Welcome to my channel that specializes in how to make a car last 25 years without it being a "beater" or piece of junk. Even though I've been a RU-vid member since 2012 I wanted to wait until I'd been driving for over 30 years and working on my own cars for over 20 years to start my own channel. As a result I've developed particular theories and ways of doing things that are extremely effective (some learned from my father who was in the engine rebuilding industry).
I also provide opinions on car ownership... the only caveat being that all of my videos are based on my own personal experience. I make no guarantees or warranties of any kind as each driving or maintenance situation is unique and requires the use of good judgement, proper tools, and the observation of all reasonably prudent safety precautions.
The symbol of The Switz is a blue star. It symbolizes what I want to be for the rest of my life, a guide to help you on your automotive journey.
i bought a ameristar in 2016 and 7 yrs later it doesnt work!!!!! had companys come and fix it one or two later days it stops working. ameristar is a starter air conditioner its cheaply made!!! so i got a way better one. and yes it cost more. but im happy.
You probably got the unit made in China with the LG compressor... and those were pretty bad. This is one made in the USA with the Scroll compressor and it's awesome. I'd buy it again for 10% more!
@@TheSwitzAutomotive i replaced my manifold cover and got a new heat shield for my NA miata. Because there was smoke coming through the manifold gasket area and the old heat shield looked really ugly and covered in surface rust. I also changed the oil and added some of the 205 and the engine is all good now 👍 122k miles Still gotta fix the clutch though unfortunately 💀 I’m not sure if I can do that on my own
This is a really good meter for its price and i love the ncv feature great for finding shorts i had mine for about 5 years and it broke today so i took it to HF and they gave me a new meter just had to pay the warranty of 10$ BTW It is listed for $44 i believe I bought it for 59.99 back then but definitely been great mechanics tool!!
Yes, I just used the non-contact voltage feature the other day when we were having some issues with our outlets. Thanks for watching... I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last!
5:07 You said you’ve gotten 16 years out of that one bag, or of those rocks? 👀 Those rocks absorb odor eternity if recharged in the ☀️? Doesn’t need to be replaced?
Yes still using it in 2024... just hosed it off and let it sun dry about a month ago. Thanks for watching! I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last baby!
Hi there, thanks for this. I'm from a small town in Ontario, Canada with not a lot of contractors. My mother's looking to replace the Kenmore she got in '96. Best price is for a 13 SEER Ameristar. HVAC forums are pretty split. A lot of guys say the spine fin coil is bad. I don't know. Would you still get an Ameristar today, given more choices, post supply-chain disruptions?
Hey Jordan, 'maybe' I go with the American Standard version of this unit, with the same spine fins (btw) but overall I'm very happy with this unit. We are in year 3 of this unit's service life, and it's still running excellent. I don't know about the 13 SEER, as this is the 4 ton 14 SEER unit with the Scroll compressor. Thanks for watching!
These batteries only have 9Ah on the sticker. They really have 7.5Ah, the cells used in them have 2.5Ah x 3 = 7.5Ah . They work fine as long as you don't overload them too much.
Sorry man, it's been so many years I don't remember who they were... they were in the Dallas area, but I can't find any records on their name. Again, my apologies... I would just search for companies that do leather work in your area. The wheel still looks as good today as it did back when I had it installed.
What I did works 99% of the time... and I still use the technique when I get the beach ball. If you can't even click on anything you may have to just unplug the machine and do a complete reboot. Thanks for watching!
Product safety May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. Hazard May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. May cause damage to organs (kidneys).
AT-205 is still the best... Project Farm has done more testing, and even though I don't think AT-205 is as good as it used to be, it's still 70% of what it was... and it's still the #1 stop leak product on the market. Thanks for watching Big Dog, I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last!
Thanks Kostalano... yep, I'm still using group 35s and I'm never going back to tiny group 51s for our Honda. Thanks for watching. I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last!
I added AT-205 to my 76 VW Bus camper. I''ve had it at 3 top classic car mechanics and they all say it's in great condition accept for the slight oil leak. Well, It's defiantly leaking a quarter size drip a day. So I put in the 205. 5 hundred miles later it's still leaking. Can I ADD more 205?. Will it be bad for the engine to add more ?. No one says that it's a major issue but the Bus still leaks with the 205. What should I do now?. Is another bottle going to hurt the engine. ? Reply
Hey Mr. Gold, if AT-205 does not stop the minor oil leak it's time to figure out where it's leaking from and probably replace the seal or gasket. I know that's going to be a lot more expensive, but your 76 bus is indeed entering classic car status, where it should be going up in value... not exactly a POS 1999 Pontiac Sunfire with 260,000 miles on it... if that were the case I'd say "Sure, try another application of AT-205" - who wants to dump money into a car worth, maybe $500 - but that's not what we have here. Thanks for watching. I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last baby!
@@TheSwitzAutomotive Thanks for your response. Our Bus looks almost showroom condition. Literally everything works well. 2 of the 3 classic car guys said the oil leak is still very minor and not worth chasing. The third guy, old VW repair guy said leave it alone it's not bad enough. SO like you said, it's still leaking so would it be worth pulling the engine and re sealing it. I've seen AT-205 stop far worse oil leaks than I have. Can't quite figure out what's going on.
I added AT-205 to my 76 VW Bus camper. I''ve had it at 3 top classic car mechanics and they all say it's in great condition accept for the slight oil leak. Well, It's defiantly leaking a quarter size drip a day. So I put in the 205. 5 hundred miles later it's still leaking. Can I ADD more 205?. Will it be bad for the engine to add more ?. No one says that it's a major issue but the Bus still leaks with the 205. What should I do now?. Is another bottle going to hurt the engine. ? Reply
I would remove the labels and put a black mark at 12 o' clock on the dials to help see how far you have turned it. Also, remove labels cause you just might follow them someday.
I was on the edge wondering to get dewalts or waitleys but after 4 years and they are still great you cant go wrong when you can get 2 for the price of 1. Great video 👍
Thanks Matt, but when I buy Waitleys I'm buying closer to 3 to the price of 1... for me these have been great. Thanks for watching. I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last baby!
Hey Josh I don't know that they make it anymore. You may have to try something like the GarageBoss 7 off Amazon. Thanks for watching. I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last baby!
You got it Adam. Yes, this should have been fixed a decade ago. Just have a toggle switch in settings allowing you to always keep the dock on one screen... How Apple can't figure this out is beyond me! Thanks for watching!
Just a little piece of info if youre on the fence..they are made for small to medium heads(i have a large gead and bit tight for me). Also ... Bass Pro Shop/Cabelas had tons IN store!! Thank you again..
What a FANTASTIC review video!! I gave these to my hunter husband for Father's Day today, and he loves them! Your review helped lots! I got the "flat earth" color for $18.98... ,which was actually $3 cheaper than the black(go figure).Low tech, easy to use, compact and effective!!! Thank you and if you are a Dad, happy Father's day! I will recommend these for sure..
Hi Robin... I am a dad and hopefully a good one! Thanks for watching, and yes, I love the low tech easy to use ear muffs. Thanks for watching... and make those cars last!
It's perfect for entry level and now and then projects. I have the harbor freight one in this video and several other units better quality of course. I think I'll add this Delcast to my collection. 👍 Mahalo TBD3.0
Thanks man. Yes, I always wear gloves and eye protection... it doesn't do you any good to get ahead in life being a DIY guy only to injure yourself ... thanks for watching. I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last baby!
How about the intake and output hoses on the firewall, behind the engine and under under obstacles with no room for tools or hands. I could really use that "quick tip".
I wait until they're like nothing and then get notifications and order them. Finally going to use some Wagner Ceramic pads i got for $6. Local store wants $60 for the cheap store brand semi metallic set. I install ceramic when I know I'm installing the last set of pads before it's going to need rotors too.
Yes! What you're doing is THE WAY to get ahead in life... get that car paid for, keep it in good shape, and invest your money in things that appreciate. Thanks for watching (and doing)... I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last baby!
Suggestion for Harbor Freight to remain a foothold is to remain strong in deals, I know you are always trying to do your best, I just don't want to loose you as a business for us struggling, hard working men, who need an edge. God bless you
The AT-205, lubegard and blue devil the identical chemical. -> Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether 111-90-0 The chemical isn't all that expensive from a chemical supplier. I purchased a gallon from a local supplier 2015 for about $50. pretty much a lifetime supply.
I'm not a brand designer... but me, and a lot of my subs, hate the logo that now looks like "Nine Inch Nails"... it's big, it's flat, it's awful. But hey, if you like it, then buy a Kia. Thanks for watching!
That "nail polish remover" smell is "usually" acetone.. Acetone is not good for rubber and can actually "eat through" the material.. So, maybe it was effective in making the seals softer and expand more, but long term it may be weakening the rubber..
I researched it and it's not acetone... it's another chemical, which I don't presently recall. One of my subs explained the chemical is bad for the environment but good at swelling rubber gaskets and o-rings... thus the change. All I know is AT-205 is only about 70% as good as it used to be, but it is still the best on the market. Thanks for watching. I hope you're a subscriber Phil and make those cars last baby!
@@TheSwitzAutomotive Thanks for the explanation.. I also looked further and the "recipe" for AT-205 in 2018 was just 1 chemical.. diethylene glycol monoethyl ether.. all glycol ethers are classed as hazardous. it can cause severe health symptoms, up to and including death.. Even skin contact and breathing the fumes can cause issues. So, I can see why it was changed.. You might want to dispose of your old bottle at the local fire dept..
Thank you so much, my 2015 Mercedes has a big bubble in the roof, but can't use spray adhesive because it doesn't come off enough to open a hole. I will try this method. But my car is made of very thin light-colored fabric, so I don’t know if this is possible.
Give it a shot and go slow... I've had good results over the years and wouldn't use any other method. Thanks for watching. I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last baby!
I used this in my car 3 days ago and been driving. Have you heard of anyone mentioning there lifters were ticking on a cold start!?? Whats up with that? My lifters never ticked and I hope this will go away after driving more miles or with an oil change. I assume the solution is sticking to my lifters as it would to rubber seals.
I used this in my car 3 days ago and been driving. Have you heard of anyone mentioning there lifters were ticking on a cold start!?? Whats up with that? My lifters never ticked and I hope this will go away after driving more miles or with an oil change. I assume the solution is sticking to my lifters as it would to rubber seals.
Thank you for your great review and all the useful information. I just ordered 2.5 ton Ameristar A/C unit to replace the 20 year old Lennox that came with my house (southwest Florida). Just to clarify, are all the Ameristar A/C units now assembled in Tyler - or are some still "made in China"? Also wonder how this compares to RunTrue which was recommended to me by another company? And why do they refer to both Ameristar and RunTrue as generic Tranes when it looks like the branding on my unit will be Ameristar?
I think the Ameristar and RunTrue units are all made at the Tyler TX facility. These are 'builder grade' units designed to be more affordable units sold with a new house. That said, I think you are getting quality construction that is close to what you'd get with American Standard. My main thing is that I wanted a Scroll compressor, and that's what I got... along with overall good build quality. Thanks for watching!
you should always replace that drain plug washer, regardless of the condition it looks in. Also, those type of oil filters should just be hand tight. Using a filter wrench or tool to install it will only cause over tightening. The correct procedure is to screw on the filter until the o-ring just makes contact. Then, turn the filter by hand 1/4 to 1/2 additional turn. Tight enough to where it won't leak and loose enough to remove by hand the next service around.
Regarding the drain plug washer why is that? If the washer is in good shape I have found that it doesn't matter if you use it again. I have found that hand tight only on spin on filters = oil leaks. Now that could be from many factors... maybe my grip strength (although I think it's pretty good) may not be as much as some guys... on my Honda's K series engine the oil filter is in a horrible spot that's hard to reach, so you don't get much natural torque or leverage. So putting it on by hand, then giving it just a little 'extra' works perfectly. It never leaks, and comes off perfectly on the next oil change ... and the car just past 213,000 miles baby! Hey Jacob, even though we differ I like the cut of your jib... if I had to leave the country for a few years I'd let you do the maintenance on my vehicles... I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last baby!
@TheSwitzAutomotive say that you tightened that drain plug to 28 foot pounds, that washer has that much force ok it. You reuse it and you tightened that plug back to 28, that washer believe it or not has gotten thinner. Maybe not significantly BUT the integrity of that washer is no longer at 100%. You may or may not have seepage. You might say, well just tighten it a bit more to avoid that. But now you're risking stretching those threads on the pan and the drain plug...14 yrs Toyota technician at a dealership. Gotta be careful with little things like that.
A lot of people don't want to track down a fluid extractor (even though you can get one pretty cheap - I got a few from Harbor Freight). But just about everyone has or can get a $1 turkey baster ... and then they can go to town getting the old fluid out of the reservoir. Thanks for watching Mystery Man... I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last Baby!
Nice work Alex... yes a Silverado with 150K miles on it is a perfect candidate for AT-205. Now generally I only suggest AT-205 for older vehicles with minor oil leaks, not severe/serious oil leaks. In that instance I recommend replacing the gasket or other part that has caused the leak. So when you say 'serious' I'm curious where it was leaking from. Thanks, Tom the Switz
@@TheSwitzAutomotive - Chevy GMC pickup truck 4.8 motors are susceptible to leaks from a plate above the oil pan and just above the starter…the gasket fails…in order to repair/replace the gasket - the transmission needs to be dropped…I got an estimate $2500…I tried AT 205…drove it 35 miles out of town and 35 miles back - bam leak is sealed…I’m elated…
I purchased this exact Bauer 6 gallon unit and found ZERO information regarding what type of bag to use to avoid dumping debris directly into the tank? 🤷🏻♂️
Now I can't find any natural oil at any store anymore. It's all synthetic blend, never had any oil leaks valvoline stopped selling all conventional oil bottles.
Sonny I talk a lot about AT-205 ... I run synthetic oil in all my vehicles including 1992 BMW 325i and 2005 Honda Element ... old vehicles, and use AT-205 Reseal if I have a minor oil leak. Give it a try instead of conventional oils that are not as good. I hope you're a subscriber and make those cars last baby!
