Comments on: Blog Roundup: Murphy’s Law Edition

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:23:49 +0000

I guess I could handle losing my wallet, but I wouldn’t look forward to it!

Great picture by the way.

By: Jake

Jake — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:51:57 +0000

Changing the O2 sensor on my 1990 GMC Seirra is very easy

By: Dividend Growth Investor

Dividend Growth Investor — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:45:27 +0000

Well, there are many companies that are still increasing dividends without using the “we need to preserve cash” BS to mask the fact that the companies’ management is incompetent in utilizing cash effciently..
However dividend raises don’t get as much media attention, because the story of “we are not going into a great depression” doesn’t sell news..

By: Joshua

Joshua — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:02:19 +0000

Just want to comment on the engine light issue since it seems to be a favorite topic here.

If you happen to be driving when it pops on, take a quick look at the odometer for a nice round number.

I had a Suzuki Sidekick whose light came on exactly at 80,000.0 and again at 120,000.0 A friend who worked for a dealership looked it up and confirmed it was simply a programmed ploy to get you into the dealership where they would sell you “preventative” things like a new timing chain.

BTW, I drove that thing hard until 175,000 when the rear axle popped off and it never needed a timing chain! (I had ignored the leaking axle oil for 2 years because its time had come but it still wouldn’t die…)

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:33:04 +0000

I replaced both oxygen sensors in my 99 Passat a few years ago. I used a scanner to diagnose the problem. The parts markup and labor saved in changing just one sensor more than paid for my scanner. It is very easy to change an oxygen sensor: unscrew and unplug the old one and screw and plug in the new one. Put antisieze on the threads of the new sensor–my Bosch sensors came with a small tube of antisieze. However, it can be very difficult depending on location and obstacles. On my 99 Passat, the sensor at the inlet to the catalytic converter sticks out the top of the engine compartment and it took about 2 minutes to change. The sensor at the exit of the c.c. is in the middle of the engine compartment, surrounded by all kinds of other things. That one took 30 minutes to replace and I also had to buy a few socket extensions and a universal joint to get my socket to the sensor! I also had to buy a special socket to fit the oxygen sensors, it has a slit on one side for the cable.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:47:23 +0000

Cathy and Johnathan, I had to cringe when my buddy told me his story. A pregnant wife pretty much holds all the cards. It doesn’t seem wise to tangle with her when she’s so grumpy from being up all night going to the bathroom : ) Thanks for the mention.

By: Cathy @ Chief Family Officer

Cathy @ Chief Family Officer — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:28:29 +0000

Thanks so much for including my post! It’s actually going fairly well Ben’s post about flushing the toilet made me laugh too – seriously, it’s not a good idea to make a pregnant woman angry!