Token Trailer vs Farm Trailer and Trailers

A Token Trailer license plate is available only for semitrailers having a gross weight in excess of 6,000 pounds to be pulled by vehicles displaying a Combination


Farm Trailer - Farm Use - Does not exceed 34,000 lbs


Trailer - ?? 

How bad can it get? Fixing an Old Car

1996 Nissan Maxima (sourced from Car Parts Whole Sale)

Brakes & Tires $800

0,110 Master Cylinder, Brake

0,100 Brake Disc (front, rear @ $25 ea)

0,580 Tires, set - Michelin Good tires

Suspensions $300
0,050 Front, Driver, Suspension shock/strut assembly
0,050 Front, passenger, suspension shock/struct assembly
0,025 Front, driver, strut mount
0,025 Front, passenger, strut mount
0,015 Front, driver, struct bearing
0,015 Front, passenger, strut bearing
0,050 Rear, driver side
0,050 Rear, passenger side

Mechanical, Engine Mounts $200

0,055 Driver side motor/transmission mount

0,055 Firewall motor/transmission mount

0,075 Front driver Side

Starting, Electrical $300

0,080 Battery, 

0,100 Alternator - OE replacement - $100 (cheapest)

0,010  Dayco Serpentine Belt   
0,100  Starter OEM Replacement


0,050 Oxygen Sensor, OEM FRONT (not universal product)
0,060 Oxygen Sensor, OEM REAR


0,010 Windshield wipers set
0.010 Air Filter
0,020 Cabin Air Filter


Engine Oil and Transmission and Coolant Change $200
0,020 Oil filter and oils


0.020 Automatic Transmission Filter and pan gasket
0.030 Automatic Transmission Fluid

0,010 Radiator Cap

0.015 Upper radiator hose

0,025 lower radiator hose

0,050 Water pump

0,005 Water pump gasket

0,020 Coolant - 2 gallon

Fuel Delivery & Electrical  $500
0,015 Fuel Filter
0,050 Fuel Pump
0,100 Throttle position sensor

0,270 Ignition coil (6x $45 ea)

0,080 Standard EGR Valve

AC Fixes $300
0,250 Compressor
0,025 Idler pulley (for all??)
0,015 Dryer AC receiver

How Do Manufacturers Determine Cold Inflate Tire Pressure

Tire pressures affects couple things

1. load rating - higher pressure increase payload.  It is especially true on commercial truck tires where pressure may range from 80 psi to 110 psi . The difference in pressure could mean extra 1,500 lbs carrying load per tire.

2. ride quality - lower tire pressure usually provide a better ride.

3. handling - higher tire pressure usually resulting a stiffer tire. Stiffer tires may give better handling

4. rolling resistance - higher pressure - less rolling resistance - better fuel economy

What's the balance?  Ride? - Performance (handling, fuel burn, loading)..
I would trade ride quality for better performance.

Common Air Filter Sizes

Having trouble finding odd sizes, I decided to make a bolt on a smaller wood frame at the air inlet to accept common filter sizes.

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Here is a  list of common air filter sizes
24 x 24 - Hollywood Park x2

24 x 36 - SA Fawn

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12 x 24 - Water - Up

20 x 25 - Water - Down

Restaurant Rating Guide from Local Health Department

A = American (90 points or higher)

B = Burgers, Best

C = Chinese, Com’n in

D = Delicious

F = Fabulous

Trees for South Central Texas

Oak, Shumard  (Quercus shumardii) - Drought tolerant, fast growing, well-drained soil.
<< My tree grows about 1 ft a year.  It had encountered tree fungus many years>>

Oak, Bur Quercus macrocarpa - Drought tolerant, mixed type soil is acceptable, 70" spread, dense shade, Long lived tree. Full Sun.
<< My tree is growing about 1 to 1-1/2 ft a year, the dense shade isn't good for the lawn.  Thinning out branches are needed to keep a healthy lawn>>>

Oak, Live Quercus virginiana -Long lived tree, mixed type soil is acceptable, 40-80 ft tall and spread Wind resistant.
<< Some books say it can grow over 2 ft a year, my trees had grown at an average of  1/2 ft a year. I don't know the real reason why the slow growth rate, even though I placed tree spikes every year.>>

<< in the hot summer Texas heat, the Live Oak seems to grow slower than most publication>>>

Oak, Chinkapin Quercus muehlenbergii - 70' high. Well-drained soil - mixed type soil is acceptable. Full sun.

<< My trees are growing about 1 to 1-1/2 ft a year, loose "thin" tree branches>>




last update 2012.02.29

When to say goodbye to my Car

When to say goodbye to my car?

1-owner car - it doesn't need repairs, the car hasn't been a flood or serious accident, it is still fairly reliable. Now, the car is approaching the 200,000 miles mark. The long list of "maintenance items" and replaceable items are likely to exceeds the value of the vehicle, then do you keep it, or junk it - and let it be someone else's problem?

Well, the list ranges 3,500 to 4,200 for all the repairs or running the risks of upward $5,500-$6,000. If it is possible, putting off all the repairs, and fix the vehicle as needed. But it also leads to having unreliable car.

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$600 - cheapest set of tires for 4 $800 for decent tires

$700 - a set of rotors and brake pads, brake jobs
$ 50 - replace new brake fluid

$120 - replace coolant
$ 70 - transmission fluid
$ 30 - oil change
$ 70 - rear differential (4x4/awd gearing)

$ 30 - new serpentine belt
$450 - timing belts
$150 - water pump
$ 15 - radiator caps

$ 80 - spark plugs
$ 40 - electrical wire set
$300 - front and back oxygen sensors

$ 80 - battery
$ 20 - air filter
$ 30 - cabin air filter
$ 20 - windshield wipers

$300 - front struts suspension
$200 - Rear shocks suspension

$400 - ignition coils (if needed)
$250 - alternator (if needed)
$150 - starter (if needed)
$150 - fuel pump (if needed)

# # #

Well, I think unload the car to shade tree mechanics or keeping it as a spare car and doing the maintenance on spare time.

String Trimmer - Gas or Electric

Consumer Reports usually is right about the product reviews. I was shocked to find the top rated gas powered stringer trimmer has very low user/reader review. The top reason for bad reviews is same as my biggest fear of gas powered 2-cycle engines - starting.

It's very cool to hear that "power tool" revving up and down, but I stick to electric trimmer and power cord for the sake of "sure start". Now, I am in a pickle now, the yard to too large even with 100 ft and 50 ft extension cords. Should I be worrying "over extending" the power cord?

Well, the gas powered $100-$150, and professional version is well over $200 range.  The battery powered can be had for $70.  What should I look for in the trimmer, other than electric trimmer?

Option 1:
Power, bad possible start, mixing gas and oil, unlimited usage of fuel supply?

Option 2:
Consistent power output, guarantee start, remember to charge battery, life-cycle limited battery pack?

The manufacture rated the batery life to be around 1 hours - it seems like a long time, but it also could mean a 30 minutes, 15 minutes if the battery pack -goes bad quickly.

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Option 3 - buy more extension cord?

Band of Brothers on Spike TV

Surfing through TV programming guide, "Band of Brothers" was on Spike TV all day long.  I thought it was a movie, and it was repeated all day long.   To my surprise, it was a TV-movie series by HBO. Thumbs up for the show - a richer story than "Saving Private Ryan".

The prized item was a German made handgun/ Pistol - Luger. What's so special about that handgun?

Michelin Tires - Costco versus Discount Tires

Michelin Passenger/Touring Tires

grand touring -all season
Michelin Primacy MXV4 = wet/dry/winter/comfort
235/65/17
60,000 miles  620aa
p235/65R17 $150 ea

standard touring -all season
Michelin Defender = wet/dry/ok winter/comfort (tread)
90,000 miles  820ab,
225/65/17  - $152 ea

passenger all season
Michelin Harmony = ok wet/ok dry/winter
80,000 miles 740ab

Michelin energy saver =ok wet/dry/bad winter
65,000 miles 480ab

HydroEdge with Green X(Passenger All-Season)
90,000 miles wet/dry/bad winter/ok comfort

Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season
Dueler H/L Alenza(Crossover/SUV Touring All-Season)
65,000 miles - $146 ea

Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice & Snow

Latitude X-Ice Xi2
40,000 miles wet/dry/winter/comfort
225/65/17- $140

COSTCO VS DISCOUNT TIRES

I like both tires shops for different reasons..

Discount Tire stores are everywhere.  The wait time is short, asking for tire rotation and re-balancing is easy. The tire selection is plenty.

Costco stores are limited. There are only 3 in San Antonio, TX (I-10 near UTSA,  281/1604 North Loop, and I-35 near Garden Ridge).  The tire selection can be limited (3 to 4 brands).  The wait can be hours for tire rotation and re-balancing.

You can get great tires from Discount Tires, but I feel Costco offers a more consistent higher quality tires - it may not be cheaper than other retail stores, even though it requires membership.

# # # #

At Costco, the tire installation seems to be more diligent (slow) than making check boxes (rushing). At Discount Tires,  I had to ask and remind the mechanics to "check" "verify" of their works.

Costco tires include "road hazardous" where discount tire is an extra fee.  A $20 fee/per tire on a set of new tires will set you back another $80.  The "life-time" tire rotation/balancing is same for both shop, but Discount Tire tag on $2.50/$10-a set to dispose your old tires where as Costco includes that on all inclusive $15 fee.

# #  example  # #

Michelin - HydroEdge® Tire Size: P225/55R17 95T

Costco $155 ea/$620 for 4, $671 with tax and $15 all inclusive fees per tire = $731.

Discount Tires $155 ea/$620 for 4 , add  $10 tire dispose fee, $60 for installation  $86 - replacement/refund + $52 taxes=$828.

That's $97 difference in price.  

This week - Costco offers a $75 off coupon on a set of Michelin, then the price difference is a whopping $178, or $45 a tire.

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Tire speed rating and Load rating

Load Range A, B, C, D, E ETC, indicate the number of ply (load rating)

Speed rating -

R - 106 MPH
S - 112 MPH
T - 118 MPH
H - 130 MPH
V - 149 MPH
W - 168 MPH
Y - 186 MPH

Curbs?

The main street in our little town is getting some improvement.  I am not sure what exactly "improvements" taking place - except that - drainage - re-surfacing street. During the town hall meeting, the "ribbon" "standard" curbs were used loosely. What is a ribbon curb?

Is "ribbon curb" a strip of flat, slightly dip/curved edge along side of paved street that assist drainage?

Is "standard curb" a "L shaped" bump with lower dip corner for drainage?

Basic Health and Is It Too Much? What some of us are taking everyday..

BMI  - basic weight / height ratio; it doesn't make difference between (fat/or muscles weight)

20 - 25 normal
25 - 30 over weight
30 > high risk

bmi = (weight / lb) * 703  / (height in inches) / (height in inches)

bmi = 200 lb * 703 / 5'10 (70) / 70 = 28

bmi = 170 lb * 703 / 6'0" (72) / 72 =  23


Body Fat %  - fat ratio changes as one ages, fat varies between man and woman




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Daily supplement intake for middle aged people
1. Heart - Fish/Flex Seed Oil
2. Heart - Low dosage Aspirin
3. Joints - Glucosamine Chondritin
4. Skin Nerve and Brain -Vitamin B50

Knowing Your Heart

Everyone, including myself, is uncertain about our own heart condition. Healthy people can die at every young age. Some doctors died in the late forties and early fifty - they should know better about their body, right?. What had cause the heart attacks without warning?

When ever we complaint about chest pains. Doctors prescribe EKG - electrocardiography - and CT scans, So what exactly do they check?

EKG - a transthoracic interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart over time (looking for irregular heart beat? looking for open/closing of heart valves?)

CT scan - looking for calcifications (calcium based) within/around the heart and blood vessels. The blood vessel plaque causes the "narrowing vessel", "harden the blood vessel" reducing blood flow? - The detaching plaque from blood vessel - can causing blood clog in the brain (leading to strokes)?

Here are the standard and two new blood tests,

Cholesterol/Fatty blood test -
HDL, high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) - low HDL count - actually increased rates for heart diease
LDL, low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol)
triglycerides, fatty substance found in the blood,

Homocysteine - ($50 blood test -in 2006) - A high level of blood serum homocysteine a often linked to cardiovascular disease according to a doctor. Is it a sure thing? Who knows

Cardio High Sensitivity (CRP) - C-Reactive Protein ($40 blood test - in 2006) - Mildly elevated CRP levels have been consistently been linked to increased risk for various cardiovascular illness - stroke, sudden cardiac death.

Well, EKG - CT are physical, detectable sign of heart problems, where as the blood tests -
CRP, Homocysteine, or cholesterol test are precursor of detectable signs of heart problems.

LCD - 60Hz, 120Hz, 240Hz Refresh Rate and Dynamic Contrast Ratio

The old debate was about LCD and Plasma, the new debate is about LCD refresh rate.


# # # # Last update  # # #

Walmart - Sanyo LCD 47"
120MHz, with Wi-Fi Internet
$450 (refurb) 2012.May.18










In the past the plasma tv set offers higher dynamic contrast ratio, even at 720p, the plasma TV looked fantastic playing the DVD movies.

Will I buy another plasma TV? I think I will if I plan to watch movies most of time.  What I want to see is the 1080P feature where I can plug in a computer to use the TV as a computer monitor.  Oh, the lighter weight of LCD over the plasma is always nice.

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At least, the 600Hz plasma TVs don't have this kind of "refresh" problem. So for the LCD monitors, - where is the beef? -

It's about programming signal frame rate and tv display frame not in sync, causing jitters across the screen.  The problem is more visible when viewing sports/actions show. One will assume the higher refresh rate (more computing power on the TV set, or faster update speed) will make it look as good as a plasma TV.

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How are these TV set priced at WalMart?
$499 Panasonic 42" 720p 600Hz Plasma HDTV, TC-P42C2, 2,000,000:1 dynamic ratio

$548 Vizio 42" Class LCD 1080p 60Hz HDTV, E420VO 100,000:1 dynamic ratio

$648 Vizio 42" Class 1080p/120Hz LCD HDTV, E420VL 100,000:1 dynamic ratio

$698 Panasonic 42" 1080p 600Hz Plasma HDTV, TC-P42S2 2,000,000:1 dynamic ratio

I will go for the 50" Plasma Panasonic 720P at Costco - which runs for $620.

photos: 2010 Poland Krakow Old Town