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Stupid Things we've done to our cars.

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:30 am
by markss327
I felt this might be an interesting topic, as none of us are professional engine builders....


On occasion, I've needed to turn the engine over by hand. I'm sure we all have. Usually to get to #1 TDC, set the distributor, static lifter djustment, etc.
Best done with the plugs out.....
I use a 1/2 drive ratchet, 2in extension, and my favorite 5/8, six point, socket. The perfect combo or the balancer bolt. My problem, I leave this ratchet combo hanging on the bolt, and inevitably forget it's there..... Well, what happens when the engine starts? So far, it's only hit the floor - nothing else. :oops: Thank God.

BTW, I've done this twice, with the 406.

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 12:48 pm
by Basement Paul
I've started the motor with the fuel line disconnected (more than once) and blew gas all over my windshield (among other things). Surprisingly no fires...

-BP

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 2:50 pm
by TireSmoker
I started grandma's car with no oil filter once. I caught it before any damage occured, other than about 2 quarts of oil on the floor.

I bolted a head on once and pinched the throttle cable between the block & head. That one oughta sound familiar to regular readers here.

Before I was old enough to drive, my dad was having me put a wheel back on the car (steel wheel) At some point after I had most or all of the lug nuts tightened, he informed me that I had the lugs on backwards (taper facing out). It is still a family debate on whether he intentionally waited till I had them all tight before mentioning it.

Lastly, I once tried doing a small burnout in the garage. The car was partially hanging out of the doorway, and within a few tire revolutions, the posi pushed it sideways, and I lightly tapped the garage door frame with my quarter panel.

-Dave

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 3:11 pm
by MostMint
Enter garage through back door. Get in car. Use remote to open garage door. Proceed to back my 87 Camaro out of the garage in Bainbridge and run right into the front of Rhondas car. Kinda forgot it was sitting there. Luckily no serious damage

I backed my Trans am out of the garage too quickly and caught the garage door on the roof. You can still see the crease, and it was the last straight panel on the car until that incident.