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MYTHS

B

Bob

Well-known Member
OK, I'm having a bored (hurting) sleepless night from working too hard the last couple of days (for an old guy).

WHAT's the most "off the wall" "old mechanic's wive's tale you've heard lately?

You've GOTTA do better than "I must polarize my REGULATOR" or "the wind's gonna KILL my turbo"!
The winds gonna KILL my turbo...
 
Well, a regulator must be polarized but I've never seen a turbo damaged by the wind or hauling a piece of equipment. In order for a turbo to spin air must flow freely thru it and in order for this to happen both valves in any one cylinder of the engine have to be open at the same time and this doesn't ever happen except in overlap mode and this is a very minute opening and the engine is very unlikely to stop in this mode or positition. Just my 2¢
 
The internally resisted coil is my favorite.National news had some gas saving tips.Buy gas in the morning, you get more gas.The underground tanks are at 50 degrees most every where.Another tips said, dont pump gas into your tank too fast, you will force too much air into the tank.An old friend did pee in his uncles gas tank.He said it made the old slant 6 run better.That may be a gas saving tip we all could use.
 
To see if your alternator is charging, pull the positive wire off the battery, while running. If there's a spark, it's working real good! This wives tale works for a GENERATOR, but will blow the diodes out of an alternator!
 
Fun OT stuff there Mayor Bob.... I figure the reason lay persons believe the old wives tale you have to Polarize a Voltage Regulator (NOT the Genny which is actually what needs Polarized) is because when you buy a Voltage Regulator it contains instructions for Polarization and why are those in there?? Because if the genny isnt correctly polarized you can trash that brand new VR.

I like the one where a dude (one of those know it all types) told me (retired electrical distribution engineer) the Utility company can "turn up" a utility transformer TO PUT OUT MORE "JUICE" I tried to explain to him transformers do indeed have higher and lower voltage tap adjustments to raise or lower voltage say like 2 1/2% or 5 % etc BUT HE SAID NOOOOOOOOO THATS NOT TRUE BUT THEY CAN SET THEM TO PUT OUT MORE JUICE I never dared ask him to explain the term JUICE lol

Had another know it all guy tell me his tractor kept burning up points and it was all because his Generator was putting out too much JUICE.

Think I'll have breakfast now, maybe drink some orange JUICE lol

John T
 
Cool air from not having a muffler will warp the valves.

30W will give better oil pressure than 10W30 because its "thicker".
 
You know, working in the metal working field with some repair...if I've heard crystalize once, I have heard it a thousand times. Do you suppose that it has to do with cast iron breaking and you can see the little crystal looking fractures in the break...and it just became common wordage?... Instead of maybe Fatigue? ohfred
 
Well, this isn't really in the same domain, but.........when my brother was just out of college, his first job was as an engineer in a small S.C. town which shall remain nameless, but whose initials are Kings Tree. One of his neighbors worked for the local electrisitical company and one of his jobs was to read meters. He caught a lot of flak about electrical bills and one fellow , who lived in a large 'project', was particularly vehement......complaining every month. One month......while hearing the rant yet again, he motioned the complainer nearer, looked furtively over each shoulder and swore the man to secrecy, making him promise to not tell a soul. "If you'll break a brick-bat exactly in half and balance one half on top of your meter, it'll slow the meter down and cut your usage by about one half". The reader forgot all about it..........'til the next month when he parked his truck and started going from apartment to apartment to read the meters. EVERY SINGLE METER had a half-brick balanced on top of it.
 
John,
While on the pee subject I hear that if you pee on your feet while in the shower it can help prevent athletes foot so don't put it all in the tank.
When I was in basic training at Fort Knox our first pee in the morning went into one of those large plastic garbage cans with a plastic liner. Then there was a two man detail to carry it out to the curb for pickup. We heard that they were using it to try and develop a heart medicine.
 
Went out on a service call years ago. Dad had started the 4020 and was letting if idle. Son comes along and gives dad the worst tongue lashing I ever heard saying it would cause oil dilution.I felt sorry for the dad being humilated that way in front of a stranger. Score one for me and old dad.
 
Obviously, Dad hadn't backhanded that kid across the yard when he was younger.

My dad has been gone for 40 years and I'm still scared to death of him. :>)

Allan
 
I'm with you, Allan- it would never have even occurred to me, to give my dad a "tongue-lashing"- and my kids are the same way toward me.
 
Well you asked for it.No need to sand the magneto on Briggs & Stratton(others as well) to help re-gain spark. You said it was an Old wives tale and I must have a lot of em. Then you cited that it don't need to be done as it's an old wives tale and Briggs doesn't require that process at all. When We produced the Briggs shop manual it so does state that it should be done.Put that on Y.T and low and behold you never responded. Why are you FIXATED with "OLD Wives Tales any way/)Wondering if yours left ya. It's really time to be NICE for a change,and admit you don't have a solution to every problem posted .Give 'OLD WIVES TALES A REST"
LOU.
 
Why was both (leaded gasoline And Non detergent oil
recommended by engine mfg.Our O.C.46 /w hercules engine recommends using regular UNLEADED gasoline.
Lawn mower engines (back a few years) recommends NON DETERGENT OIL. Are these Old WIVES TALES?? LOU.
 
Actually, Ive enjoyed this fun and lighthearted post from Bob, I dont see it was intended as picking any fight or argument whatsoever, just what it is, a fun lighthearted discussion of all the "old wives tales" we've all heard over the years, some of which are true others pure BUNK lol. Ive seen Bob post a lot of helpful replies over the years. Im here to try n help NOT to fight myself so yall take care now

John T
 
Way back then there was only leaded gasoline. You are dating yourself if you can remember new Hercules engines.
The gripe now are those people purchasing and adding snake oil when using unleaded gasoline in old equipment.
If detergent oil gets whipped into a froth in a hydraulic system. How does detergent oil lubricate an engine if it froths?
Same goes for not using detergent oil in an ancient engine that had only used non detergent oil. The engine/machine was parked decades ago because it was worn out and knocking. Don't be surprised if the engine fails now when started up. How can you blame the oil?
Never seen non detergent oil recommended for a lawn mower. Must have been 40+ years ago.
If non detergent oil was recommended for a mower. It was to avoid combustion chamber, valve, port and ring land deposits in a cheap sloppy built engine. The detergent oil's anti-wear metals and minerals make the oil "high ash".
Applies to the bad old days when instructions said to mix 16 to 1 ratios of non detergent motor oil and gasoline for two strokes.
A high ash oil will ruin a two stroke gasser or two stroke Detroit Diesel.
 
John T. I'm with you on the point that some Old wives tales are true. others are bunk. Now I'm wondering who is qualified to make the distinction as to whether the tales are true or Un- true. certainly none of us are 100% sure one way or the other.I for one take offense when I'm chided as a fellow full of "OLD WIVES TALES,and don't know what I'M talking about".That's not being helpful,That borders on pure hatefulness.I wont' be surprised to see my post going POOF but at least I did get to voice my opinion for a short time regardless of circumstances. LOU.
 
I hear ya Lou, who says what tales are true n false??? is no different then any question and answer here ITS ALL ONES OPINION, you ask the question and get free answers which are worth just what the charge is, NOTHING, ZERO LOL

I see it as more of the questioners choice, read the free answer/opinions,,,,,,seperate the wheat from the chaff (BS),,,, make your own decisions. I post the answers I believe to be correct and the poster is free to take or leave my advice, but like you I (no one does) dont enjoy being attacked for having an opinion.

Best wishes,

John T
 
Lou, SORRY, but my wife isn't terribly OLD nor has she left me (yet)!

I posted a DIRECT link to the official Briggs website where THEY call it "an old wive's tale", as well. Did you bother to go to that link and check it out?

(I'll make it EASY for you and post a screenshot.)

The ONLY way rust on the the flywheel will affect spark is if it's so severe it causes physical contact (rubbing) of the flywheel/magnets and coil. Light rust up to that point has NO effect on spark.

Here's what Briggs says, argue with 'em, if you MUST:

<img src = "http://i55.tinypic.com/2qaq0ci.jpg">
OFFICIAL Briggs source
 
Gotta admit. The old engines from lawn mowers and Most LAWSON POWER PRODUCTS recommended non detergent oil in their engines. Now I don't remember off hand what engines it was. (been over 50 years ago. With that said, I can only reply with this .NKIHTR,= not knowing,I hesitate to respond. Our Service manual gives the fuel requirement on the Hercules engine in our O.C.46 Crawler.That's where I got the information from.Now you must remember ,your conversing with a 75 year old duffer,who has seen and done some things never used or tried by young whippersnappers of today. Some worked fine, Others notta. If I'm not sure of any information I just don't offer suggestions to posters.But polite responses are one way of measuring a good character.I see need for some to adhere to that point. Regards LOU.
 
Well yeah,

I agree wholeheartedly.

However, have ya ever tried to align a car with loose wheel bearings. LOL!

Allan
 
What you claimed,that Briggs never said to sand paper the magneto ,is now once again posted for your enjoyment.Enjoy. What ever problem you had with me began with your rebuttal on my original post to try and help a fellow out. I keep reading your responses to posters, and it seems like you are mostly driving the OLD WIVES TALE senerio into the ground. Sure looks like to me your back to your superior attitude and for why .I just don't know.if you have a problem with me, I'll be happy to open my Mailing address so you can explain just what ails . LOU
a37515.jpg

a37516.jpg

a37517.jpg
 
HEy BOB. What ever do you mean?Unarmed? Lots of power in 75 + years me lad. All you have to do to find out how unarmed I am, just ask me to open my E.mail address so we can find out. Are you ready to rumble????LOU.
 
RELAX, LOU!

Remember, this is supposed to be a lighthearted FUN thread.

Take a JOKE perhaps???

Email me if you like, but I won't be back to argue with 'ya 'til this evening!

[email protected]
 
Yes, but there's a difference between sett'in 'em up as the shop manual explains resulting in a TINY amount of play and "preloaded", as in what is done to axle pinion bearings!
 
Lou,

I NEVER said Briggs NEVER said to sand the flywheel or magnets. Sand away all you like, if it make you happy!

I simply accurately quoted the Briggs website that calls it "an old wives tale".

Instead of arguing with me, convince the Briggs folks to quit calling it "an "old wives tale" on their offical FAQ's website!

<img src = "http://i55.tinypic.com/2qaq0ci.jpg">
 
Well, I had an alternator on a forklift bind right up tight once, so that the belt wouldn't turn it. I took it apart and SANDED the rust off and reassembled and it turned just fine. I know that it is not B&S but it's the same issue.
 
I am going to have to say rust build up closes the airspace needed for proper spark to occur so I still believe in that old wifes tale. if ya want to get the bright blue spark gotta have a magnet without the contamination of rust.

Ya can call me Sandy .
 
I am going to have to say rust build up closes the airspace needed for proper spark to occur so I still believe in that old wifes tale. if ya want to get the bright blue spark gotta have a magnet without the contamination of rust.
I believe also the flywheel pick up or coil needs sanded as well where it is rusty as magnetism is transferred in the rust weakening. the spark at the correct timing

Ya can call me Sandy .
 
The biggest myth in the tractor world is that a particular colour of tractor is better because it costs more. When comparing to some tractors(like Belarus) this is true but for the most part all major tractor brands make good tractors. Every tractor has it's good points and bad points. A lot of times a higher price doesn't give you any better of a tractor than a lower priced competitive model.
 
MYTH that the cheapest purchase price is lowest operating cost over the lifetime of the machine.
Cost per hour working rises with companies that go defunct, merge and have overpriced/obsolete parts.
Failing local dealerships that require you to travel hours for parts, how many times over the life of the machine is no bargin.
Low trade in or re-sale value is no bargin.
Not consideirng fuel consuption one brand vs. another can cost you how many thousand over the lif eof the machine?
 
Old Roy,
I am kinda with you on rust changing the air gap if it is more than just surface rust. It is interesting to note right below where it says that rust is not an issue it says that the color of the spark determines virtually nothing. Darn, I'm going to have to go back to school again. :eek:)
 
Grandma told my sister (with several others of us present) that they used Aspirin for birth control when she was young. Nobody really knew how to respond to that- sis finally asked how that worked. Grandma said "You hold it between your knees."

Grandma was usually pretty straight-laced, but that sure got a laugh.
 
Any magnetic machine works better and has a stronger magnetic field. When air gaps are reduced. Magnetic flux travels "easily" in ferrous metal etc. Magnetism is about as keen to jump an air gap as electricity is.
To obtain a high sharp clean voltage spike in the coil primary rather than a fuzzy/noisy voltage rise. The magetic poles have to sharp, clear and abrupt.
A layer of iron oxide on the magetic surface distorts the magnetic field. Like smearing vasoline on your eye glasses.
 
I'll add that to get the "Sharp clean rise" a transistor works best, good clean points second. All thats going on with the magnets is generating electricity to build a magnetic field in the primary circuit. The faster the magnetic field collapses in the primary circuit, the higher the voltage spike created in the secondary...
 
What they mean is any buildup of rust could cause YOU to set the air gap incorrectly. Anything ferrous, rust included, is very happy to conduct lines of flux (magnetism)...
 
B&D, detergent oil does not "whip into a froth". Ford power steering systems using a pump have used auto trans fluid from day 1. All automatic trans fluids are high detergent oils. If they foamed or frothed up, the trans would not work correctly. Case/Ingersoll garden tractors use 15-W40 motor oil in their hydraulic systems. Exmark mowers use Mobil 1 motor oil in their hydraulic systems. My Country Clipper uses motor oil in the hydraulic motors. Hytran found in Cub Cadet garden tractors and IH farm tractors is a detergent type oil. JD Hygard is too...
 
If the alt is working, the car will continue to run. It'll die if it isn't. Not sure I'd really want to do that on a late model. I'm told that the electronics are surge protected, but I don't feel the need to find out for sure.
 
(quoted from post at 16:44:24 04/14/11) B&amp;D, detergent oil does not "whip into a froth". Ford power steering systems using a pump have used auto trans fluid from day 1. All automatic trans fluids are high detergent oils. If they foamed or frothed up, the trans would not work correctly. Case/Ingersoll garden tractors use 15-W40 motor oil in their hydraulic systems. Exmark mowers use Mobil 1 motor oil in their hydraulic systems. My Country Clipper uses motor oil in the hydraulic motors. Hytran found in Cub Cadet garden tractors and IH farm tractors is a detergent type oil. JD Hygard is too...
Click to expand...

I'll type slower so you can understand.
Detergent oil does NOT whip into a froth. I can't count the number of times how ever some old coot has told me. That never use detergent oil in a hydraulic system or it will froth.
 
That's the one I heard thirty years ago, that an engine needs "back pressure" from the muffler.

Me being about 14, I sought out the local mechanical guru, was a crew chief on the UH-1 Iroquois in Vietnam, and he quickly set me straight on that.
 
"When traveling in winter, save gas by dressing warmer, thus using less heat from the car."

It seems like every winter, some energy "expert" puts this one out there.
 
Myth busters did a bit on peeing on electric fences.They proved it false, impossible they said.Country boys know better.I was out marking insulators that had leakage at night.I had an old weed chopper fencer that was nasty.I would mark the insulators that showed leakage and change them the next day.I was in a wet area bent over and spit, the shock smacked me in the mouth hard.Porclain insulators develope cracks and you can see the leakage at night.
 
Myth: A heavier tractor is better.
Reality: For some jobs and under certain conditions, a heavier tractor has advantages.

1. Some tractors are heavier because poor castings have to be thicker to achieve the same strength as lighter weight castings of good quality.

2. In some conditions, a heavier tractor breaks through the surface and sinks faster and deeper than a lighter weight tractor.
 
I have seen a ton of sugared gas tanks here. We must have lot of PO'd women or jealous boyfriends . lol Sugar does not disolve in gas , only water ,,,so if there is god amount of water in bottom of your tank the sludge moves down the line , gumming up pumps ,filters, Carbs and injectors . Never seen it ruin and engine ,Unless ,it was added to the oil . clean tank ,flush lines fuel rail and injectors with hot water, new filters good as new . Have a big fancy report from insurance adjuster all about sugar facts he gave me when customer had car in and filed a big claim . Not say it never happens ,,just that I've never seen it ,,,yet ! lol Nother myth , engine "Restore" or "slick 50 "
 
Gwad!

You young fellers make me feel old. If you've ever had to deal with it, you don't forget it.

Never seen sugar "gum up" fuel lines, pumps or the like because they are relatively cold, but ya don't wanna tie into that engine when it refuses to start after once coming up to temp. :>)

Heck, don't take my word for it; go pour a bottle of your favorite pancake syrup in yer tank. Talk to ya the day after tomorrow.

Ever seen an apple pie boil over in an oven? :>)

Allan
 
Speaking of preload, I would like to see a few more notches in the adjustment nut on the Dexter trailer axles to get a finer adjustment. On some of them you either almost have to preload them or if you go to the next notch you can really feel the play.
 
Myth#1; There are two people somewhere on this earth, that have the exact same opinion on a given subject.

Myth#2; If you argue long enough with a total stranger, they'll finally see your point and agree with you.
 
We have a fleet of Navistar trucks with DT466 engines at work and Navistar makes an antifoam additive that we must add when we do oil changes. It will foam up too much in some cases.
 
(quoted from post at 17:22:28 04/14/11)
(quoted from post at 00:14:32 04/15/11) Maybe if you had ever seen a sugared engine, you'd probably your tune.

Allan
Click to expand...
How does a sugared engine look? :?:
Click to expand...

Sugar melts when it gets hot and like I was telling Brian, it looks just like your wife's oven after the apple pie has boiled over....only worse.

The valves can't close, rings are absolutely frozen in place, lifters totally plugged up with that melted sugar "crust" and if it was driven long enough, every oil passage in the engine is gonna be plugged. Not to mention, if it is a diesel or injected, anything (injectors) that touched that hot head is gonna be stuck.

Complete disassembly and drop the whole she-bang in the hot tank to save the block and the heads.

Allan
 
(quoted from post at 01:58:46 04/15/11)
(quoted from post at 17:22:28 04/14/11)
(quoted from post at 00:14:32 04/15/11) Maybe if you had ever seen a sugared engine, you'd probably your tune.

Allan
Click to expand...
How does a sugared engine look? :?:
Click to expand...

Sugar melts when it gets hot and like I was telling Brian, it looks just like your wife's oven after the apple pie has boiled over....only worse.

The valves can't close, rings are absolutely frozen in place, lifters totally plugged up with that melted sugar "crust" and if it was driven long enough, every oil passage in the engine is gonna be plugged. Not to mention, if it is a diesel or injected, anything (injectors) that touched that hot head is gonna be stuck.

Complete disassembly and drop the whole she-bang in the hot tank to save the block and the heads.

Allan
Click to expand...

The last ime I put a spoonful of sugar in a small, clear container of gasoline-it didn't even dissolve.
You might want to Google ---sugar in gas tank.
 
Heart Medicine? Ureokinase- or something like that- original research used human urine from military, source was relatively "clean" and in quantity. RN
 
If you didn't run the blower fan, there would be less draw on the alternator causing the engine to work less...AND causing your windshield to fog up and become all dangerous and stuff. BUT you could save a fraction of a cent on your commute!
 
Why in the world would I want to do that?

I've lived it. Seen it. Repaired it. Repeatedly.

I don’t speak from experience in front of Google fer Kee-Rist's sake.

Oh and just for what it’s worth, know how much sugar is in a can of Coke? I know a way that you can find out. :>)

Allan
 
if you are wearing soft contacts and you get "flashed" by a welder it will melt part of the contact to your eye,
 
"don't take my word for it; go pour a bottle of your favorite pancake syrup in yer tank. Talk to ya the day after tomorrow."

I like that!

My experience is the same as yours. Had to drive the pistons out of the cylinders.
 
The other half of the myth is that the certain color tractor always costs more. Found out when I purchased a fwa loader tractor I had more to choose from and found one in better shape for less money.
 
(quoted from post at 05:16:47 04/15/11) Biggest myth? I would have to say that would be "easy-out". Break one off in a broken bolt and then what do you call it?
Click to expand...

I totally agree on the E-Z outs.

The BIGGEST myth of all is the one that states you can actually get useful information and hard facts by reading the threads on ANY internet discussion forum.
 
(quoted from post at 14:37:24 04/15/11)
(quoted from post at 05:16:47 04/15/11) Biggest myth? I would have to say that would be "easy-out". Break one off in a broken bolt and then what do you call it?
Click to expand...

I totally agree on the E-Z outs.

The BIGGEST myth of all is the one that states you can actually get useful information and hard facts by reading the threads on ANY internet discussion forum.
Click to expand...
A large percentage of people think that if it is printed--IT"S TRUE. Or if they are told something--IT"S TRUE.
 
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