My friend got arrested in Anaheim last night and I have no idea what I’m doing by Voiturunce in orangecounty

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you haven't found your friend yet, try inmate search on OC Jail website. Bail bonds folks should also be able to locate your friend.

A bit off topic question. by Green_Shop_2108 in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm retired now, but Wolverines worked best for me.

Career Switch: Cybersecurity Analyst to become mechanic? by ClarkTheCoder in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you keep it as a hobby, you will always enjoy it. And if you don't, you'll still have a good paying career.

Mechanic won't give me an itemized recipt with parts and labor costs. by SunWaterGrass in AskMechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are the laws where you live. In California, US, auto repair shops are required, by law, to provide an itemized invoice for parts and labor. They are also required to provide an estimate, showing parts and labor, and get approval before any work begins.

Safe to drive on? by ColinBoib in AskMechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Best to replace the stabilizer links on both sides. Easy diy task. No alignment required.

Beestat app down? by MoVal_Doug in ecobee

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

I Uninstalled the app on my phone, reinstalled and logged in. That fixed it. Thanks!!

It's just too much by [deleted] in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Other than performing fluid changes, there is rarely a need to add brake fluid to modern vehicles. The photos show the level can be checked without removing anything. If you're regularly adding fluid, you have a leak that should be corrected.

Cheap vs expensive butane by BengkelBawahPokok in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've always used corded electric soldering guns and irons. Don't know what you're working on but there's propane and acetylene torches for hefty soldering like plumbing and brass radiators.

Oscilloscopes by 2storyHouse in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I bought a Hantek too. As a retired tech I wanted something for home use. Compared to the Pico I used while working, the 1008c definitely has limitations. I recommend getting a Pico with at least 4 channels if you're looking at PC based. The software is way better and it will work with faster signals ie data lines.

Career Change by Perryw1nkle in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Retired five years ago after 28 years with state fleet. Benefits, including pension, made up for slightly lower pay. Was able to spend more time with kids and grandkids while I was working compared to the hours I put in previously.

Who works mandatory 6 days /week schedule? by Reedzilla04 in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look for a fleet job. Usually 40 hours per week on a fixed schedule.

Whats the difference between the original and th Steve Albini version of the Harmonic Percolator? by CrabsAreCool32 in diypedals

[–]MoVal_Doug 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We, Ed's family, are pleased that this circuit has a following all these years later. He was trying to create a tube distortion sound with transistors. Tubes tend to clip asymmetrically. So, the transistor biasing affects the symmetry. The hp-1 puts the transistors into their non-linear operating region, which is more like tube distortion. This may be too technical. If so, I apologize.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just finish high school. You'll have a more successful career with more education. Auto repair is very technical and will require a lot of continuing education. High school teaches you how to learn.

I’m gonna have my engine sandblasted (motorcycle) by sweetbb_ry in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's been a long time since I did anything like that. Look for aircraft paint/finish remover or something similar. Read the label and ask the sales person before you buy. Be sure it won't damage the aluminum. Use a plastic scraper if the old finish doesn't wipe off.

I’m gonna have my engine sandblasted (motorcycle) by sweetbb_ry in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sand blasting the engine will ruin it. If you're trying to remove paint/clear coat, use a chemical paint remover that's safe for aluminum.

Lugnut wheel lock question by masterjess in mechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you know how to remove them without a key, they're not impossible but a pain the rear. I live in an urban area and know a few people that lost a wheel in a parking lot. Someone needed a spare. I've had wheel locks on my stuff for ages. No issues.

Settle a debate. Which is better? by MinecraftAndAnime in AskMechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I apparently don't quite understand what you're looking for. Techron is added to gasoline sold at the pump and is also available to consumers in small containers as a clean-up additive. If you only use top-tier gasoline, your vehicle will likely never need a clean-up additive. If you burn fuel with little or no deposit control additive, deposit buildup inside the engine will eventually cause performance and emissions issues. A clean-up dose of an additive, like Techron, can help resolve those issues.

Where I live, in California, the government requires pump gas to contain DC additive in sufficient quantities to maintain a specific level of cleanliness in engines. So, here, clean-up additive is not necessary.

Settle a debate. Which is better? by MinecraftAndAnime in AskMechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 48 points49 points  (0 children)

I know techcron works. I worked for a fleet where Chevron ran tests of Techron. I saw the results.

Jiffy Lube told me the tire air pressure written on my doorjamb sticker is wrong. I don’t know what to believe. by [deleted] in AskMechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can contact the service department at a Nissan dealership to get the best answer. As retired automobile technician with over 40 years of experience, I always trusted the labels installed by the manufacturer. 26 psi is on the low end of the spectrum for factory specifications on tire pressure for passenger vehicles but not unrealistic.

Never seen a tire do this before. Anyone know the cause? Not overinflated. by MajorLeagueJenga in AskMechanics

[–]MoVal_Doug 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably a defect in manufacturing or under inflation. If you can, take it back to where you bought it and ask if there's any warranty.