HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: rll@frieda.mitre.org (Roberto L. Landrau)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: TOYOTA's timing belt
Date: 28 Aug 92 17:22:33 GMT
Organization: Research Computer Facility, MITRE Corporation, Bedford, MA

In article <1992Aug28.155700.1106@walter.bellcore.com> jchen@ctt.bellcore.com writes:
>In article <7740213@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM>, gregb@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Greg Begay) writes:
>
>|> I just had a 30K tuneup done on my 90 Camry (4cyl.16valve).  The dealer 
>|> recommended that the timing belt be checked and "adjusted" for an 
>|> additional $60.  I told'em to go for it.  They (dealer mechanic) claim 
>|> that if you check and adjust the belt every 30K miles, then the belt will 
>|> last until 90K-120K miles, then it must be replaced.
>|> 
>|> What do you folks think, did my dealer give good info or did I waste
>|> $60.
>|> 
>I am not an expert on auto mechanics. But from what I understand, there
>is little to adjust for the timing belt. The belt won't move out of place, 
>and there is no need to adjust tension. You probably don't have to spend the
>$60 for the first 30k miles. 

There is a tensioner mechanism that keeps the belt tight.  From what I
have seen, most of the work involved is removing the covers and
getting to the tensioner itself.  If they want $60.00, they are
probably claiming it takes 1.5 hrs, which should be about right for a
Camry.

>In general, I believe that dealer scheduled tune-ups before 60k miles are
>unnecessary, if can do the basic things such as change filters, oil, plugs,
>and coolant. Modern-day cars have a lot of electronic controls. They either
>work or break. Little adjustment or inspection is needed. You can save
>hundreds of dollars on those meaningless inpections and adjustments and
>those overpriced oil/filter change labor charges.
>C. Jason Chen                 

In general, you are far better off taking care of those items
somewhere else for a reasonable price.  Most of these items are
relatively easy to do at home with a very basic set of tools.  As
Jason mentioned, with the new electronic controls there is no more
fooling around with timing, carburator adjustments, etc.  Most
dealers want about $300.00 for the 30k service.  You should be able to
get all of it done for somewhere between $50 and $100.00 + labor.
--
The opinions stated above are not necessarily my employer's.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Roberto L. Landrau    KC1YP    landrau@mitre.org  rll@linus.mitre.org
The MITRE Corporation  Bedford, MA 01730          rll@linus.UUCP
Xref: sparky rec.autos:21179 rec.humor:27623
From: shaig@Think.COM (Shai Guday)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.humor
Subject: Re: THE DOOR HORROR
Date: 1 Sep 1992 23:42:41 GMT
Organization: Thinking Machines Corporation, Cambridge MA, USA
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: merlin.think.com

In article <collin.715379196@angelo>, collin@angelo.amd.com (Collin K. Ong) writes:
|> consideration people have.  I didn't say anything since there was no damage,
|> but maybe I should have so he doesn't do it next time.  Is there some way to
|> evangelize these people and turn them back from their sinful ways?!?!?

1. I  always say something so that next time the dork will be more careful.

2. As a preventative, may I suggest:

	A. Perhaps a shotgun rack and assorted Survivalist stickers?

	B. I wonder what the reaction to a sign on the window would
	   be if the sign read:

		IF YOU DON"T CARE ABOUT MY CAR,
		I SURE AS HELL WON'T CARE ABOUT
			YOURS!

	   Something like that on a suction cup in the rear-side
	   mirror should get noticed.

Behaviour like that should not go unpunished, we need a masked

	"CAR DING AVENGER"
From: simon@ivem.uucp (Simon Lee)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: The Best time to Buy a Car?
Date: 27 Aug 1992 16:27:17 GMT
Organization: University of California, San Diego
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: ivem.ucsd.edu

In article <1992Aug26.183513.14076@midway.uchicago.edu> howard@chsun1.spc.uchicago.edu (Eboni Howard) writes:
>A while ago I read a post asking when was the best time to buy a car.  I don't
>recall seeing a reply to this question.  When is the best time of the year to
> buy a car?  I heard that during December or January is a good time because
>dealers are trying to get rid of the old models for the new year models.
>For example, getting rid of the 92's for the 93's.  Is this true?  Can you
>get a good deal on a car during this time or is there a better time of the
>year?

I've read beginning of fall (September ?) is a good time since the next year's
models are coming out.  Also, times of economic hardships (like now) is a good
time to get a great deal.  Most dealers either work on a commission or on a
quota per month basis.  The end of the month is also a good time since
salespeople have to meet their quota, if they're on that pay system.

-- 
*   Simon Lee              *   Microscopy and Imaging Resource          *
*   simon@ivem.ucsd.edu    *   Intermediate Voltage Electron Microscopy *
*   sulee@ucsd.edu         *   UC San Diego, Dept. of Neuroscience      *
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech,misc.consumers,sci.environment,talk.environment
From: hinz@picard.med.ge.com (David Hinz Mfg 4-6987)
Subject: Re: Carburetors, gasoline, and why I don't recycle
Organization: GE Medical Systems, Magnetic Resonance
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL5
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 92 09:55:11 GMT

Eric Huppertz (ejhupper@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu) wrote:
: 
: I refuse to recycle.  If I have an empty soda can, and there's a
: garbage can right next to a recycling bin, I'll throw it in
: the garbage can.  Same with newspapers, bottles, plastic jugs,
: you name it.  I say, into the trash with it.

OK, good, provacative start....

:   I once read an article which
: stated, as I recall, that one such fuel-injection system promised
: to double the effective power of its engine, while extending gas
: mileage to well over 130 (that's one hundred thirty) miles per
: gallon.  On a news program years ago, I saw a group of college
: students who had developed a carburetor that guaranteed at least
: 100 miles per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline.

Here we go again.  What you describe is called an URBAN LEGEND.

There is only so much chemical energy in a gallon of gas.  As we 
discussed here a couple of days ago, the percentage of hydrocarbons
that aren't burned is so low that gains of the magnitude you are
talking about are unrealistic for streetable applications.

Yes, Mercedes built a diesel powered vehicle that gets 100 MPG (so
I've read).  However, the tires are inflated to 100 PSI, and they
didn't drive it over 15 MPH.  When you get into applications that 
are usable for the everyday driver, you just can't do it.

: So what does this have to do with recycling?  Everything.  These
: recycling programs are a waste of time, and I personally think that
: they have been implemented just to give Jane and Joe American a chance
: to feel that they are doing their little part to help "save the
: environment".  No question about it, recycling makes you feel good
: about yourself; but did you ever stop to ask what happens to all
: these items after they get tossed in the recycling bin?  After all,
: the paper recycling process creates more pollution and toxic waste
: than making new paper.  I wouldn't be surprised if half the stuff
: we throw into recycing containers winds up in the landfills, just
: like the garbage.

Interesting leap of logic.  Let me see if I have this right:

1> oil companies are conspiring to keep the magic carburetors from us.
2> since they are baddies, I will be a baddie too.

Did I miss anything?

: So I, for one, will not make an effort to "protect the environment"
: by recycling my little aluminum cans, or buying brand X because it's
: packed in recycled cardboard.  Not until I am assured that the oil
: companies are doing their part: working for the planet rather than
: against it for the sake of some pretty serious bucks.

How about burning something other than oil products?  How about ethanol?
Make it yourself, support the farmers.  

: The above is (c)1992 by Eric J. Huppertz.  

Uh oh, I hope I'm not in trouble.....

--

Dave Hinz  -  Opinions expressed are mine, not my employer's.  Obviously.
SAAB - Because you get what you pay for.
hinzd@picard.med.ge.com
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: tedebear@leland.Stanford.EDU (Theodore Chen)
Subject: Re: Which car vax to use?
Organization: DSG, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 92 02:37:35 GMT

In article <andchan.714612619@newton.amath.umanitoba.ca> andchan@newton.amath.umanitoba.ca (Andrew Chan) writes:
>I have a relatively new (1991, non-metallic paint) car and am wondering
>which car vax I should use.
>
>Plain old car vax?  NuFinish?  Luster 7?  Colorcote?

well, for sheer selection you can't beat DEC.  they've been making
VAXes for as long as i can remember, and they come in a bunch of sizes.
or maybe you should try Finish 2001, which is what i've been using.  i
wax my car about once a month, and it sits outside under trees (with all
the bird droppings and random stuff that trees drop) all the time.
the stuff is easy to buff off, which counts for something.
-teddy
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: mike%jim.uucp@wupost.wustl.edu (Mike Suter)
Subject: Re: THE DOOR HORROR
Organization: BITS, St. Louis, MO
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 02 Sep 1992 18:12:20 GMT

>THE ANSWER:  Get a theft deterrant system like James Bond had in a Lotus - the car
>blows up along with the cretin who touched it!  (Expensive, but fun!) :^)

Or, a theft deterrant system like that on the Batmobile--arm the
system, and the car is instantly covered in armor!

Mike
-- 
mike%jim.uucp@wupost.wustl.edu
From: hale@gws.tcom.stc.co.uk (Dave Hale)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Keeping Glass Clean
Date: 2 Sep 92 12:56:54 GMT
Reply-To: hale%mother@tcom.stc.co.uk
Organization: bnr

Someone once gave me some stuff for cleaning the inside of car windows.
It was called 'Clearway'. I have no idea where you buy it as I haven't seen 
it in any shops. It is very good though. It stops the windows steaming up
even if you breathe right on the glass on a cold day.
has anyone else heard of it or know know ehere to get it?
I think it is the same make as something called rain X.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: wuchi@dip.eecs.umich.edu (Wu-Chi Feng)
Subject: Goodyear Aquatreads
Organization: University of Michigan EECS Dept., Ann Arbor, MI
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 15:25:05 GMT

I'm considering Goodyear Aquatreads for a 1990 Toyota Camry (185/70R14). 
Does anyone out there in netland have anything good or bad to say about 
these tires?

Are they great in the rain or just a gimmick?

The current tires we have are wore on the edges (my wife loves driving
it through curves... fast).  Will it help to move to 15 inch rims like
the V6 models?  I'd rather not mess with the suspension... as soupy as
it is.  Any comments from Camry owners would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
--Wu

========================================================================
Wu-chi Feng                                Software Systems Research Lab
wuchi@dip.eecs.umich.edu                          University of Michigan
========================================================================
From: em@cvs.rochester.edu (Ethan Montag)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Blue Book
Date: 27 Aug 92 13:47:31 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Center for Visual Science, U. of Rochester


My good-for-nothing insurance agent won't return my calls
so I am asking for some info.

Could someone please e-mail me the blue book value of a
1988 Honda Accord and a 1985 Ford escort hatchback?

I need the info ASAP.

Thanks,
Ethan Montag
em@cvs.rochester.edu
From: david.bonds@cutting.hou.tx.us (David Bonds) 
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Re: Police Tauri
Date: 27 Aug 92 19:34:00 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: The Cutting Edge - Houston, TX - 713-466-1525
Reply-To: david.bonds@cutting.hou.tx.us (David Bonds) 

  >	I saw a "Car Buyer Guide" for 1993 models in the bookstore
  >	yesterday. It claimed the the SHO will be bored out to 3.4l to

The SHO Registry (usually a pretty good source of info for SHOs :-))
said it was going to be 3.2l.  No mention of the HP/torque gains that
are sure to come with that extra size..

  >	increase torque. It claimed that the HP for the automatic version
  >	(also due out in 1993) would still be 200, but, made no claims for
  >	the manual version.

The numbers for stock SHOs 89-92 are 220 HP, and 200 torque.

- Dave Bonds 
- Internet : David.Bonds@cutting.hou.tx.us
---
 . KingQWK 2.00 .6 # 145 . Taglines that make you go "Hmmm..."
From: seymour@bnr.ca (Jeffrey Seymour)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: BMW 325i question
Date: 3 Sep 92 17:37:04 GMT
Reply-To: seymour@bnr.ca (Jeffrey Seymour)
Organization: Bell-Northern Research Ltd.

Does anyone know how much torque a 1986-1991 BMW 325i has?  I know the 325 and 325e have 121 hp & 170 lb-ft, and that the 325i has 168 hp.

just curious.

Incidently, what the hell does flame mean.  As in being flamed on usenet.
From: erich.lim@cutting.hou.tx.us (Erich Lim) 
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: ACURA VIGOR CD CHANGER IN
Date: 2 Sep 92 14:57:00 GMT
Distribution: world
Organization: The Cutting Edge - Houston, TX - 713-466-1525
Reply-To: erich.lim@cutting.hou.tx.us (Erich Lim) 

-> I've figured out that the CD Changer that Acura sells for the Vigor
-> is made by Alpine.  What I can't figure out is how to get the factory
-> radio to go into CD mode.  I know the controls are built into the
-> radio.  The dealer told me that once the CD changer is plugged in the
-> buttons on the radio perform a dual function.  Yesterday I went to a
-> stereo shop and had them hookup a Alpine changer.  There was power to
-> the unit (the Vigor comes pre-wired for a CD changer), but we could
-> not figure out how to get the radio to switch to CD mode!
->
-> Has anyone installed a CD changer in a Vigor?  If so can you provide
-> me with information on how to switch the radio to CD mode.

  Here's the deal on the stock radio.  There's a din plug on the back
with a gray cap over it.  That needs to be taken out and a cable from
the CD changer to the din input(on the radio) are to be connected.  The
Din cable can ONLY be purchased from your Honda/Acura dealer.
Authorized Alpine dealers don't sell them.   Did you buy the CD changer
from the Acura dealer or retail??  That should be it, one simple cable
and it should work.  The panel of the stock head unit will sense the
input and should automatically configure the radio to work in dual mode
so there shouldn't be other controller to run the disc player, or maybe
there is.  I really only know how the Single Disc factory Alpine works,
but I guess the changer would be the same.


Erich Lim
                                                                              
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: singh@r-node.gts.org (Rajendra Singh)
Subject: Re: Yet another fancy piece of cops' equipment
Organization: Public Access UNIX Information System
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 01 Sep 1992 00:51:08 GMT

In article <Bts8qC.J6v@cmptrc.lonestar.org> neal@cmptrc.lonestar.org (Neal Howard) writes:
>In article <17bj2bINNh82@agate.berkeley.edu> avk@hafnium.cchem.berkeley.edu (Tony Konashenok) writes:
>>Two days ago in Marin County I was pulled over by a cop on a motorcycle.
>>When he approached me, I understood that he was riding... Guess what?
>>
>
>Cool!!! The last time I got pulled over for speeding, the cop was also
>on a Harley and that seemed to make getting a ticket just a little less
>painful. (by the way I was flying low and had no excuse). 

I would venture to say that 90% of the motorcycles used by Ontario (Canada)
cops are Harley Davidsons.
-- 
Raj (singh@r-node.gts.org)  If you wish to reply by E-Mail and your response
is greater than 100 lines (or 15K), then please send your response to:
                    tcomsing@chasm.scar.utoronto.ca

Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.sport,talk.politics.drugs,talk.politics.misc
From: dafuller@sequent.com (David Fuller)
Subject: Re: NHRA announces Piss Testing
Organization: Sequent Computer Systems Inc.
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 92 15:21:37 GMT

I'm willing to bet the move is caused by insurance liability more
than anything.

-- 
Dave Fuller		 	All opinions expressed are my own and not
Sequent Computer Systems	those of Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.
dafuller@sequent.com
From: dlou@ECE.UCSD.EDU (Dennis Lou)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Broken seat back ('86 Mustang LX) Ford in general
Date: 2 Sep 92 21:08:44 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: University of California, San Diego

In article <PHILG.92Sep2141615@zug.ai.mit.edu> philg@martigny.ai.mit.edu writes:
>In article <minor.715373979@coal8> minor@rtsg.mot.com (Kevin Minor) writes:
>   Until recently, I would never buy a Ford. The majority of people I know
>   with Fords have them in the shop frequently.
>   But being in the market for a SUV, the explorer is definitely under
>   consideration. But is this the kind of service that I should expect from
>   Ford ? What are other Ford owners experiences ?
>A local consumer lawyer said that Ford is the most tenacious of the
>car companies in fighting its own customers.  He told me of one case
>where Ford spent $50,000 to litigate a poor lemon-owner into the
>ground.


Ahhh, remember the Pinto case?

(This was where they knew that a rear impact would cause the car's gas
tank to ignite, but they found it cheaper to litigate than to recall)


--
Dennis Lou             || "But Yossarian, what if everyone thought that way?"
dlou@ucsd.edu          || "Then I'd be crazy to think any other way!"
[backbone]!ucsd!dlou   |+====================================================
dlou@ucsd.BITNET       |Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak went to my high school.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: sahul@loading-zone.Stanford.EDU (Zakir H. Sahul)
Subject: Re: Strike at Saturn?
Organization: Stanford University
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 92 21:34:17 GMT

In article <bakc.123.715617822@giraffe.ru.ac.za>, bakc@giraffe.ru.ac.za (MR KR COMAN) writes:
|> Assuming a "level playing field" free of formal and informal trade 
|> restrictions existed in Japan, and that Detroit engineered its current 
|> products to accommodate such basic needs as right-hand drive:  just what 
|> sort of market potential would exist for US vehicles in Japan?   Would 
|> legions of typical Japanese consumers flock to buy shiploads of '92 
|> Chevvies? 
|> 
|> Now THERE'S the essence of a free market!!!
|> 
|> Cheers
|> 
|> Keith

Yep. That is the free market.  But there are two things that the US auto
manufacturers have to overcome to sell well in Japan:

1) the perception (true or not) that Chevy is of inferior quality. 
   Corporations live and die on reputation.  It will take a decade or so
   of consisent high quality output from Chevy to make people associate
   Chevy with high quality.  
   
2) that buying foreign is not patriotic.  It would put Japanese out of work. 
   etc. etc.  If the computer industry is any indication, where US is a
   wee-bit ahead of the Japanese and the Japanese still don't buy American,
   the US auto industry has its work cut out for itself.  

Also, do you ever envision a time when Mr. Toyoda himself goes on TV and makes
some of the stupid arguments that Lee Iacocca (Mr. I Am Chairman Of Chrysler
Corporation of America) makes every now and then (regarding Toyota cars and
the American imports)?  

Flame away.

-Zak.
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech,misc.consumers,sci.environment,talk.environment
From: jgraham@bronze.ucs.indiana.edu (the End)
Subject: Re: More conspiracy theories (was Re: Carburetors, gasoline )
Organization: Indiana University
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 05:02:41 GMT

Indeed. These are among the factors which lead to the problem I
referred to.

Just how practicle is gasoline as a fuel when you consider all the
costs ?

Jim
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: dpl@cbnewsl.cb.att.com (douglas.p.linden)
Subject: Re: Some questions looking for answers
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 16:20:19 GMT

In article <4869@balrog.ctron.com>, smith@ctron.com (Larry Smith) writes:
> In article <oyPZPB1w164w@cellar.org>, hacksaw@cellar.org (Hacksaw) writes:
> 
> >     Finally... an unrelated question. I heard something about a type of
> >transmission used in some older cars. It was called Fluid Drive, I think.
> >Supposedly, it was half stick and half automatic; the best of both worlds.
> >Anyone have any specifics on Fluid Drive? Why isn't it around anymore?
> 

If you ever drove an old Chrysler product with Fluid Drive you would know
why they don't make that transmission any more.  Gawd it was awful!
From: aalis@sfsuvax1.sfsu.edu (Al Bundy)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: BMW Highway Patrol Car
Date: 26 Aug 92 06:39:04 GMT
Organization: San Francisco State University

In article <CRANSTON.92Aug25141835@ayn.cadence.com> cranston@ayn.cadence.com (W. Scott Cranston) writes:
>In article <1992Aug19.151315.7247@hubcap.clemson.edu>
>jlysagh@hubcap.clemson.edu (james joseph lysaght) writes:
>
>
>> 
>> Fpr those of you interested...
>> 
>> In conjunction with BMW building a new production plant in Greenville
>> South Carolina, BMW has provided the South Carolina Highway Patrol with
>> a special car for them to use.  The HP will lease the car for $1(US) for
>> 6 months to determine if it is suitable for use in patrolling the
>> highways and then determine if they wish to purchase some.  The car is
>> the BMW M5.  It has a 5.7 Liter hand built engine and would market for
>> $65,000(US).  It registers to 180 mph but is expected to go more.  THe
>> officer driving says he doubts it will be long before he is required to
>> determine just how much more. The officer also said that driving it is
>> hardly any different than the Mustang he was patrolling in except that
>> it accelerates a lot smoother and faster.  It has all the fancy
>> trimmings; leather interior, CD Player, power everything (windows,
>> seats, locks, etc.).  It is a pretty neat looking car but a pretty
>> unusual looking highway patrol car.
>> 
>> Jim
>
>Wow!  Know any more about this?  Is it just a stock car or does it
>have special "police" options like stiffer sway bars, beefed-up
>electrical system, etc.  If so, is this option package available to
>the general public??  If so, I just might start playing the lottery.
>
>And how about a scan of the picture??
>
>Scott
>

You don't need to play the lottery, just wait until those 
fleets are auctioned in police auction for $ 1 (just kidding :>
Seriously, if I am driving in So. Carolina, I have to watch out
for those four round lights in my rear view mirror, instead of
the usual Caprice/Mustangs lights (also what look like a yuppie
in front of you might be deceiving :)