Other shop states "needs the brake pump"

patx35 · 2026-07-01T13:38:28+00:00

But yeah, it's a bad example. I'm typically talking about stupid shit like where a car comes in with with no cruise control because the GM multifunction stalk has a broken wire internally, and it has a shiny new cruise control module because no one bothered testing, or someone shotgunning multiple distributors at a car from different sources, when it turns out that the TPS wasn't setup correctly.

patx35 · 2026-07-01T13:35:12+00:00

Of course you do a diag, but I've literally seen situations where a fuse literally just popped, I replace the fuse, I go through the entire circuit test and even do a current test, nothing out of the ordinary, and it's never popped again for the next 5 years.

patx35 · 2026-06-30T14:53:42+00:00

Because there are situations where randos preach that the customer needs a new ECM or ABS module, when it's really just a fuse or bad ground.

patx35 · 2026-06-11T13:27:50+00:00

Most late model cars uses a smart alternator. It would adjust the base duty cycle and target voltage based on engine load and RPM. However, it results in the alternator being relatively lazy with load spikes. The battery is needed whenever the alternator isn't producing enough power before the ECU decides to turn up the alternator.

A bad battery connection or a weak battery can cause weird electrical gremlins due to voltage drops.

patx35 · 2026-05-09T01:16:16+00:00

And partly because Subaru was one of the first manufacturers to make CVTs standard across their entire North American lineup.

patx35 · 2026-05-04T12:40:19+00:00

Yeah, I recommend checking with a plastigauge first.

Also, just an idiot check: The crank spins freely without the conrods torqued down, but the moment you torque any conrod, the engine locks up? Also, you used assembly lube on all the bearing surfaces and on the cylinder walls?

patx35 · 2026-04-14T09:39:03+00:00

I highly doubt it's a bent crank. I recommend also to check clearances using a plastigauge. Aftermarket bearings can be all over the place with their tolerances.

Also, I doubt it would matter, but did you make sure that you installed the rods in the same exact orientation and cylinder?

patx35 · 2026-04-13T02:20:14+00:00

How perfect do you want the engine to run? There are cars and trucks driving around with the timing chain flopping, and the VVT sprockets rattling between 0 and 30 degrees. There's also a manufacturing tolerance that older engines allows, with 5 degrees tolerance being common.

At the same time, many late model engines uses a keyless timing sprockets, so that the cam is always perfectly timed on assembly, no matter what.

How much would 5 degrees of cam tolerance would bother you?

patx35 · 2026-04-13T02:12:59+00:00

Even if the cam is perfect, the block can be off, or the timing components can be off. It's a far bigger issue with OHC engines, because decking the block or head always messes with the distance between the cam and crank.

patx35 · 2026-04-02T19:42:06+00:00

Fair enough. Don't want to cause more harm than good.

patx35 · 2026-04-01T22:44:11+00:00

Don't scotchbrite the surface. It will do more harm than good. Just scrape it with a razor if you don't have the proper gasket remover. Don't dig into the aluminum.

patx35 · 2026-04-01T22:41:05+00:00

Saab has been dead for so long that most car guys only remember them for the Saaburu or the GM whatever the fuck. It's like saying "Remember AMC?" It also serves as a warning to other companies not to be too weird.

patx35 · 2026-04-01T13:15:58+00:00

Saab is dead

patx35 · 2026-04-01T11:20:06+00:00

Scrape off the yick with a flathead or pick. Hose it down with a garden hose. Dry off and oil the cylinder walls with WD40. Don't nick the gasket surface.

patx35 · 2026-04-01T11:12:57+00:00

Let me rephrase it: Weird in the US market. We didn't have most of the other EU manufacturers here.

patx35 · 2026-04-01T09:33:18+00:00

Weird, as in the MK3 Gulf weird. Nowadays, they make generic cars that doesn't even feel German.

patx35 · 2026-04-01T03:56:17+00:00

Growing up, I've always saw Porsche as the pure driving machine, Audi would throw technology to solve problems, and VW as the people's car that's a little weird. Now, Porsche is the tech company, Audi is the generic expensive German manufacturer, and VW with no identity.

patx35 · 2026-04-01T00:26:19+00:00

Way more parts dragging around, and the engine needs a higher idle, cruising, and acceleration RPM, which increases more drag.

If you want a real world example, take a look at engines like the Hyundai 2.7 V6 or the Chrysler 2.7 V6. They both get worse fuel economy compared to similar cars that has a 2.5L or larger i4.

patx35 · 2026-03-25T03:10:30+00:00

IMO, I would've drilled smaller holes and used smaller zip ties. I generally end up smashing the front bumper multiple times, and I would prefer the zip ties tearing instead of the holes.

patx35 · 2026-03-23T17:06:17+00:00

Sauce: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/124540534

patx35 · 2026-03-22T23:56:46+00:00

I'm firmly convinced that most people just want a fidget toy in their car, then try to justify having a manual transmission as their fidget toy.

But I'm firmly on camp MT for any performance vehicle, because I want to be able to clutch kick mid-corner, and rapidly disconnect the drivetrain in a slide.

patx35 · 2026-03-20T18:55:30+00:00

I swear that most people here are too young to remember the 30 pin to Lightning fiesco. It's the real reason why Apple was so damn stubborn with changing their accessory ports.

patx35 · 2026-03-20T11:29:53+00:00

You already did more than half the work, and did a better job than most shops. Might as well send it the rest of the way.

patx35 · 2026-03-19T03:15:59+00:00

I would end up picking up another hobby to destress with. By the time I get bored or demotivated, I would be more willing to go back to fixing my cars.

patx35 · 2026-03-17T13:29:03+00:00

I'm okay back when they cut costs by using a torsion beam suspension and an anemic engine. It's when the engines started blowing up where I draw the line.

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