Recent content by MrBeachcomber

Everything that you mentioned is normal maintenance for that vehicle, but I agree with the premise that you're paying too much for shop labor. I drive a 2000 Avalon XL with 99K. I do the majority of the work myself with a Haynes manual. The timing belt and water pump replacement w/antifreeze...

From my experience with vacuum-operated secondaries on Holley carbs, the usual culprit is lack of vacuum either due to a torn/non-sealing diaphragm, blocked vacuum port in the secondary bore, or torn/missing cork gasket between the main body and the vacuum secondary diaphragm unit. Not sure if...

It's cheaper to use a magnet and a lot less complicated. Raced for years with just a magnetic drain plug w/o any problems (B production/GT1 Vettes). Keep the cooler, add a magnetic drain plug, and you're done!

Originally Posted By: FASTFATBOY I never said the Pennzoil Euro was too expensive, Redline on the other hand is kinda pricey. My bad! I misinterpreted the meaning of your statement "... the cost difference in these two oils is significant" in one of your previous posts. Didn't mean to put words...

Originally Posted By: FASTFATBOY

Originally Posted By: FASTFATBOY I tell her the Z28 I have has a LS6 in it with no oil cooler. I explained that the oil would see 300 degrees at times.She knows what HPDE's are as her husband does it. She said to use Pennzoil Ultra 5w-40 Euro. Amazon has it for $45 for 6 quarts shipped. Try...

Rather than using the Teflon tape, try putting a ring of Permatex Blue RTV silicone gasket maker around the underside of your original oil pan bolt before torquing down the bolt. I've used this method to replace the worn out stat-a-seal (aluminum with buna rubber center) washer that came with...

My recent experience is limited to Corvette brakes with aluminum steering knuckles. I've always used a Loctite product when reinstalling my caliper brackets with the OEM bolts when changing out rotors. (Factory service manual says to discard the old bolts and install new one which come with an...

Most AC additives that I've seen are designed to repair deteriorating o-rings and the joint connections of the AC system itself. It's really a used car salesman's best friend and not a permanent fix. I would bite the bullet and use dye to find the source of the leak. You may need a simple...

Your friend's Corvette has the all aluminum LS3 engine (base engine) which uses 5W-30 Mobil 1 as the factory fill. (Dexos 5W-30 oil is recommended for all model year 2012 Corvettes.) Almost every dealership I've ever been involved with uses bulk oil for their basic oil changes and bottled...

Originally Posted By: Garak

Back in the 70's, my SCCA B production Corvette SBC ran a non-detergent 30 weight racing oil. I used a Valvoline, low-ash version for many years as did most of my competitors. Castrol and Shell 10W-30 racing oils were also popular; however, Castrol cost a fortune and only lasted one race weekend...

Originally Posted By: Ken2 Calibrate a torque stick??? That is just a socket extension with a skinny center designed to twist with each impact and limit the twist that actually gets to the socket. With my 65 lbs-ft torque stick I can easily hammer my lug nuts in excess of the 80 lbs-ft set point...

Interesting discussion; however, the real question should be whether or not the shop checks the calibration of their torque wrenches, torque sticks, and air guns. Could be the reason for the wildly varying torque values reported on this thread. My old shop used to do it yearly. It was paid for...

Originally Posted By: MolaKule Quote: ...tiny spherical shaped particles Of what? According to their website: "Excellent lubricity (superior performance can be achieved by introducing Molybdenum disulfide nanospheres)"...