Shop: Mark's Auto Repair LLC
Technician: Mark Maas
Location: Fort Atkinson, Wis.
Mark Maas has owned Mark's Auto Repair LLC, based in south-central Wisconsin, for 27 years. Maas says he does quite a bit of computer diagnoses and electrical work. He refers to himself as a "dinosaur," and says he's willing to do a lot of repairs that aren't common anymore.
1.) Power Probe III
"When things come in, it's usually an electrical issue," says Maas. "The Power Probe just works so quick." Power Probe III features an easy-to-read backlit voltmeter for reading voltage at the tip. 42V ready, it has rugged, gold-plated connectors for more secure connections. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/10167639
2.) Schumacher 12/24V DSR Jump Starter
"Living in Wisconsin, it gets so cold here," says Maas. "I've had some other jump packs that did the job. But when it gets to be 10 degrees below zero, you need more reserve power." The Schumacher 12/24V DSR Jump Starter features two high-output 22Ah AGM batteries, a 3 Amp built-in automatic charger for faster recharges, plus a reverse hookup alarm and 2-function digital. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/12030375
3.) Snap-on MicroVAT Battery, Starting, and Charging System Tester
"(Snap-on) put a whole bunch of meters and functions into one small, handheld device," says Maas. MicroVAT takes advantage of impedance/current test technology to detect the full range of battery failure modes including bad cells, sulfation, internal shorting, and other chemical and physical failures. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/12030379
4.) Snap-on Vantage PRO
"Electrical issues are always a problem," says Maas. "It's a multimeter, but it has graphing effects to it."Technicians can get the answers they need for confident diagnosis including guided connection, component operations, over 2 million test procedures and over 8 million samples per second of continuous streaming data For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/11319853
5.) Snap-on TechAngle Torque Wrench
"I do a lot of head gaskets, and everything is torque angle today," says Maas. The design of the tool eliminates the need for angle gauges and protractors, providing accuracy and the quickest way to achieve torque plus angle tightening sequences specified by vehicle manufacturers. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/11355478
6.) Launch Tech USA OBD Book 6830 scan tool and Snap-on MODIS Ultra multi-function scan tool
The Snap-on MODIS Ultra multi-function tool provides complete start to finish diagnostics that includes a fully integrated scan tool, lab scope, vehicle-specific communication software and expert information resources – all-in-one diagnostic tool. The OBD Book 6830 from Launch Tech features a large split screen where users can view DTCs and system data up top while viewing live data and graphs below. For more information on the Snap-on tool, visit VehicleServicePros.com/11176534. For more information on the Launch Tech tool, visit VehicleServicePros.com/10102511.
7.) Mastercool 71475 Hydraulic Flaring Kit
"I can make the metric bubble flares, standard double flares, push connects, and then I can do GM fuel lines and Ford-type push connects," says Maas. "I have a bunch of former employees come in here and borrow it all of the time." Mastercool's 71475 Hydraulic Flaring Kit fabricates Push Connect flares 14", 5/16", 3/8"; GM Fuel Line Flares 5/16", 3/8"; Flare/Double Flares 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2"; and Metric Bubble Flares 4.75 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/10098894
8.) OTC 7448 fuel injection cleaner
"I probably haven't had as many (dirty fuel injectors) in the past three or four years, but I still deal with them from time to time," says Maas. "Can I clean the injectors, or do I have to replace them. A lot of times I can clean them, and it's a real simple process." When the product is used with a recommended solvent, the fuel injection cleaner is designed to provide more effective results than aerosol methods. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/12030390
9.) Ken Tool Pro Super Hub-Shark wheel bearing press
"Everyone is trying to cheapen up a car today, so they are using pressed-in bearings," says Maas. Users can pull any hub or bearing on domestic and import vehicles, and there is no need to remove the knuckle assembly and realign the front end. visit: VehicleServicePros.com/12030394
10.) Ingersoll Rand 2135QXPA Series Impactool
"This (tool) has the power of an impact wrench, but it's an air ratchet," says Maas. Ingersoll Rand’s motor and twin-hammer impact mechanism delivers 780 ft/lbs of max reverse torque and 1,100 ft/lbs of torque. For more information, visit VehicleServicePros.com/12021290
**Bonus tool** Mechanic's stethoscope
"My grandfather gave me this tool, and it's probably 80 or 90 years old, says Maas, who adds that it recently helped him fix an injector issue on a vehicle. He placed the stethoscope on the injector, and he heard the injector solenoid clicking, so he didn't have to take the whole part apart. "I was able to diagnose the problem in seconds."
