What Does A Mercedes Control Arm Have To Do With Reading Spanish

Hi, it’s Al,

I was working on my Mercedes 280E recently, changing the upper control arm and also doing a routine oil and filter change. It dawned on me that the Spanish Language
and my Mercedes have quite a bit in common.

For starters, Mercedes is a Spanish name given to many girls in Spain and Latin America.

Then, when I was installing the upper control arm, I was using Permatex® GEL TWIST™ Medium Strength Threadlocker BLUE Gel on some of the bolts, I noticed that on the packaging, some of it was in Spanish. I have used the Threadlocker BLUE Gel on many other applications with no problems so far. Working on older cars, I tend to be a bit more cautious on things like suspension, brakes and other safety items.

When I did the oil change, before putting the thumb plug back in (and if I don’t have a new copper washer available due to living in the bush), I tend to use Permatex® Form-A-Gasket® No. 2 Sealant to prevent any leaks. Again, I noticed that the instructions were in Spanish.

I had a quick look at other Permatex® products I have and the instructions and directions are in Spanish. Obviously, they have an English version, but if an American company like Permatex® is publishing instructions and directions in Spanish, then to me, that means that they consider the Spanish language as important.

So, after replacing a control arm on my Mercedes and doing an oil change, I have come to the realization that Leaning Spanish and being able to Read Spanish is important, even in the automotive industry.

Adios Amigos.
Al Bunzel

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What Has Speaking Spanish got to do with MotorSport?

Fernando Alonso Speaks Spanish

Last week’s Formula 1 winner was Fernando Alonso.

I always find it interesting after a race how the drivers are interviewed and it is usually in English. But they often get to say something in their native language and often what they say in their native language has more detail.

If you don’t know the language, you don’t get the comprehensive and interesting details.
In this case, if you don’t know Spanish and want to know what super stars like Fernando Alonso are saying, then
it’s time to learn Spanish.

Other Motorsport personalities Spoke Spanish

Notice how many past Motor cycle champions spoke Spanish including Britain’s (late) Barry Sheen. Others include Spain’s Alex Criville, Sito Pons, Sete Gibenau, Carlos Sainz just to name a few.

So, if you want to know what the Spaniards are saying and the extra technical details they give which can give you the edge, then Learning Spanish is one of the keys.

Search Engine Submission – AddMe

What Is YOUR Question On Small Engine Repairs?

Hi,

I’m looking to write a book on small engine repairs and I was wondering what is your question in relation to small engine repairs.

If you could please post your answer on http://www.smallenginerepair.bigpixie.com/YourQuestion.html that will be great.

thanks

Al

Rebuild Or Throwout

Recently, I’ve come across many people trying to decide whether to
rebuild their motor or throw it out.

In making a decision, there are things that should be taken into account such as
* can the motor be rebuilt
* cost
* parts availability
* who is going to do it
* what do you want to get out of the motor

Can the motor be rebuilt?
When trying to determine if the motor can be rebuilt, one has to consider if
the various parts are within manufacturers’ tolerances. Also, if certain
parts are damaged, can they be repaired or replaced?

Cost
If the motor can be rebuilt, then some brands of motors are worth rebuilding, whilst others are not. If you have a high quality motor like a Kohler, Rugerini, Deutz, Hatz etc, then yes, it is worth rebuilding.

If you have a motor that looks like an immitation Honda or immitation Yamaha, then it would not be worth rebuilding. It will probably be cheaper to buy a new one – no, in fact, you would probably be better off replacing the immitation motor with the genuine Honda or Yamaha.

Parts Availability
With the high quality motors, getting genuine parts is usually not a problem.
With some of the disposable engines, getting parts could be a problem.
You also have the choice of genuine and non-genuine parts.
I prefer to go genuine as I know it is within manufacturer’s tolerances and standards. If you know what to look out for, you can go straight to the component manufacturer, like Bosch, Mahle etc who make parts for the engine manufacturer andthat can work out cheaper.
There are other parts that are non genuine, sometimes called aftermarket.
If you go down that path, they are often not tested by the engine manufacturer. You effectively become the tester. On occasions, you may come across an aftermarket part that is of high quality and high standard.

Who is going to rebuild it?
I personally rebuild all my small engines.
Anything that needs to be machined, pressed or requires specilist equipment,
I outsource.
For yourself, it depends on your ability and confidence and what tools you have.

Shortcut When Pulling Cylinder Heads of Car Engines

I was recently talking to Dale Geddes who has alot of
experience working on cars.

When he pulls the cylinder head of a Volvo 240/740, after unbolting the
intake manifold, he would move the intake manifold out of the way and tie the intake manifold to the open bonnet so that he does not have to remove all the other pipes and wires attached to the intake manifold.

When the cylinder head is reassembled back to the engine, precious time is
saved as most of the pipes and wires are already attached to the intake
manifold.

This time saving tip can be applied to various other cars, but not all cars.