Survival and Emergency Preparedness

tom mac wrote: ↑Wed May 12, 2021 9:26 am I use Seafoam in my gas tank every now and then.. keeps injectors clean
like everything else, follow directions and not use in excess ... I use it about every 6months

I've seen that but never used it. I occasionally put in Lucas. Looking at some YT videos it does seem to work well.

The high speed tuneup cleaned the fuel injectors and the engine of carbon buildup.

The outer right tie rod end was the cause of a slight tremor in the steering wheel.

The next repairs on Thursday will be major.
1. Because I have the rubberized parts lubricated everytime the oil is changed, I guess that I prolonged the seal on the right front axle. The seal is going to be replaced.
2. I will have two motor mounts possibly replaced. Motor mounts are supposed to last 5-7 years according to the literature. 16 years won't be too bad.
3. The lower front control arms will be replaced. I live in an area festooned with tail gating drivers, speed bumps, and unmaintained roads. I tried to anticipate the speed bumps with lifetime alignment with Firestone. However, when the control arms go . . . Local fire department gave council testimony that doing 15 mph over speed bumps will break the frame of a fire truck and stop putting all around. I responded by writing that the city council members should have speed bumps put on their streets.

I know that the owner of the repair shop can do the job. However, I don't know about the mechanic. Google is my friend. I gave the owner the information about the car, in writing, the torque settings on tightening the bolts and a video on how to replace the lower control arms on my model of car.


For the frugal among us:
1. there is now equipment which will permit flushing of fuel injectors without having to go through the former practice of removing car parts;
2. your catalytic converter is either bolted on (mine) or welded on. Before you spend thousands to replace the same, rinse it out with a soapy solution. You have to take it off to be able to soak it.

Something has come up that requires my driving an extra 500 miles every couple of weeks. Did it last week and have to do it again this week.

1. I took the car in Monday morning for a tire inspection. The front tires are starting to go. Very knowledgeable manager at Costco. Recommended just wearing them out and coming in shortly before the 5 year limitation on proration in a few months to learn if I can get a proration.

2. checking the fluid levels this afternoon, including the battery fluid.

3. The mileage will be all desert driving. Was 111 degrees Fahrenheit where I drove with no service facilities between major cities.

Just a reminder that with the lifting of mandated restrictions, there will be more of my moron/speeding/reckless drivers on the road. At one point, I simply got off the road on Sunday, into air conditioning, drank some liquids and read a book. Nothing is worth losing your life over - like getting home 15 minutes early.