Alright, somewhat of an automotive post with some personal advice thrown in. My topic today is just something that I’m having a little trouble with, lately. You see, I’m trying to sell my ’99 mustang, but I have to fix an exhaust leak at the manifold and some minor electrical problems beforehand. These are easy jobs, yes, but I swear at every turn, a new project has been thrown my way. Big or small, I’ve been incredibly busy working on other vehicles and the various problems that they’ve had. Such as these,
- 2000 Honda Civic coupe; vortech 4-cylinder 1.8
- The spark plug threads were a problem in this year model. In this vehicle (which was my best-friends car) the threads no longer held the spark plug in place, and when started, the spark plug and wire would pop out unless held down. The easy fix was thread-lock, but a more permanent fix was to place a thread insert.
- DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) P0442: “EVAP Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)”
& DTC P0452: “EVAP System Pressure Sensor/Switch Low”
Which are generic codes that usually indicate an open or short circuit to the harness or sensor, leaky gasket to the fuel pump module, or incorrect fuel cap. The P0452 relates to an emission system malfunction. Your PCM (Power Control Module) relies on a fuel tank pressure sensor to detect any faults in the internal pressure of the tank. A Honda’s sensor increases the voltage signal while positive pressure builds in the tank. The sensors all convert pressure to a voltage that increases or decreases vacuum pressure.
- 2001 VW Beetle Turbo 4-cylinder 1.8L
- DTC P0411: “AIR System Incorrect Flow Detected”
& DTC Po322: “Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal” The codes indicate that the Engine Speed Sensor has lost connection with the vehicle. Which caused symptoms like, intermittent no-start with the crank present. the fix is sensor replacement.
- 1999 Tahoe 4-door 4×4 V8 5.7L
- Intake gasket replacement
- Timing Reset: which was an easy fix. The steps only include removing the distributor and the #1 spark plug. Place your finger at the hole for the spark plug that was removed, and turn the key over without starting the engine until you feel your finger blown back which indicates that the #1 cylinder is at TDC Top dead center. Then you drop the distributor back in and re-insert the spark plug.
- Alternator replacement: This was actually very recent.. and a very funny story that will have to be covered another time.
- Fuel Pump Replacement: The Fuel pump that I replaced in this Tahoe was actually my first time to replace one. It went quite smoothly due to the kindness of my Instructor, Mr. Webb, who came to the tech. center and helped me with various things that went wrong with the Tahoe. All during his summer break!
My latest project was my younger brothers four-wheeler. An easy job, all it took was welding a couple of brackets back to the frame to make sure that the chain stayed on. It’s nice to have an easy job every now and then because I honestly haven’t even explained half of what’s been on my plate. All I can say is, if work was food, I’d be morbidly obese..
However, I do love to stay busy doing what I love, I can’t complain. & here it comes, just like my instructor tells me, I’ll give the same advice. Take time for yourself. You’ve gotta balance your time spent on the priorities you have. Responsibilities and projects, yes but most importantly, your health! Eating right and regularly, exercising, getting enough sleep. Etc. Whatever it may be, you’re important, too. I’m lucky to have been blessed with people in my life who remind me of this daily and they’re right. I’ve realized more and more that God gave me this body to respect and since this has been clear to me, I’ve made sure that I always have time to take care of myself and encourage more people to do the same.
