Vaping on the Front or back Porch

[SteveS45]

So left home this morning at a little before 10AM to do the Drive Cycle Tests and when I hit the parkway set the cruise and wound up in traffic~! WTF? So had to drive much further and stopped as a store to browse so I could give the Vehicle a Heat Soak. SES light off now and no real performance increase to be honest. But 99% of the Readiness Monitors are in a Ready State. Can't get the AIR to pass even with 10 fucking Idle Procedures but it will pass the NYS Inspection with one not ready. Went to my shop but they were too busy to squeeze me in and I was going to check back at the end of the day but it was almost 90 Degrees so I know what it is like. Going 1st thing in AM and hoping to get run thru~!

 

[SteveS45]

So got my Vehicle Inspected yesterday morning and got my sticker. I knew it would Pass because I scanned the Readiness Monitors while doing the Drive Cycle Tests. All the time I was working on it doing the repairs I kept saying that I had no noticeable Performance Increase or Improvement. But after I got all my errands BS done I took it for a ride and it was raining. When I was accelerating from a stop and when getting up to speed under hard acceleration I was breaking the tires loose. Definitely making more Low End Torque now.

 

[SteveS45]

 

[SteveS45]

So I Updated my Pixel 2XL to Android 10 this morning. So far appears faster. I always wait to see what the reviews are and will never use a Beta Release on a device I rely on. Anyone else using it would love to hear your thoughts~!

 

[SteveS45]

Today.s Harvest I am getting bowls of Tomatoes every day or two.

 

[SteveS45]

So I go to run some errands this morning and my truck feels like it is pulling to the right a slight bit and when I get home my Right Rear tire is half deflated~! I am tired of being a fucking Auto Mechanic~

Lucked out though when I threw the bumper jack under the rear of the vehicle and jacked it up I saw a little shiny piece of metal in the center of the tread. So I had a Romex Staple in the tire but only one puncture. Out with the plugs and done.

Having one of these from my shop is such a blessing at times.

 

[SteveS45]

Well it's Saturday Night~! Woo Hoo~!

Didn't notice my Truck wasn't running 100% and not sure how long it has had a failing Fuel System but damn it sure is running strong. Made a Sauce and bringing it over to my Sweeties for dinner tonight just have to stop at the liquor store and pick up a bottle of wine. Hope you all have a great night and stay safe my friends~! After I had enough of the BS all week I decided to just sit on the front porch this afternoon with a soda and vape~!

 

[Synphul]

Damn Steve, I don't blame you. Been through hell with that thing but glad you got it sorted and passed. Love that jack, wish I had one. Would definitely come in handy. Hopefully you can put the wrenches up for a bit now. lol. I'm still waiting on my caliper to get here. Fricken frozen bleeder valve.

 

[SteveS45]

Damn Steve, I don't blame you. Been through hell with that thing but glad you got it sorted and passed. Love that jack, wish I had one. Would definitely come in handy. Hopefully you can put the wrenches up for a bit now. lol. I'm still waiting on my caliper to get here. Fricken frozen bleeder valve.

Shit when I was under my vehicle today I said to myself.... Damn these rear rotors look like shit~! Need backing plates which I knew but man I am surprised I don't feel those rotors in the pedal. I will wait for time for new pads because I changed the calipers and pads when I got the truck, Never cut the rotors because I didn't have time on a Sunday but owning a Fucking Rotor/Brake/Flywheel Lathe, how did I not have the time? LMFAO!! All I know is I won't even Measure them with a Micrometer because of how nasty they look now~!

 

[Vape Fan]

I used to get 50-60K+ out of front rotors/pads on a mini van back when I drove for a living. Hard stop N go big city driving 117° summers. And we know front gets most wear, esp a front heavy mini van. Cheap ebay slotted/drilled rotors and Auto Zone's premium heavy duty semi metallic - no ceramic. I always true'd the new rotors to the car and the braking was always smooth. I replaced rotors and pads 1once a year and at the same time, when the slots started disappearing.

 

[SteveS45]

 

[Synphul]

Shit when I was under my vehicle today I said to myself.... Damn these rear rotors look like shit~! Need backing plates which I knew but man I am surprised I don't feel those rotors in the pedal. I will wait for time for new pads because I changed the calipers and pads when I got the truck, Never cut the rotors because I didn't have time on a Sunday but owning a Fucking Rotor/Brake/Flywheel Lathe, how did I not have the time? LMFAO!! All I know is I won't even Measure them with a Micrometer because of how nasty they look now~!

I miss having a lathe, I always gave fresh rotors a trim. These didn't get it because no access so what I get is what I got. Hopefully they're fairly true. A lot of times the brand new ones were already warped from being stacked flat at the warehouse. A few I flat sent back and said give me new ones, far too many passes.

Had a guy that supplied them argue it was the lathe that was out of round not the rotors. For one I knew the lathe had been checked somewhat recent. For another I tried to explain to him physics. That if it were the lathe or being mounted up cockeyed, it would never true up. It would constantly wobble. The fact that it did reach a point of true past the initial skipping was evidence that it was capable of truing them up.

If you meant the dust shields, not sure what truck you're working on. Those split design dust shields work out ok so you don't have to take the axles out. That's what I used on the rear on mine. Some reviews said they were kind of flimsy but eh, not really. I mean they're just dust shields, not like it's some sort of structural component. My only issue was getting them shoved past the arm that holds the ebrake cable and retainer for the flex line. It sort of wraps around it for a snug fit and takes some wobbling to get it tucked in there. Best price I found was amazon, $16 something a piece. Pretty sure I bought 2 of them individually vs as a pair, pairs were $45 lol. $12-13 cheaper buying individually.

 

[SteveS45]

Yes, actually they are dust shields because the backing plates hold the Parking Brake. After dinner last night we wound up at a Bar for a Rock Band so was kind of a late night and one of those rare occurrences.

 

[Jinx'd]

morn'n Steve, and folks.

 

[Jinx'd]

if you don't use the E-brake, don't bother with the sheilds. and next timne you have the rotors off, just remove all that crap. a lot of the times it is junk anyway =rusts to pieces.

 

[SteveS45]

if you don't use the E-brake, don't bother with the sheilds. and next timne you have the rotors off, just remove all that crap. a lot of the times it is junk anyway =rusts to pieces.

The shield do keep shit from getting on the rotors like if you drive thru mud. And I only use the OEM Ceramic Pads on my vehicle. Get them from GM Parts Direct dot com.

 

[Jinx'd]

The shield do keep shit from getting on the rotors like if you drive thru mud. And I only use the OEM Ceramic Pads on my vehicle. Get them from GM Parts Direct dot com.

they keep "some" shit off the rotors. lots of truck and cars don't even have em. just like the oil cooler/heater lines, but you have the remote filter, so.

do not drive through mud. shit on your rotors is the least of that problem. the mud gets all up into shit, and it never goes away. then, when it gets wet, and it will, it can take a while for it to dry. all the while rusting your shit out. i avoid road construction for this reason, and the rock chips.

this reminds me, i need to get my truck in the air, and spray my oil all under there.

yeah, ceramics are good.

 

[Jinx'd]

iirc, you have a 4x4 ?

 

[SteveS45]

this reminds me, i need to get my truck in the air, and spray my oil all under there.

Not a good idea because the oil with allow dirt and contaminants to stick to it and build up.

 

[SteveS45]

iirc, you have a 4x4 ?

Yes it is a 4x4 and since it is the LT it has the Auto 4WD Option. When I first got a Blazer with the Electronic 4WD I wasn't thrilled but now I love it. I used to like grabbing the shifted and manually putting it in 4WD. Ever have a 4WD where you had to get out and manually lock the hubs? Those were the days~!

 

[Jinx'd]

Not a good idea because the oil with allow dirt and contaminants to stick to it and build up.

um, no. its an awesome idea. the oil doesn't get thick enough to hold much. and it puts a laayer of rustproofing on the lines.
the very same lines that love to rust out, ESPECIALY on CHEVY trucks. have you had to replace any of your lines ?

 

[Jinx'd]

Yes it is a 4x4 and since it is the LT it has the Auto 4WD Option. When I first got a Blazer with the Electronic 4WD I wasn't thrilled but now I love it. I used to like grabbing the shifted and manually putting it in 4WD. Ever have a 4WD where you had to get out and manually lock the hubs? Those were the days~!

well, you plow, so its a must have. i don't plow, so its a "run fast and run far" away from buying a box of problems.

 

[SteveS45]

um, no. its an awesome idea. the oil doesn't get thick enough to hold much. and it puts a laayer of rustproofing on the lines.
the very same lines that love to rust out, ESPECIALY on CHEVY trucks. have you had to replace any of your lines ?

No one reason is because I wash the truck extremely well during the winter and get all that salt off it. That is why I was surprised when my Fuel Filler neck was Rusted. Although it wasn't leaking fuel when I filled up I was smelling fuel after a fill up. Then the Evap System stuck a code so was an easy diagnosis and repair. But that was when all the sit hit the fan with the P0171 and P0174 codes. Since I finally found it was the Regulator on the Injector Assembly and did the repair the Low End Torque is really improved. Funny how it was not really noticeable but the pressure was just below the minimum.

 

[SteveS45]

Once you have a 4x4 it is hard to not have one.

 

[SteveS45]

Instead of using oil as a protectant might try one of these products they make.

 

[Jinx'd]

the next time you are under your truck, take some pics of the lines.

4x4, me ? lol, no way hosie. only 2 times a year i would like to have it, i am just carefull then.

that rust reformer, it actually needs rust to work. i am looking to prevent rust.

 

[Synphul]

Yes, actually they are dust shields because the backing plates hold the Parking Brake. After dinner last night we wound up at a Bar for a Rock Band so was kind of a late night and one of those rare occurrences.

I think mine are basically one in the same, dust shields/backing plates. The ebrake actuator lever passes through a grommet in the shield and slips into the adjuster assembly with the two caps that the feet of the ebrake shoe rides on. It's not really held in by the plate, just passes through it. The split design is a time saver to keep from pulling the axles.

Agree, 4x4 is a must but I live in a rural area with dirt/gravel roads and ample snow in winter. 4wd doesn't prevent skidding but definitely helps in snow (or muddy driveways). It's not like suburbia where everything is paved with curbs and gutters. My old 83 had a 3spd with granny low manual trans, manual transfer case and mechanical lockers on the front. I miss that truck.

@jinx'd Yea those lines do love to rust, which is why I just replaced all mine. Looks like they've been replaced at least once already (maybe twice before) so this is at least the 3rd set of lines to go on it. Which is why I paid just a little more for the nicopp. That and most of the coated black or stainless kits for hard lines just have the 5 main lines, they often don't include the two lines to the back wheels. The nicopp kit included all 7 lines and it was only like $90 or something.

Couple shots of my old 83. One with a trailer, the other on the back of the wrecker after the lugs sheared off (thanks asshole for not tightening my lugs). Was travelling with my mom who had tires put on her van by the same shop, after mine sheared off on the interstate at 65-70mph I double checked hers. Thankfully hers hadn't come off but all her lugs were loose too. Around $4-5k worth of pre-trip work done on two vehicles, you'd think the least they could've done was tighten the damn lugs. Won't even discuss the poorly mounted alternator on the van that caused it to stall and die less than a mile down the road at the beginning of the trip.

 

[Jinx'd]

Syn. a word to the wise. if you are planning a trip, DON'T take your car in a day or 2 before you leave. take it in at least a weeek, 2 preferably. so "if" something happens, it will be close to home, and not out on the road.

 

[SteveS45]

 

[SteveS45]

 

[Synphul]

Syn. a word to the wise. if you are planning a trip, DON'T take your car in a day or 2 before you leave. take it in at least a weeek, 2 preferably. so "if" something happens, it will be close to home, and not out on the road.

True. I was on a time crunch and unfortunately went with a coworker's brother's shop. Which is why I rarely trust shops, want something right gotta do it yourself. Also a reason why cars shouldn't back out of a repair bay and get handed off straight to the customer. Whenever I worked on stuff other than an oil change or something, wheels, brakes, alignments anything - I'd test drive it before ever turning the keys over. Way I see it, kinda like the old arch builders. The person doing the work is the first to stand under it (or drive it).

 

[SteveS45]

When I had my shop the one time a Mechanic left Lug Nuts loose was the last time he worked for me and when I got a call for reference I told he prospective employer why I fired him. I was asked by the guy just one instance? I told him how many times do you allow your employees to endanger someones life? I double check lugs are tightened before center or hub caps are installed. I lucked out because the old guy who's lugs were loose felt and saw it before his tires fell off.

 

[SteveS45]

So get a call from my buddy before and he tells me had a little accident. I was like "Oh Shit!" So he says no major damage just ripped off his drivers side mirror. So he comes over and I check it out and I tell him try the junk yard and we can replace it and reuse the painted portion on the replacement if it isn't the right color. $50 bucks later at the local Junk Yard with a bit of straightening on the mounting surface and you can't even tell it was damaged. He is a Happy Camper and so thankful to have me for a friend. I really don't enjoy Auto Mechanical work anymore but when I finished it he tells me.........

You are a Mother Fucker~! He says talk about matching the paint~! LMFAO

Wine Time~!

 

[SteveS45]

So after I got finished with this wound up doing an Impromptu BBQ with a couple of Rack of Ribs and Sirloin Steaks on the BBQ. A nice Homegrown Homemade Tomato Salad and some grilled potatoes. Smoked the ribs on the gas grill with real Hickory Wood. When it comes to grilling I am the bomb~! Heard my ribs tasted like I cooked them on a Real wood fire tonight. And I was cooking with gas no less.

 

[SteveS45]

 

[Amber Petti]

So after I got finished with this wound up doing an Impromptu BBQ with a couple of Rack of Ribs and Sirloin Steaks on the BBQ. A nice Homegrown Homemade Tomato Salad and some grilled potatoes. Smoked the ribs on the gas grill with real Hickory Wood. When it comes to grilling I am the bomb~! Heard my ribs tasted like I cooked them on a Real wood fire tonight. And I was cooking with gas no less.

That sounds so delicious!

 

[SteveS45]

That sounds so delicious!

Yes, everything came out awesome and we ate like pigs.

 

[Amber Petti]

Yes, everything came out awesome and we ate like pigs.

I would’ve too if I was there!

 

[SteveS45]

I would’ve too if I was there!

Like I told Joey last night for decades I have told my friends if you bring the food I will BBQ it~! Just let me know when you coming.

 

[Synphul]

The ribs sound great. Gas has it's pros that it's immediate, more controlled. I still prefer charcoal for flavor but there's times it's a pain. Sometimes coals are ready in 15min, other times 30min+ depending on humidity and weather. I haven't found the trick to getting a grilled flavor with gas.

My caliper came in, right part so that's a plus. Got tired of trying to get the slide pins unscrewed so just knocked on the caliper until the whole works came apart to reuse the pads. They look ok, still have 50% on them. Now onto the fun part, bleeding. Got the master filled up, did a quick bleed on all 4 just to make sure I was getting fluid through. Gravity bled the rears for awhile after help with some traditional bleeding. Didn't have the stuff to bench bleed the master ahead of time so that's taking more time. Gotta work on the right front some more, it's being stubborn. Pumped it up, cracked it, pumped it up, cracked it. Nothing. Finally got a spit of air. Then got a few good spurts of fluid, but lots more air in it.

Doubting the flex hose is collapsed internally, or a blockage since fluid came out of it a few times (and quite forceful). Probably just air trapped since the entire system was bone dry. Hoping that's the case anyway, not trying to replace more than I have to right now if at all possible. Wishing I had one of these right about now. lmao

 

[SteveS45]

 

[SteveS45]

@Synphul there are cheaper alternatives~!

 

[SteveS45]

Well had to attend another wake today and take my parents there. Was my neighbors husband who I grew up with her son and daughters. You know your getting old when you put a Mass Card in your jacket pocket and find a bunch more from the last Wakes and Funerals you went to. Too many recently to be honest. One nice thing was to hear from a grieving Window she will never forget the things I have done for her.

 

[Synphul]

Well had to attend another wake today and take my parents there. Was my neighbors husband who I grew up with her son and daughters. You know your getting old when you put a Mass Card in your jacket pocket and find a bunch more from the last Wakes and Funerals you went to. Too many recently to be honest. One nice thing was to hear from a grieving Window she will never forget the things I have done for her.

That sucks, funerals are rough. Last one I went to was a few years ago, headed halfway across the country to visit my grandma in the hospital. It went from a slight numbness in her foot to amputating her leg and she never made it out of the hospital. Just as I landed at the airport, made it to within 45min of the hospital she was at and she passed. Didn't help that I was one of the pallbearers.

First time I'd ever carried a casket, they really should have a class on it or something. Awkward supporting that much weight with just 6 people and things went mostly smooth.. up until I had to step up onto the little platform next to the grave. It had been raining so my shoes were wet, artificial grass on the platforms and they were really unstable and bouncing. Came so close to losing my footing, damn near slipped. All I could envision was me dropping the corner of the casket, falling into the grave and grandma tumbling down on top of me lol.

Good news on the truck, just about done with it so should be able to get it through inspection soon. Finally got the brakes bled, I was still having issues with the RF. As it turns out a couple of the lines at the abs pump were seeping. I had them pretty snug, was afraid of cranking them down since the pump is aluminum. Another 1/8 to 1/4 turn is all it took. Soon after the RF was pushing fluid. Got the taillight replaced, just have to secure a couple things to the wheel well covers. Already got those popped back on and the wheels back on, got it off the blocks. Need to glue the rearview back onto the windshield and pop the new wipers on and it should pass no problem. Still needs the abs computer bled but can't do that til I get it to the shop.

 

[SteveS45]

 

[SteveS45]

First time I'd ever carried a casket, they really should have a class on it or something.

I went to a Funeral for my friends Mom because she requested I go when I was at the wake. The turnout for the funeral wasn't very big and one of the Pall Bearers was late so I got pushed into service at the last minute. Very uncomfortable and then off the the Cemetery to do it one more time. I felt honored but also a little freaked out.

 

[SteveS45]

 

[Synphul]

Got the truck inspected, brakes bled and licensed so it's good to go. Abs light still didn't go off, not sure they did what I asked as far as bleeding the abs with a scanner. They used a phone based scanner to turn the light off and it came back on. I told them up front exactly what I needed done, they sounded confused and overheard one of the guys say he wasn't sure they even had a scanner that would do that. Ugh. Was a miserable cold rainy ass day and apparently the shop I took it to is in dire need of a new roof. Bays to a storage area open with a tarp under a massive leak leading out to the parking lot like a redneck slip and slide, water dripping in the waiting room in spots and leaking all along the front windows inside. Repair bays had buckets set up with pools of water all over the floors.

 

[SteveS45]

What codes are in the ABS?

 

[SteveS45]