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Many manufacturers are changing their fuel systems to be able to handle 15% ethanol which the EPA was pushing for as part of mandate. IMHO, I wouldn't worry about it.
The ethanol requirement was issued in 2007 by the previous administration. Who remembers the "switch grass" hoopla. Environmentalists were the secondary beneficiary of the mandate - big agriculture are the ones that were appeased primarily. The "greenies" would rather see all fossil fuels eliminated.
Really? Didn't know that. I'll have to look at his truck the next time he plows my driveway to see it's a 250. It looks like a F-150 4x4. Don't know what year but. It's not new.
What does having electric power steering have to do with plowing?
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Ethanol is not good for engines. Especially small engines. To gas up my mower ($7500 zero turn), I have to drive 20 miles to a Marathon station that sells REC 90 (recreational vehicle 90 octane) gas. It costs more, but if you want to avoid costly repairs, don't put any ethanol into a small engined vehicle.
My quad wouldn't start 4 years ago so I took apart the carb and found the float which was brass was half coated in white from moisture drying on the float and needle valve. A quick cleaning and ethanol free gas and it was fine. Not so easy when you're 20 miles in the woods or have 2 out of 5 acres mowed and rain is coming in hours.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
"E 85 and the FARMER'S LOBBY"
The ethanol boondoggle mainly benefits large agribusiness in the Midwest as does 95% of the $35 billion farm bill. Most family farms get little or nothing except higher feed prices.
I read a story recently that stated that if E 15 becomes the law most car engines made before 2012 would be ruined. That includes ALL my vehicles.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I represent that influence.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
>
The 2011+ F150 uses electric power steering except for the 6.2L. The electrical requirements of a plow would could prevent other electrical items - like power steering - from operating correctly or not at all.
Don't fall for the sleight of hand. The real question is what has been done with the transportation money we have been contributing through the decades? It's been used for things other than road and bridge repair, just as in your example of our social security "lockbox" contributions. The road money is going for the unwanted choo-choo trolley in Cincinnati to run from the riverfront, barely developed, to the farmers market area, and to the casino, which is not making as much money as predicted when sold to the voters.
Who thinks that folks going to the Hollywood casino are going to park down by the riverfront except on football/baseball game day then pay $15 or more to ride themselves up to the casino. Nope! They're going to hop into their BMW, Mercedes, XTS and DRIVE there. But we're paying for a trolley in the hundreds of millions just to benefit realtors and investors who bought along the route when it was initially proposed. Give us that money back along with the money to develop bike trails cross country where railroads used to run here. Give us back the money for paths through the wetlands on the east side of the metro area.
We don't need more Taxes. We need an accounting of the misuse of past money. But we know if the government had had to ask for more gas tax money for railroads, trolleys, recreational paths, people would have said "No." So instead, they are doing like the State does by saying everything is for the schools; then when more money is generated, they reduce the other State funding so the schools get the same total despite the lottery monies or now because of the casino income.
It's all sleight of hand.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Hey, all us anonymous icons deeply resent the name calling.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Hmmm..... maybe you could drink the stuff. At 85% alcohol, that would make it about 170 proof. A couple of shots of that and you could probably run 100 yds. in about 8 seconds while doing backflips.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Come on, be a man, come out and identify yourself immediately.
Besides, you'll pick up 10 extra points (not sure what they are points towards) and you will be perceived as more intelligent...not to say you will be, but, you will be perceived to be.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
imid...you and I should get a beer and chat sometime.
We will get "nothing" out of the present government as to how money was spent. We can't get the current government to spill the beans on "Fast and Furious" (guns sent to Mexico), "Bengazi", IRS denying Tax Exempt Status to mainly Tea Party Groups and other Conservative groups, NSA Collecting data from our phones, emails, and the like. So if you are waiting for the government to account for the way it spent our gasoline taxes, better arrange to have your body placed in liquid nitrogen so you can be thawed out in a few hundred years when information might be released.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Here's a watch for driver so he can tell $#&* from Shinola
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
If you are going imbibe E85 gasoline, make sure you chase it with 6 ounces of antifreeze. It seems to be a very popular beverage served by women who need a little financial boost from hubby's life insurance policy.
Hey Mako, I never heard of a Shinola before...but I read the story and it is quite interesting. These are watches that are made in Detroit and are supposed to cost a lot less but are supposedly comparable to a Swiss made watch. According to the article;
They will now have an opportunity to own a watch of ‘Swiss’ quality that’s made in America and is an incredible value. All those brands who sell $3,000 to $5000 three-hand watches with a stainless steel case and an automatic movement will now be competing with something of the same feel with the difference being that the movement is not automatic but, instead, a quartz movement with 46 to 100 Swiss parts being assembled in a very special place: Detroit. Price: $500-$1000.
Hope Mike and Verdugo get their Shinola straightenned out!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
All points accrue and will be listed as credits on next year's forums dues statement.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
With my luck those points can probably be cashed in for a slightly used Rolex, warn by an elderly gentleman who only wore it to to the retirement home ball, held the last Friday of the month..
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Look what I just got...............
You earned the Eighth Anniversary badge.
Thanks for sticking with us for 8 years. +5 points
These points are really adding up, maybe instead of a Rolex I'll save them up and get a new ATS.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I just got this:
**"You earned the Ancient Membership badge.
Nobody remembers a time when this person wasn’t a member here. +5 points"**
I an one of only 35 that have been awarded this dubious distinction.
Impossible. Nobody has been here since before November.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I thought you were kidding about the "Ancient" Membership. Then I noticed the tag on my icon with my username. And I have one too. But mine says there are 36 of us total. Mine was probably added as an afterthought! making 36. :grin
What a sense of humor handling the question of the lost starting dates for some of us. Cute. This was my belly laugh of the day item.
BTW, do we qualify for the Ancient Citizen Discount now on our membership dues? Reminds me of the comments of a state representative I used to talk to by phone long ago. He turned 65 and said he couldn't figure out why he shouldn't have to pay for anything now that he was 65--making fun of some of the (us) over 65 who always want freebies. However, I like freebies.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Impossible. Nobody has been here since before November.
Ooops, I spoke too soon.
I got one too.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
"pick up an extra 10 points"
This must be a younger generation thing. Everywhere I go now they want you to get a "privilege" card of some sort for points or discounts. All you have to do is give up some personal information. I bet the folks who told Target their social security number to get a 5% discount are feeling kinda foolish.
Usually when they tell me that they will charge me less if I have their card I tell them I resent them charging me more and walk out.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
A state representative who wonders why people want freebies? Isn't he first at the trough?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You are most welcome. Watches all do the exact same thing, tell time. All else is just show. A $25K Rolex will tell time just as well as a good $100 watch, the only difference is what they look like.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
A two headed Giraffe, huh? Now why would I put YOUR picture on MY profile?
Richard
The future looks bright but as for hydrogen cars the issue is getting the hydrogen, takes a lot of energy to get it. As for more efficiency I am afraid that we are getting to the point where it will start getting less cost effective to make cars more efficient. There is only so much energy in a gallon of gas and each 1 MPG increase comes at a greater cost that the previous 1 MPG increase.
You will see more increases in efficiency by making the car smaller, smaller weaker engines or adding another drive-train like a hybrid.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I would think that would depend on the engine, my lawn mower has been running E10 for almost ten years with no problems.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
It's Obama's new stimulus program. Boost the economy by making everyone buy a new car by killing off all the existing cars.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
yeah but that 15% gasoline would put you 6 feet under.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
There was once a time when American watches were superior to Swiss watches.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Our grocery store had those loyalty cards. All you had to do was tell them you forgot it and they used the stores card. They since have stopped the card program and gave everyone the discounts automatically.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
This discussion got me interested and I looked up some American made watches...and there are some beauties. RGM ($2200 to $100K) and Keaton Myricks ($18K and you are put on a waiting list) are 2 American brands...great designs.
There must be about 500 watch companies - listed at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_watch_manufacturers
What were some of the big name American companies that were superior to Eurobrands?
About 6 years ago I needed a new watch. I was going to get a $160 or so Seiko or similar watch. My wife made me try on a $1200 designer watch...and though, buying a fancy designer watch went against my principles I knew from the first time I tried it on - it felt right. The band curves easily around my wrist, it has the right balance, it is thin, the watch and band seem as one...it is made right like a fine luxury car - it feels as one with me. My wife bought it as a birthday present, and I love it......sometimes you just have to treat yourself and enjoy the finer things.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hamilton has always made a good watch - they are now owned by Swatch and most are Swiss made. I really like the Ventura model.
My 40 year old son never wears a watch [clock bracelet].
U.S. made watches were considered really good at one point. I agree.
There were a lot of boutique brands.....Hamilton, Longines, Ball, Timex, etc made here.
There was a huge consolidation and SWATCH began buying up all the brands. They don't own Timex, but now those watches are made in China (at least their movements are).
Swatch started putting Swiss movements in all of the brands they bought since they also bought up most of the Swiss movement companies. Swatch controls practically the entire Swiss watch category.
Again, some exceptions exist. Some boutique brands are still doing their own movements as well as assembly, both in the U.S. and elsewhere.
But, chances are if you're buying a watch, it's made by Swatch, or Citizen, or Seiko.
BTW Richard, Orient makes their own movements and watches in Japan.
> What were some of the big name American companies that were superior to Eurobrands?
Ok in the 1800's american watch makers were making some of the best movements in the world. As railroads started to criss cross the US the railroads demanded well made high pressison watches from US manufacturers and they responded with some high quality watches. The "Railroad watches" that they made to railroad specifications were the top of the line and are very sought after by collectors. Some well known manufacturers of those watches were Waltham, Elgin, Ball and Illinois. Unfortunately most of those companies failed in the 20th century.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
> My 40 year old son never wears a watch [clock bracelet].
When wristwatches first came out men avoided them like the plague. They were viewed as basically bracelets. That being said I rarely use a wristwatch and prefer pocket watches.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
> But, chances are if you're buying a watch, it's made by Swatch, or Citizen, or Seiko.
My old, since retired, watch repairman made his own parts. That's an art that is fading really fast and that's a shame. I have a railroad watch that needs some work and all everyone has told me is that all they can do is replace the whole movement. Can't really do that since I don't think anyone makes a movement that is lever set.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Brrrrrrrrrrrr
Woke up to 42 degrees F this morning - had heated seats on in the car along with heat and a leather coat. We are certainly not used to this, that's for sure.
Another cold front is coming down here for the weekend, dropping into the high 30's. All the farmers have turned on their sprinklers to avoid frost on their strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, citrus, etc.
I still feel bad for those spending thousands of dollars on hotels, car rentals, and the like, for their winter vacations. Supposed to warm up next week sometime. Until then, away go the shorts and short-sleeved shirts.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
UPDATED PICTURE
I finally figured out how to put a picture of my CLS 550 where my name is. It was easier than I thought. Now I have to figure out how to post a picture of something, like driver and the other posters here do. It takes me some time, but I do figure things out in due time.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
While I wear an inexpensive wristwatch I think I might prefer a pocket watch also (If I wasn't afraid of breaking it and if more clothing came with watch pockets).
I still have my Grandfathers Illinois pocket watch (made in 1916) and it still runs (I've only wound it a couple times as it hasn't been serviced).
So your price is $30?
What one person told me he does for those occasions is give phony names, phone number, addresses etc. The clerk certainly doesn't care and if the corporation bothers to check you've already scored your tube of beauty cream.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I can't tell you how many carburetors I've replaced since E10 became standard. I've heard some radio "experts" claim that this was the biggest knife in the back that American consumers ever received. Seems the politicians knew that ethanol would ruin small engines and did nothing to warn consumers. The manufacturers were complicit perhaps seeing an opportunity to increase sales of new units or parts.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Nah, strain it through a dirty sock and you'll be fine!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Most of the younger generation just seem to use their cell phones if they need to know the time and it seems very few of them actually wear a watch.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Thanks to you and GG and others,....I enjoyed learning those interesting facts about watches. I have been taking my watch for granted lately.......I appreciate it once again.
I love Rolex's and always admire them when I see them in ads, but, just can't bring myself to spend that much money on a watch. At least with a fancy car people can see me driving it, with a fancy expensive watch I would have to keep raising my arm to rub my eye or my ear all the time so people would notice it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Most rich guys are like that.
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSzeBeuKlUp1mpiGtW1Kon-jjS76lXFlrHWLx-LpmCHFf94U3t1
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
At the big name drug store she first asked for our phone number. Then when she entered that she could see our name and address. If you gave a phoney telephone number they would know. Unless you gave them someone else's number, but that wouldn't be nice to do. Normally, it is against our policy to get involved in retailers silly games, but, in this case, it was worthwhile.......so far, until we start getting emails...though they don't have our email address yet!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250