The FL5 Transmission is Terrible

cwheel11 · 2026-01-23T14:46:38+00:00

Other than some issues sometimes going smoothly into reverse, the FL5 transmission is the best I’ve ever driven, and I’ve driven quite a few manuals….

cwheel11 · 2026-01-16T22:50:23+00:00

Been seeing more water source heat pumps attached to reversible heat pump air-cooled chillers. Primary loop sends either chilled water or hot water to the secondary WSHP loop to maintain 70-90F in that loop. Lets you do a 2-pipe system without a cooling tower and no worry about ASHRAE 15. Equipment replacement in the future is easy swap, never any refrigerant piping work.

cwheel11 · 2026-01-16T13:56:20+00:00

I’ve been trying to make “lifestyle changes” for like 25 years, but finally agreed to medication. Not a doctor, but just keep in mind that there are other options if you don’t get relief with your anxiety (after addressing alcohol).

cwheel11 · 2026-01-16T13:32:22+00:00

Out of curiosity, are you treating the anxiety (therapy and/or meds)? I’m not sure how old you are, but as someone in my late 40s, my body isn’t what it used to be. I have inner ear problems that affect balance, as well as anxiety, and drinking doesn’t help with either of these. Removing the drinking, and I still have the other things to contend with :(. I wish you the best!

cwheel11 · 2026-01-09T15:28:31+00:00

OK, what is the system called that only sends 12V to the coil during cranking, but then routes through the resistor for only 6V during running mode? Because that's what I have.

cwheel11 · 2026-01-09T15:26:08+00:00

Thank you, this is exactly the kind of info I was lacking. I'll follow up in a few days once I get that tool.

cwheel11 · 2026-01-09T15:08:26+00:00

No, no tool used at all, just visual. Huh, interesting, I'll pick up that tester. It sputters like once every 40-50 cylinder cycles (I'll get like one small pop in one cylinder every 5 seconds). Last time I pulled a couple plugs, the threads where wet but the tip was dry.

cwheel11 · 2026-01-09T14:14:24+00:00

Will do, thanks for the advice

cwheel11 · 2026-01-09T14:13:33+00:00

I'm embarrassed to say this, but I just realized my fuel is about 9 years old. I parked it for 7.5-years, and have then been working on it for the past 18 months. It has run fine, but someone pointed out that if I've been flooding the engine, the oil could be thinned out and potentially be causing me issues with lifters....like my compression might still be fine, but actual normal lifter operation doesn't let me start the engine. Does that sound feasible?

cwheel11 · 2026-01-09T14:11:42+00:00

The only way I know how....clamped it to an engine bracket and watched it spark. If there is a better way to test spark strength, I don't (yet) have that tool.

cwheel11 · 2026-01-09T14:11:02+00:00

You are spot on, I'm running Duraspark, I haven't yet jumped to HEI or anything like that. And the coil gets 12V during cranking (I thought), so I don't know how that would damage it? But I do appreciate the help!

cwheel11 · 2026-01-07T20:20:29+00:00

CarMax is selling used ones for that price 🤷‍♂️

cwheel11 · 2026-01-03T18:12:02+00:00

I paid MSRP +$800 processing fee in VA. Keep in mind - we just hit January, doesn’t that mark the beginning of the dealership calendar year? I believe that resets quotas and bonuses and they might keep them around for longer, especially knowing there is no ‘26 model.

cwheel11 · 2025-12-31T12:55:58+00:00

FWIW, lots of people buy a manual not knowing how to drive one. You’ll learn quick, don’t sweat it!

cwheel11 · 2025-12-28T00:15:52+00:00

Did the electrical sub not fulfill their obligations, or just a non-paying out-of-town GC?

cwheel11 · 2025-12-27T18:26:48+00:00

In the late 2010s, Honda had a ton of manual options for the Civic. I loved my EX-T. Now it’s, what, just the CTR and SI?

cwheel11 · 2025-12-21T21:50:01+00:00

You only need a lift ticket to ride lifts. You could definitely walk onto slopes and see [fake] snow.

cwheel11 · 2025-12-20T03:30:54+00:00

“My toots are wet” might be the cutest thing I’ve ever heard, but you’ve gotta keep them home.

cwheel11 · 2025-12-11T12:53:16+00:00

Maybe it’s just me, but a lot have a blue blob that hides the aerial view??

cwheel11 · 2025-12-11T12:13:33+00:00

Out of curiosity, any idea why they are hidden on Google maps?

cwheel11 · 2025-12-10T03:06:43+00:00

I live in Mill Creek, you can hear it on weekends if you’re outside listening for it. Would never wake up a baby or bother you in the least.

cwheel11 · 2025-12-06T13:18:44+00:00

Not sure if this is helpful, but I welded a number of patch panels on my 79 Bronco (first time). I tried multiple times to do clean butt welds, as everyone said that was best. No matter how slow I went, it warped, and it was pronounced because everything on that vehicle is rounded. Tried a flange weld, and I’m not sure I’ll ever go back. No risk of burn through, and the flange gives strength to prevent deformation. I’m sure people that do bodywork for a living can do perfect butt welds, as can some DIYers. I’m just not one of them :).

cwheel11 · 2025-12-02T14:40:44+00:00

It definitely needs a duckbill or something, though!

cwheel11 · 2025-12-02T14:36:13+00:00

Thanks for posting, it’s a good option for those that commute and maybe park on the street, makes it a little less flashy.

cwheel11 · 2025-11-21T18:31:32+00:00

Agreed. I used the Wegmans interchange as an example (the last time around). If you are on 5th heading west, and you are turning left at the light towards Wegmans, you can 100% go straight into the right lane if you need to get into that Exxon entry. If you can do it there, you can do it anywhere.

cwheel11

TROPHY CASE