I took out my utility vehicle battery and charged it. When I put it back in, the battery exploded as I was connecting the positive cable. What caused this, and what could have been done to keep the explosion from happening?
As you experienced, batteries can be very dangerous. You were lucky you weren't injured. Batteries give off explosive gas that ignites with a spark. When you were connecting your positive cable, you completed the battery's circuit and it sparked, igniting the explosive gas. When removing a battery, always remove the negative cable first; when installing the battery, always install the negative cable last.
My small rectangular baler keeps breaking the needles because the plunger is hitting them. This all started after I broke a chain. Nobody where I live works on square balers, so I'm in a pickle! One fellow told me the baler was out of time. Can you help me?
Let's see if we can get you with the "times." Yes, your baler is out of time. The needles are not being broken by the plunger, but rather by the hay the plunger is pushing through the baler. The needles actually go up through the plunger when your baler ties. Time your needles so they enter the bale case at the bottom about 1 to 2 inches in front of the face (flat part of the plunger—assuming your baler has the angled extensions) as the plunger moves on the rear work stroke.
E-mail me if you need help with timing your particular baler. After all, time is money!
My diesel pickup is getting quite a few miles on it. I've tried to keep up with its maintenance needs over the years. Do you recommend spending the money to have the valves set at the recommended intervals?
Yes. Valve clearance, sometimes called valve lash, is very important on any engine.
The diesel engine compression is much higher than a gas engine, which makes it very important that you spend the money to run your valves.
When it comes to diesel engine maintenance, "a penny saved is a dollar spent."
Write Steve Thompson at Ask the Mechanic, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209 or mechanic@progressivefarmer.com.