Recent content by derwagen

rocks.

do you use a notebook in the glovebox, a custom excel spreadsheet, or an app? what fields are you tracking in your logs? do you track engine hours, fuel efficiency, or keep copies of blackstone reports in the same file? would love to see how you organize your records over the years.

definitely stick to the oem hyundai/kia filters on that theta engine. they have a specific high pressure bypass valve rating that aftermarket filters like purolator rarely match. aftermarket filters are known to cause cold start knocking on those engines. plus since Valvoline Restore and Protect...

the recess is usually because cheap aftermarket suppliers skip the final milling step on the backing plate to save on manufacturing. tcp71 is right that thick thermal paste actually traps heat since it only has a fraction of the thermal conductivity of aluminum. the copper shim idea is the way...

since you got it to move half an inch, try the candle wax trick. heat the outer tube with your torch and press a paraffin candle against the seam. the wax will wick deep into the rust scale and lubricate it way better than standard penetrants. ;)

schrader sensors from rockauto are usually the best bet. you get the oem quality without the motorcraft price markup. just buy them there and pay a local tire shop to mount them when you get new tires.

used ev market is wild right now. the hidden underbody damage on trades is scary because a cracked battery casing can easily total them, but people are still bidding them up at auction anyway.

congrats! that test drive hook is real. since it is at 100k miles, look into changing the drive unit gearbox fluid because they actually have filters and oil that most people ignore. also watch the rear toe alignment or you will be buying new tires every 10k miles.

funny thing he's just starting out

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Save the $50/bottle Amazon gouge. Just pick up a few bottles of Valvoline Restore and Protect 0W-20 at Walmart or your local parts store.