Myths..auto that is.

["Ray Brown" <64imper@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

You are correct about all those Brian. Don't use P.S. fluid in tranny though.

You want a bad myth:

    Disconnect the battery while the car is running to check the Alternator. Worked 30 yrs ago. Every day some guy in a cheap bulit S10 tells me he has tried that. And everyday I just tell him the price of a new computer for his crap.

----- Original Message -----

From: Brian Collinsworth

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2002 4:15 PM

Subject: Re: IML: Myths..auto that is.

Just a couple of points.

1.You can use tranny fluid as power steering fluid on most old Chryslers, But NEVER use it if you have rack and pinion steering. I have used it for 12 years now with no problems.

 

2. Yes it is true, Type F fluid does firm up shifts(just barely) I run it in my 300 and have for three years. It may wear the tranny out a little sooner, but I am not worried about it.(20,000 miles so far on a 120,000 mile used tranny)

 

3. Some manufacturers used form a gasket or silicone in place of gaskets for some parts. This stuff has a use, just not for everything.

 

6.Although I have never tried this, my local Paint guy tells me that the paint nowadays(not rattle cans but good quality paint) is good enough to last until you get around to painting it. Of course he was talking about a specific type of paint(can't remember what it was). This does not apply to all paints.

 

All of these things are bad ideas if used without understanding why they will work and why they are bad ideas in most cases.

 

Just my $.02

 

Brian

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to bring up the subject of "myth" repairs. If you have been a car nut very long you probably know there is alot of BAD car advice out there. At least as far as repairs go. I think this forum would be a good place to list..all the NO NO's

 

Just to list a couple BAD IDEAS and myths

 

1.You can use transmission fluid as power steering fluid.

 

2.Type F transmission fluid in a Mopar automatic for "firmer shifts"

 

3.Form a gasket.... you don't need a gasket!{ya right}

 

4. Transmission fluid for a quick shine on your paint.

 

5. Bondo to fix rust holes.

 

6. Primer is good enough to last until you "get around to painting it"

 

7. You can weld a gas tank..just fill it with water. NOT!

Who has got their own? What bad advice have you been given and rolled your eyes..or even

 

WORSE..tried.