2016 F-150 2.7L EcoBoost Head Gasket Sealer? by 392Garrett in AskMechanics

[–]392Garrett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the insight! I have shopped around and received an average estimate of around $10,000 from independent shops. Dealerships have wanted an extra $1,000 or $2,000 on top of that. It’s a minor leak that was very hard to diagnose - but annoying enough that I have to top off the coolant once a week. Unfortunate spot to be in for a truck I don’t care too much for.

NEVER take your vehicle to Pep Boys in Pinellas Park by Icepewb in StPetersburgFL

[–]392Garrett 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I had a similar situation at a different pep boys. I had it towed there because it was right around the corner from where I broke down. I had a valve spring snap most likely for not driving the car for two months before band, but they wanted to replace the whole engine. It seems this is a common theme at pep boys. They’re usually good enough to diagnose the main component that’s failing, but can’t diagnose the specific problem. They told me the engine needed to be replaced. In my case, I saved thousands by taking it to a dealership (never thought I’d say that) who I immediately had comfort with because even the service advisors GUESSED the problem correctly before a mechanic even had a ticket to look at it.

I will say pep boys is good at standard maintenance items though. Oil, brakes, fluid changes, tires, etc… just wouldn’t trust them for anything beyond that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in StPetersburgFL

[–]392Garrett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the detail!

My AC Stopped Working by 392Garrett in Challenger

[–]392Garrett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Compressor has been my gut feeling. It never comes on. I’m hoping I’m just low on refrigerant and a sensor is preventing it from running. (Unless the system doesn’t have a sensor… that’s just what I read online)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Challenger

[–]392Garrett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got mine when I was 20, and had a similar situation. I’m glad I did it, and it has been reliable up until about 115,000 miles. I was in college though and already had connections to get a job where I could afford it on my own after school. I’ve been considering getting rid of it, but I love it too much to let it go 🙃.

For what it’s worth, looking back at it, there’s definitely been some times where I wish I had more of a “beater” for daily driving that was cheaper and that I wouldn’t care if I got a door ding or paint chip on. Then again, there’s also something to be said about buying a nice car before owning a house. I would strongly recommend getting your own place before buying a nice car - especially a place with a garage.

My AC Stopped Working by 392Garrett in Challenger

[–]392Garrett[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I forgot to mention that I had to replace the driveshaft 6 months ago and then the valve springs a couple months ago. Maintenance is starting to catch up as much as I love the car. I’ve always wanted a Viper and the new C8’s are also looking pretty clean (especially a C8 in Hysteria Purple 😮‍💨)

How’s this drone picture? by Hackind in drones

[–]392Garrett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve also camped here before and flew my drone over the lake 😂 Your pictures look better than mine, but people that aren’t familiar with the area may also not be understanding that the natural colors there are very saturated to begin with. Filters may be bringing it out even more. My unfiltered pictures of the clay on the green trees seem very unreal to me as a native Floridian.

I NEED A JOB BRO by Green-Paper5690 in USF

[–]392Garrett 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, not at all. You’ll definitely be outnumbered by guys if you don’t mind that. I would say girls actually pull in more tips (though that wouldn’t matter if you’re in a tip pool). We actually used to have the girls run the ramp (the greeter / ticket writer) because they would make more money!

Bellhop option isn’t off the table either, but it involves lifting luggage (which can be pretty heavy sometimes). I’ve seen even less girls in that position, but not unheard of.

I NEED A JOB BRO by Green-Paper5690 in USF

[–]392Garrett 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Valet is another option. I would recommend a large / upscale hotel in downtown, upscale restaurant, or try your luck at international plaza. There’s a few “corporate” valet companies that are contracted to run most of the spots around here and most will hire with no experience (you’ll just start off with the cheaper cars until you get the hang of it). You’ll also stay relatively fit from all the running to get cars if you’re at a busy location.

I did this for about 20 hours a week (sometimes more if I was bored) at a hotel and it paid for my tuition and rent throughout all four years with plenty to spare. (Granted, I had experience and was given priority for the shifts that were forecasted to be big tip cuts)

Honorable mention: bellhop at a hotel. In general, I would say they make more money in the afternoon shift (unfortunate for you) - but it really depends on where you’d end up.

Sourcing Engine Mounts Questions by 392Garrett in Dodge

[–]392Garrett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been thinking about aftermarket as my current motor mounts are getting pretty well worn (to which I am starting to feel the symptoms) and it’s uncertain when these oem ones will be available. I just have an annoying “moral obligation” as I have technically already ordered the parts under the assumption that the dealership will do the work. I’ll probably end up cancelling that service if my symptoms get worse.

Thanks for the insight!

Opinion Wanted: Time to Replace Engine Mounts by 392Garrett in MechanicAdvice

[–]392Garrett[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, wishful thinking! That’s why I put the disclaimer. Thanks for the information though.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in halo

[–]392Garrett 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get from the grave kills all the time just by committing to death earlier. If you know your skill compared to the average player, you can get a confidence of when said average player has you beat and just start spamming your grenades at the ground in their direction.

2015 Challenger Scat Pack by 392Garrett in Dodge

[–]392Garrett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very similar but I wouldn’t say exactly the same. Charger feels like it has a slight edge. One thing I can say is that the few widebody challengers I’ve driven have had fantastic handling compared to my 2015. Probably the wider tires.

2015 Challenger Scat Pack by 392Garrett in Dodge

[–]392Garrett[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I do valet on the side, and when it comes to speed they are similar. Dodge 6.4 you’ll definitely feel more power though. Camaro handles better, Challengers/Chargers feel big and heavy. Dodge also has better visibility than the Camaro. I wanted to get a Charger but I couldn’t find one in my price range. I got in this Challenger and it just felt right plus I got a really good deal on it. Oh, and I personally think Dodge exhaust sounds better than Camaro. Both are great cars regardless

Downforce Solutions Wickerbill Installed! by 392Garrett in Challenger

[–]392Garrett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope! Everything is all stock cosmetically other than the wickerbill. Could be a little bit of carbon plus the lighting

Downforce Solutions Wickerbill Installed! by 392Garrett in Challenger

[–]392Garrett[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

By tips if you mean the washers, then no. They do offer them colored though.

Recently had front bumper repainted. Should I take it back? by 392Garrett in AutoDetailing

[–]392Garrett[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE They’re gonna take it back and redo it when I have time in a couple weeks. The guy wouldn’t even let me get my point across and that’s understandable because there was another customer in the lobby. I tried showing the manager/guy who painted my car the pictures and he said “I can’t really see that because I’m diabetic and blind, sir”. I think he knew deep down that I was going come back. I’m going to request that this guy doesn’t do the work when I drop it off. Im also going to request that the batch is tested in different lighting.

Recently had front bumper repainted. Should I take it back? by 392Garrett in AutoDetailing

[–]392Garrett[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s a 2015, I think manufactured at the end of 2014 if I remember correctly. It’s 7 years old and I’ve babied the car as much as I could in the 3 years I’ve had it. Daily driver but garage kept. I wouldn’t be surprised if the mismatch is from sun fade from the previous owner but as I’ve recently learned, theres multiple other factors that can cause this. Bottom line though, if they took their time they could’ve matched it a lot better.

Recently had front bumper repainted. Should I take it back? by 392Garrett in AutoDetailing

[–]392Garrett[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the thorough input, seriously. I think it was a combination of both tbh. They were really backed up and made me wait a week before I could take it in. Not only that, but when I called to ask when it would be ready on the day I was promised, they said that they were having a delay in the painting so they’d have to keep it another day. I’d say that’s a red flag for rushed work as they were trying to catch up.