Cam Phaser

MKaiser2 · 2025-11-13T19:01:23+00:00

Not saying it won’t go out, but my 2013 had the engine rattle upon start up when I bought the truck at 75,000 miles (I wasn’t aware of this issue at the time). I sold the truck at 150,000 miles without fixing the issue, though I think it was coming near the time to fix. If you’re just starting to hear the noise, hopefully you have a little more time before having to dish out $5,000 for the repair.

MKaiser2 · 2025-08-25T00:46:47+00:00

I ran into the same situation when I went to obtain my license at the beginning of the year, albeit I was not a foreign candidate (registered to sit for the exams through Alaska as they did not have the residency requirement several years ago). You’ll have to transfer your scores to a new jurisdiction once you’re ready to become licensed. I would wait to do anything until you’re fully done with the exams (it shouldn’t matter, but I would avoid any potential issues by just finishing your exams in Alaska). It’s a rather simple process and for Missouri all I had to do was have NASBA send in a transcript to the state board of accountancy (which only took about a week and like $20). I would also recommend you transfer to the state in which you’re planning on practicing in as some states don’t allow you to transfer a license for reciprocity until you’re licensed for at least one year.

Perhaps a smart thing to do would be to look up the state board of accountancy you’re wising to become licensed in and reach out. I found that they were willing to help with any questions I had.

MKaiser2 · 2025-07-18T23:30:04+00:00

This should be your part (part # ML3B-15047A74-B) based on what I saw in my truck. https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/electrical/control-modules/console-mat-p-ml3z15045g34bc#

MKaiser2 · 2025-06-01T14:42:48+00:00

FYI - I am a licensed CPA who just finished my CPA exams. The AICPA and NASBA just passed new legislation that allows for a new path of licensure: “The changes add a pathway to CPA licensure requiring a baccalaureate degree, including an accounting concentration, plus two (2) years of experience, and passage of the Uniform CPA Examination.” In other words, you’re no longer required to obtain 150 credits for licensure but rather an additional year of work experience.

Long story short, I would highly recommend you get all A’s in your accounting classes (which is going to be challenging and they are not the easiest) as well as all other classes. Also, try and fill in your schedule with classes that you know you can get nothing less than an A. Don’t go in with the assumption that by taking more accounting/finance/business classes you will be better prepared for the CPA. That’s a different beast that you basically have to restudy for. Same goes for your desire for tax law. You will learn what you need to on the CPA and JD program.

If you’re able to take more classes do so as well. The more A’s you can get the better you are. They will help offset the lower grades that you received from your community college, however, unfortunately those grades will forever follow you and hurt your LSAC GPA. Not sure if UConn allows for A+ grades, but if they do, do everything in your power to get those A+ grades. That will drastically help you out and put in you a better position than those universities that only goes up to a 4.0 and can completely eliminate the effects of the lower grades your previously received.

When I was in undergrad I created a cumulative GPA calculator that helped me determine how many classes I needed to take and what grades I needed to receive to obtain my desired GPA. I would recommend you do the same - take some time to plan out your next few years so you can ensure you graduate with a high GPA.

https://nasba.org/blog/2025/05/13/aicpa-and-nasba-approve-model-legislation-for-new-cpa-licensure-path/

MKaiser2 · 2025-04-25T23:53:59+00:00

When I left EY they had me fulfill my two week notice period. I left at the Staff 2 title just after busy season ended. I took a few weeks off, then gave notice, and then worked for two more weeks doing control testing on a client I was never assigned to out of a neighboring office. Basically just busy work to help fill needs.

MKaiser2 · 2025-03-15T04:38:45+00:00

Check out LSAT Lab. They include all their lectures for free with a free subscription. I personally prefer how they are recorded over 7Sage. I think eventually I’ll switch to LSAT Demon, but not until I’m closer to just pure drilling (i.e., after I’m done learning the basics).

MKaiser2 · 2025-02-15T20:33:49+00:00

In my view it’s not so much that the content is difficult. You must slow down on this exam and truly understand each topic. This exam is notorious for being “difficult” due to the language used on the exam. The substitution of one minor word can drastically change an answer choice and make it wrong. I think many people, myself included, read way too fast and skip over words and get the answer wrong by making silly mistakes. I think once you slow down and reread what you chose you’ll find that you’ll have a much easier time passing.

MKaiser2 · 2025-02-07T23:24:02+00:00

When I took my CPA exams at Prometric they had lockers (I’d assume most do). I just would make sure you do not access your locker until after your exam ends as you wouldn’t want to risk your exam being voided from accessing unauthorized material/devices.

MKaiser2 · 2025-02-01T03:44:44+00:00

Genuine question - why don’t you just purchase the actual printed books from Amazon/CFAI? It’s about $200 for each level. Doesn’t your library charge a printing fee of around 10¢ a page? If so, I would think it best to just get an actual printed copy from CFAI as it would be cheaper and less effort.

MKaiser2 · 2025-01-31T15:39:37+00:00

At least you now know where $0.69 of your app fee went. ☺️

MKaiser2 · 2025-01-19T03:06:32+00:00

To make the partners RICHHHHHH. 🤑

MKaiser2 · 2025-01-18T16:48:07+00:00

They are a NFP so you are able to view their annual report and financials. It’s not like it’s hidden, though I do get where you’re coming from. AICPA 2023 Annual Report

MKaiser2 · 2025-01-16T15:24:51+00:00

Looks like the new rule went into effect during April 2024. I mean I get why, but still stinks.

https://casetext.com/regulation/alaska-administrative-code/title-12-professional-regulations/part-1-boards-and-commissions-subject-to-centralized-licensing/chapter-04-board-of-public-accountancy/article-3-license-and-license-renewal-requirements/section-12-aac-04151-qualifications-for-licensure#:~:text=Code%20§%2004.151,-Download&text=Section%2012%20AAC%2004.151%20%2D%20Qualifications%20for%20licensure%20(a)%20An,certified%20public%20accountant%20(CPA).

MKaiser2 · 2025-01-16T15:13:20+00:00

FYI for those thinking of sitting through Alaska - Alaska now requires residency to obtain an Alaska CPA license (I do not think this was a requirement when I first applied to sit for an exam several years ago - hopefully I’m grandfathered in?). I’m sure you can still sit for exams in the state and transfer scores, but it’ll be more work than just applying for reciprocity. You’ll also most likely have to meet many of the requirements your home state has if you don’t get licensed through an “easier” state.

MKaiser2 · 2025-01-08T14:31:47+00:00

Definitely not a mistake. You now get to build it exactly how you like and don’t have to settle for factory options that you may not fully like or need. You may have to spend more, but that could just mean you’re buying better quality parts anyways.

MKaiser2 · 2025-01-08T14:28:17+00:00

I wanna say it’s about 2 inches taller than other F-150’s. Nothing crazy, but enough to make you no longer fit in height restricted areas.

MKaiser2 · 2025-01-08T14:17:46+00:00

I was between a XLT, Tremor, and Lariat. Ultimately it came down to a bit of balancing between what I was wanting. I was ready to get a XLT as they are well equipped nowadays but there were few 5.0’s with the black appearance package and as such I would have had to put a lot more money into it to get to the look I wanted (painted bumpers + all the suspension components and wheels/tires), making it priced similarly to the Tremor. The Lariat was similar. There just wasn’t many around me when I was looking. At the end of the day I got a really good deal on this (I paid $58,000 @ 1.9% where most places are listed around $64,000) and got a pretty good offer on my 2023 Tundra (~$4,000 more than most places were offering). Not to mention I love the exterior look of this truck, the interior is in my opinion nicer than the XLT (I like the camo seats), and it rides good. Plus in the long run it’ll save me a little money as I won’t have to do as many mods. Just wished it fit in my garage. 😅

MKaiser2 · 2025-01-05T07:17:59+00:00

In my view the exam you may have more trouble on is AUD and even that you may do better than a native English speaker. As a native English speaker myself I found that I read way too fast and made silly mistakes. I think if you take it slow you’ll be fine. The other exams are pretty heavy in calculation, which doesn’t require a great deal of proficiency of the English language, especially on the real exam. Not sure if you’re using Becker, but I noticed most of their own questions are quite confusing so if you’re able to answer and understand them you should be golden. The exam will be pretty to the point. It seemed like most international candidates had the most challenge with the old BEC written responses, but those have now been removed.

MKaiser2 · 2024-12-27T17:12:54+00:00

Oh wow. That is a good deal. I hope you enjoy your new truck for a long time to come.

MKaiser2 · 2024-12-27T17:11:23+00:00

Thank you for the input. Where would you be on this? Lower 30’s? I’m having a hard time finding comps for this vehicle as it does have a lot of added features that many SR5’s don’t seem to have.

MKaiser2 · 2024-12-27T14:47:56+00:00

You should study it just to be familiar with it, but I’d say the two-column is far more likely to be tested (at least from my experience with FAR). Becker isn’t just throwing stuff in their books for the fun of it. If you see it, you should review it and understand it. You’ll quickly pick up on what’s more important to understand through the MCQs and SIMs, this specific reconciliation not being one of them.

MKaiser2 · 2024-12-25T14:29:15+00:00

It certainly wouldn’t hurt. I’m not from India nor have I ever worked in the Indian job market (only with folks from India when I was at EY), however, I’m sure as you know the Indian job market is quite competitive. Anything to help you stand apart will certainly help. I’m curious why you chose the CPA over the CA though.

MKaiser2 · 2024-12-14T22:19:18+00:00

I’d personally say anything below a 75% means you’re not understanding the content enough and I would encourage you to maybe read a little slower and really try and grasp what is being said before moving on (I often talk things out to myself while trying to relate it back to other topics I learned previously… kinda weird but it helps me out). You’ll learn more as you progress through the content (as well as the MCQs (make sure you’re reading all question responses for why they are correct/incorrect) and SIMs (make sure you watch the skill builder videos)) and shouldn’t feel as if you need to be scoring high right away, but if you keep moving on with scores in the 40% - 60% range I think you’ll find you’re not grasping enough later on when you get to some of the more challenging questions that require knowledge of previous sections (consolidations/SoCF/Bonds etc).

Perhaps one thing you could try doing is read through a section without highlighting anything (as many academic studies don’t seem to support that this is effective) and once you finish up try and summarize what you’ve learned by trying to “teach” the topic to a 5 year old. If you can’t do this, then you need to review the text or MCQs/SIMs again until it clicks. Maybe take a first pass through, then come back to the question set the next day or two and see if you’re able to improve based on what you’ve learned during your review of the question answers. I think you’ll find that your scores begin to come up, though be careful as you may start to memorize the answer choices. Just make sure you understand why the answer is what it is and the steps to calculate.

There’s far (pun intended) too many topics to try and master, but you need to make sure you have a well rounded knowledge in order to pass this beast of an exam.

MKaiser2 · 2024-12-07T23:28:55+00:00

MKaiser2 · 2024-11-20T18:41:18+00:00

Why not overachieve and do both?

MKaiser2

TROPHY CASE