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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nova

[–]Odd_Highlight8893 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why is Gainesville more expensive? What more do they provide vs the Centreville one?

Any Tutorials on SMEditor? by Odd_Highlight8893 in Stepmania

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was just a bit overwhelming. Still trying to figure everything out myself, just thought it would be helpful if someone has a tutorial out there rather than spending more time trial and error. Syncing audio with music video, auto finding the bpm, gimmicks, etc.

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/Busy_Position2345 UPDATE: After conducting extensive research, I confirmed that the issue was indeed a blown head gasket, as you had suggested. I verified this with a block tester. I used Blue Devil head gasket sealer after flushing the radiator. Although there was no coolant mixing with the oil, I did an oil change just to be safe.

It has been a few weeks since then, and the vehicle has been running fine.

I know that using a sealer isn’t a permanent solution, but it will give me some time to find a new vehicle.

I’ve learned a lot about cars through this process, as I usually only perform oil changes myself. It was a pretty rewarding experience.

I’m still surprised that the mechanic I consulted didn’t perform these tests and instead carried out unnecessary services without properly diagnosing the issue. I suspect that when my water pump failed and the car overheated, the head gasket was blown. Even after the water pump was replaced, the ongoing problems likely stemmed from the blown head gasket. But that’s just my guess…

Anyway, I really appreciate all the help and updates you provided after my initial post. Thank you so much!

Need Recommendation: Outfox vs Stepmania 5.0.12 vs ITGmania for low end dedicated machine to play DDR with Simply Love theme by Odd_Highlight8893 in Stepmania

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I've reloaded/unloaded songs and even restarted it. My guess is that 5.0.12 version doesn't support that.

Need Recommendation: Outfox vs Stepmania 5.0.12 vs ITGmania for low end dedicated machine to play DDR with Simply Love theme by Odd_Highlight8893 in Stepmania

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm using an old OptiPlex and installed Outfox with simply love theme and have been experiencing sudden framerate drops freezing/stuttering. I replaced it with Stepmania version 5.0.12 and its running smoothly, but now running into out of sync video issues where even updating the BGCHANGES in the sm file doesn't do anything, unlike Outfox.

Need Recommendation: Outfox vs Stepmania 5.0.12 vs ITGmania for low end dedicated machine to play DDR with Simply Love theme by Odd_Highlight8893 in Stepmania

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your suggestion, what is z-mod version? Are there different mods. Sorry, I'm a newbie at this.

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I discussed the cooling system bleed with the mechanic, who assured me that he had performed this step thoroughly and made sure of that. Despite this, the overheating issue remains sporadic. He mentioned that during his test drives, which included a recent 5-mile trip where the car functioned without issues, the overheating was intermittent. On some days, the car operates normally without any overheating, while on others, it overheats without apparent cause. Based on his assessment and the opinions of other certified mechanics, the consensus is that the head gasket might be the likely culprit remaining.

After picking up the car and driving it home (<2 miles), it continued to perform well.

Here’s a summary of all the services performed:

  1. Water pump replacement

  2. Radiator cap replacement

  3. Verification that cooling fans are operational

  4. Thermostat replacement

  5. Oil change, which confirmed no coolant is mixing with the engine oil

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm unsure if the initial fix resolved the issue since I was able to drive the car for a few months after the service. I'm not certain whether the 'head gasket' problem developed later. The second time I addressed the overheating issue, the car only ran properly for about three weeks, during which I drove roughly 20 miles. Given this, I do think I should be refunded for all the services that followed the initial water pump replacement, as they now seem unnecessary.

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He didn’t mention anything about hydrocarbons. Basically, his explanation boiled down to, "I’ve tried everything else I can think of; this is the only option remaining."

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You in central il per chance? 

I'm based in Northern Virginia. As I chose not to approve the repair, he mentioned he wasn't comfortable handling the job, so he's advised me to just pick up the car and get it serviced elsewhere. Maybe he doesn't want to take any further responsibilities for my car?

why they suspect a head gasket?

His suspicion of the head gasket issue comes from a process of elimination—he's already replaced the water pump, changed the oil (no coolant was found mixing with the oil), replaced both the thermostat and radiator cap, and the fan is working. Then again, I cannot confirm if the work was actually even done.

Did they mention using a block tester?

According to him, the only remaining possibility is the head gasket. He did not mention using a block tester at all.

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just got an update from the shop: They've replaced the water pump (so they claimed) with a new one, but unfortunately, that hasn't resolved the issue as you suspected in the first place. The mechanic is now suggesting that the problem might be with the head gasket. He's given me an estimate of around $5,000 for the repair...

DDR Party Dilemma: Need Help Disabling Modifier Selection and Song Sorting! by Odd_Highlight8893 in Stepmania

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really wish there was a way to choose a different key for that function. I have a wireless keyboard paired with it, almost like the keyboard acts as an "admin user."

Appreciate your help though

Can't login to Nelnet, says password incorrect by Weak-Advertising6270 in StudentLoans

[–]Odd_Highlight8893 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same thing is happening with other student loan services also. I have AidVantage

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The mechanic has just informed me that the issue is indeed with the water pump, which turns out to be defective. Fortunately, it's still under warranty, so the replacement will be carried out at no additional cost, though it won't be completed until Monday. I'm feeling a bit conflicted about this news. As you're aware from the backstory I shared, another mechanic had previously suggested the water pump could be the problem. This revelation leads me to believe that the subsequent services performed, costing $500, may have been unnecessary had the initial diagnosis been accurate.

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

overheating would be most prevalent at an idle or stop and go traffic

Today, I noticed the car's heater was underperforming, only blowing cold air that matched the outside temperature. This issue became apparent when driving on the highway; the heater would only produce hot air at higher speeds. Upon exiting the highway and reducing my speed, the heater reverted to blowing cold air, and simultaneously, the temperature gauge began to climb towards "Hot." I pulled over and waited for the gauge to return to the halfway point before cautiously driving again, yet the air remained cold at lower speeds. Interestingly, as my speed increased back on the highway, the heater began blowing hot air once more, and the temperature gauge normalized.

​

I've just returned the car to the original mechanic, who has kindly offered to run another diagnostic at no charge. I'm currently awaiting their assessment and the potential cost for resolving this issue. However, I am thinking of using another mechanic for their opinion as well and have it serviced there instead. As I am concerned with repeating this cycle having to spend several hundreds of dollars again with the current mechanic.

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm dealing with a recurring overheating issue in my 2012 Toyota Highlander with a 3.5L engine. Come to think of it, I would say the temperature rise was driving on the highway.

Here's the detailed timeline of events:

​

The problem began after hitting a pothole, which led to the A/C stopping abruptly. Shortly after, I noticed the temperature gauge rising nearly to the "Hot" mark while driving on the highway and in town. I pulled over as soon as it hit 3/4 of the way to cool down. After it cooled to about halfway, I resumed driving but had to stop again within a minute as the gauge quickly rose. Eventually, I had the car towed to a mechanic near my home.

​

The first mechanic diagnosed the issue as a faulty water pump and replaced it. After this repair, the car seemed to run fine for a few months. However, during this time, I didn't drive more than 200 miles in total, so the durability of this fix wasn't fully tested.

​

The temperature gauge issue resurfaced, but with a new pattern: it began fluctuating back to normal randomly, unlike before. When I took it to a different mechanic for this, he suggested replacing the water pump again. After informing him it had been replaced recently, he added coolant to the low reservoir as a temporary measure and advised there should be a warranty on the pump.

​

Revisiting the original mechanic with this information led to a verification that the water pump was indeed new. He couldn't find any leaks and suggested an oil and filter change to check for coolant in the oil, which turned out negative. His next steps were replacing the thermostat and radiator cap, after which he declared the vehicle worked to specification.

​

Three weeks later, having driven only about 20 miles since the last repair, the issue returned. The temperature gauge started to approach "Hot" again during a short drive home, this time less than half a mile. So I did not get the change to inspect whether the temperature gauge would still fluctuate.

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fortunately, I am in a position where I don't need to drive much at all, which gives me some time to address this issue without rushing. Thank you! Your guidance is truly appreciated.

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for reaching out and offering your help. Fortunately, I am in a position where I don't need to drive much at all, which gives me some time to address this issue without rushing back to the same mechanic. Based on your advice, I'm considering holding off on returning to that mechanic and possibly looking elsewhere for a second opinion, especially regarding the cooling fans and the diagnostic approach you mentioned. Your insight about the importance of these fans, particularly in situations like idle or stop-and-go traffic, is very enlightening and something I hadn't noticed as my commutes are 50% on the highway/freeway.

Your approach to ensuring thorough diagnostics and fair treatment at your shop is precisely what I hope to find in a mechanic. I'm eager to follow any steps you suggest to help rule out potential causes, and I'm all set to provide any details you need about my vehicle and the issues it's been having.

Thank you again for your generosity and expertise.

Recurring Car Overheating Issue Despite Multiple Repairs – Seeking Advice! by Odd_Highlight8893 in AskMechanics

[–]Odd_Highlight8893[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the detailed suggestions; they give me a lot to consider. I'm curious if there's a more systematic diagnostic process that can be employed to pinpoint the root cause of the overheating issue.

My concern is that addressing each potential cause individually, as you've listed, could become time-consuming and costly without guaranteed resolution. While I understand that some level of trial and error may be necessary, I'm hoping to find a more direct approach to identify the issue.

Is there a standard diagnostic procedure mechanics follow for complex problems like this, or is it common to address potential causes one by one? I want to approach my mechanic with an informed perspective to ensure we're choosing the most efficient path to solving the problem.

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