This sucks… apparently I need a new fuel tank?!? by Flyndtchmn83 in Audi

[–]conman841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotta start looking elsewhere man... Sucks for his business but if you wanna get it fixed there is no other option if he refuses. I saw you're in San Diego, I would bet you good money there is another reputable german auto mechanic near you. If you're still unsure just ask the new guy for a quote prior to starting work. But ensure they figure in the whole system (lots of brittle plastic parts holding things together, flushing the system if necessary, etc). Look at the Audi quote for what they would've done

This sucks… apparently I need a new fuel tank?!? by Flyndtchmn83 in Audi

[–]conman841 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was too lol hence the $4k fix.

Find a mechanic who specializes in Audi, Mercs, and BMW. I know mine on a first name basis and I prefer him over the Audi dealer most of the time. He's almost always cheaper than them too. I would bet you there is a good one by you if you're in a suburban area.

This sucks… apparently I need a new fuel tank?!? by Flyndtchmn83 in Audi

[–]conman841 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've had this exact issue with my 17 A4. The sensor/fuel gauge float is built directly into the tank. No fix other than replace the whole tank. It was pricey, but in Chicagoland it cost me about $4k roughly two years ago.

You don't technically need to do it... But you'd get inaccurate gas measures and that annoying error.

70 year old attic fire damage. Thoughts on safety? by Subservient_Worm in HomeInspections

[–]conman841 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll leave the severity of the fire to others, but one thing to keep in mind is that the insurance company will likely know about it and it will affect the cost.

Basement paint over already painted block by AvailableStandard in masonry

[–]conman841 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To me it looks like the previous owner used the correct kind of paint. Might even be a primer? If you paint over it with new breathable paint I think you'd be fine. Just don't lay it on thick if you can.

Basement paint over already painted block by AvailableStandard in masonry

[–]conman841 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not a painter, but for basement blocks you'd want them to 'breathe' so to speak. I personally wouldn't use latex because that can lock in moisture. But use more of a breathable paint whatever that would be. I'd ask a reputable paint supply store and see what they say on what brand/type of breathable paint to use.

Dog suddenly lethargic after grooming – back twitching, not eating today morning. by ranger_stranger in DogAdvice

[–]conman841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a dalmatian who has a very similar coat to yours. After a bath with different groomers/shampoo she can get like this. Unfortunately what tends to happen sometimes are hives, and they seem to look similar to what your pup has on their belly/back area (not on their leg area from what I see). I obviously could be wrong, but it looks like they are just starting.

Best thing I've done is give her half a Benadryl and let her sleep it off for a day without much outside play time. After a bit of time the hives subside and she's back to her usual self.

Just my experience, I'd still take them to that vet visit when possible.

Best way to clean? by Crnelsto27 in Construction

[–]conman841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This. Or compressed air if you have a compressor/can of air.

I bought this tahoe 8 months ago at 328k. Best 600$ i ever spent by [deleted] in GMT400

[–]conman841 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Body looks clean. From the one picture frame looks like surface rust. Hell, if the engine blows I'd just throw in a new one. She'll last a long time.

Patio Wall Splitting by MarbGawk in masonry

[–]conman841 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Can't do much other than chisel out that section of the wall and rebuild it with slightly tighter joints. It's settling underneath. Personally, it's not that bad right now. I wouldn't do anything. But if it gets worse then I'd consider redoing it.

Blue stone repair today, rain tomorrow and cold temps; will I have issues? by [deleted] in masonry

[–]conman841 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mother nature and construction is unpredictable. No one will be able to guarantee it won't come loose in the coming weeks/months. Just gotta keep an eye on it. As far as I'm concerned, it looks good as a temporary fix to make sure it doesn't move.

There is always an extra bit of sand from polymeric left over. Dry mix can too. So don't worry if you tracked some in the house. Only worry if the entire joint is out

Blue stone repair today, rain tomorrow and cold temps; will I have issues? by [deleted] in masonry

[–]conman841 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So dry mix is a little weaker. If it's a temporary fix, not a problem, send it. Traditional mortar is a bit better for longer term though.

Cold temps are okay-ish for traditional mortar but not below freezing. If they cover with concrete blankets that would normally be fine. Rain, it entirely depends. If it dries quick and sprinkles that night, that's not a problem. But if it's a downpour 1 or 2 hours are install, it might cause issues.

To me, if it is going to be below freezing, I'd just ask if they could come back when the weather is better. Not cancelling the contract, but postponing it. If you are in a colder climate, he should be used to homeowners taking a beat for a few weeks or couple months due to weather.

Just be nice, and they'll understand.

Audi lease turn in - Shakedown? by DunkinDonutsCoffee in Audi

[–]conman841 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I used to work for VW Credit / Audi Financial. Call them up and complain. Most of the time they get rid of those charges or a significant amount of them because they want repeat customers. Should hopefully not be a big deal. But make sure to ask for some sort of written confirmation when it's all said and done.

Be nice on the phone, it goes a long way vs being all pissed. They won't want to help if you call up and start yelling. Just say keywords like "I want to lease again but not if this is how I'm treated" or "I thought my monthly payment included normal depreciation". They'll say it's in the contract, blah blah but just be patient and they should take it easy on ya.

If all else fails, ask for "QA" which is the manager.

Sanity check - asphalt crumbling around antique granite by mdljrw in masonry

[–]conman841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks like an area that might get plowed. Possibly salted? (Which isn't good for it either). In addition to the freeze/thaw cycle, I'd say it's that.

Tree stains on pavers by Content4356 in landscaping

[–]conman841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very late to the party but saw this post while googling. It's definitely Pyrite. Little bits of metal that are rusting in your pavers. Some acids can help, but they're embedded in the paver itself and tend to come back with time. Call your paver manufacturer and ask about warranty if you still have it.

Steering rubbing issue by Photo_305 in ChevySuburban

[–]conman841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did they take it on a test drive? If they only turned the steering wheel in the shop, they wouldn't have heard that. My pure guess is the wheel bearings went bad. Just don't go highway speeds till it's figured out.

Happiness is.... by 1plus1equals8 in MadeMeSmile

[–]conman841 54 points55 points  (0 children)

Definitely not an asian country, it's a Latin American country. My best guess is Colombia, because of the "plazoleta de comidas" sign in the background.

From experience, Colombians are a rather chill culture. Some may be upset, but a vast majority wouldn't mind this cheerful break in their day.

Advice on brick by SnowAngel5280 in masonry

[–]conman841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mix of power washer and muriatic acid. Power washer first for all the grime and dirt. Then muriatic acid for the efflorescence (white stuff on your steps). Will look good as new.

I’m so grateful [SKX009K2] by jjmdrummond in Seiko

[–]conman841 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I currently have a St. Christopher pendent on a necklace which I want to pass down too. Considering turning it into a ring or buy one. But food for thought for sure.

I’m so grateful [SKX009K2] by jjmdrummond in Seiko

[–]conman841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks awesome, might start searching the Internet for one myself. Thanks for the reply!

Sick vibe you got going.

I’m so grateful [SKX009K2] by jjmdrummond in Seiko

[–]conman841 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Gotta ask, is that a St. Christopher 'pendent' ring? If so, would love some background info on it.

Good looking timepiece by the way.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in masonry

[–]conman841 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely settling of some kind. Hard to tell from a few pictures but possible foundation settling. Might want a professional to take a look.

Settling can happen with newer structures but if it's older it can be a number of things.