Tools

Commonly Used Tools

Metric Sizes

If you want to work on a metric GM you will need sockets in these sizes:

You need open end and box wrenches (not combination) in these sizes. I would suggest open end wrenches from 15mm to 19mm for the fuel lines. Of course the wheel lug nuts are 19mm. You will need a 3/8 U-Joint socket to adjust the timing. Also for a V6, you will need 12-point 10mm and 8mm sockets for the chromed bolts on top of the plenum.

Here's where some of the funny sizes are used:

Some SAE sockets

Torx wrenches

Don't buy cheap Torx wrenches, they will eat the inside of the bolt and round off so that nothing but a blue-tip wrench will work.

Other useful tools

From: Ludis Langens, Alan Ritter, Sketch

Buy a pair of leather welding gloves. They are long (almost up to your elbow) making reaching into HOT areas a breeze. I find them especially useful during V6 oil changes and working on a car at the track.

I can not take credit for this idea - it was posted in the World Wide Fiero Club (now defunct) news letter.

From: David Cole

Special Tools

"I saw a tool (J36621) in my haynes manual, but I'm having a hard time finding it. I haven't tried the dealer yet, but I imagine its expensive?"

Snipped from the copyright page of the Chilton Manual:

"Special Tools are recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to perform their specific job. Use has been kept to a minimum, but where absolutely necessary, they are referred to in the text by the part number of the tool manufacturer. These tools can be purchased, under the appropriate part number, from:"

Service Tool Division
Kent-Moore Corporation
1501 South Jackson St.
Jackson, MI 49203
800-345-7375

Never dealt with them personally, and I'm not fond of the chilton manuals, but for the cars I've owned, Chilton's tool part numbers seem to match up with the tools recommended by Haynes.

From: Steve Kistner


[Top] | Online Service Guide Main Page
1