Great yawning pranks
Posted By RichC on May 29, 2013
Repairing/replacing the Mercedes Benz 300D Air Conditioning
Posted By RichC on May 29, 2013
I’ve been accused of knowing a little about a lot of things, but not very much about anything.
This becoming exceedingly clear when it comes to understanding automotive air conditioning systems and I’ve been getting quite frustrated.
The first hurdle is getting over the “leave that to the pros” and “it is illegal to discharge refrigerant” comments when seeking advice when it comes to tools or components. The do-it-yourself-er is definitely at a disadvantage when trying to tackle AC when it comes to both acquiring supplies, getting advice or trying to learn about automotive AC. The second problem is universal when it comes to any project – the advice garnered from the Internet has to be considered suspect. Third, when you do find recommended products, they are packaged or designed for the auto repair businesses who uses tools and equipment on multiple jobs … not just the onesy, twosy most home garages are involved in. Even the online repair shop videos tend to discourage tackling automotive AC due to the expensive equipment and government regulations involved. Wouldn’t we all love a machine that will recycle the old refrigerant, pull a vacuum to dry out the system, add the appropriate oil and then charge the system with new refrigerant … not to mention analyze for leaks … but that’s not in the normal shop’s budget. Even the separate manifold with gauges and connections, a vacuum pump with the ability to add dye to look for leaks and help in recharging is pretty pricey for the couple times I’d use it. (but still might opt for one … and could donate to the CinciTDI toolbox?)
To the question at hand … since the R12 system was already fully discharged, I’m not concerned about recycling old refrigerant and I’ve already purchased the compressor, expansion valve and receiver dryer/accumulator … I need to tackle the next step of how to fully flush the old oil, moisture and debris from the lines, condenser and evaporator?
Q: Will the $16.99 A/C Pro Power Clean & Flush product along with compressed air do the job appropriately so I can put things back together with the new component prior to drying by pulling a vacuum, checking for leaks, adding the appropriate amount of oil (???) and recharging the system?
This Key Lime Pie photo was suppose to post yesterday …
Posted By RichC on May 28, 2013
I still don’t have my Postie WordPress plug-in working from my iPhone, hmm? So I’ll re-post the photo of the delicious Memorial Day pie that my wife made, since we still have one pie left for tonight. Mmm, it is THAT good … and a long with the corn on the cob signifies that summer is here.
Obama administration wants higher airline taxes
Posted By RichC on May 28, 2013
Hard to believe that the already high price of air travel (20% is already in taxes) could go up another $14 per flight.
May 27, 2013 — Another airfare increase may be on the way. But this time It has nothing to do with the airlines. The Obama administration has proposed raising the taxes on air travel by about $14 per flight. It’s a move the airlines strongly oppose. The administration says higher taxes are needed to help reduce the deficit, pay for improvements at the nation’s airports and add thousands of new immigration and custom officers to reduce wait times. The airlines think the higher taxes will backfire and hurt the economy. LINK
The grave marker for my mom on Memorial Day
Posted By RichC on May 27, 2013
Although Memorial Day is one where we remember and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom, this year I’m remembering my mom who died 5 months ago since her grave marker was set in time for Memorial Day. I think spending a little time there with my dad helped with closure for him (and me), although he admits it is challenging to be alone and to feel a purpose. Thankfully he has many friends in Sidney and several activities each week; between yard work this spring, church, retirement gatherings and his card buddies, he is keeping his calendar full. I stop when I can each week (or so) and my brother and his wife bring him dinner regularly. Still I know there is a void.
Evaluating the the interior on the 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D
Posted By RichC on May 26, 2013
One of the tasks on my list this Memorial Day is to evaluate the interior of the new to me 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D turbodiesel. Although for its age the interior is in good condition, it does need both cleaning and some repair. Unfortunately I don’t have the repair skills enabling me to do this myself, nor know someone in the area, so I’m struggling a bit on this project.
The primary issue is the piping around the material on the door posts and door frame. The headliner has held up pretty well and hopefully can be gently cleaned – same for seats, minus a few cuts. I’d like to re-pad at least the seats at some point, but for now they are ok. I might look into some kind of seat cover in order to protect them further? The Mercedes smell is prevalent (those who have owned a Benz know what I’m talking about), although I’m not sure exactly why? Glues, seat material or the horse hair padding the backrest of the rear seat?
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze diesel has arrived
Posted By RichC on May 25, 2013
I’m looking forward hearing more from owners/drivers of the new Chevrolet Cruze diesel that will be available in the U.S. It will primarily compete with the Volkswagen TDI diesel line when it comes to price, performance and economy … and according to a USAToday article, may beat them at all three. (I’m withholding judgment)
The Cruze diesel went on sale this month, starting at $25,695 including shipping. Until now, Volkswagen has had the mainstream diesel car market to itself in the U.S. The Cruze diesel is first to challenge it.
Cruze diesel comes only with a six-speed automatic transmission and is lower-price than the VW Jetta diesel with automatic transmission. The VW so-equipped is $26,325.
VW sells a manual transmission version of the Jetta diesel, and it’s less-expensive than the Cruze.
Cracked CCV hose: The MB smells like oil
Posted By RichC on May 24, 2013
An alligator/turtle relationship and an old Army airfield
Posted By RichC on May 24, 2013
Location: Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Townsend, GA, USA
Photographer: Mary Ellen Urbanski was at Bluebill Pond when she saw what she thought was an alligator sunning itself on a stump.
On a side note and as an interest to aviation history buffs, the “now” Harris Neck NWR was once a WW2 Army airfield for P-39 and P-40 fighter planes… and according to reports used by the Navy anti-sub blimps for touch and go landings – link.
Time to call Gary Gerber for lube and diesel oil advice
Posted By RichC on May 23, 2013
In keeping with a slow once-over on the new to me 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel, it looked as if the previous oil change was not a diesel specific oil … meaning that it wasn’t designed for the additional soot carrying and lubricating characteristics often associated with compression ignition engines. Along with needing EIGHT quarts of oil, I changed the filter which is quite substantial compared to previous diesel or gas vehicles I have owned – our ‘87 560SEL Mercedes included.
I was really just anxious just to get the old oil changed and wasn’t necessarily focused on oil brand, etc. – that will come after a conversation with my brother-in-law Gary Gerber who’s in the lubrication business. He sells diesel oils and has all the resources and contacts that will help me find an oil (and maybe a fuel additive) for an old 5-cylinder diesel. (previous posts)
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.