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1500 questions
19
votes
3 answers
Can I connect wires by just twisting them together and insulating with tape?
My cousin replaced a instrument panel cluster of a car with another one that is very similar. He did it by cutting the original junction/wires block that come out of the instrument panel and attached the junction block/wires of the new cluster to…
Diego Alves
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19
votes
9 answers
Why do car starter motors draw so much current?
I understand that most car starter motors' power is rated between 0.5kw to 1.5kw.
Doesn't that mean that they are supposed to draw 40-120 amps?
(500 w / 12 volts etc.. )?
Yet when they start, they draw hundreads of amps for the split second they…
Andrei Grigore
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19
votes
3 answers
shifting stops when critically low on gas
I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota. It is a V6, 3.9 Liter, auto transmission. I have a weird problem that no one has been able to answer for me.
HOW I CAME TO REALIZE THE PROBLEM:
One day I was driving home and had to stop at a stop light. The light…
Linger
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19
votes
1 answer
Is this what is making my car sound like a racecar?
Recently, my car (2000 Mercury Grand Marquis) started sounding like a racecar: the engine became very loud. There's clearly something going wrong with the exhaust system. I'm trying to understand the problem.
I took a peek under the car, and I…
cheeken
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19
votes
11 answers
What's the best gear to leave a manual vehicle in when parked?
I've been told that reverse is the "strongest" gear, so in a manual transmission vehicle you should park your vehicle and leave it in reverse in the event of a parking brake failure. Others have said first or second gear are fine as well.
Is there a…
William
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19
votes
4 answers
At what time of day/temperature should I refuel my vehicle?
I mean, should I refuel my vehicle in the morning?
The reasoning is simple, in the morning the temperature is low and the density of the fuel would be higher and I get more energy per litre(or whatever metric system you use). But in afternoon, or…
RogUE
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19
votes
2 answers
Should interior panels be held together with cable ties?
I think I know the answer to my question, but I just wanted to be 100% sure.
I recently left my car in to a well known, certified Vauxhall servicing and repairs garage to get a new pedal box. I'll spare you the details, but if you're interested…
Darren Gourley
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19
votes
4 answers
what is round cylinder on top of classic car engine
This is probably ridiculous question but I can't seem to find a chart on google that explains typical parts of a classic american car. I always seen that round disc like cylinder on top of many muscle car engine . what is that called? PS - I am no…
nir
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19
votes
1 answer
If you change your oil with synthetic can you never safely go back to using conventional?
I know that sounds like a weird question but I was talking to my brother in law about oil changes and I mentioned that I almost always use Mobil 1 full synthetic. He replied, "make sure you keep using synthetic, once you go synthetic, you can't put…
Dean MacGregor
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19
votes
6 answers
Normal to leave nail in tire after a flat?
So today was that epic event of walking out into the parking lot at high noon, sun blazing, and finding out you have a completely flat tire. Skipping over the usual details about changing out a tire with insufficient equipment on scorching hot…
user2776
19
votes
6 answers
Is it Safe to Drive With Low Engine Coolant?
I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu and have replaced the engine coolant in it twice in the last six months after the low coolant warning light came on, and the light has recently come on again. The climate is mild here so there's no risk of freezing, and I…
MooseBoys
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19
votes
3 answers
What's the most environmentally responsible method of car parts cleaning?
I'll be the first to admit that this one has been hard for me. I clean cylinder heads, axle bearings, calipers, crankcases....the list goes on.
I want to be clear here. I am not talking about professional shops. I'm talking about all the people…
DucatiKiller
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19
votes
3 answers
What does under-square and over-square mean?
When building an engine, the terms over-square and under-square come up.
What do these terms mean?
How do they apply to engine building?
Which is better for what purpose?
Can you give examples of each and their usage?
Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
- 165,084
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19
votes
2 answers
Why did Ducati decide to use the desmodromic valve train rather than a more tradition valve train?
Ducati's use a unique method to open and close their valves. It's called the desmodromic valve train.
The desmodromic valve system does not use springs to close the valve, it uses the cam and has a valve closing lobe.
What are the benefits to…
DucatiKiller
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19
votes
1 answer
Vibration at idle, much worse after warm
My car is a 2001 Pontiac Firebird with a V6 (3800 Series II (L36)) and a manual transmission.
These are all at a stop:
When the car is cold, I don't feel too much vibration when sitting in it. (I mostly notice the vibration in the seat.) However,…
icor103
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