You've got questions, I bear answers

ciddyguy asks: Do you see yourself as a "typical bear" or not and how has it influenced your life?

Without bringing up that "What Is A Bear" discussion, when I finally "discovered" beardom in the early/mid 90s, I found that I fit the simple, spare definition that existed back then. Average guy, fuzzy, unskinny, masculine. I still consider myself fitting that same description these days, though 'what is a bear' has given rise to so many other subcategories and subspecies as people pigeonhole themselves into ever narrower categories. As for my LJ handle, it actually comes from the name of a roller coaster in Hersheypark, PA, the Great Bear. It's not that I am 'great' in any way. As far as how it influenced my life, I guess it gained me quite a few new friends over the years, and a loving partner these days.


Be a part of my very own production, "March Of The Questions", while there is still time!

You've got questions, I've got your fix

rockvillewoof strolls into the shop with this dilemma:

Q: I went to the "Jiggylube" to get my first oil change with the new (ok used but still new to me) 2000 Dodge Intrepid, and they couldn't do the oil change because they couldn't get the oil filter off without forcing it - and of course they didn't cause they didn't want the problem to become THEIR problem, and told me to take it back to whoever did the last oil change.

I got the vehicle in November, so I have no idea who was last one to do the change.

So, if the threads are stripped (shudder) what can I expect for a repair bill, and should Fitzgerald Auto Mall be responsible for the cost?

Tough one. In many cases, the filter is simply tightened way too tight causing the rubber seal to essentially glue itself to the filter base. In most cases, simply mangling off the old filter and cleaning up any residue from the old o-ring the installing a new filter hand-tight (no more than 3/4 turn after the seal contacts the base. In rare cases where the improper filter was fitted and the threaded post stripped, a new post (or base in some cases) can be had and installed at a nominal cost. As for who's responsible, you might try asking the dealer where you bought the car from, they might or might not help there. Otherwise, it's off to an independent shop to have the filter swapped. Hell, I can help out there if you want.


Be a part of my very own production, "March Of The Questions", while there is still time!