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Chillbro Baggins posted:Is there an AI Discord server? I have a 2003 cop car with a bad ECU (I assume, replaced all the plugs and coils to no effect, it was an acting V6 when I last drove it 3 years ago.) I can now afford to fix it. Needs a battery, brain box, new gas, anything I'm missing? Do I need the paperwork to renew the long-lapsed Texas registration, of can they look it up from the license plate? There's a slack server https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3929482
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Aug 9, 2020 05:12
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| # ? May 15, 2024 17:34 |
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I just bought an 04 Tacoma, the previous owner appears to have cared more about aesthetics than practical concerns. It's got some E: figured out what lift previous owner put in. EE: So more reading indicates spacers are basically raise up giving better clearance but aren't great for off road/ rough forestry roads? I might be better off with an adjustable strut kit, which is going to be pricey? gently caress. Outrail fucked around with this message at 07:14 on Aug 9, 2020 |
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Aug 9, 2020 06:20
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Chillbro Baggins posted:Is there an AI Discord server? I have a 2003 cop car with a bad ECU (I assume, replaced all the plugs and coils to no effect, it was an acting V6 when I last drove it 3 years ago.) I can now afford to fix it. Needs a battery, brain box, new gas, anything I'm missing? Do I need the paperwork to renew the long-lapsed Texas registration, of can they look it up from the license plate? No offense but sounds like it's missing a proper diagnosis before swapping the ECU.
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Aug 9, 2020 07:33
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spankmeister posted:No offense but sounds like it's missing a proper diagnosis before swapping the ECU. Seconding this. "brain boxes" aka PCMs generally do not fail.
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Aug 9, 2020 16:47
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I think there are a few cars that are actually known to. The good news is a Crown Vic ECU shouldn't be expensive, there have to be tons of them.
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Aug 9, 2020 17:50
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Charles posted:I think there are a few cars that are actually known to. The good news is a Crown Vic ECU shouldn't be expensive, there have to be tons of them. Yeah, off hand, 80s Hondas, some toyotas of that vintage and capacitor failures, early 24Valve cummins engines with corrupting the rom, Dodge 4.7s that wouldn't communicate over OBD with scan tools or smog machines requiring a new pcm, 2.4 caravans on the ignition coil drivers, and 80s through SAGEMS british poo poo and non conformal coated pcbs, caps, and numerous other stupid nagging problems. I've seen crown vics with well over 500k miles on the original pcm. Shotgun parts at it or do proper diagnostics into why it's not working. cursedshitbox fucked around with this message at 18:03 on Aug 9, 2020 |
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Aug 9, 2020 17:59
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Charles posted:I think there are a few cars that are actually known to. The good news is a Crown Vic ECU shouldn't be expensive, there have to be tons of them. They can and do fail sometimes but the diagnostic process of "swapped the coils and plugs welp must be the ECU" leaves a lot to be desired.
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Aug 9, 2020 18:17
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spankmeister posted:They can and do fail sometimes but the diagnostic process of "swapped the coils and plugs welp must be the ECU" leaves a lot to be desired. Oh yeah I agree. Didn't mean to sound differently
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Aug 9, 2020 18:19
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cursedshitbox posted:Seconding this. "brain boxes" aka PCMs generally do not fail. And when you suspect they have you open them up. They either smell like fire and have a burnt spot, have bulged caps that are obviously bad or have water in them or the telltale stains that they had been wet. These scenarios cover probably 99% of all ECU failures, and you can figure them all out with a screwdriver, your nose and your eyes.
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Aug 9, 2020 19:01
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Were there any they suffered from the "capacitor plague" of the 2000s? I don't think I've heard of any. Automakers must have not used those suppliers.
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Aug 9, 2020 19:22
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Anyone know where I can get a decent quality re manufactured or, dare I say it new, rack and pinion for my 95 240sx? Recently mine started leaking and I don't have the space/equipment to do a rebuild, even if I could find the parts. I am worried about getting a crap unit and having a leaks or other issues down the road. The car has 200k miles on it and I think the rack in it now is OEM. I have had it since 2003, so I am not sure if it was replaced before I owned the car. I love my 240, but it;s gone form being able to get an abundance of stupid cheap parts, to me having a really tough time finding any. I would be cool with even a mom and pop rebuild shop that has a good reputation. MasterOSkillio fucked around with this message at 21:22 on Aug 9, 2020 |
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Aug 9, 2020 19:28
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Charles posted:Were there any they suffered from the "capacitor plague" of the 2000s? I don't think I've heard of any. Automakers must have not used those suppliers. I have absolutely replaced caps from late 90s/2000s stuff in at least Bosch ECUs. Probably more than that, but I can't recall off the top of my head. Not at a rate of the impacted Taiwanese manufactured ones, so they probably weren't using those manufacturers. But even outside of the cap plague, these thing have and will continue to happen. Electrolytic capacitors always have had this failure mode, and with poor handling or manufacturing defects you're going to see some amount of them go bad prematurely.
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Aug 9, 2020 19:39
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I've never owned a Honda or other econobox but now might have a chance to get a cheap or even free mk1 Honda Jazz/Fit with like 120k miles. Anything specific I should be concerned about in terms of catastrophic issues? It's really intended as a backup for when I repaint my Miata and for my parents to use until for a bit I use it in Mongol Rally or something, so cosmetic stuff or gadgets don't matter.
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Aug 9, 2020 23:34
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I bought a 996 Carrera 4 about a month ago - staggered tires. It had been sitting for quite a while on Toyo Proxies - the fronts were 10 years old and the rears were 4 years old. The car had some vibration around 70 mph which I attributed to flat spotting. I ordered a set of Pilot Sport All Season 4s and kept driving the car for 3 weeks while I waited for them to arrive. The vibration slowly dissipated; I wondered if the flat spots were wearing out back to even tread over the 1000 miles or so I drove during that time. Last Thursday I went to pick up the PS AS4s and get them mounted (at Discount Tire). They noticed a little uneven wear on the old Proxies but nothing significant. After getting the new rubber on, the vibration was much worse - theres significant shake through the wheel from 55-85 mph; definitely tied to travel speed and not engine speed. I came back and asked them to rebalance the tires. They have a Hunter machine. They tried this time without SmartBalance and said they got good numbers. The vibration is reduced but still there. I noticed the RoadForce option on the machine (I used to have to have my NA Miata RoadForced to get rid of the typical 60 mph shake) but am not sure what the difference is between that and the other balance options. If the wheels are balancing OK, does this just mean I need an alignment? I thought speed-sensitive shake was a balance thing, not an alignment thing. Is it possible that a wheel is slightly bent? Any other ideas?
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Aug 10, 2020 02:52
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Is there a particular thread somewhere about driver assistance/general high tech poo poo in cars? I'm shopping now and really curious about the different manufacturers starting to roll out Level 2 autonomy systems.
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Aug 10, 2020 04:36
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Yes, it's like a lava lamp.
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mobby_6kl posted:I've never owned a Honda or other econobox but now might have a chance to get a cheap or even free mk1 Honda Jazz/Fit with like 120k miles. Anything specific I should be concerned about in terms of catastrophic issues? It's really intended as a backup for when I repaint my Miata and for my parents to use until for a bit I use it in Mongol Rally or something, so cosmetic stuff or gadgets don't matter. I liked mine, and free or cheap is a good start. I dont know of anything specifically with them, rust I suppose, but getting it inspected can be worth it IMO. Itd be due for spark plugs if they havent been done. I forget the other intervals, but the coolant and transmission fluid might be due for a change too.
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Aug 10, 2020 04:46
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mobby_6kl posted:I've never owned a Honda or other econobox but now might have a chance to get a cheap or even free mk1 Honda Jazz/Fit with like 120k miles. Anything specific I should be concerned about in terms of catastrophic issues? It's really intended as a backup for when I repaint my Miata and for my parents to use until for a bit I use it in Mongol Rally or something, so cosmetic stuff or gadgets don't matter. I've heard bad things about weatherstripping and occasionally wiring to the rear hatch, but nothing catastrophic. Both people I've known with them loved the things
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Aug 10, 2020 04:54
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blk posted:I came back and asked them to rebalance the tires. They have a Hunter machine. They tried this time without SmartBalance and said they got good numbers. The vibration is reduced but still there. Go back, maybe to a different Discount - that particular store's machine may need to be serviced. The tech will know immediately if a wheel is bent if they just watch it when it spins up to balance (the machine will probably mention it too). They're confident enough that they offer a lifetime balance warranty. Also, look for a colored dot on the front tires. They should be roughly 180 degrees from the valve stem. Usually. And yes, definitely ask about Road Force. You might pay a bit more for it, and not all locations offer it.
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Aug 10, 2020 15:55
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Where would I find someone to make metal pieces like this: Trying to type in 1934 ford custom hood inserts doesn't get me poo poo, typing in Custom fab metal gets me everything in the world.
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Aug 10, 2020 18:05
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Update on debadging: luckily my car is white, so filling in the holes with white silicone caulk has worked reasonably well. Perfect? No, but good enough to not be noticeable unless you're specifically looking for it. We'll see how it holds up over time, and if it can't withstand the winter, I'll move on to bondo. I've another question. My apologies if this is for douchey assholes; I'm unaware of the etiquette around them. I want to put some exhaust tips on this Mazda since the existing ones are so bland. There's a weld-on set that I like, but I'm not getting into that. Can I buy a weld-on exhaust tip and secure it with a clamp, maybe something like this? https://www.amazon.com/Exhaust-Mate...97091356&sr=8-5  https://www.carid.com/borla/single-round-rolled-angle-cut-intercooled-tip-mpn-20251.html
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Aug 10, 2020 22:36
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Hi AI, this is my 86 MR2: I'm taking on its rust spots that have accrued over 34 years and have no previous fabrication experience so I've been learning as I go. To start with I've been working on the trunk before I tackle bigger things and I'm wondering how rust in metal seams are usually handled. At the corner of the truck is a previous repair with bondo mixed with rust that I think will need a whole section cut out, and water sitting in the seam has left a patchwork of connective metal and sealant beneath the rolled edge (the cut out section is what had previously rotted away):   I'm thinking my best option is to replace the entire lower part of the panel and rolling a new seam over:  Would this be doable without any special equipment and 22 guage steel sheet? I can live with imperfections that I can have professionals smooth out, but I'd like to at least reduce costs before I start breaking the bank
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Aug 10, 2020 22:57
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STR posted:Go back, maybe to a different Discount - that particular store's machine may need to be serviced. The tech will know immediately if a wheel is bent if they just watch it when it spins up to balance (the machine will probably mention it too). They're confident enough that they offer a lifetime balance warranty. Got a new to us vehicle and judging by the codes are original. Dots were placed all over the place from the stem.
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Aug 10, 2020 23:12
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C-Bangin' it 
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The Wonder Weapon posted:Update on debadging: luckily my car is white, so filling in the holes with white silicone caulk has worked reasonably well. Perfect? No, but good enough to not be noticeable unless you're specifically looking for it. We'll see how it holds up over time, and if it can't withstand the winter, I'll move on to bondo. You should buy the weld on tips and go to literally any exhaust shop near you to have them put on for like $40.
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Aug 11, 2020 00:44
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Am I allowed to say yuck
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Aug 11, 2020 00:50
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The Wonder Weapon posted:Update on debadging: luckily my car is white, so filling in the holes with white silicone caulk has worked reasonably well. Perfect? No, but good enough to not be noticeable unless you're specifically looking for it. We'll see how it holds up over time, and if it can't withstand the winter, I'll move on to bondo. Don't half-rear end it and get your car posted in the Terrible Car Stuff thread. If you're getting weld-on tips, then pay the money to get the fuckers welded on.
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Aug 11, 2020 01:13
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Motronic posted:You should buy the weld on tips and go to literally any exhaust shop near you to have them put on for like $40. On a side note, how is it that you specifically have answers to my questions in every various thread I post in? Are you just me, 30 years from now, after I learn all these lessons? Charles posted:Am I allowed to say yuck 
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Aug 11, 2020 01:59
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The Wonder Weapon posted:On a side note, how is it that you specifically have answers to my questions in every various thread I post in? Are you just me, 30 years from now, after I learn all these lessons? Gonna say I don't remember you specifically, but I'm in my 40s and have been working with my hands for a long time. I know a few things really deep, and a bunch of stuff really shallow. I like projects, and I do a lot of them in a bunch of different areas. I find that when I get out of my depth this is a great place to go to ask questions if you just find the right thread where the down the rabbit hole experts exist. But my first love is always wrenching on cars.
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Aug 11, 2020 02:14
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I'm planning a cross country move from NYC to Portland and need some help... My fiancee and I are deciding between shelling out $$$ for a pod vs slimming down what we own and renting a trailer. We've got a 2020 Forester, towing capacity is 1500 pounds, and Uhaul trailers ain't light. We'd basically be able to stick 600 pounds of stuff in the trailer plus whatever we can fit in/on the car (there'll be two passengers plus a dog, and two bikes). I do have a bike rack which sticks out >2 feet from the back of the car, so that'll need to be taken into account if the uhaul will even be able to reach the hitch. The trailer route is so much cheaper that I'm kinda pushing for it, but is it a bad idea? Uhaul says that you shouldn't exceed 55mph, but we were already planning to make a road trip out of it anyway, so that wouldn't be the worst thing. Other than the hit to the gas, is there anything I'm missing? I'm probably vastly underestimating how little 600 pounds is. Would the Forester be able to make this trip? It'll be in mid September so temps shouldn't be as extreme. Another option is I have access to a Suburban, but I'd need to fly out west to get it, drive it back to NYC, load that up + the trailer and Subaru, and then turn around and drive it back. This honestly sounds pretty fun. yoohoo fucked around with this message at 14:32 on Aug 11, 2020 |
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Aug 11, 2020 14:29
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Sell as much as you can.
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Aug 11, 2020 14:40
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Sell everything you can't fit in the pod. For serious. Your Subaru isn't going to effectively tow anything. There's the option of renting a gigantic moving van and towing your car behind it, but that's going to cost you more in fuel than it's worth.
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Aug 11, 2020 14:59
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The Wonder Weapon posted:Ah if it's that cheap then yeah that's worth it. I wasn't sure if it was one of those things where clamping was a fine substitute or if you really do need to weld them. Duct tape it on and save $40. Just don't let the exhaust get too hot by resting the vehicle for half an hour every ten minutes of driving.
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Aug 11, 2020 15:01
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Mr. Wiggles posted:Sell everything you can't fit in the pod. For serious. Your Subaru isn't going to effectively tow anything. There's the option of renting a gigantic moving van and towing your car behind it, but that's going to cost you more in fuel than it's worth. I'm definitely not interested in renting a giant moving van, the rental alone is more than a pod. I had a feeling towing with the Subaru wouldn't be the smart move, but wanted to ask. The plan is to get rid of as much as we can, but my fiancee has moved across country 4 times in her life and had to start over each time, so selling everything is a non starter. Regardless of how much we get rid of, there's still enough that necessitates a pod or trailer. I just crunched some numbers quickly and I could fly, pick up the suburban, drive back to NYC, rent a trailer, load it up, and drive it back west, and still spend ~$2k less than a pod. It's a lot of driving and hassle, but I don't mind long road trips. Am I signing myself up for something terrible if I go this route?
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Aug 11, 2020 15:10
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yoohoo posted:I'm definitely not interested in renting a giant moving van, the rental alone is more than a pod. I had a feeling towing with the Subaru wouldn't be the smart move, but wanted to ask. The alternative to towing the Subaru is driving it. One of you in the truck, the other in the car. My wife and I did that several times. Get some walkie-talkies to communicate.
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Aug 11, 2020 15:27
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AFewBricksShy posted:Where would I find someone to make metal pieces like this: This is the kind of thing you can't google for. There's maybe a handful of people in each state that does custom work like this, they're all older and not internet savvy enough to have an online presence, and they usually have enough work that they don't need to advertise at all. Your best bet is to find someone wha has had work like this done, as them who did it, and follow the trail back until you find the original guy. And be prepared to wait a couple years on his waiting list.
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Aug 11, 2020 15:45
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yoohoo posted:I'm probably vastly underestimating how little 600 pounds is. It's this one. That's the actual problem here. I'm glad I didn't have to talk you into that - sounds like you're already figuring out the forrester and a uhaul trailer simply isn't viable. yoohoo posted:I just crunched some numbers quickly and I could fly, pick up the suburban, drive back to NYC, rent a trailer, load it up, and drive it back west, and still spend ~$2k less than a pod. It's a lot of driving and hassle, but I don't mind long road trips. Am I signing myself up for something terrible if I go this route? Okay.....did your numbers include eating and sleeping on the road? And put in a line for "I value my time at $0 per hour" just to make sure you remember what you're doing.
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Aug 11, 2020 16:03
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Motronic posted:It's this one. That's the actual problem here. I'm glad I didn't have to talk you into that - sounds like you're already figuring out the forrester and a uhaul trailer simply isn't viable. Eh, coupla bumps of speed and it's 36 hours with zero cost for sleeping or eating.
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Aug 11, 2020 16:48
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Outrail posted:Eh, coupla bumps of speed and it's 36 hours with zero cost for sleeping or eating. Might need new fingernails by the end of it though
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Aug 11, 2020 16:52
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^it's not ruled outMotronic posted:It's this one. That's the actual problem here. I'm glad I didn't have to talk you into that - sounds like you're already figuring out the forrester and a uhaul trailer simply isn't viable. Numbers don't include eating and sleeping, but gas station food is cheap. Housing is going to be camping when possible, otherwise pull over in a Walmart parking lot and sleep in the back. Now doing that for 10 days out of 12 doesn't exactly sound ideal, but it gets me the hell out of the east coast and saves me some money.
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Aug 11, 2020 17:03
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AFewBricksShy posted:Where would I find someone to make metal pieces like this: Might try asking in this thread which deals in older stuff https://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3867802
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Aug 11, 2020 17:30
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In my area, there are a couple welder / fabrication places that I know do good work and I would go talk to them. they aren't car specific, and I'm sure they would know other places to check if they don't want to do it. You'll have to figure out who those people are in your area, though.
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Aug 11, 2020 17:42
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