How Often Do You Really Change Your Engine Oil? (Poll)

Jeremy Nutt 5 Comments
Oil Antifreeze Milkshake

Last week’s oil change post turned out to be quite a hot topic that had some truly outstanding, in-depth comments.  After all the positive feedback from it, it got me thinking about how often people change their oil / have it changed.  You guys know where I stand at this point, so now it’s your turn to fess up and tell the truth.  How often do all of you really change your engine oil?  Give this poll to your friends  & family and we’ll see what’s what. The polls have officially been opened!

[polldaddy poll=4365176]

This $250 Fiero Is The Cheapest Car On eBay Today!

Jeremy Nutt 5 Comments

If there were ever two words that shouldn’t be allowed to go together, “Montana” and “Fiero” would be them.  The only logical reason to have a Fiero in Montana is to melt the snow in your driveway when the car eventually catches on fire.  I’ve been in a Fiero in a snowstorm before, and while it is hysterically fun in a “I’m afraid for my life” sort of way, I wouldn’t recommend it to people that aren’t wearing helmets.  Winter driving in a Fiero is like playing the lottery, but you’ve already lost the main jackpot and now you’re wishing you did something else with your dollar.  Ok, let’s get down to business, there is a 87 Fiero 5-speed Sunroof car at stake here:

The current owner says:

“This is a great vehical, I blew the engine driving down the interstate.”

My thoughts:

Wow. Just …wow.  All Fiero joking aside, I have gotten Read More

MAP Sensors: What They Are And What They Do.

Jeremy Nutt 1 Comment

Remember science class when the teacher shouted “Pay attention! You might need this someday!” ?  Well, as much as I don’t want to admit it, that teacher was right.  Lets touch upon the basics and see if it rings a bell?

The Basics:

  • First off – MAP is an acronym for Manifold Absolute Pressure.  MAP sensors measure the air pressure in your intake manifold which helps the engine’s computer determine air / fuel ratios.  MAP sensors are set to “zero” from the factory. So with the car off, and the key on, the MAP sensor will read “zero” at sea level.
  • On earth, we have 14.7 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) on us at all times at sea level.
  • “Bar” is a measurement of pressure.  1 Bar = 1 atmospheric pressure, which is 14.7 PSI.
  • The absence of pressure is measured in “Inches Of Mercury” (in. hg). (Finally we get to use the periodic table of elements in real life!)
  • -1 Bar = -29.4 in. hg
  • 1 Bar = 29.4 in. hg
  • Naturally Aspirated = without a turbocharger or supercharger. Also known as “N/A”.
  • Forced Induction = with a turbo or supercharger
  • In forced induction applications “Boost” is automotive slang for PSI
  • Stoichiometric Air Fuel Ratio = The ratio of the exact amount of air it takes to burn a fuel completely.
  • Stoichiometric for Gasoline Engines = 14.7 : 1 (14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel).

Now some of that good stuff:

With a N/A engine running, the MAP sensor may see readings Read More