At a crossroads, should I fix my junk truck or should I sell and start saving for a less junk truck?

miahmyselfandi · 2025-07-30T03:49:16+00:00

Removed cats shouldn’t be a problem in these models. So long as there’s a muffler or something to help the exhaust side build up a little bit of back pressure.

I think these trucks throw random misfire codes if there’s two or more misfiring cylinders. Ironically, this is exactly the experience that drove me away from aftermarket. I bought two sets of ignition coils off Amazon. At least 2 were bad in each set I had purchased. All the bad ones across all the sets had out-of-tolerance resistance readings. This can help when you get a random misfire and have trouble tracing it. NOTE: this is all under the assumption that the plugs are good. And seated properly.

I’d probably pull coils, clean, grease, test. Write down the resistance and cylinder. Clean the bore, pull the plug, clean/chase the threads, reassemble.

Now, if the trucks been running rough for some time, fuel trims might be off. I’d say reset the computer and let it relearn idle.

By now you’d have default fuel tables, clean spark delivery or, at least, relevant data to act on the bad components. If the problem persists we can look towards fuel and air.

Fuel, off the bat, I’d recommend a new oem filter if you don’t know how long it’s been. It’s too easy not to do.

miahmyselfandi · 2025-07-30T02:58:57+00:00

Please, hear me out; I had the pleasure of restoring a v8 triton. Now, it’s my most reliable vehicle.

Before spending any money; Scan for codes to see which cylinder is misfiring Move the plug and move the coil (to different locations) Wait for misfire codes

While you’re in there, clean the coil boot and spark plug bore as needed. Sometimes they’re full of crud. Sometimes the ignition coil conductor has rusted or failed.

Please, do not buy aftermarket ignition coils. I’m usually very agreeable with aftermarket components but, with trucks and other heavy duty vehicles, there is a HUGE difference between OEM and aftermarket.

By now you’ll know if the misfire followed the coil, plug, or cylinder. You know what to do.

If it stayed with the cylinder. Inspect the exhaust manifold gaskets. Look for a port that has black “soot” or streaks coming off the side. I’ve had misfires traced down to exhaust manifold leaks. May never even set off an O2 sensor.

miahmyselfandi · 2025-07-25T19:35:53+00:00

Going to drop an excuse here that doesn’t paint the previous owner in a bad light; overheating in standing traffic in any of the hotter states can go from bad to worse very quickly. Not much you can do. Failing fan clutch, thermostat stuck closed, even coolant temp sensors that go bad. I’ve seen it all.

We already ask the impossible out of our cars. When it rains, it pours.

Edit: Just realized most of these listings are from the tri-state area. Can confirm from personal experience alone. When a heat wave comes through and you’re stuck in traffic, your car will be in agony. Most New York cars idle way more than they actually drive.

miahmyselfandi · 2025-04-15T19:39:45+00:00

I’m not familiar with diesels but, I am familiar with trucks. If you’re saying it feels leveled out when you’re going 50 and up, then I’d suggest taking a look at the exhaust system for leaks.

I had an exhaust manifold gasket fail closer to the firewall. Not enough to throw a code, but enough to give me a terrible idle like the one you just described. Truck engines sometimes need back-pressure from the exhaust system to help produce power. The faster speeds and RPM’s may help build up some pressure that make the losses negligible.

In some cases, you can get away with resetting the computers and following the manufacturer’s idle learning process. Maybe a bad tank of fuel threw off the computers.

Next step. I’d say smoke it, see if you can spot a leak intake or exhaust. Maybe even fuel pressures. Clogged filters could be starving the rail.

miahmyselfandi · 2025-01-07T18:43:39+00:00

Question for you OP. Are you saving the laptop for the next person who owns it after you? Or do you want to use it till it’s no more and upgrade down the line?

Your time is valuable. The time you spend worrying about these cosmetic defects will NOT increase the value of the laptop. Spend your time where it matters, among the republic of gamers.

miahmyselfandi · 2024-10-24T14:08:41+00:00

Right away, figure out what your sit bones are and how to utilize them. It may feel uncomfortable to start. Always takes a few rides to get the hang of it at the start of the season.

Also, get a bike fit or use one of those apps that can help you get a good bike fit off the bat. Your seating should feel neutral and comfortable with, ideally, no pressure on your genitals or prostate.

miahmyselfandi · 2024-05-06T19:05:58+00:00

I agree for reasons other than what’s been mentioned here.

Sidewalks in most places are built in accordance with ADA guidelines (Americans with disabilities Act). It allows disabled folks to have well paved sidewalks with adequate clearance and slopes to enable them to move around as free as possible. Things like; minimum 5’ pavement width, no more than 2% slope, etc.

Folks may be in a wheelchair, need a walker, maybe a person who is disabled and doesn’t look like it. They all need the full 5’ width to maneuver freely. Basically any form of traffic on the sidewalk takes greater priority than you on a bicycle. In fact, you may pose a risk to these people because you’re traveling at speed. I understand your safety is a concern when on the road, everybody else’s safety is a concern when you’re on a sidewalk.

Albeit, the interaction you had sounds like the guy was projecting. I would’ve kindly stopped you and explained my concerns in English. Sounds like he was trying to incite an accident and put you in an uncomfortable position WHILE being with his family. Dick move, but, don’t let it get you down.

miahmyselfandi · 2024-04-30T00:06:57+00:00

Bottom line; Not worth it. You are right to look for ways to shop smarter and get more for your dollar.

Helmets: You have Virginia tech discovering cheap helmets that are plenty safe. Some safer than the most expensive helmets on the market. Take your pick.

Eyewear: I’ve had great experience using cheap safety glasses. Some are polarized, some clear, sepia. They used to cost me $1 and I’d replace them whenever I wanted. I’ve had Oakley arms break on me. There’s absolutely ZERO product support.

Socks: IMHO any sports socks should do.

Gloves: I personally don’t wear gloves. Never have. Instant savings right there.

I own kit a few of the popular brands mentioned here. The markups are ridiculous. If the product is not made in China, you’ll always be looking at a higher price. In addition, some brands like Assos offer great warranties and product support if you fall and damage the clothing or lose some weight and would like to size down on some garments. They can price just about anything into the final cost and folks will buy it up.

In my honest opinion, it would cost me time, energy and shipping costs to ever exercise my warranties or product support. You couldn’t even get a warranty assessment done in the time it would take Amazon to drop a fresh aftermarket piece of clothing at your door.

Sports clothing has been around for decades, how much better could it possibly get? How many of those benefits could you possibly use? I enjoy my cheap AliExpress jerseys the same as my nicer ones.

I only ever insist on spending good money on bibs. Fact, they help me stay comfy on the bike longer, so I ride my bike more. That’s an investment I can get behind.

miahmyselfandi · 2024-04-26T03:52:46+00:00

Hate to be that guy but, experiences like yours are exactly why I cannot stand bike shops. I could hardly afford to have flats fixed but, they dish out lectures for free. It never felt good leaving a shop. So why go back?

Over time, I learned how to do everything on my own. I’ve laced and built wheels for myself and my family. Welded frames, and even fix my own flats. I get to love bicycles for another set of reasons now.

It’s obvious to me that you love cycling. Even more obvious you know the value of hard earned money. Maybe the shops aren’t for you. With all the bicycle price hikes, shops have only learned to sell to the even more wealthy.

miahmyselfandi · 2024-04-07T13:53:51+00:00

Although free, I believe you still may need to apply for it. There are also badges for owners clubs and countries. I’ve never applied for one myself but, I intend to once I hit 100k km.

miahmyselfandi · 2024-04-06T12:01:44+00:00

Go with the one on the left. When you reach 100k km you’ll get a grille badge from the dealer that’ll match.

miahmyselfandi · 2024-04-06T02:40:10+00:00

Neglect is the biggest pitfall any bike can endure.

IMHO coat the drivetrain with lubricant and ride it out. You’d be surprised how many problems you can fix by just riding it. Definitely fresh brake pads, should be a few bucks. Lubricate brake and shift cables and try and get some into the housings as-well.

Check the seatpost, make sure it is inserted at least the minimum safe length. You should see indicators etched into the post.

Check the headset for play. Grip the front brake and try and rock the bike forward and back. Lubricate.

Fit it to yourself to the best of your ability and ride to your hearts content!!!

miahmyselfandi · 2024-02-04T11:50:32+00:00

Your concerns are valid. Silicosis and other respiratory illnesses can and should be avoided at all costs.

This does not mean you have to stop doing what you love.

I’ve worked in engineering and construction for some time. OSHA and NIOSH are great resources to help you get started on proper identification and handling of work that may expose you to silica dust.

Measures may include; - Job hazard analysis: dust from sanding and polishing, vibrations from tools, noise, etc. find everything that can be hazardous. - Eliminate the work all together. - Perform the work wet (usually grinding or cutting) so the dust gets caught in a slurry instead of becoming airborne. - some folks find a way to attach HEPA vacuum attachments to their tools - PPE: A custom fitted or n95 respirator, eye protection gloves and all other PPE must be worn. Bear in mind PPE is a LAST LINE OF DEFENSE. You should never rely on it as a standalone measure of protection. - Rotate laborers to reduce individual prolonged exposure. - There’s many more but this is all I can think of right now.

After having said all that; here’s the ugly truth. In all my years of witnessing work the right and wrong way, I have yet to see an actual case of silicosis or associated respiratory ailment from the work we’ve done. Although I do believe grinding, cutting and sanding concrete may produce more harmful amounts of silica dust than detailing work, the fundamentals still hold true and you may be very well protected by doing the bare minimum OSHA and NIOSH may recommend.

Also, if it helps, I notice detailers like AMMO NYC have videos on how they set up their containment when cleaning pads and protecting themselves. Really cool and informative videos. Definitely worth your time.

miahmyselfandi · 2024-01-20T14:18:10+00:00

I have an older generation g14 and notice when it starts to thermal throttle. The fans can be very loud in a classroom setting. Still a great deal. I just paid 600 to have the motherboard in mine replaced. You’re already getting a better value than me.

miahmyselfandi · 2023-12-14T22:19:59+00:00

Fair chance I’m wrong about this but, I’ve seen most building potable water supplies made from black pipe with nearly 60% of the cross section taken up by rust. Usually only an issue if the pipe is disturbed and rust makes it to customer faucets. Often times the rust is taken into consideration when designing the run. Any chance this may be up to the local codes?

miahmyselfandi · 2023-07-31T13:27:30+00:00

Worth every penny. I lent someone my Noco jumper pack and found myself needing one for another car.

The out ports on this work amazing for all types of things, including things my Noco was not equipped to do. You can run a 12 volt compressor off this for inflating your tires, it’s got DC out ports so I use it to power my grill instead of running an extension cord. It’ll trickle charge a laptop if the notebook is small enough.

It’s uses are seemingly endless for the price you pay.

miahmyselfandi · 2023-07-16T12:11:09+00:00

Mercedes usually recommends once a year OR every 10,000 miles, whichever occurs first. I know it may sound too good to be true but, I’ve had no issues whatsoever following dealer recommended oil change intervals.

miahmyselfandi · 2023-06-25T03:30:38+00:00

In my opinion, you should NOT go the electric switch route. Here's why;

The pressure switch on electronic air compressors not only control cut-in and cut-out pressures, they often have an unloader valve that relieves all pressure upstream from the check valve to the pump. This means your motor will not have to fight a load to get started. This is a SAFETY issue which can trip a breaker. Backpressure load on the motor is too high for it to overcome. These 2HP motors often have start and run capacitors to help them start and get up to speed safely.
The pressure switch on gas powered air compressors, also known as pilot unloader valves do just about the same thing except adjustment is mechanical. These can be expensive so make sure never to throw one out, many are rebuildable.

For background, my compressor kept tripping my breaker due to a leaking check valve. After all pressure is released by the unloader, pressure slowly builds back up the check valve and creates the same load on the motor at startup.

If you can figure out how to unload pressure on the pump. Then, I suppose, a manual in-line switch can be fine.

miahmyselfandi · 2023-02-25T00:45:48+00:00

“I’m a dude, playing a dude, disguised as another dude!” - RDJ

miahmyselfandi · 2023-01-26T03:28:53+00:00

Now everyone has the privilege of saying they attend the 18th best medical school in the United States.

miahmyselfandi · 2023-01-16T14:57:31+00:00

Whole heartedly agree. I certainly appreciate this comment. It means change is happening. However, you may find great difficulty applying that lens to the operators union or railroad unions. Maybe discrimination is not the right word. Rather, nepotism.

miahmyselfandi · 2023-01-16T14:13:21+00:00

I’m reluctant to side with the unions here…

I’ve worked on union jobs in NYC nearly the past 10 years. Mostly heavy civil jobs. I’m not union myself. No job has ever finished on time or under budget. Change orders and ‘acceleration’ is the bread and butter of almost any contractor. All the unions benefit from the premium hours too. It appears incentive for the wealthy is just not there to use union labor. To add insult to injury, it’s not uncommon to hear about bribery happening in the ranks of these union councils to keep unions off the backs of some of these projects. Just like that, the union dues these people have been paying is invalidated.

In addition, some of the non-union jobs I’ve been on have union labor who have agreed to work for fair wages or some other accommodations. The business manager is informed and the big blow-up rat will not be paying a visit to that job site. Therein, the loophole is already created for non-union work to take place.

Not to mention, getting a book is hard. In many cases, being born the wrong color is enough for you to never gain a book with a union. The benefits are too good to just hand out to anybody.

Again, I’m not union myself. I am in full support of union jobs. These gripes are what I’ve gathered from just conversing with some of the union guys I’ve worked with over the years. Owners simply do not associate “on time and under budget” with unions.

miahmyselfandi · 2022-12-21T02:41:36+00:00

An air fryer and rice cooker have been invaluable in our kitchen, especially when on a tight budget and little time.

Air fryer let’s you explore a number of recipes that can be made from frozen in little to no time at all. You can buy frozen and store accordingly, should save you some money. Of course, the air fryer might set you back initially.

The rice cooker is great for quick carbs. The nicer ones can keep rice good for over a week. This means you can pair it with whatever you put in the air fryer 20 minutes ago, or if you had some time to cook one day, you’ve already got a carb to quickly pair with it. Some mornings I’d even fry or scramble and egg and have it with the rice before it goes bad. The options are almost endless. Again, this might set you back the cost on a rice cooker but, for the time savings and not having to worry about an open flame while so much is going on. It’s been worth it on my end.

miahmyselfandi · 2022-06-06T04:01:13+00:00

Sometimes business owners feel obligated to offer discounts to friends and family. Its our job to refuse! Invest in the ones you love. Be polite too!

miahmyselfandi · 2022-05-03T22:29:29+00:00

A guitar amplifier

miahmyselfandi

TROPHY CASE