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No Brakes! Inside the Garage with The Car Doctor!
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Welcome to the Car Doctor blog on the WOR Radio website. Consider this blog your online car garage. Its the place you can visit to learn more about automoblie industry, more about your the Car Doctor, and most of all, more about your automobile.
Remember, you can always catch my weekly show live on the WOR Radio Network Sundays from 10am-noon. You can also send me an email here and I'll post some of my reponses online.
You can also link to my latest show podcasts and Motoring Minutes by clicking here. |
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FRIDAY 05/09/2008 05:01 PM
TGIF
Friday ends the week very quiet and calm, sometimes a good thing. All the cars are gone, the bays are empty. They seem to be breathing a sigh of relief from the hectic pace of the work week. If you listen close enough you can sense the energy of the calm.
Saturday I think I'll sneak back into the shop and work on the 55 Chevy project. The heater box and duct work are next on my list of to do. After that I can clean and paint the brake and clutch pedal assemblies and take them off the list.
Tune into the show this weekend. I will expplain in detail how to clean a throttle body and next week here on the blog post some picture of just how its done.
See ya on the radio
Ron
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TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, ETC :)
Good morning and welcome to the first WEEK of May
Today is Thursday and my first chance to post in 3 days.
Tuesday was field trip day. I was in NYC in SoHo at a production studio recording some spots for Bosch. They are one of my latest and biggest supporters, sponsoring part of the radio show and so on. With a name like Bosch I don't have to tell you about the quality of what they make. We use their parts day in and out here at the shop so it seemed like a great opportunity when the moment came to be. It was fun to be out of the shop for a day but I did miss the daily stuff and am glad to be back. Besides the crew here was busting my chops about me going "Hollywood" and all that. To make it worse the technical and brand managers for Bosch in Chicago; people that I talk to and work with to help solve problems on both sides of the phone, know I was recording also. I had to endure the kidding from everyone. (The price of fame; that and $8 will get you through the tunnel)
Wednesday was back in the shop. Kind of a quiet day. Some exhaust, a few brake jobs and service work. Nothing staggering on the oddball front, which is good for now. April was pretty brutal and we could use a "normal" week to recharge the batteries.
I did go see the hot rod last night, you know the 2 door 55 Chevy I am resurrecting from its 40 year storage in a garage since 1959. Who says garage/barn finds are so great? The doors are off and the jambs are being blasted and painted. Once that is done the black paint goes on and then I get it back for final vehicle assembly. The basement at my house looks like a small GM assembly line, with all the sub assemblies I have worked on and made into small piles. I am trying to get the car together and out the door for summer cruising; we'll see.
Today (Thursday) looks good also. Some service work, a rear axle seal on a late model Explorer and we'll see what else rolls in the door. Let me go get started and I will talk to you later.
See ya
Ron
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MONDAY MAY 5th 3:32 PM
Sometimes help comes in from everywhere. I haven't heard from one of my lifelong friends Ray in a while, today he emails me and we exchange the customary info on whats going on. He reads the blog today and tells me I have the wrong day written in for this morning's entry. Thanks Ray, at least someone is paying attention today. (Does this mean my web views are down?)
The Ford truck from this am is getting an engine so that truck is a done deal. The funny noise in the Tahoe was indeed the right front wheel bearing ready to seperate. Gus and Kris are finishing up some service work for the afternoon. I am headed off to the dentist for a 4:00 crown replacement (oh, goody) so I have to wrap it up early today.
See all of you in the am
Ron
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MONDAY MAY 5th (not the 4th:) ) 10:39 AM
Good Morning
Today boy and girls we continue our fun at Camp RA Automotive by diving into another pile of broken cars. :)
A 1990 Ford F150 with a shudder and shake on take-off is first up for the drivability stuff this week. Started with it at 8:00 and already have it nailed. Dead hole on #8 cylinder so it becomes engine time or replace the truck. Not sure which the owner will want to do, the rest of the vehicle is ok so it may be a hard decision. With cranking compression of 30lbs and 123,842 miles on the vehicle the choice of repair or replace the engine is mute. Do it all if you're going to do it and be done with it.
Gus is replacing a radiator in a 1998 Toyota Camry with almost 200,000 miles on it and the job is moving along steady. I have to tear down the right front corner of a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe with what I believe is a bad wheel bearing. The top of the tire moves in and out almost an 1 1/2. This could be ugly, I may poost some pictures so come back later
See ya
Ron
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FRIDAY MAY 2cnd 10:14 AM
TGIF Baby!
Friday is always interesting in a repair shop. The energy for the week is winding down hopefully so the successes of the week can be savored over the weekend. Just like your career or job, right?
Today I am hanging a catalytic converter on a 1994 Chrysler along with a radiator. This vehicle also needs 2 oxygen sensors, and boy are they rough to replace. The left side is upside down and tight in the exhaust manifold. Once I'm done with tea break I can hit it hard again.
Gus is in tire land today; we seem to have all these tires to replace all of a sudden so between that and the Chrysler it is a full day. All of the big work form the week is done, gone, billed and paid for. These four elements are essential to our success, especially the last part. Nothing leaves the shop "on the cuff" except for a very few customers. Money on the street is not the same as in the bank; collecting after the fact is a whole different career, no thank you.
See you at lunch or later this afternoon
Ron
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WEDNESDAY APRIL 30th 5:34 PM
I am at a stop point. The timing belt is all assembled as well as the front covers. Note the picture above. This is without the top covers on so you can see how the belt is routed. I will post the final picture when its all done and completely assembled. The job is hung till morning as I am waiting on a new radiator which has not shown up yet. Once that gets here I can final assemble everything, fill and burp the cooling system and ship the car down the road.
Looking ahead to tomorrow's work there is a diagnosis for emissions failure on a Chrysler as well as a gas tank to be replaced on an older Mercury Sable. Gus will stop at Nissan in the morning for some parts for the Altima (bad serp belt pulley) so by 10:00 am we should be hitting it on all cylinders and running strong.
See you in the am, have a good night.
Ron
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WEDNESDAY APRIL 30th 3:34 PM
Timing belt is all apart, here's a picture of the engine disassembled. The water pump is the center sprocket with the missing studs, even though this pump is not timing belt driven replacement now is recommended since tear down to this point is needed in order to replace it later.
I'm driving home in the latest drivability mystery tonight, a 2001 Hyundai that stalls at random. No symptoms or data to report yet, we'll see what the ride and morning diagnosis brings.
See you later
Ron
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WEDNESDAY APRIL 30th 10:34 AM
Started out the day by inspecting a 2006 BMW. First glitch of the day was when the inspection machine computer didn't talk to the BMW computer and the vehicle was not able to be inspected. Not surprising that there was a computer glitch; at last count this model 7 series has over 77 of them on board, depending on the options and accessories. When you think about the complications and cost to operate it sure makes a horse look good sometimes.
See you after lunch
Ron
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Wednesday April 30th 7:31 AM
Good morning.
The mad rush from the last 2 weeks has settled down to a dull roar; still there but not as much. We are able to keep up with the work load but barely. The cost of gasoline must be helping people make the decision to repair the car rather than try to replace it.
I am in the midst of a timing belt on a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder (yes, another one)(this makes 2 of the same in 2 weeks, we must be running a special deal I am not aware of :) ) I promise to post some pictures later unlike last time, I should have the time today. Gus and Kris have a full load of service and diagnostic work today so we should be humming along by 8:15 this morning without a miss. (I hope)
BTW, have you noticed the continued dopey things people do in their cars? This morning on the way in to work I observed someone at a stop sign putting on their makeup, making a left and drinking coffee at the same time. If she had a wireless set up and was talking on the phone it could have been the ultimate multi tasking and stupidest event of all time. Never mind the distraction of driving and doing something else; if that cup of coffee spills and goes in the wrong place in the vehicle chances are a computer is taking a bath. I can see the customer complaint now "I am not sure why but the car just stopped, btw, where can I get a cup of coffee?"
See you later
Ron
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AND 1 MORE!!!
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HOT ROD ENGINE PICTURES
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THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY INTO THE WEEKEND - OH MY!!!
The end of the week was a blur. I know I have said we have been busy but suffice it say I did not realize how much. I checked production totals and car count; in the last 3 weeks the workload has almost doubled. Now I know why I have missed a few lunches and am staying later than normal to get it all done. Makes you feel good to be busy though; a great sense of accomplishment and pride. The crew is working well; like a team with a goal in mind. This is hard to find sometimes in this day and age.
I hope you are enjoying the radio show and remember the podcasts that you can download for listening when you like. Bosch has just signed on as a supporter and sponsor so please return the favor and consider their products when possible. And not to mention 3M, MIchelin and all the other advertisers that you hear regularly on the show. I am fortunate that I have been able to be paired with such great companies whose products I do really use and consider some of the best in the world.
The hot rod's engine is coming along, I have posted a few pictures of it here today; this is a defining moment. A car guy considers this to be almost as important as when his children are born. Well, almost, no really! :)
It is 3 minutes to air so I have to go now and do that thing we call "The show". Thanks for taking the time to read this and I'll see you on radio.
Ron
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WEDNESDAY APRIL 23rd 3:00 PM
OK, so I'm late posting today. Let me tell you how backed up we are. Every parking space is filled, the work order rack is overflowing and the work keeps coming. I checked out front and up on the main drag, I thought maybe someone put up a sign saying we were giving something away; that wasn't the case.
Gus is all caught up with his work, everything from brakes to ball joints to service oil and filters. I am about 3/4 of the way through a timing belt on a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder that has been fighting me due to the rust on everything. Here's the procedure. See ya Ron
CAUTION:
- Do not bend or twist the timing belt.
- After removing timing belt, do not turn crankshaft and camshaft separately because valves will strike piston heads.
- Make sure that timing belt, camshaft sprocket, crankshaft sprocket and belt tensioner are clean and free from oil and water.
- Installation should be carried out when engine is cold.
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TUESDAY APRIL 22, 5:36 PM
Calm is creeping its way back into the shop. The throes of the death grip of WAY TOO much to do has settled down for the day. Kris has the Ford diagnosed with its misfire code, I am FINALLY done with the radiator and hoses on the Taurus and Gus finished everything in his rack. Tomorrow I must buy the crew a hot breakfast to help show my appreciation for the way they humped it today.
My morning will be fast paced again; Louis is picking up a customer on his way to work so they can pick up their vehicle, a 1992 Chevy Blazer that is, no has approached restoration. Dominick LOVES this truck and leaves it with us while he is traveling for business. This was a short trip for Dom, only 6 weeks. The Blazer came back from the detailer today so at long last he is set and ready to go. But without Louis in the office in the am, I will have to pull double duty; up front and in the bays.
I better go home now and get some rest, I will need it.
Have a good night
Ron
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TUESDAY APRIL 22, 12:36 PM
Kris finished his power steering pump but I am still dealing with the Taurus radiator and hoses. The heater hoses are very difficult to get to on this model car and well, it’s chewing up the clock. This afternoon we have to diagnose a running problem on a Ford van and check the brakes. Unfortunately the customer dropped it off with the gas gauge on E and now I have asked him t come back, go put some gas in it and bring it back for diagnosis. Hey, our time is worth something isn't it? How can you expect a mechanic to road test and repair a vehicle that is running on fumes? When I asked the customer said there must be 3 or 4 gallons in it when then low fuel light comes on. My comment back is in order to diagnose a running issue I need at least 1/4 tank or more of fuel. In my years of auto repair I have seen far too many inaccurate gas gauges and low fuel effecting how a vehicle runs. Common sense folks. If a running issue is at stake keep the tank above the E mark.
It has been a wild week. If I can post the picture later I will. A customer came in yesterday morning for a lube, oil and filter. When Gus popped the hood imagine how hard he jumped; there was a dead red cardinal pinned between the hood and the washer bottle. You can't make this stuff up.
Ron
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TUESDAY APRIL 22, 7:36 AM
Good Morning
We begin today 2 cars in the hole from yesterday. I am on one and Kris is working on the other. Gus will have to manage the service work (ie: by definition, oil changes, tire rotations and a repair that takes less than an hour, while you wait stuff) by himself this morning. I need to finish my radiator and hoses on the Taurus and the ball joints on the Mustang in order to get to the timing belt on the Nissan by lunch. All of a sudden we are very busy and more coming in all the time. Makes me think this is how it was at the Alamo ( or Wake Island) (depends on your perspective of history Im guess)
More later, let me go crank it up
See ya
Ron
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MONDAY APRIL 21 3:16 PM
Well so much for a gentle start...
I just went around with a customer that did not want to pay for a diagnosis and inspection checklist because they decided not to do the repairs that were found to be needed. "I didn't realize when I was signing the authorization to repair the car that it would cost me money for diagnosis." "I didn't have my glasses on when I signed it" was the other comment made.
Hey, wake up and smell the coffee already. This was a middle aged woman, someone that had been here once before. Has the lack of social responsibility we now accept from people made these plausible excuses? I think not. Look, if you choose not to repair your car somewhere that’s your choice. I didn’t need to hear how ALL mechanics charge too much money. Guess what? Everything is too much money. Because something is not affordable I don't condemn an entire industry. I accept responsibility for things I sign. I am over 18 years of age (way over). If you are too then face the world and all that it brings with it. Don't make your problems someone else's. But then again I should have expected a problem. The car was 6 years old, never showed signs of any maintenance short of oil change (and those were done at a quick lube), the back tire was scalloped to the point of dangerous, one brake light was out, the transmission fluid was black and burnt and well the list of things it needed was long.
Of course I explained to her we diagnose so that we have a direction to begin the repairs from. That way it helps insure our thoroughness and accuracy. By her admission she has had to go back to other mechanics more than once BUT they don’t charge as much as we do. So if I understand the world today it’s ok to make mistakes as long as you’re cheap enough each time you try to fix something.
Do you want it fixed right now or fixed right?
I am worn out already and it’s only Monday.
See you later
Ron
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MONDAY APRIL 21 10:09 AM
Good morning
The week begins...
I am still picking my way through the 1990 Mustang with check engine light and front end noise issues. The front end problem is nailed; bad lower ball joint on the right side. The check engine light diagnosis was slow due to corroded connections at the self test point underhood. They are soaking in some cleaner and I will be back to it after break.
Kris is finishing up his misfire diagnosis on the 2002 Toyota along with a safety checklist so I will report those results after lunch and Gus is working his way through the Monday mornings services. So far the week is starting to roll and gently come to life. I like gentle; the hard weeks always start with a bang and they take their toll on you physically and mentally.
See you after lunch.
Ron
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FRIDAY APRIL 18TH 5:05 PM
Suffice it to say we won the week. All the broken cars that needed to go are gone. A few leftovers for next week due to complexity and parts and that's about it
Looking ahead to next week I see a Jeep in the schedule that may need an evaporator for the air conditioning and an older Mustang with an EGR problem. Here are some links you may want to review about each subject and I will cover them as they come up next week.
http://www.familycar.com/classroom/ac1.htm
http://autorepair.about.com/od/glossary/gr/def_egr-valve.htm
Don;t forget Sundays show 10-Noon eastern standard time. Call me at 1-800-544-7070 regardless of whether or not you hear the show live at that time. Remember it is a network radio show covering the country with multiple affiliates in different times
See you soon
Ron
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FRIDAY APRIL 18TH 10:12 AM
TGIF
The day and the week are both rolling to a conclusion. I am putting an AC compressor in a 2002 Ford F350 this morning and diagnosing the idle surge on the Mustang. Should have more details after lunch. Gus has some brakes to do (what else?:)) and service work. We should be able to finish all of the weeks work by 4:00 and make it out on time by 5:00. Hustle hustle go go!
Carpenter Bob has returned today, he is going to replace his steering box on the 1984 Ford E350 van with 485,000 miles on it. Gee, the box finally wore out, imagine that? Doesnt Bob look happy to be here?
Talk to you at lunch
Ron
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THURSDAY APRIL 17TH 5:00 PM
Well, Thursday has come to an end. Here's the count so far this week for the BIG & problematic repairs that we have been talking about.
2002 Chev Malibu-Intake Gasket-Done
2004 Lincoln LS- Overheating-Done
1994 Maxima- 4 brakes, 2 struts, service work - Done
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee- Brakes, tires and service work/fluids-Done
2000 VW Jetta- Coolant loss- Water Pump failure-Done
And then there was the other 22 cars this week for normal service-Done
Suffice it to say it is a tired crew from RA Automotive that is going to crawl into bed tonight to dream of things other than automobiles BUT wait; there is still one more day to go this week...
Tomorrow I will diagnose the Mustang idle surge, the Chevy truck power steering problem and provide you with the end of the week wrap up.
Stay tuned
Ron
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THURSDAY APRIL 17TH 10:17 AM
The phone is going to ring any minute for t | | |
