacement.
• repair or fabrication of mounting brackets and similar custom work.
• Costs are on hourly basis and vary with the job.
• Email me with your requirements.

Remanufacturing Service

While it often cheaper to replace a worn out, damaged or rusty assembly, sometimes it's desirable to repair or remanufacture it. For example,    

• the assembly is unobtainable or you want to retain the original part
• a replacement part is outrageously expensive if purchased from the usual channels and esspecially from a dealer.
• the part is in otherwise good condition except for dirt and surface rust, and just needs refinishing. A good example of this is suspension components.

I provide a remanufacturing service that includes

• sandblasting and refinishing with polyurethane or powder paint (I send this out to a local company)
• press in/out replacement of suspension bushes, wheel bearings in front and rear knuckles
• reassembly of suspension systems, ready for installation.
• Email me with your requirements. Sometimes I'll ask you to send a picture of the component.
• You are responsible for removing the assemblies or components from your car. I'll take care of the rest, including initial cleaning of dirt, oil and grease.

Example of the new center switch fitted to the center triple switch holder.

I'm prepared to make a kit of these three switches available if there's enough interest, say at least 10 sets ordered. The existing dummy covers would have to be sent to me, otherwise I'll have to find them (and charge you) from a local wrecker, if I can find them. These covers are remanufactured to add illumination graphics and optional status LED.

Email me if you are seriously interested in getting a kit like this. I don't have an exact price yet, but for the set of three switches, in the us$100-140 range is expected. The main expenses are the bent metal support frame and switch cover adapter (Its FAR cheaper/unit to get 20 than 5) and the time I take to remanufacture and assemble this kit.