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1500 questions
12
votes
3 answers
Why do Formula 1 cars use engines with many volumetrically small cylinders?
What's the benefit to Formula 1 using engines like a 3.0L V8 or a 2.4L V8?
I read this Reddit discussion on why it's not practical to put small many-cylindered engines into production cars. Cost mostly, due to the many additional and higher-quality…
Trevor D
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12
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1 answer
How do lambda sensors work?
Virtually every modern passenger vehicle today utilizes lambda sensors from the factory.
How critical are they to a vehicle's operation? How do they work?
Zaid
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12
votes
2 answers
Received frames from vehicles with multiple ECU chips
I'm not generally a 'car person', so hopefully I can explain this well enough to get some help here:
When sending messages to an OBD-II device, I receive one response in most cars I've tested. However, with cars that apparently have more than one…
Rein
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12
votes
8 answers
Tips for an oil change at home: cleanliness and disposal?
Drain oil, add new oil... find oil everywhere. It spills, the funnel is full of it when I'm done and drips forever, and I'm pouring kitty litter all over the driveway. If I had a proper garage this would be simple, but as a shade-tree guy, I never…
Jeff Ferland
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12
votes
2 answers
How do variable-length intake manifolds work?
I have heard many vehicle manufacturers have been using this to improve power and torque figures.
They do this by altering the length of the manifold, I am hoping for better diagrammatic explanation.
Shobin P
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12
votes
1 answer
Does stalling damage my car?
I sometimes stall my car, as I have a new one and the biting point is so high.
Anyway, someone told me stalling damages my car, but all it does is force the engine to a complete stop...
Does constant stalling damage my petrol car?
George
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12
votes
5 answers
Remote Key Fob working only inside the car (close to receiver)
I am struggling to get my Peugeot 308 2-Button Remote Key back to work. I noticed first issues when my Remote Key unlocked / locked the car after several attempts. Then one day it suddenly did not work anymore.
NEXT STEP: Change battery &…
David Kasabji
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12
votes
7 answers
Fuse box above battery melting
I have a 2001 VW Beetle which has a nasty habit of melting the above battery high voltage fuse box. I've replaced it three times already and replaced the alternator as well, but I'm at a complete loss as to what's causing the problem.
Apparently…
apaul
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12
votes
3 answers
Check Engine code P0420 Catalyst efficiency below threshold bank 1
After months of normal driving with no problems, my 2003 Honda Civic EX check engine light came on during a long trip. Got it scanned and it's P0420: Catalyst efficiency below threshold bank 1. They said it could be a bad catalytic converter or…
endolith
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12
votes
2 answers
Proper Jack Location
In general, where is the best place to put a jack to prevent damage when lifting?
Bob Roberts
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12
votes
1 answer
Is it a bad idea to use a Pozidriv screwdriver on a Phillips head?
Most DIY-ers will have experienced the frustration of self-inflicted screw damage due to the use of the wrong screwdriver type (or size, but let's keep that factor out of this particular question).
My research thus far indicates that the key…
Zaid
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12
votes
8 answers
Is there a trick to easily removing stuck rubber hoses off fittings?
Is there a trick to easily removing stuck rubber hoses off fittings? I saw there is a tool like this but I'm afraid of tearing the hose with its point. Is there a better way?
amphibient
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12
votes
1 answer
Charging battery after a jump start
A friend accidentally let the battery in his car run out by leaving the car lights on. He managed to get it going again with a jump start, but he wasn't sure how long he'd have to drive to ensure that the car would have enough battery to start again…
I don't use this profile anymo
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12
votes
1 answer
What is seafoam? What does it do? How do you use it?
Mech's seem to get a real rubbery one about Seafoam.
Is it just fuel additive, like something similar to Lucas Oil?
Do I just pour it into my gas tank as a gas treatment?
What will it do/help with?
rhill45
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12
votes
7 answers
The poor man's Start Interrupt Switch -- non-obvious way to disable starting
There's some idiot stealing similar cars to mine -- mid to late 90s Subarus -- in this part of town. The police are pretty confident that he has a jiggle key (the cars have been mostly recovered, dumped but unharmed; apparently he's just using them…
jscs
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