Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix (1st generation), Toyota Corolla,Toyota Celica GT spark plug change

Spark plug replacement for Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Celica

Changing the spark plugs on these models is pretty easy and can be done in an hour or so. If your plugs are old and out of spec, you'll have reduced power and mileage. You may even find it difficult to start a cold engine or experience a rough idle.

This is my documented process so I may repeat in the future. Do this at your own risk!

Schedule

Every 120,000 miles

Applicable Vehicles (1ZZ-FE engine)
2003 - 2008 Pontiac Vibe (base)
2003 - 2008 Toyota Matrix (standard and XR)
2003 - 2008 Toyota Corolla (CE,S, LE)
2000-2005 Toyotal Celica (GT only)

Materials
4 spark plugs (Denso 3324 iridium spark plugs. Double check your owner's manual.)

This vehicle comes with Denso iridium spark plugs from the factory. After removing them after 120k miles, I highly suggest using with the original equiment plugs. As of 2020 these cost about $9 each.

Tools
10 mm socket
5/8 spark plug socket
Extension bar for ratchet
Socket wrench
Flat-head screwdriver
Air compressor air gun (optional)
Torque Wrench (optional, not shown)

Tools for the job

Time
This procedure takes about an hour to ninty minutes to complete.

Procedure

1. Remove engine cover. There are two 10 mm acorn nuts in the center of the cover. The plastic clips at the rear of the cover can be wiggled out with a screwdriver.

Engine Cover
Remove 10 mm acorn nuts (yellow arrow)
Remove plastic clips (green arrow)

2. Inspect under the top of the engine. The center of my engine was full of acorns courtesy of mice. Use compressed air to clean out before proceeding.

Engine with cover removed

3. The next step is to disconnect the wire clips from the ignition coil pack on each spark plug. See pics below to see what we're accomplishing. Push the tab to remove.

Plastic wire clip connecting to ignition coil pack - connected

Plastic wire clip connecting to ignition coil pack - disconnected

3a. Disconnect the wire clip on the furthest left coil pack.

3b. Disconnect the wire clip on the furthest right coil pack.

Further right coil pack disconnected

3c. There is little room to disconnect the middle coil packs. In order to access, we must remove the plastic wiring harness bar behind the plugs. We must remove the 10 mm bolts and it moves out of the way easily.

Remove 10 mm bolt on right side holding wire harness

Note: The nut stuck to the bolt and I unscrewed the entire bolt! This could happen. Nothing is broken. Just screw it back in when done.

Ooops!The entire bolt came out of engine. That's okay. Just screw it back in later.

3d. Remove the left 10 mm nut as shown with the yellow arrow. You already removed the one with the green arrow. Prop the wiring harness out of the way so you can remove the middle two coil pack clips.

Wire harness out of the way and coil pack clips removed.

Note: Pic shows 10 mm bolts for coil pack clips removed. That is the next step.

4. Remove the coil pack 10 mm bolts holding the coil packs in place.

Remove all four 10 mm bolts. Two are highlighted here.

5. Remove the coil packs. Each  should just lift out. Be careful to not drop anything down the spark plug holes!

One ignition coil pack removed

All ignition coil packs removed.

6. Remove and replace each spark plug one at a time. Use your spark plug socket, extension bar, and socket wrench. Make sure you have it set to remove. Lefty loosey!

Removing a plug. MAKE SURE YOU LOOSEN AND NOT TIGHTEN!

7. Pull out the old plug. It should stay in the rubber boot within the spark plug socket.

Spark plug coming out of the engine

8. Place new plug on the spark plug sock. You do not need anti-seize compound if you use Denso or NGK spark plugs. These brands have a coating on their threads. Plus, they are pre-gapped so no adjustment required. Other brands may require smearing anti-seize compound on the threads.

Look at that beautiful new plug!

9. Remove the socket wrench. Screw the spark plug into place using just your hands and the extension bar. You are doing this so you do not cross-thread it.

Screw the spark plug into place by hand. Notice that there is no socket wrench!

10. Using the socket wrench, tighten so the spark plug washer seats. This is an aluminum engine head, so do not over-tighten. I use my pinky to get it as tight as I can. Then I go an additional quarter turn. If this is your first time, you may opt for a torque wrench. You'll need to research the proper torque spec. I could not find a reliable value on the Internet. Note: Using anti-seize compound could make your spark plug easier to over-tighten with a torque wrench.

11. Push the ignition coil pack onto the plug in the hole. Reinstall the 10 mm bolt to hold the coil pack in place.

12. Repeat steps 6 - 11 for each spark plug.

13. Snap the wiring harness back in place and reinstall hold-down nuts.

Wire harness in place and ready to be bolted down

14. Reinstall the four coil pack wires which we removed in step 3.

Everything is ready to go!

15. Fire up the engine to make sure it works.

16. If engine sounds good, reinstall the engine cover.

Parents' Quick Nintendo 2019 Christmas Guide

Twice in the last few days I have seen frantic parents trying to determine which mobile game system to get for their kid this Christmas. This article will be short and sweet.

These are the Nintendo systems readily available new:

• Nintendo 2DS
• New Nintendo 2DS XL
• Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL (discontinued so not discussed)
• Nintendo Switch Lite

Overview of the 2DS line:

• Thousands of games dating back to 2004 due to ability to run old DS games (DS was the predecessor to the 2DS and 3DS)
• 2DS is very durable - it's a slab!
• New 2DS XL is clam shell design which protects the screen
• Low price
• Nearing end of production life
• Not many, if any, future new games expected
• The base 2DS cannot play "New Nintendo" labeled games. There are few games with this label. Unfortunately, Minecraft is one of these games.

Note for parents regarding the 3DS: The first thing most people do it turn off the 3-D mode! The 3DS was out prior to to the 2DS. The 2DS is a 3DS with the 3-D mode removed. I wouldn't hesitate buying a 3DS if you can find one.

Now the Switch Lite:

• Game library goes back to 2017
• Only plays Switch games - but none of the Labo construction kits
• Games are still being developed (already thousands available)
• System is much more powerful than the 2DS and 3DS
• Hottest system on the market in 2019
• Nintendo Online is required to play friends on the internet. An annual membership is $20 which is much cheaper than the equivalent Xbox or Playstation service. This service also includes a nice library of old '80s NES and early '90s Super Nintendo games such as Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong Country, and numerous Zelda titles.
• Suggestion: Buy a case to protect the system
• Suggestion: Buy an SD card to increase storage space

My recommendation:

• Young children who need durability: 2DS (cheap and durable)
• Older children: Switch Lite

What about used:

I have purchased many used mobile Nintendo games systems from individuals and Gamestop.  I have never had an issue. This may be a great way to get a 2DS or 3DS if you are concerned about your kid breaking it. I wouldn't purchase a used Switch Lite this year; the price is almost the same as new!

2008 - 2010 Chrysler Town & Country / Dodge Grand Caravan 4.0L engine air filter change

The engine air filter is easily replaced on these minivan models. Although, if you proceed with a straight-forward process of unlatching the air filter housing on the front and attempting to use brute force to remove the filter, you may break parts.

The following process has more steps than this job requires on other vehicles, but it is really quite easy.

WARNING: Do not do this procedure with a hot engine.

WARNING: Do not do this procedure when it is cold outside (below 40). All the parts are plastic and may break. Unless it is absolutely necessary, wait until a warmer day.

Materials
New air filter if replacing

Tools
None

Time
10 - 15 minutes

Procedure

4.0L engine  with cover

• Remove the engine cover. This is not hard. There are four points connecting the cover to the engine. Lift up of the front half of the cover with hands on both sides. Repeat for the back half.

4.0L engine without cover

• Remove the hose from the right air cleaner housing. It is difficult to pull it straight out. Do not use tools. Place your right hand on the hose and pivot forward and backward - similar to the motion of revving a motorcycle. It should turn a bit as you work it off the case.

Remove this hose by twisting forward and backward

• On the air cleaner housing push in the two plastic retaining clips. The front should pop up.

Push clip away to release the front of are cleaner housing. Picture shows when step is complete.

• Three plastic tabs on the cover hold the back part in position. Slide the cover toward you. The filter should be exposed.



Air filter needing replaced!

• Pull out the air filter element and inspect.

• Replace with the new air filter element if necessary.
• Slide air cleaner cover tabs back into the rear of the bottom of the cover. The three tabs should be in their seats.
• The front should now line up so you may push the top down. You should hear both plastic tabs snap into place.
• Reattach the hose on top of the air cleaner housing. It should just push on.
• Replace the engine cover. Align the plastic studs with the holes on the cover. Push down firmly above each one to make sure it secured.

  

  Underside of engine cover. Make sure to align these locations with studs on engine.

Note: Do not skip using the engine cover. It does help insulate the hood slightly to keep the paint from discoloring.

Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix (1st generation), Toyota Corolla complete coolant flush

We purchased a used Vibe several years ago. Without knowing the vehicle's history we decided to do all the major maintenance items that may have not been completed in this nine year old vehicle.

Coolant is a touchy subject on the Pontiac Vibe forums. The engine is a Toyota engine and comes with Toyota red coolant from the factory. Unfortunately the Vibe's owners manual say to use orange DexCool - standard GM fare. The two are not compatible. Query DexCool in your favorite search engine and you're bound to find it nickamed "DeathCool!"

I had a shop flush the system and they used a Shell universal coolant. I believe it was yellow.

Five years have passed and it's time for a flush again. When I pulled some coolant from the radiator there were black floaters in there!  This doesn't need flushed - it needs SUPER FLUSHED!

Note: This is what I did with my vehicle for documentation purposes. I'm not responsible for your vehicle or your safety.

Applicable Vehicles (1ZZ-FE engine)
2003 - 2008 Pontiac Vibe (base)
2003 - 2008 Toyota Matrix (standard and XR)
2003 - 2008 Toyota Corolla (CE,S, LE)

Materials
Cooling system cleaner
4 gallons distilled water
2 gallons concentrated coolant (not 50/50 fix)
Optional:Hydrometer to measure coolant effectiveness
Time: This process took me an afternoon to complete

Materials for the job

Coolant choice: I'd recommend using the Toyota recommended concentrated coolant. I didn't because I wasn't sure that I would get the system 100% clean. I used a brand claiming to be compatible with all coolant types.

Tools
Funnel for adding coolant that will fit radiator neck
Drain pan to catch drained coolant (minimum 6 quart capacity)

The capacity of the cooling system is 6.9 quarts. Draining the radiator will eliminate half. The idea is to remove all the coolant and replace with distilled water. This will take several cycles through the process. Once we do our final drain we will add concentrated coolant. This will net a 50/50 ratio.

NOTE: Only do these steps on a cold engine! You do not want to get burned by the coolant or vehicle parts.
ANOTHER NOTE: Coolant is deadly! Do not store it where kids can get access to it. Clean up any spills. It will kill any animal that drinks it.
YET ANOTHER NOTE:Coolant spilled on paint will discolor or remove it. Keep some water and a towel nearby just in case.

Drain Procedure

• Place your drain pan under the radiator drain hole. Below is an action shot showing coolant dripping from the radiator. If you are in front of the car facing the engine it will be located on the extreme right side of the radiator.

Drain location under vehicle

• Find and turn the drain cock valve. From above the radiator you can reach the valve with your hand. It is on the back right side. It should be finger tight and not require any tools. You don't need to remove it totally. Coolant should start draining from bottom of the radiator. Note: Should it break and you can't loosen it, you can remove the lower radiator hose.

Location of the drain cock from above

Drain cock removed

• Let it drain. It may take a good ten minutes. Many recommend removing the radiator cap to speed the process. I prefer to leave it on so suction will drain the coolant overflow tank.

• After ten minutes, open the radiator cap.

Left up arrow: radiator cap
Down arrow: overflow hose connection point
Right up arrow: Overflow tank fill location

• Once the coolant slows to a drip, tighten the drain cock with your fingers. No tools!

• If there is coolant in the overflow tank you'll need to drain it. Pull the hose off the side of the radiator filler neck by pulling to the right. It can be tough to remove the first time. Don't use tools. There's plastic in there!

Remove hose by pulling right

• Move the drain pan under the left side of the radiator. Get the overflow hose lower than the bottom of the tank so it drains. Reattach when complete.

• If you see crud on your radiator cap, clean it off with water. If there is any in the filler neck area, clean it off best with a paper or shop towel. The picture below was after the third flush. My system was filthy!

This just ain't right!

Congratulations! You successfully drained half the coolant system.

Refill Procedure

• Double check that the drain cock is screwed in tightly and the overflow tank hose is connected.

• If this is the first time through the refill procedure, pour the radiator cleaned in now and then add the distilled water.

• If this is your final refill, use concentrated coolant instead of water. Note: Be careful of any spilled coolant. Clean it up ASAP.

• Using your funnel, fill the radiator with distilled water (or coolant). Squeeze the upper radiator hose on the right to help expel trapped air. You should be able to get about 3 quarts in the system.

Use funnel to assist pouring in water

Squeeze this hose to burp system periodically

Note: I skipped filling the overflow tank. As coolant warms it expands so there is no need for the radiator to pull from this tank yet.

• Start the car with  the radiator cap off. Put your heater on the hottest setting and turn the fan on low speed. We want to flush the heater core, too. Water may spill out. Keep an eye on it and add water to it as needed. You will see air bubbles expelled.

• Let is run for at least ten minutes. Afterward turn off the car and reinstall the radiator cap. I like to drive the car for another ten minutes. This will help mix everything in the cooling system.
• You now need to let the car cool down. You will need to wait anywhere between one to three hours. The idea is to not burn yourself.

Since this is a SUPER FLUSH. Repeat the Drain Procedure and the Refill Procedure. I did this four times in order to get clean water out of the system.

At the end of all the flushes I used just shy of one gallon of coolant and three gallons of distilled water.

Overflow Tank Fill
The overflow tank needs a 50/50 mix added to it. The simplest way to do this is take one of your water jugs and get it half full of distilled water. Add coolant to fill the jug. Put the cap on it and shake. Be careful that the lid doesn't pop off. Pour this mix into one of the empty coolant bottles. Do yourself a favor and label this bottle as 50/50 mix and include today's date.

Pour this mix into your overflow tank so that it is above LOW and below MAX.

Checking Coolant
Let the vehicle sit until it is cold - three hours. Check the level at the radiator cap. Add your coolant mix as needed. Also check your overflow tank to make sure it's above LOW.

Check it a week later, too.

You'll also want to check how well the coolant protects. You'll need a hydrometer to measure. These are available at auto parts or even Walmart for a few bucks.

Hydrometer

Just remove the radiator cap, squeeze the bulb on the hydrometer, place it in the coolant, suck it up until full. If it's difficult to get enough coolant in the tool, squeeze the upper right radiator hose while the hydrometer sucks in the coolant. Don't squeeze out so much that it spills.

You typically want the pointer to raise until it hits -34 degrees F - depending upon where you live.

I hope this guide helps.

The Case for Physical Media

Samsung has announced that they will stop selling Blu-ray Disc players in the US. Samsung to Stop Selling BD Players in US

While this news probably means little to most, I'm sad to see this happening. Is this the first step in the demise of owning your own copy of your favorite movie? Perhaps.

While I enjoy streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime and love that I can access more content than I would every watch, I still prefer to own a physical copy of the movie.

Physical media has a permanence you do not get with these services. Without fail near the end of each month there are many articles posted about what's leaving Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu. Some shows create such an uproar that the service even has to reconsider letting it's license expire. This is such the case with Friends on Netflix. Friends Uproar on Netflix

There are many advantages to physical media.

• No compression in sound or picture - streaming needs compressed in order to deliver content
• No license agreement with the streaming services - you own it for the life of the physical medium
• You can lend to friends
• You are not dependent upon an Internet Service Provider
• Privacy - your viewing habits are not monetized for the streaming services's gain

The same argument applies to video games. I collect the physical copies of games I have purchased going back to my beloved Atari. The importance of physical media was driven home by two events late last year:

Activision shuts down Guitar Hero Live servers, spawning lawsuit

Nintendo Wii Shop shuts down

And don't forget music albums! We used to buy the entire album to get that one single. Online definitely has lower price, but at what cost? What about songs that aren't singles? Today they'd be simply lost rarities. Back in the day the entire album contained a complete cohesive package - including incredible artwork. Some had hidden gems that could have been singles. For example Boston's first album gets radio play today. Guns 'N Roses' Appetite for Destruction album is another example. Those albums had a few singles, but over the years most of the songs on those albums have become classic rock staples.

Nothing lasts forever, but with physical media and working hardware you can be the master of your content.

Improving the NES Classic or SNES Classic

I had a difficult time deciding whether to get the NES Classic (Nintendo Entertainment System Classic) or the SNES Classic (Super NES Classic.)  I ended up with both and I'm glad I did.

There is one major short-coming with these mini-consoles.  The controller cords are just too short!

Today (February 2019) I picked up two twin packs of SNES Classic extension cords from Best Buy. These are Insignia brand and work perfectly. They are being clearanced out at $4.99 each! Each extension cord is six foot long.

I bought two sets. I then daisy-chained the two together. Bingo! I can now sit an additional twelve feet away from the console.  Hello couch!

FAQ:
Can I use SNES Classic extension cords for the NES Classic?  Yes.

Can I use an SNES Classic controller on the NES Classic? Yes.

Do they work on an original '80s NES or '90s SNES? No.

If you haven't picked up one of these mini-consoles, hurry!  They are no longer manufactured. Nintendo must have been tired of printing money. I have found that the SNES Classic is much harder to find than the NES Classic. Beware online, though. I've seen some weird overseas versions of it that may not be legit - even on Amazon!

Both consoles allow you to save games in progress - up to four per games. The SNES Classic even has a rewind feature. This makes games like Earthbound so much more enjoyable. When you die, rewind and continue.

Game on!

Cleaning a cast iron skillet

What is the serving size of bacon? It could be 12 ounces. Or it could be 16 ounces! It's whatever the size of the package is!

Last year I got a Lodge 12 inch cast iron skillet as a gift. I'm pretty much convinced that no swine is safe now that I have this tool in my possession.

Beware if this is your first cast iron skillet.....

The handle will be hot.  With great power comes great responsibility. After decades of using pots and pans with insulated handles, its very easy to grab it without thinking.  Bad idea! When you have such cookware, prepare to have a towel or oven mitt handy.  Just don't put it too close to the burner!

Rust is cast iron's mortal enemy. The only way to fight rust is to keep it clean and coated. And like a Mogwai, keep it away from water! (Well, except when cleaning it.)

Here is my cleaning procedure. It should be done immediately after removing the food before the skillet cools down.

1. Clear the sink - preferably the side without a garbage disposal
2. Turn on the hot water until it is piping hot
3. Pick up that towel for the handle
4. Put the skillet in the water at an angle which will create steam and send some of the gunk down the drain
5. Use a wooden spatula to knock the crunchy bits out of the skillet and pour the remaining grease down the drain 
6. Remove from the water and place on a safe, non-meltable surface
7. Dab it dry (or beware of gremlins)
8. Let the water run for a minute to make sure your plumbing stays clean
9. Put a dab of shortening in the skillet and spread it around while it melts - cover the whole surface area including the inner sides

The shortening will protect the skillet from rust. Notice I didn't use soap to clean it out. The steam should be sufficient.

In the unlikely event of leftover, uncooked bacon, return to the fridge for another day.

And remember: NEVER FEED AFTER MIDNIGHT!

1994-2003 Honda Magna VF750C Chain Cleaning and Lube

For years I thought I was doing my ride a favor by spraying some wax on the chain after every ride, but never cleaned it.  It had been so long since I saw the original chain, I thought it was black.  Nope.  Its supposed to be silver!

Chain getting back to clean....

Cleaning and lubricating the chain on the third generation Honda Magna isn't difficult, but it is messy and takes about an hour.

Schedule
Every 500 miles.

Tools
8 mm wrench
Kerosene ($11 at Home Depot in the paint section near acetone)
Spray bottle for the kerosene
Nylon brush or tooth brush ($1 at Dollar Tree)
Chain lubricant or wax
A couple pieces of cardboard to keep the driveway or garage clean
Shop rags

Time
This procedure takes about an hour to complete.

Precaution
Do this with a bike cold.  You will be working around the mufflers and you want these cool to the touch.

Procedure
1. Remove the plastic chain guard.  It is attached with two 8 mm bolts.  These can be tricky to remove due to the tight space between the bolts and the mufflers.
2. Place cardboard under the rear sprocket and in front of the rear tire.  This is the catch grime that will be dripping from your chain.
3. Pour kerosene into your spray bottle.
4. Soak the chain with kerosene from your spray bottle for all the visible chain.
5. Wait a few minutes.
6. Spray the chain more.
7. Use brush to knock off some crud.
8. Use shop rags to wipe crud off the chain.
9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 until the chain returns to silver.
10. Wipe excess kerosene off the chain so its dry or close to dry.
11. Move the bike forward so the unclean part of the chain is visible.
12. Repeat cleaning procedure until chain is clean. Note: I can get the entire chain clean with only moving the bike once.
13. Wait about 20 - 30 minutes so that we know the chain is dry.  Now is a great time to clean the plastic chain guard!
14. Using the chain lube or wax, spray the visible portion of the chain. If there is any visible drips of lube, wipe with a shop rag.
15. Move the bike back to previous position.
16. Spray the chain with the lube.  Wipe off excess.
17. Reinstall the chain guard. I put the rearward bolt in loosely first and then put the front one in fully.  Tighten the rear one.
18. Ready to ride!

2008 - 2010 Chrysler Town & Country / Dodge Grand Caravan 4.0L oil change

For those having the 4.0L engine in the Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan it is difficult finding sources on the Internet regarding any engine-related procedure.  The oil change is quite easy on this vehicle.  I'm able to do this oil change without raising the van in a matter of approximately 30 minutes.

Chrysler 4.0L engine

Materials
5.5 quarts of 10W-30 motor oil
Oil filter (Purolater PL-12222 or equivalent)
Oil catch pan that holds at least 6 quarts
Funnel for adding oil
Rags.  Lots of rags!

Tools
13 mm socket
Socket wrench
Oil filter cap-style wrench

Procedure

Make sure the oil filter comes with a gasket!

• Get your motor oil.  The warranty requires 10W-30 that meets Chrysler MS-6395.  This Chrysler spec will be posted on the back of the bottle.  Most oil brands meet this requirement.  A notable exception is Mobil oil.  I believe this is due to lack of acquiring the spec from Chrysler more than not being compliant.  If your engine is still on warranty, make sure you use the correct stuff.  This is not a high performance engine.  Conventional oil is good enough; the engine almost always outlasts the rest of the vehicle!
• Get your oil filter.  I generally use Purolater PureOne filters.  Have a store associate look the the correct model.  Note: Make sure that there is a gasket on the filter!
• Warm the engine.  Drive it a couple miles so the oil is nice and hot.
• Park the van on a level surface.  Before shutting off the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to ease access to the oil drain bolt.
• From the passenger side, lay on the ground in front of the tire.  Looking up you should see the oil pan.

View from passenger-side.

Oil drain bolt o left.  Oil filter on right.

• Place oil catch pan under the bolt.
• Loosen the oil drain plug by turning counter-clockwise using a 13-mm socket and wrench.  I generally grab my torque wrench simply because the added length increases the torque I can apply to the bolt.
• Once its loose, slowly turn while keeping pressure on the bolt so the hot oil stays in the engine's oil pan.  When you can tell its ready to come out, quickly remove the bolt.  The oil will be hot!  Also, don't drop the bolt into the oil pan.  Its no fun fishing it out of hot motor oil.
• Pop open the hood.  The hood release is on the dash near the driver's left knee.
• Unscrew counter-clockwise the engine's oil cap.  It is easily identified with a picture of an oil can and 10W-30 printed on it.  Removing this cap will increase the speed at which the hot oil exits the engine.  Make sure oil is still draining into the catch pan and not overshooting it!
• Wait until the oil merely drips out of the oil pan.
• Move the oil catch pan so it can get oil from the drain bolt hole and the oil filter.
• Put a cap-style oil filter onto your wrench.

Cap-style oil filter remover on wrench.

• Place the cap onto the oil filter.  Turn counter-clockwise to remove.  When its fully removed, it will dump hot oil.  Make sure your catch pan is placed accordingly.
• Make sure the old oil filter still has the gasket attached to it.  If its not there, it could be stuck to the engine.  Remove it!  If you don't, you will have a serious oil leak later!  I have changed oil for 25 years and this van was the first that ever had the gasket stick to it.  It was easily removed after I wasted about 4 quarts of oil.
• Wait for all oil to drip from the engine. This will take approximately 20 minutes.
• Screw the bolt back into the engine block by hand.  Use your socket and wrench to further tighen it.  Do not over-tighten!  Use a torque wrench to be sure.  Note: The oil bolt contains a gasket.  See the diagrams below:

Correct placement of gasket on oil bolt.

Incorrect placement of gasket on oil bolt.
This needs pushed down into the seat.

• Using your finger, smear oil on the oil filter gasket.  This will ensure a good seal.
• Put the oil filter onto the oil filter shaft as tight as you can using your hands.  You may use a torque wrench to make sure its on tight enough.  Generally, I just make it as tight by hand as possible.
• Place a funnel into the oil filler location in the engine compartment.
• Add 5.5 quarts of oil.
• Put oil filler cap back in place.
• Fire up the engine and make sure the oil pressure light goes out.  If it doesn't, shut off the engine immediately.  Something is wrong.  Consult a car guy!
• If there are any leaks, tighten the bolt or filter.
• This Chrysler engine is odd.  It takes mine an entire evening for all the oil to drain into the oil pan.  Do a precursory check now to make sure its within spec on the dipstick.  Add if necessary.  Check a second time in the morning!

Cricket Wireless Review - Stark County, Ohio

I have a deep, dark secret.  Don't tell any one!  I'll post it here on this blog so no one will see it.

I pay too much for my wireless service.  I know....hard to believe, right?  I honestly paid more for wireless the past few years than for my last car!  That is ridiculous!

Well, no more!

I have taken control of this bill and kicked Verizon to the curb!  I'm not longer afraid that only the fullest coverage will do!  No more fear!  I'm not going to take it any more!!!!!

What!?!?!
Okay, that was a bit dramatic.  I think we are all paying too much for what is basically a utility.  Its just voice and Internet for goodness sake!  The magic of mobile is now common place. Its 2015 and there are now real options!

In the mid-2000s you had to rely on the Big Four.  Not today.  Everybody has been expanding networks.  Competition has gotten fierce.  And growth has stagnated for the providers.  It seems everyone has a smartphone because pretty much everyone does.

Let's take advantage of that!


Location!  Location! Location!

Those are the three most important things about wireless.  If the network is not available where you are commonly, there is no point.

We had been faithful customers of Verizon Wireless for at least a decade.  We only had a handful of issues over the years.  We were happy with the service. We had added our kids.  The bill quickly became as big as a new car payment....just for talk and Internet service.  Something had to change! 

I spent a lot of time analyzing the wireless providers.  There are basically four: Verizon (Big Red), AT&T (Death Star), T-Mobile (the Uncarrier), and Sprint (works only near NASCAR tracks.)  In Stark county a lot of friends complain about coverage with Sprint and T-Mobile.  That's shame because I really like the Uncarrier's philosophy.  We spend a lot of time in Stark and the area south so we need coverage there.  That left only Verizon and AT&T as viable (expensive) options.

Consumer Reports recommends checking out an MVNO.  These are companies that lease excess bandwidth from the four primary providers.  Some examples are Virgin Mobile, Consumers Cellular, and Straight Talk. Unfortunately, nearly all of these lease from T-Mobile or Sprint.

That's where Cricket Wiresless is different.

Cricket was recently purchased by AT&T.  They have since converted all new service to AT&T towers.  Their prices are also much better than Verizon and AT&T with few limitations.

Local Coverage

After two weeks I have determined that coverage has been excellent where its important.

My coverage has been excellent around Akron, Canton, and Massillon.  In fact some of the known Verizon dead spots are not AT&T dead spots.  Coverage in Massillon is MUCH better on Cricket.  Cricket also has good coverage in Dover and New Philadelphia in Tuscarawas county.

Around Atwood Lake and Mineral City, I do lose coverage.  I'm not sure how those locations fare on the Verizon network..

Data

Cricket Wireless uses 4G LTE.  That is currently the fastest technology on the consumer market.  There is a catch though.  It is throttled to 8 mb/s.  In my experience that is plenty fast.  Its fast enough to watch an HD video.

I could get much faster in some locations with Verizon.  At my house, my Cricket speed is double Verizon's.

Phones

Cricket offers several phones.  We opted for the cheapest.  They offered a $1 Nokia Lumia 635 if you transfer an existing number.  The Nokia is a good phone and gets the job done.  It uses Windows Phone 8.1 which is a good operating system, but the available apps pale in comparison to the Apple or Android version.  This particular model does not have a good camera.

Cricket also offers several Android and Apple phones at various price points including the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxy S models.

I have read that you may use any AT&T or Go Phone without issue.  All you would need to purchase is a new SIM card.  Generally, Sprint and Verizon phones only work with their respective networks.  Note: Some global models of the other providers may work if you get the provider to unlock it.

You will pay an additional one-time $25 activation fee per line.  Two years ago we paid Verizon a $30 or $35 activation fee per line.

Most wireless provides can now "port" your existing wireless number to your new service.  Cricket was able to port ours in a few hours.

Cost

Cost was the primary driver for our switch from Verizon.  I cut my bill by nearly 60%!  I also increase my minutes to unlimited.  I also added an extra half GB per line.  And the kicker: I added a fifth line!

Five lines: $100!  That's it.  Out the door.  No extra taxes.  No extra fees.  No surprise charges.  Each line gets 2.5 GB of data.  When you hit the max, it slows to 2G speeds which is about double a dial-up connection.

Customer Service

I left the Cricket store with my new phones and a surprisingly low first month of service paid.  The next day I checked my account using the My Cricket app on the phone and they had my next payment listed way higher than I expected.  Using the chat feature, I worked with a rep named Saul.  He quickly explained that we were signed up for the next tier plan (5 GB per line).  He corrected it without any issues.  It took about a half hour, but everything was squared away without issue.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Much lower cost!!!!!
• Similar coverage to Verizon.
• You must purchase your own unlocked GSM phone.
• No contract!
• Essentially unlimited data if you can tolerate 2G speeds
• No new phone number

Disadvantages:

• You must purchase an unlocked GSM phone, AT&T phone, or Cricket phone.
• Verizon does have better nationwide coverage, but AT&T is a close second.
• 4G LTE data speed is limited to 8 mb/s down.
• Your phone cannot be a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Conclusion - CHOOSE FREEDOM!

For two weeks we have been very happy with the service.  After this experience, its amazing so many people still sign up for post paid contracts from the Big Four providers.

If you are contemplating switching providers, consider the following:

• Determine where you will need coverage most often
• Using the four primary providers coverage maps, determine the best for your needs.  Keep in mind that there are different coverage maps for voice and data coverage.  You may not need data coverage in all locations where you would need voice coverage.
• Find the MNVOs on the best provider network for you.
• Compare limitations of the MNVOs
• Is data speed throttled?  Can you tolerate this slower speed?
• Is data capped at a reasonable limit? Any overage charge?
• Do you need to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hot spot?
• Does it offer an appropriate number of minutes? (Unlimited is very common now.)
• Check if the MVNO can use your existing phone or if they offer a phone that you desire.
• If you are switching providers, call your current provider:
• Check that you are not on a contract.
• Ask to have the phone unlocked (worth more if you sell it unlocked.)
• Switch and stop sending cash to someone else!!!!

Post Mortem: 1999 Nissan Altima GXE

Our 1999 Nissan Altima has ridden off into the sunset...on the back of a wrecker.

Goodbye, old friend!

After 16 years of great service since new, the car is no more.  Overall, it has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned.

Mileage: 163,575 miles
Repairs during lifetime: water pump, alternator, CV joints, entire exhaust system.
October 1998 - April 2015

Not so bad looking from 10 foot away

So what did it in?  RUST!

The body started getting a few rust spots a couple years ago - mainly the doors and runner boards.  These were mostly cosmetic issues and we expected to replace the door soon.  Underneath was the real problem.

Door rust

Runner board looking pretty shabby

After sixteen Ohio winters, the rear subframe  morphed into iron oxide.  This was the catastrophic event that would end this vehicle's service life.

Suspension shows some surface rust

In front of the rear wheel, this suspension piece completely separated

Another view of the suspension rust

After seeing the issue in the suspension, it was time to retire the car.  Its difficult to retire a vehicle that still ran smoothly, never stalled, and the exhaust system was as quiet as new.

Were there other issues?  Yes.

We had a slow oil leak that we decided to not repair about a year ago.  The oil pan was dented by a garage servicing the vehicle.  It appears that they tried to use it as a lift point.  Unfortunately it was the same week  I took it to three different shops for tires and a repair estimate.  Also, the engine was starting to get a slight oil coat on it.

In general, maintenance and repair work is fairly easy on this vehicle.

Since the car was not safe to drive, I figure now was the time to try debadging.  I was able to remove the Nissan logo using dental floss and a hair dryer.  I'm surprised at how good it turned out.  The paint under the logo is pretty close to the same as the rest of the trunk lid. That paint had not seen daylight since the Clinton administration!

Souvenir badge

Can't see the line, can you Russ?