Left school 17 joined RAAF. Then worked for NASA for four years, Honeywell Information Systems four years, DEC 8 odd years, and now an Oz ITC company. Doctorate of life. Went from 20W50 to 25W70 to 0W40 and everything in between. On my 26th vehicle. Love Redline gear oils and SI-1, Auto-Rx, Techron 5000, Shell 100 RON fuel and Nitrogen for tyres.
Background info - anyone?
- Thread starter Autodarken
- Start date
- Status
just turned 23, not an expert, I am an experimenter, and someday, I'll have more results, and more experience from which to speak from.
Firts engine overhaul was a Cushman motor scooter when I was 13, followed soon thereafter by a top end rebuild of a 1952 AJS 500 twin(Yes, TWIN--not a thumper. Anybody out there old enough to remember one of those?) Parts came to Texas from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Followed by a complete overhaul of a '56 Chevy 265 small block. Guys lined up for carburetor rebuilds after a high school classmate won his class at the drag races after my tuneup. Worked myself through a Rochester mechanical fuel injection rebuild for a 1963 Corvette. BBA with concentrations in Management and Finance at Baylor followed by active duty Army and then three years as a banker(yawn). Then to work for the Volvo factory operation in Houston in 1971, running a "Field Engineering" section. Rube Golderg would have been proud of some of their early efforts to satisfy American demand for air conditioning. On to retail dealer service operations with Mercedes-Benz dealers, a multiline GM dealer, and on to Ford and Lincoln-Mercury. Coming up on thirty-six years in July. Summing up my experience regarding engine lubrication? Easy.... I have never seen a car or truck engine with rods welded to cranks or pistons siezed in the bores or rocker arms popped off their pivots that had not been run at least twice as far as the recommended interval on more than one occasion. Period.
How our F150 wholesale delivery trucks ran 12,000 to 16,000 miles on plain Motorcraft oil was a mystery to me at the time but several had in excess of a quarter of a million miles on the odometers with zero problems. Highway miles were really easy is all I could say.... Years ago Frank King's disertations on oil in the Mercedes Benz owners' club magazine, The Star, set the hook in my mouth and oil has fascinated me ever since. BITOG is now a daily compulsion and I learn something new nearly every time I log on. This is a great bunch of people and I am ever grateful that they take time to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated over the years. The internet has answered every question I've ever had about what I'll be doing in retirement!
How our F150 wholesale delivery trucks ran 12,000 to 16,000 miles on plain Motorcraft oil was a mystery to me at the time but several had in excess of a quarter of a million miles on the odometers with zero problems. Highway miles were really easy is all I could say.... Years ago Frank King's disertations on oil in the Mercedes Benz owners' club magazine, The Star, set the hook in my mouth and oil has fascinated me ever since. BITOG is now a daily compulsion and I learn something new nearly every time I log on. This is a great bunch of people and I am ever grateful that they take time to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated over the years. The internet has answered every question I've ever had about what I'll be doing in retirement!
Oh heck, I post so much on here (hopefully making it clear when I am only giving an opinion thus open to debate) I suppose i should provide "credentials."
In chronological order:
Certificate of Professional Sales (took 2 years to earn)
AS Marketing
#@$%! Communications
#@$%! Education
Of more importance, I believe, has bee decades of endless relentless non-stop non-fiction reading about a huge array of topics. Magazines, trade journals, books, pamphlets.... an eternal quest for knowledge about a multitude of topics from science to physics to history to religion to psychology... you name it.
Generally, can hold an intelligent conversation, albeit usually at just the layman's level, with pert' near anyone. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. I may not know the in-depth jargon of the industry but the conversation is at a level that the specialist is not easily bored with me and I am often complimented upon my knowledge level.
Add in the many years as a blue collar chap operating and maintaining equipment; semi-trucks, trailers, skip loaders, dump trucks, equipment of all types requiring constant maintenance.
Over time working at many different firms you pick up knowledge from a host of folks. Not all of it was "scientific" but, when taken as a whole, you pick out that which is useful and apparently applicable to real-world scenarios.
Trade magazines have been very useful. And, with the advent of the Web, much information that was once scarce is readily available. Of course, the reader has to separate the wheat from the chaff and realize what info is merely marketing pablum meant to coerce rather than educate.
And, obviously, there is the knowledge and experience garnered from sites such as BITOG and other sites where learned experienced folks gather to hunker down and chaw fer' a spell.
Blend in a dollop of old-fashioned cussed cantankerousness of the Old Coot variety and the resultant admixture is evidenced in the postings scrawled across the pixels of thine monitor.
Oh, toss in some electronics/electricity training from the military to round off the book larnin' stuff.
Oh, guess I should add.... from an early age desired to be a nuclear physicist thanks to Asimov, Heinlein, Oppenheimer, Lawrence, some of Dad's co-workers et al. but lacked ANY natural mathematical abiity and by late teens knew I didn't have the "right stuff" regarding advanced math so original pursuit followed a different tack.
Carry on.
In chronological order:
Certificate of Professional Sales (took 2 years to earn)
AS Marketing
#@$%! Communications
#@$%! Education
Of more importance, I believe, has bee decades of endless relentless non-stop non-fiction reading about a huge array of topics. Magazines, trade journals, books, pamphlets.... an eternal quest for knowledge about a multitude of topics from science to physics to history to religion to psychology... you name it.
Generally, can hold an intelligent conversation, albeit usually at just the layman's level, with pert' near anyone. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc. I may not know the in-depth jargon of the industry but the conversation is at a level that the specialist is not easily bored with me and I am often complimented upon my knowledge level.
Add in the many years as a blue collar chap operating and maintaining equipment; semi-trucks, trailers, skip loaders, dump trucks, equipment of all types requiring constant maintenance.
Over time working at many different firms you pick up knowledge from a host of folks. Not all of it was "scientific" but, when taken as a whole, you pick out that which is useful and apparently applicable to real-world scenarios.
Trade magazines have been very useful. And, with the advent of the Web, much information that was once scarce is readily available. Of course, the reader has to separate the wheat from the chaff and realize what info is merely marketing pablum meant to coerce rather than educate.
And, obviously, there is the knowledge and experience garnered from sites such as BITOG and other sites where learned experienced folks gather to hunker down and chaw fer' a spell.
Blend in a dollop of old-fashioned cussed cantankerousness of the Old Coot variety and the resultant admixture is evidenced in the postings scrawled across the pixels of thine monitor.
Oh, toss in some electronics/electricity training from the military to round off the book larnin' stuff.
Oh, guess I should add.... from an early age desired to be a nuclear physicist thanks to Asimov, Heinlein, Oppenheimer, Lawrence, some of Dad's co-workers et al. but lacked ANY natural mathematical abiity and by late teens knew I didn't have the "right stuff" regarding advanced math so original pursuit followed a different tack.
Carry on.
obbop I'm your clone even down to lack of high math (happens when you go to so many schools in different countries at primary school level).
Hi guys,
I've been interested in cars since high school when I took auto shop and was a member of the roadlords car club. Bought my first car, a 53 Chevy coup in 1960 and really became addicted. Graduated near the bottom of my high school class in 1960
Worked 7 jobs until 1962 and hated every one so I started at the Ohio State University in 1962 and finally left in 1971 with a degree from the college of dentistry. Went to Fort Bragg in 1971 as a dental officer (captain) attached to the 82nd airborne and special forces and did my 2 years and left in 1973. Worked for an office for 1 1/2 years and opened my own office and became an administrator because I eventually wound up with 25 employees including 4 hygienists and 7 dentists. I retired in Dec 1991 and have been on summer vacation ever since. By the way that was the only part of K 1-12 I ever really liked!
My main hobby has been my many cars and my 1996 Infiniti I30 which is a #@$%! of a lot different than a 1993 Chevy coupe, like OBD-11.
Of course I would be drawn to a web site like bitog. Like any other car website opinions are like #@$%!holes, everyone has one!! But, I wouldn't want any other way.
I've been interested in cars since high school when I took auto shop and was a member of the roadlords car club. Bought my first car, a 53 Chevy coup in 1960 and really became addicted. Graduated near the bottom of my high school class in 1960
Worked 7 jobs until 1962 and hated every one so I started at the Ohio State University in 1962 and finally left in 1971 with a degree from the college of dentistry. Went to Fort Bragg in 1971 as a dental officer (captain) attached to the 82nd airborne and special forces and did my 2 years and left in 1973. Worked for an office for 1 1/2 years and opened my own office and became an administrator because I eventually wound up with 25 employees including 4 hygienists and 7 dentists. I retired in Dec 1991 and have been on summer vacation ever since. By the way that was the only part of K 1-12 I ever really liked!
My main hobby has been my many cars and my 1996 Infiniti I30 which is a #@$%! of a lot different than a 1993 Chevy coupe, like OBD-11.
Of course I would be drawn to a web site like bitog. Like any other car website opinions are like #@$%!holes, everyone has one!! But, I wouldn't want any other way.
Middle school principal. I spend every day with 1250 pubescent teenagers, and I love my job. I wouldn't take anything I say too seriously!
troberts: What fond memories. I threw a paper route in Dallas on a Cushman scooter. And yes, I'm old enough to remember your AJS 500 twin.
IndyFan: After teaching those Middle School kids for 36 years, my wife is retiring at the end of this school year.
IndyFan: After teaching those Middle School kids for 36 years, my wife is retiring at the end of this school year.
. Most of my career has centered around driver training and I've logged hours upon hours of right seat time. Along with the initial certification in 1989, I have been to numerous schools and training for this.
I love cars and all things mechanical. Took apart and rebuilt my mom's 65 Malibu 283 engine while she was away on a business trip. I was 14 and employed the help of my 16 yo neighbor. Used the machine shop at the nearby High School (where I graduated a few years later) to do the precision work. Mom wondered why the car ran so well after she got back. Worked as a carpenter after graduation and learned the art of furniture making. Still dabble in this, generally making gifts for family and friends. Did this for a couple years and then worked as a motorcycle mechanic for a year. Spent more in tools than I made, but I still have every one that I bought (obviously adding quite a few more since). This parlayed into a short stint of wrenching on the police bikes and a few years of club level roadracing (no, did NOT knee drag the HDs
).
Formal education is short. High School grad and a couple credits at local community college. Police Academy and numerous additional related schools and training. Thats it.
Informal? Well, what I've learned along the way in life so far, cannot be duplicated in any structured school setting. That brings me to BITOG. Thought I knew alot about oil and such, but the "teachers" here set me straight. I love learning, even if it isn't in a big brick building with ivy on the walls.
I love cars and all things mechanical. Took apart and rebuilt my mom's 65 Malibu 283 engine while she was away on a business trip. I was 14 and employed the help of my 16 yo neighbor. Used the machine shop at the nearby High School (where I graduated a few years later) to do the precision work. Mom wondered why the car ran so well after she got back. Worked as a carpenter after graduation and learned the art of furniture making. Still dabble in this, generally making gifts for family and friends. Did this for a couple years and then worked as a motorcycle mechanic for a year. Spent more in tools than I made, but I still have every one that I bought (obviously adding quite a few more since). This parlayed into a short stint of wrenching on the police bikes and a few years of club level roadracing (no, did NOT knee drag the HDs
Formal education is short. High School grad and a couple credits at local community college. Police Academy and numerous additional related schools and training. Thats it.
Informal? Well, what I've learned along the way in life so far, cannot be duplicated in any structured school setting. That brings me to BITOG. Thought I knew alot about oil and such, but the "teachers" here set me straight. I love learning, even if it isn't in a big brick building with ivy on the walls.
Quote:
. Most of my career has centered around driver training and I've logged hours upon hours of right seat time. Along with the initial certification in 1989, I have been to numerous schools and training for this.
I love cars and all things mechanical. Took apart and rebuilt my mom's 65 Malibu 283 engine while she was away on a business trip. I was 14 and employed the help of my 16 yo neighbor. Used the machine shop at the nearby High School (where I graduated a few years later) to do the precision work. Mom wondered why the car ran so well after she got back. Worked as a carpenter after graduation and learned the art of furniture making. Still dabble in this, generally making gifts for family and friends. Did this for a couple years and then worked as a motorcycle mechanic for a year. Spent more in tools than I made, but I still have every one that I bought (obviously adding quite a few more since). This parlayed into a short stint of wrenching on the police bikes and a few years of club level roadracing (no, did NOT knee drag the HDs).
Formal education is short. High School grad and a couple credits at local community college. Police Academy and numerous additional related schools and training. Thats it.
Informal? Well, what I've learned along the way in life so far, cannot be duplicated in any structured school setting. That brings me to BITOG. Thought I knew alot about oil and such, but the "teachers" here set me straight. I love learning, even if it isn't in a big brick building with ivy on the walls.
Never short change yourself for being a policeman!
Can you imagine a city or town without cops on the job.
Thank You!!!
I don't post much but I like to lurk.
I stumbled on this site a few years ago by way of a link I found on another web forum.
My infatuation with automobiles and engines started very young. I fell in love with Mustangs when I was about 12.
I've had several projects over the years. I won't go into detail about that for the sake of brevity.
I began working at an in-house maintenance shop for Lemon's Gravel in Dexter, MO when I was a senior in high school. I was set to attend Nashville Auto Diesel College but somehow the Army National Guard recruiter convinced me the Army would give me the same training for free. Being 17 and dumb as a rock I believed him and here I am today. I transferred from the National Guard to Active Duty in 2000. I have been a wheeled vehicle mechanic throughout my career.
Before I transferred to Active Duty I changed oil and did tune-ups and brake jobs at Kwik Kar for about 6 months and then was a land surveyor for almost 3 years in Murfreesboro, TN.
I became interested in oil composition when I became active with the Army AOAP program.
I stumbled on this site a few years ago by way of a link I found on another web forum.
My infatuation with automobiles and engines started very young. I fell in love with Mustangs when I was about 12.
I've had several projects over the years. I won't go into detail about that for the sake of brevity.
I began working at an in-house maintenance shop for Lemon's Gravel in Dexter, MO when I was a senior in high school. I was set to attend Nashville Auto Diesel College but somehow the Army National Guard recruiter convinced me the Army would give me the same training for free. Being 17 and dumb as a rock I believed him and here I am today. I transferred from the National Guard to Active Duty in 2000. I have been a wheeled vehicle mechanic throughout my career.
Before I transferred to Active Duty I changed oil and did tune-ups and brake jobs at Kwik Kar for about 6 months and then was a land surveyor for almost 3 years in Murfreesboro, TN.
I became interested in oil composition when I became active with the Army AOAP program.
Bachelor's degree in Geology from UNC by-the-Sea, with way too many other courses taken in Marine Geology, Geography, Biology, and whatever else interested me at the time.
Worked for Corning at a huge Optic fiber plant for 15 years, then moved west and worked for Honeywell in Redmond for about 3 years. Now at a biotech company. In between, I built and tested probe card analyzer tables. If you need to ask what they are, I can't explain.
I know nothing about oil except what I learned here, or was motivated by someone here to learn.
Worked for Corning at a huge Optic fiber plant for 15 years, then moved west and worked for Honeywell in Redmond for about 3 years. Now at a biotech company. In between, I built and tested probe card analyzer tables. If you need to ask what they are, I can't explain.
I know nothing about oil except what I learned here, or was motivated by someone here to learn.
I can add Neck-Job as yet another full time job.
I’ll play…some.
College grad with #@$%!. in PE and the minor of Dr. Ed. 1st real job was teaching advanced emergency and driving maneuvers to cops, firemen, busses, ambulances etc. for EIU. Then off to Atlanta where I ran a small construction and marketing bus for 8 years.
Back to Il. and was a stockbroker/financial consultant for Merrill and ED Jones for 9 years.
Been with Schaeffers 4 years now and dig it! Travel 200 plus miles daily 3-5 times a week through the beautiful flat plains of black soil corn and bean growing Illinois (sometimes I got to go to
Chicago traffic). I get to work with a huge variety of folks and businesses. Do a lot with semi fleets, excavators, metal working shops, quality garages with our 777 program, ag oriented operations, brick factories, quarries,log-splitting manu. Etc,oh and yes some internet biz ( thanks guys).
In addition to the stated above one of the real advantages to my business is the ability to go any direction I choose on a daily basis so that I can land in an Ottawa, Il at 4:30 for one of my kids track meets, wrestling matches, football, baseball or basketball games.
College grad with #@$%!. in PE and the minor of Dr. Ed. 1st real job was teaching advanced emergency and driving maneuvers to cops, firemen, busses, ambulances etc. for EIU. Then off to Atlanta where I ran a small construction and marketing bus for 8 years.
Back to Il. and was a stockbroker/financial consultant for Merrill and ED Jones for 9 years.
Been with Schaeffers 4 years now and dig it! Travel 200 plus miles daily 3-5 times a week through the beautiful flat plains of black soil corn and bean growing Illinois (sometimes I got to go to
In addition to the stated above one of the real advantages to my business is the ability to go any direction I choose on a daily basis so that I can land in an Ottawa, Il at 4:30 for one of my kids track meets, wrestling matches, football, baseball or basketball games.
I received my associates degree in biology from Lansing Community College. Now I am a zoology/prevet student at MSU. I am applying to the CVM in a few weeks.
This is definitely one of the more interested threads on BITOG
.
I completed my first oil change early last year as I purchased my first car and wanted to do the best for it as I possibly could.
I've completed high school with additional classes in computer science. I taught myself C, C++ and a little Borland Builder. I've spent most of my life on a computer (reading, playing games (AOE, Warcraft, Eve-Online, chess). Spent 5 years typing with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing and am the only one I know that can get past 170wpm consistently.
I have about 3 years of community college in computer science, business law, criminal justice, and history (majority of units). Thinking of a future in law enforcement and possibly getting a degree in history and criminal justice.
I currently work for the US Army Corps of Engineers helping to debug their database programs and helping other people understand it by answering their questions about it.
A NASCAR and Formula One fan - I love engines and can name any car on the road in a split second. I spend hours washing my car and with the hood up though I don't know much. Love to read BITOG and learn about how to take care of my car better. So far have turned up decent UOAs thanks to BITOG.
I completed my first oil change early last year as I purchased my first car and wanted to do the best for it as I possibly could.
I've completed high school with additional classes in computer science. I taught myself C, C++ and a little Borland Builder. I've spent most of my life on a computer (reading, playing games (AOE, Warcraft, Eve-Online, chess). Spent 5 years typing with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing and am the only one I know that can get past 170wpm consistently.
I have about 3 years of community college in computer science, business law, criminal justice, and history (majority of units). Thinking of a future in law enforcement and possibly getting a degree in history and criminal justice.
I currently work for the US Army Corps of Engineers helping to debug their database programs and helping other people understand it by answering their questions about it.
A NASCAR and Formula One fan - I love engines and can name any car on the road in a split second. I spend hours washing my car and with the hood up though I don't know much. Love to read BITOG and learn about how to take care of my car better. So far have turned up decent UOAs thanks to BITOG.
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I'll add:
B.S. in Biology 1986,
Mercruiser Technician 1987 in Tennessee.
M.S. in Marine Science, University of Guam, 1989.
Started out as Labortory technician with US Navy in Guam at the Piti Power Plant 1987.
Labortory Technician Supervisor for Government of Guam Safe Drinking Water Program, 1988.
Environmentalist at Fort Sill Oklahoma, 1990 to current.
Been rebuilding lawn mower, two stroke motorcycles and Mercruiser engines with my father since I was 8. Certified Mercruiser Technician 1987.
Professional musician from 1983 to 1994. Even got a video out on MTV during the "big 80's." Have played in warm up acts for Katrina and the Waves, INXS and Quiet Riot.
B.S. in Biology 1986,
Mercruiser Technician 1987 in Tennessee.
M.S. in Marine Science, University of Guam, 1989.
Started out as Labortory technician with US Navy in Guam at the Piti Power Plant 1987.
Labortory Technician Supervisor for Government of Guam Safe Drinking Water Program, 1988.
Environmentalist at Fort Sill Oklahoma, 1990 to current.
Been rebuilding lawn mower, two stroke motorcycles and Mercruiser engines with my father since I was 8. Certified Mercruiser Technician 1987.
Professional musician from 1983 to 1994. Even got a video out on MTV during the "big 80's." Have played in warm up acts for Katrina and the Waves, INXS and Quiet Riot.
I don't know Jack Schitt or any of the Schitt family - so I just come here to ask questions and argue with folks!
Went to school and did OK till I discovered puberty and girls then things went decidedly downhill at a rapid are of knots! Went to work at railway engineering for the govt for 10 years and learned all about building railway lines and bridges, then became a forester & wildlife officer for another 8 years, farmed deer for 20 years and owned a timber mill, cabinet, furniture & joinery business for 20 years at the same time. Was a trout fly fishing guide for about 10 years and now am a charter fishing capt! Am an environmental & fisheries consultant when the works available, even had a scientific paper accepted for peer review and published for our Federal govt on diseases in fish - not bad for a high school dropout... These days I'm self unemployed, doing the odd fishing charter when I feel like it and as a sideline I am an advisor to my local member of parliament & draft a bit of legislation for him.
Invest a lot of my time & energys into my 3 kids these days trying to make up for the early years when I was too ____ bent on my own career, to give them the time they needed.
Tend to run a LOT of engines in vehicles and boats and one day got to wondering the quintessential question "which is the best oil" and was silly enough to post it at a 4wd forum - where someone directed me here! They haven't been able to get rid of me since, but I've been banned form just about everywhere else - so no doubt it's only a question of time!
I got so tired agetting banned, for being a know it all SOB at Fishing forums, I started my own fishing forums, so now I hafta ban myself when I step outta line!
I'm a lifelong learner - It takes me a lifetime for anything to sink in....some would say a slow learner!
I have a doctorate from the school of hard knocks and am fluent in many languages, jibberish & rubbish being just two I specialise in! Have been accused of suffering verbal diahorreah, and having an incipient bad mouth, was once nicknamed "Biro" after the Bic TV advert running at the time (Guaranteed 1000 words in every refill!). Truth is - I was accidentally vaccinated at birth with a grammaphone needle and haven't shut up much since! It has been said of me I could talk underwater with a mouth fulla marbles!
People are reluctant to talk to me coz they usually can't get a word in edgeways! It has also been said of me I am enough to give verbal diahorrea the shytes!
Cheers!
Went to school and did OK till I discovered puberty and girls then things went decidedly downhill at a rapid are of knots! Went to work at railway engineering for the govt for 10 years and learned all about building railway lines and bridges, then became a forester & wildlife officer for another 8 years, farmed deer for 20 years and owned a timber mill, cabinet, furniture & joinery business for 20 years at the same time. Was a trout fly fishing guide for about 10 years and now am a charter fishing capt! Am an environmental & fisheries consultant when the works available, even had a scientific paper accepted for peer review and published for our Federal govt on diseases in fish - not bad for a high school dropout... These days I'm self unemployed, doing the odd fishing charter when I feel like it and as a sideline I am an advisor to my local member of parliament & draft a bit of legislation for him.
Invest a lot of my time & energys into my 3 kids these days trying to make up for the early years when I was too ____ bent on my own career, to give them the time they needed.
Tend to run a LOT of engines in vehicles and boats and one day got to wondering the quintessential question "which is the best oil" and was silly enough to post it at a 4wd forum - where someone directed me here! They haven't been able to get rid of me since, but I've been banned form just about everywhere else - so no doubt it's only a question of time!
I got so tired agetting banned, for being a know it all SOB at Fishing forums, I started my own fishing forums, so now I hafta ban myself when I step outta line!
I'm a lifelong learner - It takes me a lifetime for anything to sink in....some would say a slow learner!
I have a doctorate from the school of hard knocks and am fluent in many languages, jibberish & rubbish being just two I specialise in! Have been accused of suffering verbal diahorreah, and having an incipient bad mouth, was once nicknamed "Biro" after the Bic TV advert running at the time (Guaranteed 1000 words in every refill!). Truth is - I was accidentally vaccinated at birth with a grammaphone needle and haven't shut up much since! It has been said of me I could talk underwater with a mouth fulla marbles!
People are reluctant to talk to me coz they usually can't get a word in edgeways! It has also been said of me I am enough to give verbal diahorrea the shytes!
Cheers!
I have a BA in English Literature... and a lifetime of carfreakhood.
Oh, and I've owned an automotive repair/tire facility for eleven years.
Oh, and I've owned an automotive repair/tire facility for eleven years.
- Status
