Couch denting
Watching F1
Watching F1
What are you working on today?
- Thread starter Amkeer
- Start date
1992 Volvo 245 Classic, 216,xxx
Some driveway therapy on a beautiful fall afternoon in Connecticut.
Griot’s wash, clay bar and Best of Show wax, with a second coat of wax on the top surfaces.
So satisfying.
Some driveway therapy on a beautiful fall afternoon in Connecticut.
Griot’s wash, clay bar and Best of Show wax, with a second coat of wax on the top surfaces.
So satisfying.
Recently moved a bunch of things from my dad's house since he moved to a retirement community. He had a 9000 watt Predator generator that he had intended as backup power for his cabin in Payson, AZ, and I'm guessing it only has a few hours on it. It was very dusty, but everything about it seems barely used. Unfortunately, the carburetor was clogged with crud. I got it started, but it was running poorly and needed the choke to keep running. A little cleanup with some Gumout, and it's running great. Fortunately, it looks like he put stabilizer in the gas, so it's still got a full tank of usable gas. Only downside is the starting battery won't hold a charge, so it probably needs a new one. Can't complain about a practically free 9000 watt generator though.
Major tech: installed a new seat belt button on an '05 Outback.
I insisted on fixing it for this kid because after Toyota seat belt alarms my #2 pet-peeve is having to awkwardly fish the buckle from the base of the B-pillar EVERY time
I grabbed a couple packs of buttons cheap off ebay or Amazon (don't remember) in gray and beige.
I insisted on fixing it for this kid because after Toyota seat belt alarms my #2 pet-peeve is having to awkwardly fish the buckle from the base of the B-pillar EVERY time
I grabbed a couple packs of buttons cheap off ebay or Amazon (don't remember) in gray and beige.
Finished washing the BMW rested a bit and felt spunky so tore it apart. Ran the power wire for the dash cam. Tucked it up in the headliner and down the pillar. Wire tied it to a wire harness so out of the airbag. Careful thoughts around that thing. Now for the fun part the rear cam.
General maintenance day. Got my filters in from RA so oil change for the Camry and mower.
Feel kinda bad dumping the oil after 2500 miles or so, but it has been 6 months and that's what I adhere to. It goes through rounds of short trips so even at 2500 miles it did have a gassy smell.
I also found out a Mobil 1 quart bottle makes a nice cheap funnel for Toyota's...
Fall oil change for the mower. I tried out an oil filter from Napa that I thought would be short enough. It was a dollar cheaper and easier to get locally, but the steering linkage rubbed it slightly all summer.
The oil actually wasn't that dirty. I used Valvoline VR1 which is dyed blue.
Baldwin B7165 seems to be the ticket for this mower. Fits nicely!
And yes, I made a mess. I tilted my pan a little bit too much...
Feel kinda bad dumping the oil after 2500 miles or so, but it has been 6 months and that's what I adhere to. It goes through rounds of short trips so even at 2500 miles it did have a gassy smell.
I also found out a Mobil 1 quart bottle makes a nice cheap funnel for Toyota's...
Fall oil change for the mower. I tried out an oil filter from Napa that I thought would be short enough. It was a dollar cheaper and easier to get locally, but the steering linkage rubbed it slightly all summer.
The oil actually wasn't that dirty. I used Valvoline VR1 which is dyed blue.
Baldwin B7165 seems to be the ticket for this mower. Fits nicely!
And yes, I made a mess. I tilted my pan a little bit too much...
Buttoned up the '17 Optima
AAP clearance Delo 5w40 and the new and (cheapened) PG H/K filter went in
These old plugs aren't 12 months old, I don't think they have 20k on them, yet they look awful
This makes me thing that the single Iridium NGK Iridium IXs aren't up to GDI conditions
Step it up to dual Platinum/Iridium if the budget allows
Aired the tires, pair of wiper blades, took it on a nice long test drive
Seems smoother, and much more power in the higher RPM ranges
Unfortunately I noticed a noise that was already there before the soak, coming and going
I think I found out why it shredded a belt a few months back
Also the lights flicker on part throttle decel, there's a noise when the A/C compressor engages, and a rattling noise at idle
I don't think a belt tensioner should be overcome by a bare hand
This may also explain why that two month old belt already looks shiny and glazed/worn
Poor tension
Another part that'll have to wait until the owner has more money
AAP clearance Delo 5w40 and the new and (cheapened) PG H/K filter went in
These old plugs aren't 12 months old, I don't think they have 20k on them, yet they look awful
This makes me thing that the single Iridium NGK Iridium IXs aren't up to GDI conditions
Step it up to dual Platinum/Iridium if the budget allows
Aired the tires, pair of wiper blades, took it on a nice long test drive
Seems smoother, and much more power in the higher RPM ranges
Unfortunately I noticed a noise that was already there before the soak, coming and going
I think I found out why it shredded a belt a few months back
Also the lights flicker on part throttle decel, there's a noise when the A/C compressor engages, and a rattling noise at idle
I don't think a belt tensioner should be overcome by a bare hand
This may also explain why that two month old belt already looks shiny and glazed/worn
Poor tension
Another part that'll have to wait until the owner has more money
I washed and waxed my wife's 08 Liberty, hopefully I'll get another coat on it before the winter sets in. I did some painting around the house, and some other odds and ends. For some odd reason I was in the mood for those projects today. When that happens I go for it.
1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 turbo
Automatic Transmission filter and gasket replacement
Out: ?
In: Mann filter, Elring gasket
Rowe 9005 ATF, 2.5 liters
New Votex Magnetic drain plug. Current one had to be extracted.
Automatic Transmission filter and gasket replacement
Out: ?
In: Mann filter, Elring gasket
Rowe 9005 ATF, 2.5 liters
New Votex Magnetic drain plug. Current one had to be extracted.
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- Nov 20, 2021
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Neighbor brought over his wife's 2015 Ford Escape for me to "help" him replace the shift cable and change the oil, "help" means I did 90% of the work. Book time is 4.2 hours, we got it done in a little over 3. The nylon bushing on the transmission end of the cable basically disintegrated...if you could buy just a bushing, it could have been fixed in 15-20 minutes. 
This afternoon I cleaned up my estate sale tool box and tinkered with the generator a little bit. It was run recently, gas was stabilized, air filter looked decent. I'm going to replace the spark plug and change the oil tomorrow.
This afternoon I cleaned up my estate sale tool box and tinkered with the generator a little bit. It was run recently, gas was stabilized, air filter looked decent. I'm going to replace the spark plug and change the oil tomorrow.
Oil change in my LX570 in the Front, Rear and T-case. Drain and fill in tranny.
Used 75w90 synthetic. Book just states GL5, and 30k intervals, I wonder if they have the interval for conventional oil and not synthetic? I will probably use the 30k interval anyway. It will take me a bit to get there.
Also greased the u joints and drive shafts
Used 75w90 synthetic. Book just states GL5, and 30k intervals, I wonder if they have the interval for conventional oil and not synthetic? I will probably use the 30k interval anyway. It will take me a bit to get there.
Also greased the u joints and drive shafts
Fall cleanup. Removed a shrub/bush thing I've hated since I bought the property.
Dug out, leveled soil out (added some top soil), and seeded.
Dug out, leveled soil out (added some top soil), and seeded.
Rototilled the garden and watched the contractor for a bit replacing the septic system.
Yesterday, removed the 2-year old Everstart Value battery out of the Legend. I had been sitting at the curb for maybe a year? Code enforcement wanted it moved in 10 days or they'd tow it. They seem to be coming around and tagging vehicles more often now for some reason. I don't think it's neighbor complaints; no one new to the area. My neighbor has had his Hemi Cherokee parked behind the Legend for at least as long; he can't get it to stay running. 
There's more than a few of us gear heads on this street and we're always jockeying cars around.
Anyway, battery voltage was ~3.6V. Deader than dead. Hooked up the 10A charger (auto shut-off mode) for +24 hours; voltage was 12.8v. The Foxwell battery tester read, "Replace Battery" (DUH). Left the BatteryMInder on for another 8 hours. Voltage read 13v and some change this afternoon. Foxwell still reported "Replace Battery" - MEH. Installed it, car started right up.
Moved it onto the driveway. The stop lights remain on; the stoplight switch is stuck (most likely). I'll deal with that later. Removed the negative cable, connected the BatteryMInder and shut the hood. Went out to the curb and swept up the debris from the gutter. Parked the Highlander there for now.
Blow/vacuum the leaves and other debris before a quick truck brush wash. Then back out on the curb. I'll just move it a few feet every few days. Registration is current for another year.
There's more than a few of us gear heads on this street and we're always jockeying cars around.Anyway, battery voltage was ~3.6V. Deader than dead. Hooked up the 10A charger (auto shut-off mode) for +24 hours; voltage was 12.8v. The Foxwell battery tester read, "Replace Battery" (DUH). Left the BatteryMInder on for another 8 hours. Voltage read 13v and some change this afternoon. Foxwell still reported "Replace Battery" - MEH. Installed it, car started right up.
Moved it onto the driveway. The stop lights remain on; the stoplight switch is stuck (most likely). I'll deal with that later. Removed the negative cable, connected the BatteryMInder and shut the hood. Went out to the curb and swept up the debris from the gutter. Parked the Highlander there for now.
Blow/vacuum the leaves and other debris before a quick truck brush wash. Then back out on the curb. I'll just move it a few feet every few days. Registration is current for another year.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
Not much at work today. They ran out of work about 2pm. But when there was work I done front brakes and machine rotors on a RAV4 and then a 40K on a different RAV4 too. 40K is oil change, tire rotation, front differential drain and full and both air filters. Other than that it was it and I helped out some of the flat rate guys with their work too. My coworker brought me in boxes and boxes of DVDs and man was I excited lol. I spent the remainder of the day looking at all my new DVDs.
About 10am dad texted me saying that cylinder 3 spark plug in my truck blew out again. I suspect it’s because he dogs the heck out of that truck. I don’t like it but I refrain from saying anything because it would be really mean if I did lol. I’m tired of him driving it but don’t have another working vehicle for him right now. I guess I’m going to have to figure out the thread size (head is 13/16) then get a timesert and install it. It done it once last week too and I got the plug to tighten down and I thought it was good. I have never done plugs in it before but I thought maybe it had worked its way loose. Luckily I bought a set of plugs for it back in 2018 when I bought the truck but it didn’t need them then. Guess they will be in handy now. Also whoever done the plugs last time (I suspect Jiffy Lube because previous owners loved going there for their work) loaded it with so much anti seize that I had to clean the plug off and the cylinder hole and try to avoid getting anything down in the engine. Yes I’m all for using anti seize on plugs but a little bit goes a long way. Yes be smart and use it on there like you should but don’t use so much where it’s so thick and you can’t even see the threads on the plug. After I got most of the anti seize out of the hole I ran my finger around it and didn’t feel any threads so I suspect they are shot. I’m a bit angry that he chose to drive it 30 miles to work and 30 miles back on 3 cylinders but like I said I just have to keep my cool even though it’s hard lol. Both times it’s blown the plug out it’s done a huge back fire too. So hopefully all it needs is the timesert and 4 new spark plugs. I asked him why didn’t he call a tow truck or wait for me to get off work at 5 to come look at it. He is like well I’m for sure not paying for a tow truck and I am not going to wait on you either because I had to get a Red Bull. I love him but man we sure do see things differently lol. I was like well I’d rather pay for a tow truck than risk you blowing the inside of the cat or something like that to which he replied that any issue pertaining to that is one of those things that people hear and repeat and isn’t true. I’m like well respectfully working in the industry I know your wrong but I’m going to leave it at that.
About 10am dad texted me saying that cylinder 3 spark plug in my truck blew out again. I suspect it’s because he dogs the heck out of that truck. I don’t like it but I refrain from saying anything because it would be really mean if I did lol. I’m tired of him driving it but don’t have another working vehicle for him right now. I guess I’m going to have to figure out the thread size (head is 13/16) then get a timesert and install it. It done it once last week too and I got the plug to tighten down and I thought it was good. I have never done plugs in it before but I thought maybe it had worked its way loose. Luckily I bought a set of plugs for it back in 2018 when I bought the truck but it didn’t need them then. Guess they will be in handy now. Also whoever done the plugs last time (I suspect Jiffy Lube because previous owners loved going there for their work) loaded it with so much anti seize that I had to clean the plug off and the cylinder hole and try to avoid getting anything down in the engine. Yes I’m all for using anti seize on plugs but a little bit goes a long way. Yes be smart and use it on there like you should but don’t use so much where it’s so thick and you can’t even see the threads on the plug. After I got most of the anti seize out of the hole I ran my finger around it and didn’t feel any threads so I suspect they are shot. I’m a bit angry that he chose to drive it 30 miles to work and 30 miles back on 3 cylinders but like I said I just have to keep my cool even though it’s hard lol. Both times it’s blown the plug out it’s done a huge back fire too. So hopefully all it needs is the timesert and 4 new spark plugs. I asked him why didn’t he call a tow truck or wait for me to get off work at 5 to come look at it. He is like well I’m for sure not paying for a tow truck and I am not going to wait on you either because I had to get a Red Bull. I love him but man we sure do see things differently lol. I was like well I’d rather pay for a tow truck than risk you blowing the inside of the cat or something like that to which he replied that any issue pertaining to that is one of those things that people hear and repeat and isn’t true. I’m like well respectfully working in the industry I know your wrong but I’m going to leave it at that.
Took a load of bale rings to Kansas before working my night shift job. Dealing with a septic backup in one department but that's on hold until tomorrow. Worked on a PLC programming issue on a pallet wrapper but it's going to take another call to the manufacturer as nothing in the ladder logic is labeled and there are a couple B3 bits not being made which is preventing an internal timer for ramp down to home position from working correctly. Last I have one of our yard trucks in the shop getting steer S cam bushing kits and the front hubs changed over from grease to oil.
2002 GMC Yukon, 408 Stroked Iron Block LS/4L65E. I built this unit 3 years back when it had a Cammed LQ9 6.0L.
Lasted a little over 12,000 miles behind the 408....Output Shaft spiral fractured & blew up the front Planetary Carrier.
The Input Drum, Reaction Sunshell, Reaction Shaft, & Front Planet are all fused together, Blew the back of the case out.
Known failure point in a heavy vehicle making decent power, Customer declined a 300m Sonnax Output Shaft....I noted it on the invoice.
The Valve Body, 2nd Accumulator, & Band Servo Assembly are pretty much all that's reusable.
Lasted a little over 12,000 miles behind the 408....Output Shaft spiral fractured & blew up the front Planetary Carrier.
The Input Drum, Reaction Sunshell, Reaction Shaft, & Front Planet are all fused together, Blew the back of the case out.
Known failure point in a heavy vehicle making decent power, Customer declined a 300m Sonnax Output Shaft....I noted it on the invoice.
The Valve Body, 2nd Accumulator, & Band Servo Assembly are pretty much all that's reusable.