No Fixed Abode: Whoa, Black Betty

Not every hero gets a statue, and not every brilliant accomplishment gets a plaque. There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy, and many a spectacular occurrence is forgotten the moment after it happens.

This is the story of a sheetmetal worker who built a car to nearly unimaginable standards of precision and perfection … then decided to walk away from it for reasons that only he can understand.

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General Motors Recalling 1.4 Million Cars for Increased Fire Risk

General Motors announced Tuesday that the automaker would recall 1.3 million cars for an oil leak that could ignite, Reuters reported.

According to the report, 1,345 fires have been reported in cars that were repaired for similar issues under two previous recalls. In six years, 19 minor injuries were reportedly caused by leaking oil.

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Piston Slap: A Fireball of a 3.8L Oil Leak?

Robert writes:

I have changed the seal 2 times on my 3.8L Chevy and it still will leak. I had a place on harmonic balancer.I put the recommended slave to repair.It was not long enough to cover the bad spot on the balancer.It was close but they seal was damaged.They offer a different one that is $30+.This all occurred just out of the blue.I rebuilt the engine and it has 30,000 on it.I was wondering if there is something causing pressure around this seal.Pressure check on cylinders was good.Any ideas what to do or pressure is good too good.

Thank you sincerely – Robert

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  • ToolGuy a) Can the brand successfully offer more vehicles that are affordable to more consumers? Yes if they decide to, for two reasons: a1) If and when they introduce the 'Model 2'/'Redwood'/whatever (or other 'low-cost' model or models) -- my understanding is they had valid reasons for waiting. a2) Tesla has gotten good at efficiency/cost reduction and passing (some of) the savings along. ¶ b) Would you be interested in a more affordable Tesla? b1) Yes, maybe, eventually but in the near term 'more affordable' Teslas should tend to make -all- used Teslas more affordable and this interests me more because I sort of kind of have my eye on a nice Model S one of these years. (Have never driven one, don't spoil the ending for me if you hate it.)
  • Aja8888 Notice no photos with the top down. They break...a lot on the Eos. And parts are unobtanium (besides no one wanting to work on the complicated flogging top).
  • Michael S6 Tesla need to keep upgrading its existing products in order to face the fierce competition. The upgrade of model 3 was a major step forward although cost cutting such as getting rid of turn stalk was a downer. Model Y and S are in need of major upgrade. This should be Tesla's priority and not producing a less expensive no profit model
  • ToolGuy Seems harmless, but it must be a trap.
  • Robert I don’t consider Tesla terribly upmarket. Certainly not the 3 or Y. They are in an unenviable position from my perspective - a couple of halo-ish cars (S, X and truck), but all the volume is on the low end and all stale at this point. Car manufacturers can’t be everything for everyone. I wont buy a Tesla because out here in Krazy Kalifornia they are too pedestrian. And they all look the same. In the same color. I am sure they are fine car though. 21 XC90, 22 Mini Cooper SE and a 24 Mustang GT in my garage.