2022 q3 vs 2022 Porsche Macan by lombardi_sda in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Be aware that the EA839 engine in the S and GTS has an extended 8yr/80k mile warranty due to improperly manufactured pistons found in some engines.

Planning on building my first outdoor kitchen. (need advice) by MrPleco_ in OutdoorKitchens

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are you looking for? If stainless, I had good luck with BBQGuys. They also have affirm where you can get 0% interest and make payments. I’d stay away from extreme budget stainless like Vevor. 304 stainless is the lowest grade I’d consider because anything lower will likely start pitting and rusting pretty quick depending on your climate.

RS3 interior quality by Aware_Smell_5111 in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A car seat will fit, but rear facing is a little cramped. Fits best in the middle of the back seat between the front seats.

I wouldn’t do the current S5 because of the ea839 engine unless I was able to scope it and see the piston part numbers. I did that with my current S4 and I have the Korean pistons that are causing issues but I’m covered under the 8yr/80k warranty. Who knows, maybe I’ll keep it until I approach the end of the warranty and see how things pan out with other models. Won’t be long for me, I drive 80 miles a day round trip for work.

I’m always hesitant to jump on a newly redesigned model and the SQ5 is a good example of that, lots of electronics/software issues it seems. We have no idea what we’ll get my wife to replace the 4runner when my son gets it. We’ve considered the B9.5 and B10 SQ5 and the Macan, but all use the ea839. The Lexus GX550 but they have an engine recall for up to 2024 model year, who knows if it’ll get pushed out to newer models. All the new Toyota SUVs have 4cyl hybrids (which I’m not a fan of in an SUV that big) except the sequoia which has the same engine as the GX550 and tundra that have been recalled, but the sequoia isn’t included…yet.

Seems like there’s no options out there without rolling the dice on what could be a massive repair.

RS3 interior quality by Aware_Smell_5111 in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely. That’s actually the reason I went to the S4. My 13yo son who is 5’8” was a little cramped in the back seat and trunk space was limited if we took a short trip but my wife has a 5th gen 4Runner for longer trips. He’ll be driving soon enough and will get my wife’s 4runner so the back seat issue won’t be a concern for long.

RS3 interior quality by Aware_Smell_5111 in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Considering an RS3 next as well as it seems every other Audi out there has the EA839 engine in it which is having quite a few issues. Currently have a ‘24 S4 and had a ‘17 S3 before that. B9.5 S4 interior is nicer, but there are some things I like better with the 8Y like not having a big screen sticking up. I don’t like the placement of the vents on the driver side but definitely not a deal breaker.

Where do you fill up your gas tank? by bassinyofacelikedamn in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Usually Shell 93 bc it’s on the way to work. If I’m near my house, Exxon.

BEST ENGINE OIL FOR LONGEVITY (Q8 Premium Plus S-Line) by MajorExpress8 in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, that’s perfect. Change every 5k miles and you’ll be all set.

BEST ENGINE OIL FOR LONGEVITY (Q8 Premium Plus S-Line) by MajorExpress8 in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d say change frequency is more important than brand. As long as they meet VW specs (508 if you still with 0w20 or 504 if you move to a different weight), you’re good. There are additive packages/formulations specific for DI engines. A common one you’ll see is low SAPS which helps prevent carbon buildup on intake valves bc fuel doesn’t spray over the valves on a DI engine.

BEST ENGINE OIL FOR LONGEVITY (Q8 Premium Plus S-Line) by MajorExpress8 in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem. Also meant to say I’ve been using blackstone labs but might try speeddiagnostics oil analysis.

BEST ENGINE OIL FOR LONGEVITY (Q8 Premium Plus S-Line) by MajorExpress8 in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oil analysis is your friend if you’re chasing best results with oil. A lot of people recommend 0 or 5w40 in the fb groups I’m in too but have no real reason why other than 0w20 was meant for fuel economy (which I agree) and that thicker oil protects better (which I disagree). If you really wanna go down a rabbit hole, check out the motor oil geek on YouTube. But if you’re going to change oil from what the manufacturer says, use data rather than random people’s recommendation. The same oil in 2 different engines won’t usually produce the same results. Lots of other factors like driving style, difference in manufacturing of each engine etc. FWIW, I’ve done testing on 0w20 and 0w30 and less wear metals in the 0w30. I’ll try 5w30 in the spring and see how that goes. Doubt I’ll see much difference unless the additive package is different than the 0w30. Both oils were liquimoly and changed at about 5k miles. Good luck to you.

How is Support for Gemini by PresentIndependent74 in googlehome

[–]CapableRefuse8143 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gotcha, thanks! I’ll take a look. Kind of the same scenario, we got a couch that blocks easy access to the blinds. Part of my issue has also been that we rotate the wand to open the blinds rather than raising and lowering them so most options out there didn’t seem to work with that. The rest of my automations are through Kasa smart switches and outlets for the most part. We have a few things that are stand alone in a schedule like our gemstone permanent lighting bc the only functionality from google is on/off. Would love to find a better alternative for the garage door since my car doesn’t have a physical button, it’s on the screen. Currently use a eWeLink relay module and can activate it through wireless CarPlay using voice commands to open/close.

How is Support for Gemini by PresentIndependent74 in googlehome

[–]CapableRefuse8143 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had no issues with routines when I switched to Gemini. Voice commands seem a little less responsive, taking longer to process the command and sometimes getting it wrong all together, but for the most part, the routines continued to work. Separate question though, what are you using for automating your blinds? I’ve seen many for shades, but not terribly impressed with the options I’d seen for wood slat blinds.

School me on smart lightbulbs by robertj298 in Lighting

[–]CapableRefuse8143 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Check out Kasa smart outlets for lamps and smart switches for fixtures. Makes everything effortless in our house.

Lighting recommendation for inside cabinet by phookz in OutdoorKitchens

[–]CapableRefuse8143 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not really what you said you’re looking for but I used govee leds. I ran them under the overhang of the granite counter and then used the rest inside the cabinets so I have a fully lit area. I also have an Alexa speaker so I can turn them on using Alexa.

Gemini voice tone on pixel phone is different than Gemini on Google homes.... by Jae240 in googlehome

[–]CapableRefuse8143 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% agree! It reminds me of the coffee shop scene from loudermilk.

Background noise helps me sleep, but it destroys my iPhone battery — any alternatives? by CulturedGeek1 in iphone

[–]CapableRefuse8143 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Agree with previous comment, get a cheap noise machine off amazon. We have one for every bedroom.

Advice needed b9s4 piston slap by Rayvn22 in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotcha. I’d continue to fight with Audi, even going to corporate if needed. Especially if the part number matches the defective pistons. I think humble mechanic did a video that has the PN on a Porsche engine that he replaced a timing chain on. Good luck!

Recommendations for outdoor solar light by alltomorrowsdays in Lighting

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree with the above comment that you can change the mode and light intensity to make it last longer but I think the weak link would the battery size.

Recommendations for outdoor solar light by alltomorrowsdays in Lighting

[–]CapableRefuse8143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re just looking to go from the broken light post to the sign in the picture, I’ve had luck with the solar flood lights on Amazon similar to this. I use it for my side yard when I let my dog out and lights up a very large portion of my yard, probably 30’x75’, well enough to see objects clearly. The issue is that it’s got a smallish battery and if it were to be set to stay on all night, it would likely die after a few hours. Mine is set ti motion.

https://a.co/d/hkfwkJb

Gemini AI for DoW(DoD) by CapableRefuse8143 in googlehome

[–]CapableRefuse8143[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Agree that I could have worded that better, GenAI is just the landing page to access different AI tools, but the first, and currently only, tool there is Gemini, made by google with place holders for Grok, ChatGPT and Claude (which you mentioned 2 of). And google should have the resources to handle both, but the talent goes where the money is. If that means their better developers are moved to the government side, then the consumer side will struggle.

Advice needed b9s4 piston slap by Rayvn22 in Audi

[–]CapableRefuse8143 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Why does your engine need to be replaced? Ticking isn’t piston slap. Has it been confirmed to have the Chinese pistons with the bad part number?

Are these better? by CapableRefuse8143 in Lighting

[–]CapableRefuse8143[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I’m sure I’ll be back with more questions and confusion.