With donated and discounted building materials, and cash contributions from sponsors, Habitat helps families who need housing, and who commit to working shoulder-to-shoulder with community volunteers throughout the construction of their homes. In Tucson, Arizona, for example, single-parent families must agree to donate 200 hours of labor on the building or in the Habitat office; two-parent families must donate 400 hours of sweat equity, says Yvonne Coelet, Director of Public Relations.Houses are priced affordably and the families who move in are given zero-interest loans. The interest-free loans and community underwriting of the project through volunteer labor and donated materials means home payments for the new residents are typically much lower than the rent payments they were making previously. In Tucson, families living in rental units pay at least $.500 per month. In contrast, house payments for Habitat homes are typically about $350 per month. buildastandforamiterchopsaw "With a house payment that''s significantly lower than rent," says Coelet, "families can get ahead in life."

7. Upgraded tests for brake lining classifications. Trade associations like the SAE are establishing standards to offer closer tolerances on friction characteristics that would be improvements over the standard edge-code markings. One computer model test revealed that an 80,000-lb tractor trailer traveling at 60 MPH would stop at 241 feet with OEM lining and 302 feet with replacement lining even through both had the same edge-code markings.8. Non-asbestos and semi-metallic brake lining have replaced asbestos brake lining to comply with US environmental protection regulations. The track record on the new lining has been good, and no major problems have developed.9. Long stroke brake chambers are now replacing the conventional types. Consider that the Type 30 brake chamber offers 1/2 inch of reserve stroke before the piston bottoms out and braking force is lost. A long-stroke chamber provides three-quarters-inch of reserve stroke. Also, look for visible adjustment indicators to ensure proper brake adjustment.

Maintaining the machineIf possible, store the washer indoors in the off-season to avoid damage to the pump, hoses and spray wand. Otherwise, winterize them using only antifreeze designed for recreational vehicles (RVs); see Photo 6. When a gas-powered washer won''t be used for a month or more, prevent damage to the engine by draining the system of gas or adding a gas preservative to the fuel tank.1 TO START a gas-powered washer: (1) Clean any debris from the inlet filter. (2) Connect any accessories (like this chemical injector). (3) Run water through the washer for one minute to prime the system and remove any air. (4) Squeeze the spray wand trigger to bleed water pressure, buildastandforamiterchopsaw and (5) pull the starter cord to start the engine.

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