Tuesday, September 30, 2008

DIY engine oil change

first of all, i need to stress that this post strictly no photos as my hands were greasy and oily throughtout the DIY session. so can't take any photos.

previously i was using Bardahl Semi-syn 10W-40 after switching from mineral to semi-syn. it was time to change the oil as i read from an article said that the oil first change from mineral to semi-syn must be replace in 2000 to 3000km. it said that it was due to the engine cleansing purposes. so this time, i switch to another brand which the Q8 advanced semi-syn 10W-40 engine oil. this brand is a well known brand and it is slightly pricey than the Bardahl.

ok first, you need to get ready a few basic tools such as 2-tonne jack, oil filter opener, oil container (if you old engine oil bottle, just cut it at one side of the bottle and tada, an oil container), 17mm wrench, new oil filter and lastly and most importantly, the new engine oil itself.

after you gotten all the tools needed, jack up your car and make sure the hand brake is fully lifted, the car steady. it is highly recommended that do this on a flat ground. i did mine on a ramp in mong mong dad's shop. oil cap can be removed now.

then, place the oil container under the oil pan and use the 17mm wrench to unscrew the oil sump nut. drain the oil completely. followed by unscrew the old oil filter with a oil filter opener and replace it with a new one (it is a must to change a new oil filter during each oil-change interval).

then, apply a thin film of grease or engine oil onto the new oil filter rubber gasket. but i skipped this step as mong mong's dad it is unnecessary to do so as there is oil on the place where the oil filter will be fitted. so, it is up to you whether want to perform this step or not. haha

after that, just screw the new oil filter in place until it is tight. this step must be use your hand's strength only. use 2 hands if you think it is not tight enough. then proceed to the screw in the oil sump nut. before this, you need replace the washer with a new one. then, screw in until tight. then, screw in further for 1/4 to 1/2 turn. make sure it is tight. or else, oil leakage might happen. wipe and clean up everything.

ok next, fill in new engine oil approximately 3/4 of it. then remove the dipstick and check the oil level. refill it again until the max line or slightly lower or you think it is adequate. then, place the oil cap and screw in place. before removing the jack or drive down from the ramp, check one last time for any leakage from oil filter and oil sump nut. if nothing happens, then can proceed to the final step.

lastly, fire up the engine and check the dipstick. if it is ok. then tada, you just finish your DIY session. haha

Friday, September 26, 2008

chassis stiffening project

it has been a long time since the last mod on my car. this time, i need to upgrade the handling of my poor iswara. the handling of iswara is well known of. not because of the superb and precision handling but it has the worst handling among all the proton models. it has weak chassis, so i need strengthen it by add fender bars and rear strut bar for better car handling. if you wish to find out more about it, please refer to Ultra Racing Official Website or Skywalker.

the end results are, better handling, the car is more stable and cornering is much more sharper. both of these products are highly recommended for iswara! cheers! again, the money is well spent!

fender bars

closer look on the certification tag

ultra racing!

3-point rear strut bar

closer look of it

the right fender bar!

the left fender bar.

rear strut bar, the boot space still the same

serial number on it

the insuflex need to be cut to make place for the bar

this part is hidden

procession

i took part in a chinese temple procession a few weeks back. it was a celebration in conjunction of the birthday of Monkey King God. just in case you didn't what is this all about, please refer to ma-crazy-life. actually this blog is just a additional post of it as mong mong already blogged about it earlier. so, i will just post additional photos of it. ok let the pictures do the blogging!

dragon dance before the procession set off

the praying altar

chariot on the lorry

blessing for the lion dance

big head dolls (direct translation) offering their respects

music band from SFI

they were about to set off

closer look on the god (God of Chin Swee).

the charriot is put on the automated shaking machine.

fire crackers to bring good luck for the procession.

the chariot of God of Na Zha (the Third Prince of one of the Four Heavenly Gods)

some warm up routine!

let's roll!

the medium (God of Na Zha)

God of Chin Swee

Monkey King God & God Hian Tian

First stop of the procession, Poh Ann Temple in Jalan Bunga Raya.

Second stop of the day, some temple nearby Jonker Street

Third check point, Hian Tian Temple in front of Equatorial Hotel

Fourth stop of the day, Yong Chuen Temple, the two mediums were the in-house gods of the temple.

the mediums were resting in the temple.

inside the temple.

fifth stop of the day, Monkey King God temple in Ujong Pasir.

in front of the temple.

sixth check point, Tua Pek Kong temple nearby Padang Temu

Mong mong n her family were preparing for the prayers

the descendants and God Na Zha performing the prayers.

off to the next stop.

closer look on the medium.

closer look on the chariot of Monkey King God and God Hian Tian

God Chin Swee

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

a day in the lab

since i never blog about my academic life in UM, so i decided to post about the lab session in UM. this lab session is for the subject Environmental Chemistry. i thought i was free from chemistry but it came back and haunt me as i'm an environmental engineering student. sigh. ok. let the pictures do the talking!

in the Environmental Chemistry lab

another view

another view
looks like a giant freezer

KJEDAHL distillation for determination of ammonical nitrogen in the samples (taken while doing the experiment)

chemistry lab sessions are kinda boring, time consuming and most of the time i can't figure out the purposes of us doing all these labs. weird huh. what can i do right? if only all the labs are about automotive, how nice is that. sigh. i'm dreaming again.

Monday, September 8, 2008

life equation

people = shit
but not all!
and don't you fuckin' judge me!

Friday, September 5, 2008

200000km!

my ride has just reached another phase of her life.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

something to share!

MUST CLICK HERE!

damn bloody kiasu singaporean. wonder why he did that for? looks like humping his civic. haha.