» canoodle

Narcissism, an epidemic?

Will — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:07:45 +0000

One of my favorite topics to discuss! This article describes what I think is becoming a fact of life with the younger crowd. When you’re done reading the link, take the NPI test: http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/narcissistic.htm

2006 350z oil consumption issue, solved.

Will — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:02:27 +0000

About a year ago my 350z began to act erratically. The engine noise began to get worse and several unusual noises began to pop-up from under carriage. I didn’t know what to make out of it other than expecting to hear noises that are, possibly, related to normal wear and tear. The engine problems became progressively worse as I drove the vehicle over the span of last 12 months. Drivers should always be aware of usual noises, especially when it is a sports car. If you drive it enough, your ear will begin to tune into the engine noises, etc. With that in mind, I took the car in for a check-up.

My first attempt to find out whether the issue is the engine proved to be anything less than fruitful. It goes without saying that the dealership, Boardwalk Nissan in Redwood City was less than cooperative. It seems that they’re interested in taking in the highest volumes with quick turnaround without actually taking the time to explore issues based on customer concerns. I’ve posted complaints about their service (lack of) on several online aggregates so, I’ll refrain from hashing the same here. Since I’m diligent in maintaining my vehicles (oil checks, changes, etc.) I began to suspect that I was dealing with a legitimate problem. A little online research began to yield several results related to what I experienced:

http://www.planetfeedback.com/index.php?level2=blog_viewpost&topic_id=302548&reply_id=147612
http://www.my350z.com/forum/engine-and-drivetrain/232332-revup-oil-consumption-tsb-and-discussion.html
http://www.350zmotoring.com/forums/general-350z-discussions/36993-those-who-went-through-oil-consumption-test-read.html

With the knowledge acquired from the links above, I tried a new dealership, Falore Nissan in Sunnyvale. I spoke with Jerry, he provided the manufacturer guidelines. After near 3 months of driving, they finally confirmed that my oil consumption was below the normal wear and tear, as a result, I am now getting a new small block after 40,000 miles of driving.

The moral of the story?

Be persistent. You should always get a second opinion. Be bullheaded!
Do your homework! Knowing what you’re dealing with, and explaining the issue to a service vendor in an educated matter will make a world of difference. Cut down to the chase.
Be persistent! Be tenacious, don’t take no for an answer. If you have a vehicle warranty, use it! The manufacturer provides the warranty for such scenarios!

I need to note that Jerry and Bob from Falore were extremely cordial and very professional in the process. Bob’s expert knowledge and enthusiasm were definitely a sigh of relief. I certainly don’t get to see that nowadays…

Hopefully this will be of some help to other owners with the same issue

Apple iTunes sets a new precedence

Will — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:10:09 +0000

Produced in 1900, making it, truly the album of the past century!

Pic de jour

Will — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:02:58 +0000

3 years of monotony and crap!

Will — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:00:50 +0000

Today, marks the 3rd anniversary of this blog. I originally started it to distract myself of life during the summer of 2006. At the time I gave myself 6 months before I would grow bored and move on to the next best thing but something within me just told me to keep on blogging. Looking back I’m glad I chose to stay on top of it, and this blog has served me wonderfully.

what guys really think about

Will — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:32:35 +0000

You’re damned if, you speak your mind. You’re damn if, you don’t.

sad but heart warming

Will — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:13:23 +0000

It goes to show that the world is still filled with people wanting to do good even in the smallest gesture. See how.

looney toons gone violent

Will — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:14:55 +0000

How deliciously demented.

bird uses body as dam to stop drainpipe soaking chicks

Will — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:38:16 +0000

Unlike some human beings, this bird accepts her primal responsibility as a parental unit and protects her chicks.

shifting blame or making execuses

Will — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:36:09 +0000

The recents global and personal events reminded me of a few versus:

Pr. 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts. (NKJV)

Ezek. 18:4b …the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Pr. 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

I’m not going to lay it on thick but come on people, let’s all accept some presonal responsbility for our actions. Let’s not blame someone or something else for our inability to make the right decisions…