My MB dealer has mechanics that get top notch training. And, if they make a mistake, MB should cover it. You have to trust someone at some point. Mistakes can happen, I really haven't heard of an MB dealer blowing an oil change, or any work really. Now if I got my oil changed at Iffy Lube, then I would try to check it over before going very far.
————————————————- I don’t buy what you’re selling. The dealer I go to touts all the training his techs have to. They have a wall plastered with training plaques.
If you checked for a proper oil change how would you do that? From what I’ve heard from you about your mechanical prowess, your in trouble. Talk is cheap and doers do.
If you think I’m the only one who has gotten a dud to do an oil change on his car you’re kidding yourself. Until you watch your Benz dealer doing oil changes, or any work on your car, you have absolutely NO IDEA how they do it. You’re just trusting that they know what they’re doing.
And people wonder why I check all 20 lug nuts when my wheels have been removed after having state inspections done or any work that required the removal of the wheels.
END
jmonroe
But I thought “the guy” ALWAYS knew more than the vehicle owner.
I’m SHOCKED!!! At least he didn't write the oil capacity on the engine cover with a Sharpie- that happened to a poor soul who brought his Stinger to a Kia dealer for "professional service."
And I’ve mentioned the oil change I performed on a older friend’s E83 X3; the previous “technician” had screwed up in almost every possible way.
I have never had a problem because of an oil change.....I have never had an engine problem related to oil. Why would I waste my time and money and try to unload old oil when I have better things to do? Why would I waste my life doing an oil change that my dealer will do....and he will guaranty the work, or at least be responsible if something goes wrong. Would I prefer to save a few bucks and risk ruining the engine on a $70000 car? The dealer checks a lot of other things while doing an oil change too. It isn't rocket science changing oil on a car...you don't need a degree or anything to do it. It is probably more difficult making a good dinner...I can cook salmon really well. I don't even know why anyone would brag that they can actually do an oil change...it means nothing (zero) (nada) (zilch) in the big scheme of things. Get a life!
Well, at least no one got a "just wow" which I tended to get back when I engaged in this topic and several others. Some people can change a fuse; others take it to the "guy."
Let's agree to disagree about self-maintenance and get back to talking about washing machines, lawn care and the benefits of drive thru liquor stores.
Has the subject of hot water heaters come up lately? My dad needs a new gas water heater. The old one, something called a Supreme, is almost 30 years old. No leaks, just not putting out much hot water. I'm guessing sediment build up, as far as I know it's never been flushed. A plumber (does jobs on the side), that did some work for me in the past, gave me an estimate of $1,525 for a Ruud 40 gallon water heater with 6 year tank warranty. That price sound high? Probably get an estimate from Lowes. In looking over brand names, and reviews, half the reviewers on any particular brand will say they're great, the other half will say they stink. A.O Smith seems fairly well received. Thoughts/Suggestions?
Let's agree to disagree about self-maintenance and get back to talking about washing machines, lawn care and the benefits of drive thru liquor stores.
Drive thru liquor stores....I think that is a new topic here. Unfortunately, we don't have them in Canada. That might be a good business plan idea! Maybe you can buy a bottle, or open your mouth and get a squirt of your favorite pleasure.
Drive thru liquor stores....I think that is a new topic here. Unfortunately, we don't have them in Canada. That might be a good business plan idea! Maybe you can buy a bottle, or open your mouth and get a squirt of your favorite pleasure.
We used to have a couple of them here in Nova Scotia, one not too far from my house actually, and another at a store in Sydney, NS. Both of those stores were relocated during my time at the liquor board and the drive-thru did not transfer to the new location.
Aside from the rather dubious image of providing liquor to someone sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle, they were a problem operationally. Of course you needed a building that would accommodate a laneway to the drive-thru window, which most of our newer locations did not. But even if they did, having a drive-thru meant that the window needed to be staffed whenever the store was open, which added to labor costs. The biggest issue was because the stores were fairly large, it was necessary to have shelving adjacent to the window with inventory of the most popular sellers, essentially a second store within a store to keep the clerk from having to wander all over the store to find the product requested. So service could be slow if you wanted something that wasn't a good seller. I don't recall exactly, but I think a 24-pack of bottled beer wasn't available because it wouldn't fit through the window.
I remember sitting in with the clerk one day in the Sydney store just to get a sense of how they worked and it was quite entertaining. Many of the customers were cab drivers who were picking up something to deliver to someone's house, technically illegal here at the time, but everyone there knew about it and looked the other way. The other issue was when there were underage people in cabs, and the clerk told me he would not sell to the cabbie in those situations. But on the flip side, I enjoyed seeing customers roll up who had their dog(s) in the car with them. The clerk kept a supply of Milk-Bones at the window for those customers, who all seemed appreciative.
@Michaell said:
Let's agree to disagree about self-maintenance and get back to talking about washing machines, lawn care and the benefits of drive thru liquor stores.
I guess we need a topic on how to not run into the building after going through a drive in liquor store or a drive through pharmacy pick up too…
I've not had an oil change screwed up, but I have had "trained professionals" screw up otherwise fairly basic items.
When I had the Volvo at the dealer for a set of tires, they didn't get one of the valve stems in properly, and I ended up with a medium-not-slow leak. What really ticked me off is when I took it back, they wanted me to leave it and couldn't or wouldn't give me a loaner. So I departed loudly and made my way to the Bridgestone/Firestone store (it was a set of Bridgestones) and they fixed the tire, but had a little incident with their lift and my driver's door. That took a little "fine scale adjustment" to get the door properly aligned again, which thankfully the body shop didn't charge me for. Can't remember what I got from the Volvo dealer as compensation.
When I had the wife's Elantra at my local Hyundai dealer (this was back in NC, so no shower needed after) for its timing and serp belts, it surfaced a few weeks later that the serp belt was starting to slip pretty badly after a bad installation. Of course, by that time we had moved hundreds of miles so we took it into our "new" local Hyundai shop. I was pissed off at the situation, and needed a shower after being in this Hyundai dealer (several of y'all know the one), but they did at least get in touch with the dealer back in NC and convince them to pay for the repair to their shoddy serp belt installation.
The drive thru liquor stare I went to the other day was kind of a long shed building with garage doors on either end of the back half. The front half along one of the side is a bar/restaurant area. To order or pay, the bartender steps out a door at the back of the bar into the drive thru area.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
One way to generate work and income---from "The Drive"
On August 10, Pennsylvania state police held a press conference to announce that two mechanics from the #1 Cochran Hyundai dealership, in Monroeville, Pennsylvania were charged with two separate crimes for tampering with a customers brake pads. WTAE-TV Pittsburgh reported that two mechanics, Aaron Eager and Jacob Ciarkowski, allegedly damaged the customer's brake pads intentionally with a screwdriver, after the customer brought their car in for inspection.
Photo | by Yuriko Nakao/Getty Images
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Let's agree to disagree about self-maintenance and get back to talking about washing machines, lawn care and the benefits of drive thru liquor stores.
Has the subject of hot water heaters come up lately? My dad needs a new gas water heater. The old one, something called a Supreme, is almost 30 years old. No leaks, just not putting out much hot water. I'm guessing sediment build up, as far as I know it's never been flushed. A plumber (does jobs on the side), that did some work for me in the past, gave me an estimate of $1,525 for a Ruud 40 gallon water heater with 6 year tank warranty. That price sound high? Probably get an estimate from Lowes. In looking over brand names, and reviews, half the reviewers on any particular brand will say they're great, the other half will say they stink. A.O Smith seems fairly well received. Thoughts/Suggestions?
Sounds about right. Put one a little bigger (50 gal) by Rheem a couple of years ago. Don’t really need one that big, but the one that was removed was that big.
Trying to remember….I want to say it was $1,500-$1,750, installed….old tank haul away….all fabrication included.
Have to go look at the warranty, as I don’t remember, either. I do think it was way more that 6 years, though. It has some sort of gizmo in it that doesn’t let sediment form. Guy tried to explain it to me. All I wanted was hot water, so I kind of don’t remember the rest.
Given I cook only for myself, sometimes the GF, even fewer times when my son comes to visit, I only use my stove sparingly as I usually use my toaster oven. Not a perfect solution, but I have/had a 10 year old multi-function Cuisinart toaster oven. At the time, wasn’t the cheapest one out there, but it made a decent casserole, did a good job roasting a 3lb chicken with vegetables, did a pretty decent job searing a steak (with an aftermarket grill pan), and yes did a yeoman’s job on toast.
Although I wipe it down after every use, I do a really thorough clean every 3-4 months with vinegar and baking soda. Over time, some of the “gunk” just doesn’t come off. I guess I became a little to aggressive in my thorough clean, and one of the heat element guards broke off. Thinking it will work just fine without the guards, apparently I was wrong.
It wouldn’t turn on. Called Cuisinart customer service. Nice people…willing to help. So, if the element guards aren’t in place, the unit will not turn on…safety thing I suppose, but if I’m stupid enough to touch the element when it’s on, I don’t deserve to be left alone with a toaster/oven. Plus, it’s not like the guard is going to be cool to the touch when the unit is on.
No matter.
I asked if I could order the guards for the elements. They’re not user replaceable. I kinda understand that. User messes with installing some toaster oven innards, the thing catches on fire, class action law suits ensue.
Cuisinart warrants their electronics for 3 years. Obviously, I’m well out of the warranty period given to ignorant people like myself who abuses appliances.
But, it’s a flat $150 to fix it, plus shipping. I think I only paid $200 for it 10 years ago.
So, feeling like one of the dweebs in Dr. Rick’s Progressive commercials, I go about researching Toaster Ovens, visiting Best Buy, Costco, Lowes. Watch way too many YouTube Toaster Oven Review videos.
And, a week later, end up spending $900 on a “smart oven”. Don’t know how smart I am for spending that much, but it broils, boils, dehydrates, air fries, roasts, proofs, slo cooks, has a camera inside to view my meal on the phone while it’s cooking, it recognizes what I’m cooking. So, while just getting my feet wet with it, I dehydrated some strawberries (very good job), seared a steak to medium (did a great job), and airfried some potato wedges and zucchini chips (also very good).
Still struggling with the price, but I have 100 days to return it if I change my mind.
@Michaell said:
Let's agree to disagree about self-maintenance and get back to talking about washing machines, lawn care and the benefits of drive thru liquor stores.
The only drive through liquor store I ever saw is currently growing weeds, inside and out.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The drive thru liquor stare I went to the other day was kind of a long shed building with garage doors on either end of the back half. The front half along one of the side is a bar/restaurant area. To order or pay, the bartender steps out a door at the back of the bar into the drive thru area.
I have seen liquor stores set up that way. Mostly selling kegs of beer. The drive through liquor store doesn't surprise me, but the "Daquiris To Go" places do surprise me. Here in Texas we have an open container law, as I suspect is true in most states. How in the heck can you sell a daquiri at a drive through window when it's illegal to have an open container of alcohol in your car?
I replaced my hot water heater about 2 to 2 and a half years ago. That was pre-pandemic, so pre-crazy-inflation. I paid about $6 or $7 hundred all in for a 40 gallon natural gas unit, but I picked it up at the store myself (Lowe's or HomeDepot, I forget which). And then paid a local handyman to do the installation.
Taking a quick look online, it doesn't look as though prices for hot water heaters have gone up that much. Trying to find a handyman to do the installation is probably a lot tougher now than it was pre-pandemic. Labor rates are up, a lot, and trying to find someone to perform a hard job is a lot tougher.
I maintain several vacant lots on my block, it's good exercise and I enjoy seeing the results. Especially when I see kids out playing football on a nicely mowed lot which used to be an overgrown eyesore. Several of my neighbors have asked me if I wanted to maintain their property (for pay of course), but I'm really not interested. The interesting part is the cost. The average fee these days for mowing, trimming, and blowing a standard 1/5th acre residence is now $45 here. 10 years ago, that was $25.
The drive thru liquor stare I went to the other day was kind of a long shed building with garage doors on either end of the back half. The front half along one of the side is a bar/restaurant area. To order or pay, the bartender steps out a door at the back of the bar into the drive thru area.
Drive through liquor stores are big in Ohio. In our area, they are called "pony kegs". Very handy, but just like the drive-through at a fast food joint, you are stuck, once you get in line.
Well, at least no one got a "just wow" which I tended to get back when I engaged in this topic and several others. Some people can change a fuse; others take it to the "guy."
Go figure.
————————————————- And some test the patience of others and try to blow there’s.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I took one 4xe for oil change and tire rotation and they did the software recall for the odometer.
I took the other 4xe in for the same and they did not do the odometer recall. Weird.
Apparently if it goes past 13k miles the odometer just stops and the entire cluster would have to be replaced. Luckily it is only at 5000 miles so we have time. Odd to have to return for a recall though.
And, a week later, end up spending $900 on a “smart oven”. Don’t know how smart I am for spending that much, but it broils, boils, dehydrates, air fries, roasts, proofs, slo cooks, has a camera inside to view my meal on the phone while it’s cooking, it recognizes what I’m cooking. So, while just getting my feet wet with it, I dehydrated some strawberries (very good job), seared a steak to medium (did a great job), and airfried some potato wedges and zucchini chips (also very good).
Let's agree to disagree about self-maintenance and get back to talking about washing machines, lawn care and the benefits of drive thru liquor stores.
Has the subject of hot water heaters come up lately? My dad needs a new gas water heater. The old one, something called a Supreme, is almost 30 years old. No leaks, just not putting out much hot water. I'm guessing sediment build up, as far as I know it's never been flushed. A plumber (does jobs on the side), that did some work for me in the past, gave me an estimate of $1,525 for a Ruud 40 gallon water heater with 6 year tank warranty. That price sound high? Probably get an estimate from Lowes. In looking over brand names, and reviews, half the reviewers on any particular brand will say they're great, the other half will say they stink. A.O Smith seems fairly well received. Thoughts/Suggestions?
————————————————- That price you got is rediculous especially for a 40 gallon water heater.
I installed a 50 gallon A. O. Smith at flip #4 that we got at Lowes for just a tick over $700 but that did not include installation. There is no way installation should cost 800 bucks. I’d carry buckets of hot water from my neighbors before I’d pay that for installation.
Granted installing a water heater is more difficult than doing an oil change but with the quickie copper tubing connectors that are available today and a little mechanical ability you might be able to do it yourself. I’ve never used them myself, soldering copper doesn’t bother me, but somebody must me using them if I can believe the guys that work the plumbing departments at the big box stores.
As for warranty, if plumber we used to break up the concrete floor in flip #4 to installed drain lines for a basement bath can be believed, the only difference within a given manufacturers 6 and 12 year warranty is the money you pay extra for the 12 year warranty.
FWIW, he thought A. O. Smith from Lowes is a better water heater than a Rheem from Home Depot.
Take it from there.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
And, a week later, end up spending $900 on a “smart oven”. Don’t know how smart I am for spending that much, but it broils, boils, dehydrates, air fries, roasts, proofs, slo cooks, has a camera inside to view my meal on the phone while it’s cooking, it recognizes what I’m cooking. So, while just getting my feet wet with it, I dehydrated some strawberries (very good job), seared a steak to medium (did a great job), and airfried some potato wedges and zucchini chips (also very good).
The drive thru liquor stare I went to the other day was kind of a long shed building with garage doors on either end of the back half. The front half along one of the side is a bar/restaurant area. To order or pay, the bartender steps out a door at the back of the bar into the drive thru area.
I have seen liquor stores set up that way. Mostly selling kegs of beer. The drive through liquor store doesn't surprise me, but the "Daquiris To Go" places do surprise me. Here in Texas we have an open container law, as I suspect is true in most states. How in the heck can you sell a daquiri at a drive through window when it's illegal to have an open container of alcohol in your car?
Maybe you have to drink your "Daquiris To Go" right there, on the lot, in your parked car.
Given I cook only for myself, sometimes the GF, even fewer times when my son comes to visit, I only use my stove sparingly as I usually use my toaster oven. Not a perfect solution, but I have/had a 10 year old multi-function Cuisinart toaster oven. At the time, wasn’t the cheapest one out there, but it made a decent casserole, did a good job roasting a 3lb chicken with vegetables, did a pretty decent job searing a steak (with an aftermarket grill pan), and yes did a yeoman’s job on toast.
Although I wipe it down after every use, I do a really thorough clean every 3-4 months with vinegar and baking soda. Over time, some of the “gunk” just doesn’t come off. I guess I became a little to aggressive in my thorough clean, and one of the heat element guards broke off. Thinking it will work just fine without the guards, apparently I was wrong.
It wouldn’t turn on. Called Cuisinart customer service. Nice people…willing to help. So, if the element guards aren’t in place, the unit will not turn on…safety thing I suppose, but if I’m stupid enough to touch the element when it’s on, I don’t deserve to be left alone with a toaster/oven. Plus, it’s not like the guard is going to be cool to the touch when the unit is on.
No matter.
I asked if I could order the guards for the elements. They’re not user replaceable. I kinda understand that. User messes with installing some toaster oven innards, the thing catches on fire, class action law suits ensue.
Cuisinart warrants their electronics for 3 years. Obviously, I’m well out of the warranty period given to ignorant people like myself who abuses appliances.
But, it’s a flat $150 to fix it, plus shipping. I think I only paid $200 for it 10 years ago.
So, feeling like one of the dweebs in Dr. Rick’s Progressive commercials, I go about researching Toaster Ovens, visiting Best Buy, Costco, Lowes. Watch way too many YouTube Toaster Oven Review videos.
And, a week later, end up spending $900 on a “smart oven”. Don’t know how smart I am for spending that much, but it broils, boils, dehydrates, air fries, roasts, proofs, slo cooks, has a camera inside to view my meal on the phone while it’s cooking, it recognizes what I’m cooking. So, while just getting my feet wet with it, I dehydrated some strawberries (very good job), seared a steak to medium (did a great job), and airfried some potato wedges and zucchini chips (also very good).
Still struggling with the price, but I have 100 days to return it if I change my mind.
————————————————- For that money if it can’t do an oil change and filter job, I’d take it back.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I think the odds are with me at the dealership. I don't think they would keep a mechanic who can't do an oil change.
You would be surprised. Incompetent people are kept on for a variety of reasons.
You know what they say about being your own lawyer. Yes, the bosses brother-in-law may keep his job if he is incompetent. But, MB technicians get a lot of training, mine is a busy dealership, I doubt if an incompetent person is going to last on the job, and then I almost always get a survey after the work is done....that survey is very important to the dealership....they aren't going to mess around. You have to trust someone at some point in your life, are you going to do your own bypass surgery operation because you don't know how competent the doctor might be.....some have left their instruments in the patient you know?
I think the odds are with me at the dealership. I don't think they would keep a mechanic who can't do an oil change.
You would be surprised. Incompetent people are kept on for a variety of reasons.
You know what they say about being your own lawyer. Yes, the bosses brother-in-law may keep his job if he is incompetent. But, MB technicians get a lot of training, mine is a busy dealership, I doubt if an incompetent person is going to last on the job, and then I almost always get a survey after the work is done....that survey is very important to the dealership....they aren't going to mess around. You have to trust someone at some point in your life, are you going to do your own bypass surgery operation because you don't know how competent the doctor might be.....some have left their instruments in the patient you know? ————————————————- I was wondering how far you were going to spin that response. You bypassed the earth’s gravitational pull with that one.
You are so predictable and rarely disappoint.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Personally I’d look into tankless, but if going for a tank you can’t go wrong with a Bradford White from a plumbing supply. I’d stay away from anything at HD or Lowes.
I think the odds are with me at the dealership. I don't think they would keep a mechanic who can't do an oil change.
You would be surprised. Incompetent people are kept on for a variety of reasons.
You know what they say about being your own lawyer. Yes, the bosses brother-in-law may keep his job if he is incompetent. But, MB technicians get a lot of training, mine is a busy dealership, I doubt if an incompetent person is going to last on the job, and then I almost always get a survey after the work is done....that survey is very important to the dealership....they aren't going to mess around. You have to trust someone at some point in your life, are you going to do your own bypass surgery operation because you don't know how competent the doctor might be.....some have left their instruments in the patient you know?
————————————————- I was wondering how far you were going to spin that response. You bypassed the earth’s gravitational pull with that one.
You are so predictable and rarely disappoint.
jmonroe
No spin....just a direct reply to something I disagreed with. That shouldn't be a big deal, it just my opinion on the subject. Of course it is the right response, but you can add your theories on the subject. Preferably under 50 words please.
@tjc78 said:
Personally I’d look into tankless, but if going for a tank you can’t go wrong with a Bradford White from a plumbing supply. I’d stay away from anything at HD or Lowes.
I have two tankless. Only rare problem is when there is a power outage, you have no hot water. A tank heater would have 40 gallons (assuming 40 gallon heater).
@tjc78 said:
Personally I’d look into tankless, but if going for a tank you can’t go wrong with a Bradford White from a plumbing supply. I’d stay away from anything at HD or Lowes.
I have two tankless. Only rare problem is when there is a power outage, you have no hot water. A tank heater would have 40 gallons (assuming 40 gallon heater).
Very true. Also have to be careful what kind of dishwasher you have. It has to be one that heats the water because sometimes the way they fill doesn’t keep the tankless on.
Thanks for the input on the water heater. I did ask my plumber to itemize the labor charge, it's $650. Looking for an estimate from another family plumber friend and maybe one from Lowes. I do like A.O Smith better. The Bradford White is a good one, but much more expensive. Wouldn't be in the house long enough to recoup the cost for tankless. A friend of mine could help me install it myself, but with everything going on...don't want to mess with it
28 years on the current water heater. In reading many reviews, the consensus is, they don't build them like they use to, which unfortunately applies to many of today's appliances.
We replaced a Bradford White with an AOSmith 50 gal natural gas. The only reason we replaced the BW is it was getting old 14 yrs and wanted to be proactive. I would have no problem buying either as they both work well.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
WE replaced a BW water heater from 1998 in 2015 just because we were replacing the furnace and AC. It still seemed to be working but we figured on the 15 year limit and just replaced it at the same time as the other stuff.
Took the wife's MKC in for an oil change and tire rotation today. SA over to see me and said the lug nuts should be replaced because they were swollen. I have heard of this issue so I said ok. $150 for 20 lug nuts. He came back again and said there was a small axle seal leak but it was covered under the Extended service plan($100 deductible). I thought the ESP expired after 6 years but it is 7. Kind of a bonus.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I’ve heard of the swelling lug nuts too. Ford should have stepped up on those and increased the warranty time IMO.
I’ve never heard of swelling lug nuts, sounds painful. Does this mean the circumference of the lug nut increases which prevents them from properly being tightened?
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
WE replaced a BW water heater from 1998 in 2015 just because we were replacing the furnace and AC. It still seemed to be working but we figured on the 15 year limit and just replaced it at the same time as the other stuff.
Took the wife's MKC in for an oil change and tire rotation today. SA over to see me and said the lug nuts should be replaced because they were swollen. I have heard of this issue so I said ok. $150 for 20 lug nuts. He came back again and said there was a small axle seal leak but it was covered under the Extended service plan($100 deductible). I thought the ESP expired after 6 years but it is 7. Kind of a bonus.
———————————————— Did the dealer strong arm your lug nuts to the point of them swelling? What ever happened to using torque wrenches when you don’t know your own strength?
I’ve only heard of this phenomenon with Ford products. In any case it sounds like another cost cutting move by Ford on the quality of steel used for the intended purpose. Sooner or later they might get the idea not to fix what ain’t broken.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Regarding the lug nuts, it is a known issue. It's not just a Ford problem. I didn't ask to verify, I just ok'd their replacement. My wife checked them out, they are very shiny.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I’ve got a 16 year old Bradford White that the pilot light seems to suddenly have a problem staying lit. Each time I re-light, it seems to run long enough to heat a tank, and as soon as it shuts off the pilot dies and the flammable vapor sensor trips.
Could it be a thermocouple, or the FV sensor itself, or is it the gas control valve which would point us to a new water heater?
Regarding the lug nuts, it is a known issue. It's not just a Ford problem. I didn't ask to verify, I just ok'd their replacement. My wife checked them out, they are very shiny.
————————————————- I’ve only heard of the problem with Ford but any lug nut can be over torqued to the point of damage. I’d be willing to bet that if a torque wrench isn’t used when installing lug nuts they are either over torqued or under torqued. That’s why all manufacturers have a torque spec. It would be sheer dumb luck to hit the correct torque spec without a torque wrench.
Lug nuts don’t have to be torqued exactly to the required torque spec but it better be within +/- 10% of ideal if you don’t want stud damage or wheels that fall off.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I’ve got a 16 year old Bradford White that the pilot light seems to suddenly have a problem staying lit. Each time I re-light, it seems to run long enough to heat a tank, and as soon as it shuts off the pilot dies and the flammable vapor sensor trips.
Could it be a thermocouple, or the FV sensor itself, or is it the gas control valve which would point us to a new water heater?
————————————————- You could try replacing the thermocouple (they’re fairly cheap) but if that doesn’t do it you’re into control valve territory which is pretty expensive especially for a 16 year old water heater that could go at any time and may have already done that.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I took a 1974 Corvette to a quick change oil shop, don't remember the brand, in Huntington, WV back in 1975 or so. The oil hose came down from the ceiling in a retractable hose with a meter on the handle much like on a gas pump. After it ran for a while I looked up at the label for the hose at the ceiling and it said some spec of transmission fluid. They filled the engine with trans fluid. I yelled at guy to stop and pointed out wrong selection. They took off filter and ran gallons of oil thru the engine. They noted the error in writing and agreed to make it good if damage happened. Kept the car for several years without a problem.
Regarding the lug nuts, it is a known issue. It's not just a Ford problem. I didn't ask to verify, I just ok'd their replacement. My wife checked them out, they are very shiny.
————————————————- I’ve only heard of the problem with Ford but any lug nut can be over torqued to the point of damage. I’d be willing to bet that if a torque wrench isn’t used when installing lug nuts they are either over torqued or under torqued. That’s why all manufacturers have a torque spec. It would be sheer dumb luck to hit the correct torque spec without a torque wrench.
Lug nuts don’t have to be torqued exactly to the required torque spec but it better be within +/- 10% of ideal if you don’t want stud damage or wheels that fall off.
jmonroe
I'm gonna have to disagree with you here. 10% is a little too tight on that tolerance. Heck, torque wrenches vary more than that in and of themselves, and in most cases the way you operate the torque wrench can vary the reading by quite a bit. I would say, as a general rule, no more than 20% under or 10% over. And of course, this is a "dry" reading. If you lube them (say with anti-seize), all bets are off.
Comments
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But I thought “the guy” ALWAYS knew more than the vehicle owner.
I’m SHOCKED!!! At least he didn't write the oil capacity on the engine cover with a Sharpie- that happened to a poor soul who brought his Stinger to a Kia dealer for "professional service."
And I’ve mentioned the oil change I performed on a older friend’s E83 X3; the previous “technician” had screwed up in almost every possible way.
I have never had a problem because of an oil change.....I have never had an engine problem related to oil.
Why would I waste my time and money and try to unload old oil when I have better things to do? Why would I waste my life doing an oil change that my dealer will do....and he will guaranty the work, or at least be responsible if something goes wrong. Would I prefer to save a few bucks and risk ruining the engine on a $70000 car? The dealer checks a lot of other things while doing an oil change too.
It isn't rocket science changing oil on a car...you don't need a degree or anything to do it. It is probably more difficult making a good dinner...I can cook salmon really well.
I don't even know why anyone would brag that they can actually do an oil change...it means nothing (zero) (nada) (zilch) in the big scheme of things. Get a life!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I can only imagine.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Go figure.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That might be a good business plan idea!
Maybe you can buy a bottle, or open your mouth and get a squirt of your favorite pleasure.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Aside from the rather dubious image of providing liquor to someone sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle, they were a problem operationally. Of course you needed a building that would accommodate a laneway to the drive-thru window, which most of our newer locations did not. But even if they did, having a drive-thru meant that the window needed to be staffed whenever the store was open, which added to labor costs. The biggest issue was because the stores were fairly large, it was necessary to have shelving adjacent to the window with inventory of the most popular sellers, essentially a second store within a store to keep the clerk from having to wander all over the store to find the product requested. So service could be slow if you wanted something that wasn't a good seller. I don't recall exactly, but I think a 24-pack of bottled beer wasn't available because it wouldn't fit through the window.
I remember sitting in with the clerk one day in the Sydney store just to get a sense of how they worked and it was quite entertaining. Many of the customers were cab drivers who were picking up something to deliver to someone's house, technically illegal here at the time, but everyone there knew about it and looked the other way. The other issue was when there were underage people in cabs, and the clerk told me he would not sell to the cabbie in those situations. But on the flip side, I enjoyed seeing customers roll up who had their dog(s) in the car with them. The clerk kept a supply of Milk-Bones at the window for those customers, who all seemed appreciative.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I guess we need a topic on how to not run into the building after going through a drive in liquor store or a drive through pharmacy pick up too…
When I had the Volvo at the dealer for a set of tires, they didn't get one of the valve stems in properly, and I ended up with a medium-not-slow leak. What really ticked me off is when I took it back, they wanted me to leave it and couldn't or wouldn't give me a loaner. So I departed loudly and made my way to the Bridgestone/Firestone store (it was a set of Bridgestones) and they fixed the tire, but had a little incident with their lift and my driver's door. That took a little "fine scale adjustment" to get the door properly aligned again, which thankfully the body shop didn't charge me for. Can't remember what I got from the Volvo dealer as compensation.
When I had the wife's Elantra at my local Hyundai dealer (this was back in NC, so no shower needed after) for its timing and serp belts, it surfaced a few weeks later that the serp belt was starting to slip pretty badly after a bad installation. Of course, by that time we had moved hundreds of miles so we took it into our "new" local Hyundai shop. I was pissed off at the situation, and needed a shower after being in this Hyundai dealer (several of y'all know the one), but they did at least get in touch with the dealer back in NC and convince them to pay for the repair to their shoddy serp belt installation.
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The front half along one of the side is a bar/restaurant area.
To order or pay, the bartender steps out a door at the back of the bar into the drive thru area.
On August 10, Pennsylvania state police held a press conference to announce that two mechanics from the #1 Cochran Hyundai dealership, in Monroeville, Pennsylvania were charged with two separate crimes for tampering with a customers brake pads. WTAE-TV Pittsburgh reported that two mechanics, Aaron Eager and Jacob Ciarkowski, allegedly damaged the customer's brake pads intentionally with a screwdriver, after the customer brought their car in for inspection.
Photo | by Yuriko Nakao/Getty Images
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Trying to remember….I want to say it was $1,500-$1,750, installed….old tank haul away….all fabrication included.
Have to go look at the warranty, as I don’t remember, either. I do think it was way more that 6 years, though. It has some sort of gizmo in it that doesn’t let sediment form. Guy tried to explain it to me. All I wanted was hot water, so I kind of don’t remember the rest.
Given I cook only for myself, sometimes the GF, even fewer times when my son comes to visit, I only use my stove sparingly as I usually use my toaster oven. Not a perfect solution, but I have/had a 10 year old multi-function Cuisinart toaster oven. At the time, wasn’t the cheapest one out there, but it made a decent casserole, did a good job roasting a 3lb chicken with vegetables, did a pretty decent job searing a steak (with an aftermarket grill pan), and yes did a yeoman’s job on toast.
Although I wipe it down after every use, I do a really thorough clean every 3-4 months with vinegar and baking soda. Over time, some of the “gunk” just doesn’t come off. I guess I became a little to aggressive in my thorough clean, and one of the heat element guards broke off. Thinking it will work just fine without the guards, apparently I was wrong.
It wouldn’t turn on. Called Cuisinart customer service. Nice people…willing to help. So, if the element guards aren’t in place, the unit will not turn on…safety thing I suppose, but if I’m stupid enough to touch the element when it’s on, I don’t deserve to be left alone with a toaster/oven. Plus, it’s not like the guard is going to be cool to the touch when the unit is on.
No matter.
I asked if I could order the guards for the elements. They’re not user replaceable. I kinda understand that. User messes with installing some toaster oven innards, the thing catches on fire, class action law suits ensue.
Cuisinart warrants their electronics for 3 years. Obviously, I’m well out of the warranty period given to ignorant people like myself who abuses appliances.
But, it’s a flat $150 to fix it, plus shipping. I think I only paid $200 for it 10 years ago.
So, feeling like one of the dweebs in Dr. Rick’s Progressive commercials, I go about researching Toaster Ovens, visiting Best Buy, Costco, Lowes. Watch way too many YouTube Toaster Oven Review videos.
And, a week later, end up spending $900 on a “smart oven”. Don’t know how smart I am for spending that much, but it broils, boils, dehydrates, air fries, roasts, proofs, slo cooks, has a camera inside to view my meal on the phone while it’s cooking, it recognizes what I’m cooking. So, while just getting my feet wet with it, I dehydrated some strawberries (very good job), seared a steak to medium (did a great job), and airfried some potato wedges and zucchini chips (also very good).
Still struggling with the price, but I have 100 days to return it if I change my mind.
You would be surprised. Incompetent people are kept on for a variety of reasons.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The only drive through liquor store I ever saw is currently growing weeds, inside and out.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Taking a quick look online, it doesn't look as though prices for hot water heaters have gone up that much. Trying to find a handyman to do the installation is probably a lot tougher now than it was pre-pandemic. Labor rates are up, a lot, and trying to find someone to perform a hard job is a lot tougher.
I maintain several vacant lots on my block, it's good exercise and I enjoy seeing the results. Especially when I see kids out playing football on a nicely mowed lot which used to be an overgrown eyesore. Several of my neighbors have asked me if I wanted to maintain their property (for pay of course), but I'm really not interested. The interesting part is the cost. The average fee these days for mowing, trimming, and blowing a standard 1/5th acre residence is now $45 here. 10 years ago, that was $25.
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And some test the patience of others and try to blow there’s.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I took one 4xe for oil change and tire rotation and they did the software recall for the odometer.
I took the other 4xe in for the same and they did not do the odometer recall. Weird.
Apparently if it goes past 13k miles the odometer just stops and the entire cluster would have to be replaced. Luckily it is only at 5000 miles so we have time. Odd to have to return for a recall though.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
That price you got is rediculous especially for a 40 gallon water heater.
I installed a 50 gallon A. O. Smith at flip #4 that we got at Lowes for just a tick over $700 but that did not include installation. There is no way installation should cost 800 bucks. I’d carry buckets of hot water from my neighbors before I’d pay that for installation.
Granted installing a water heater is more difficult than doing an oil change but with the quickie copper tubing connectors that are available today and a little mechanical ability you might be able to do it yourself. I’ve never used them myself, soldering copper doesn’t bother me, but somebody must me using them if I can believe the guys that work the plumbing departments at the big box stores.
As for warranty, if plumber we used to break up the concrete floor in flip #4 to installed drain lines for a basement bath can be believed, the only difference within a given manufacturers 6 and 12 year warranty is the money you pay extra for the 12 year warranty.
FWIW, he thought A. O. Smith from Lowes is a better water heater than a Rheem from Home Depot.
Take it from there.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
For that money if it can’t do an oil change and filter job, I’d take it back.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
You would be surprised. Incompetent people are kept on for a variety of reasons.
You know what they say about being your own lawyer. Yes, the bosses brother-in-law may keep his job if he is incompetent. But, MB technicians get a lot of training, mine is a busy dealership, I doubt if an incompetent person is going to last on the job, and then I almost always get a survey after the work is done....that survey is very important to the dealership....they aren't going to mess around. You have to trust someone at some point in your life, are you going to do your own bypass surgery operation because you don't know how competent the doctor might be.....some have left their instruments in the patient you know?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
————————————————-
I was wondering how far you were going to spin that response. You bypassed the earth’s gravitational pull with that one.
You are so predictable and rarely disappoint.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I was wondering how far you were going to spin that response. You bypassed the earth’s gravitational pull with that one.
You are so predictable and rarely disappoint.
jmonroe
No spin....just a direct reply to something I disagreed with. That shouldn't be a big deal, it just my opinion on the subject. Of course it is the right response, but you can add your theories on the subject. Preferably under 50 words please.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have two tankless. Only rare problem is when there is a power outage, you have no hot water. A tank heater would have 40 gallons (assuming 40 gallon heater).
Very true. Also have to be careful what kind of dishwasher you have. It has to be one that heats the water because sometimes the way they fill doesn’t keep the tankless on.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Thanks for the input on the water heater. I did ask my plumber to itemize the labor charge, it's $650. Looking for an estimate from another family plumber friend and maybe one from Lowes. I do like A.O Smith better. The Bradford White is a good one, but much more expensive. Wouldn't be in the house long enough to recoup the cost for tankless. A friend of mine could help me install it myself, but with everything going on...don't want to mess with it
28 years on the current water heater. In reading many reviews, the consensus is, they don't build them like they use to, which unfortunately applies to many of today's appliances.
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2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
It still seemed to be working but we figured on the 15 year limit and just replaced it at the same time as the other stuff.
Took the wife's MKC in for an oil change and tire rotation today.
SA over to see me and said the lug nuts should be replaced because they were swollen.
I have heard of this issue so I said ok. $150 for 20 lug nuts.
He came back again and said there was a small axle seal leak but it was covered under the Extended service plan($100 deductible).
I thought the ESP expired after 6 years but it is 7. Kind of a bonus.
I’ve heard of the swelling lug nuts too. Ford should have stepped up on those and increased the warranty time IMO.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I got 20 out of mine at the old house and was extremely thankful! 28 is unheard of
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Did the dealer strong arm your lug nuts to the point of them swelling? What ever happened to using torque wrenches when you don’t know your own strength?
I’ve only heard of this phenomenon with Ford products. In any case it sounds like another cost cutting move by Ford on the quality of steel used for the intended purpose. Sooner or later they might get the idea not to fix what ain’t broken.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I didn't ask to verify, I just ok'd their replacement.
My wife checked them out, they are very shiny.
I’ve got a 16 year old Bradford White that the pilot light seems to suddenly have a problem staying lit. Each time I re-light, it seems to run long enough to heat a tank, and as soon as it shuts off the pilot dies and the flammable vapor sensor trips.
Could it be a thermocouple, or the FV sensor itself, or is it the gas control valve which would point us to a new water heater?
Nobody is going to say “I hate it when my nuts swell”?
I’ve only heard of the problem with Ford but any lug nut can be over torqued to the point of damage. I’d be willing to bet that if a torque wrench isn’t used when installing lug nuts they are either over torqued or under torqued. That’s why all manufacturers have a torque spec. It would be sheer dumb luck to hit the correct torque spec without a torque wrench.
Lug nuts don’t have to be torqued exactly to the required torque spec but it better be within +/- 10% of ideal if you don’t want stud damage or wheels that fall off.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I don’t know where you’re from but in my hood the reverse is true.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
You could try replacing the thermocouple (they’re fairly cheap) but if that doesn’t do it you’re into control valve territory which is pretty expensive especially for a 16 year old water heater that could go at any time and may have already done that.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I yelled at guy to stop and pointed out wrong selection. They took off filter and ran gallons of oil thru the engine. They noted the error in writing and agreed to make it good if damage happened. Kept the car for several years without a problem.