A couple crazy ladies are coming our way
Posted By RichC on June 14, 2013
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1982 Mercedes 300D AC diagnosis
Posted By RichC on June 14, 2013
Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated (video/audio below). I’ve installed a new AC system (compressor, r/d & expansion valve) in my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel after a thorough cleaning and proper charge, but occasionally there is a clatter-rattle when at idle. The AC seems to be cooling just fine and I think the correct amount of PAG oil is in the system. It does seem that after it has been running for a while the noise goes away? What is it and is there a fix?
Privacy vs security when it comes to digital data collection
Posted By RichC on June 13, 2013
I’ve delayed opining on the latest NSA and whistleblower story over the last couple of days because I can see both sides and like most Americans , value the liberty our constitution protects, yet expect our government to protect us. It is a frustratingly difficult conundrum we face … or I should say, those we elect and “delegate that responsibility” in a digital information age. The balance is not easy since we want our government to thwart terrorism and espionage in order to protect our nation, 
but don’t want to leave the door open for those who abuse power – which unfortunately is the history of our species time and time again.
One of my primary concerns is that we’ve allowed private contractors and their employees (ie. Booz Allen and Edward Snowden) the access to increasing amounts of personal data under direction of the NAS and the guise of being necessary for national security. Some information we give willingly, some we are required give up (employment, banking and financial, health records, etc) and other information is being archived allegedly behind the scenes in large data centers. In the current case, the whistleblower (Snowden) left his position and headed overseas to tell his story to a foreign press which supposedly put U.S. assets at risk and which can be viewed as a treasonous act. At the same time, it is understandable that he might have a distrust of his superiors or even the U.S. press … and fears being silenced (a very real possibility). He alleged that personal data is of U.S. citizens is being collected and that private data could be being monitored if American citizens are suspected for whatever reason. The big concern is that government and politically connected public or private employees now have access to unbelievable amounts of information which can be legally (court order) or illegally used for whatever motive. Very concerning should the wrong person or coordinated group or party be in power.
Intelligence Community Comprehensive Nation Cybersecutity Initiative Data Center
From where I stand, there is plenty of evidence that our bureaucracy is not capable of acting responsibly when it comes to wielding power over private information … the recent IRS scandal among others come to mind. On top of the "recent" problems, we live in a world where the history of government officials abuse power. Thankfully our forefathers recognized this and created the U.S. Constitution limiting the powers of the federal government over the citizenry. For over 200 years this for the most part prevent our government from abusing power over citizens. Still even with “a constitution” some countries still failed to protect their people and in Europe brought the rise of the Nazi Party. It is as hopeful to believe the power-checked NSA data will be handled responsibly and only accessed for the purposes of combatting internal terrorism, but abused by politicians is unfortunately the more likely scenario (again, look at the IRS scandal or just think about the history lesson in the video below).
New specialty wrenches came in today
Posted By RichC on June 12, 2013
Oh new tools toys came in today. My lowball ebay bid on a set of Hazet wrenches paid off … and now I can set the valves on the old diesel.
Archive video: Oh how he enjoyed the garden!
Posted By RichC on June 12, 2013
My sister-in-law shared some of her cellphone video with me last week at the funeral and I enjoy remembering Brenda’s dad working in the garden at the farmhouse. This one is a few year old, but he was doing what he enjoyed. Great clip Chris!
Audi prices the 2014 TDI diesel line up in the U.S.
Posted By RichC on June 11, 2013
So you really would like a Audi TDI diesel? (I nod my head yes) Well it’s not going to be cheap. Here are the 2014 prices for their A6 TDI, A7 TDI, and Q5 TDI as shared by Motor Authority.
- 2014 Audi A6 TDI starts at $57,500 — 24 mpg city/38 mpg highway for 29 mpg combined.
- 2014 Audi A7 TDI starts at $66,900 – fuel economy exactly the same as the A6.
- 2014 Audi Q5 TDI SUV starts at $46,500 — 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for 27 mpg combined
All three Audi diesels come standard with quattro all-wheel drive, and will begin arriving in the U.S. in late summer 2013.
If you’re looking for a smaller, more efficient Audi diesel, the A4 TDI is on the way, but it won’t come until the next generation of the A4 launches sometime in the 2014 calendar year. The 2014 Audi A8 TDI has already been priced [$83,395], with estimated fuel economy of 24/36 mpg city/highway for 28 mpg combined.
A happy birthday to Taylor and my new diver certification card
Posted By RichC on June 10, 2013
My son Taylor and I celebrated his 24th birthday today since we were both at home. We went to Chili’s, a favorite spot of his (well mine too) and they treated him to a birthday desert … on top of ribs and of course chips and salsa.
Mail call was also interesting today as my new SSI AOWD diver certification card arrived. I don’t even want to tell you how old my previous card was … well you be the judge by the mop of hair I still had on my head!
Yes, I still dream about extended cruising on our sailboat
Posted By RichC on June 10, 2013
Encore’s sailing projects have taken a back seat to illness, funerals and wedding this past year, but I’m doing my best to do some project planning and research for next year. I received a reply from the Rich Boren, the CEO of CruiseROWater after I made a comment about his infatuation with fish tacos. In his follow up watermaker reply he return my wisecrack with a photo of “the best fish taco in Laz Paz, Mexico.” What a great guy, the kind that makes me want to do business with the company.
As for the water maker research, I’d love to have the ability to make our own fresh water from salt water when we go cruising. Not having to monitor or ration water so carefully is a luxury worthy of the expensive option and high maintenance in my opinion … and the modular design is the way to go on a boat with limited free space. Stay tuned … but for now here are the “modules” of the Seamaker20.
The 1982 Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel – brutally tested
Posted By RichC on June 9, 2013
I can’t believe Brenda wanted to drive the new old Benz on a 1000 mile road trip before I even test drove it on the highway, but she did.
When I checked in last week and asked how it handled, she said, “well, it wouldn’t go much over 85?” Huh!?!? You’re driving the 1982 MB 300D Turbodiesel 85 mph before I’ve even taken it on the highway! But then that’s my wife … lead footed, bold, confident and unafraid (crazy too!)
Anyway I was pleased that it made the trip to New York and back (Taylor drove) and that all was well, that is except little dampness on the driver’s side trunk pocket after the heavy rains. I’m not sure if it came from under the car (wheel wells) or from a trunk lid seal (didn’t look too bad). I check the oil on return after about 1200 miles and it didn’t change one iota … great news!
Also, my homemade cupholders worked great and don’t look half bad either … now for the 12 volt/USB plug adapter plate project (currently the cardboard in the photo to the left, where the ash tray would go).
Repost: The Passat TDI: all 48 states, but how many MPG?
Posted By RichC on June 8, 2013
Some road trips are more epic than others, and I’m excited to announce that we have a pretty epic one planned. Today, two drivers, Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger, depart from Volkswagen of America’s Herndon, Virginia headquarters in a 2013 Passat TDI® Clean Diesel. They’ll drive it 8,000 miles and pass through all 48 contiguous states over the next two weeks. The two friends are challenging the current Guinness World Record achievement for the lowest fuel consumption—48 U.S. states for a non-hybrid car*. If anyone can break the current record of 67.9 mpg in the Passat TDI, it’s Wayne.
He’s an automotive journalist and founder of cleanmpg.com, an online community dedicated to fuel economy. He’s set mileage records in more than 100 vehicles, including the record for lowest fuel consumption—48 U.S. states with ahybrid vehicle. Wayne will do most of the driving, but will share those duties with Bob, an electronics engineer with a history of energy and conservation projects. For the trip, the Passat TDI clean diesel will run on Shell ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel and Continental PureContact® with EcoPlus® Technology tires, which help improve fuel efficiency. The car also has a Linear Logic ScanGauge II® for precise fuel economy measurements and a Motorola® Droid® RAZR MAXX™ HD smartphone to provide Guinness World Records tracking requirements. Wayne and Bob will be stopping along the way to share their experiences on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels, so check in to see when they’ll be driving through your state. You can also track their trip by following the #VWTDI hashtag.
*Leigh Anne Sessions, Product Specialist, Public Relations, VWoA* ****2013 Passat TDI Clean Diesel (manual transmission) EPA estimates: 31 city/43 highway mpg. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.*
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.