What did you do today non-detailing related?
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DFB
Well-known member
- Aug 12, 2019
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I can hear that Subaru throbbing away through the computer screen!
Neighbour down the road had a couple of those, and a Brumby as well. That was back when Subaru's were truly indestructible, not the cheapened modern stuff designed to hit a price point for the American market.
Tasmania
Well-known member
- Jan 12, 2017
- 1,947
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It did a mean roll back skid, I've seen a Brumby Ute with a WRX Sti engine in it, in an old Hot 4s magazine, can anyone remember magazines over the internetI can hear that Subaru throbbing away through the computer screen!
.
Klasse Act
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- Feb 21, 2012
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Big Dave
Well-known member
- Jan 7, 2018
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Where I used to work they called it passion fingers.Mowed the neighbours lawn as " his ride on mower" is at the shop getting repaired.
I must have a case of (Sexy Fingers) because everything i touch i f##k.
Tasmania
Well-known member
- Jan 12, 2017
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Well the neighbour got his ride on mower back today "Problem was"
The fuel float or needle was cooked and sucked about 4 litres of petrol into the motor.
That was fixed with an oil change,
Oil filter
Oil
Blades sharpened
Spark plugs
Lubed/ greased
Pick up and delivery
+ parts and labour
All up $375 i think that's fair price from the Stihl dealer.
She's an old girl about 20 years but is fun to ride
The fuel float or needle was cooked and sucked about 4 litres of petrol into the motor.
That was fixed with an oil change,
Oil filter
Oil
Blades sharpened
Spark plugs
Lubed/ greased
Pick up and delivery
+ parts and labour
All up $375 i think that's fair price from the Stihl dealer.
She's an old girl about 20 years but is fun to ride
Last edited:
DFB
Well-known member
- Aug 12, 2019
- 5,469
- 4,194
This is a classic case of a $0.50c part closing the show.....................
I noticed earlier in the week my hedge trimmer wasn't cutting very well, it also sounded louder than normal. No problem, it's probably ready for a another sharpen.
On Wednesday, I got around to taking a closer look. I normally sharpen the blades with a Dremel stone while still attached to the unit, but its a little cumbersome. So, this time I wanted to take them apart to make sharpening easier, but also to properly clean them and repack the gearbox with grease while I was at it. When I flipped the unit over, I found the source of the added noise and crappy cutting performance, missing hardware................
No problem, I'll find something in the parts crypt. So, off I went with the sharpening, cleaning, and re-greasing. I put it all back together and went looking for some hardware. The T27 bolt was easy, I have a case full of replacement Stihl hardware, I even found a suitable washer. But, I wasn't so lucky finding the tiny little piece that sits below the washer in the blade groove. This tiny part is crucial because it allows the fastener to be tight, yet prevents the bolt and washer clamping down too tight and locking up the blade movement.
Knowing how this stuff works, and being a battery powered tool, I was certain this missing piece would mean buying a whole blade assembly, valued at around $130 - $150. I've had colleagues scrap otherwise functioning hedge trimmers because of a missing piece like this that is not available as a spare part. As a long shot, I went and found the parts manual, then landed on the required parts within 2 minutes! This availability of parts is reassuring as Stihl is now fully invested in battery tools. In the past, battery or electric powered would have meant non-serviceable.
Outside of the basics, Stihl spare parts are normally only available through the dealer network, which generally means visiting a dealer. In the past, I've found this to be hit and miss, I'm still waiting for a fuel line I asked for 9 months ago! :nothappy I can't wait indefinitely for a part on this machine, especially with all of the spring growth. I suppose I could have driven all over town trying to find something similar from a hardware store or specialty bolt place, but frankly, I don't have the patience for that crap anymore. In this case, I found the parts at an online Stihl dealer and had them shipped in less than two days.
The part in question is what Stihl calls a "slider". This is basically a small piece of tube that retails for $6.00 each. While I was at it, I ordered the correct bolt and washer, two of each. I would have ordered more, but they only had two of the sliders in stock.
I said this was a $0.50c failure...................more like a $11.40 + shipping failure. That's one piece of tube, one bolt, one washer for $12. :doh
https://mcmwarrnambool.com.au/produ...8-6700?_pos=1&_psq=4521+648+6700&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://mcmwarrnambool.com.au/produ...81057&pr_ref_pid=8731932819681&pr_seq=uniform
https://mcmwarrnambool.com.au/produ...87905&pr_ref_pid=8731932819681&pr_seq=uniform
Having complained about the cost, I will say that $12 is better than $150 for a new blade set. And the parts were easy to find and fit.
As you can see, the "slider" fits into the grove created by the two blades, the washer sits on top and the bolt drives through and into the blade support guide. This arrangement provides just enough torque to keep the blades firm for crisp cutting, but not too tight that the blades won't oscillate.
You can probably see the blades are covered in a sticky residue. That is not plant sap, but rather a coating of WD-40 Specialist No Drip, formally Spray & Stay. I stumbled across this when trying to find a substitute for Valco Cincinnati Gel Lube that Mr. Dactel uses, which as usual, isn't sold in Australia. The concept being that rather than drying, evaporating or dripping away, the sticky consistency stays adhered to the treated surface. The WD-40 product is not a total substitute for Gel Lube though, which can also be used as an engine assembly lube.
https://sydneytools.com.au/product/wd40-21027-360g-specialist-spray-stay-gel-lube
https://valco-cp.com/products/aeros...aH7XR3_o35swn19u2jq_f6ZFtDnsh7U7irWEuaeNyLITc
Sharp, greased, lubricated...............ready to CUT some bush(es)................
I bought this HSA 56 hedge trimmer in November 2018, my first battery powered garden tool. I paid a neat $500 for it, which included the AL 101 charger and AK10 battery. With how far Stihl have come with battery power, in 2025 you can actually buy the equivalent HSA 50 kit for $459. Considering how much work this thing has done over a 7-year period, today's $12 repair is a drop in the ocean. Amazingly, the batteries that power it are of a similar age, and touch wood, are still performing very well. Can't ask for more.
Comparing that to the petrol-powered Stihl HS 45 it replaced, well that's a completely different story. In addition to the $629 purchase price in 2010, between November 2014 and when it was retired in November 2018, I spent $280 keeping it in service via repairs (fuel lines ect) and blade sharpening. And that's before you add fuel costs, which with how you run a hedger at WOT all of the time, you end up burning through a lot of it! Plus, it was heavier, noisier, smellier. Also, the layout of them makes it awkwardly hard to start, balancing the machine in one hand and pulling the rope in the other, all the while not cutting yourself or a plant.
I love petrol power, but not when it comes to hedge trimmers! After sitting at the back of the shed for 6 years, I cleaned it up, replaced a broken primer bulb and moved it on.
I noticed earlier in the week my hedge trimmer wasn't cutting very well, it also sounded louder than normal. No problem, it's probably ready for a another sharpen.
On Wednesday, I got around to taking a closer look. I normally sharpen the blades with a Dremel stone while still attached to the unit, but its a little cumbersome. So, this time I wanted to take them apart to make sharpening easier, but also to properly clean them and repack the gearbox with grease while I was at it. When I flipped the unit over, I found the source of the added noise and crappy cutting performance, missing hardware................
No problem, I'll find something in the parts crypt. So, off I went with the sharpening, cleaning, and re-greasing. I put it all back together and went looking for some hardware. The T27 bolt was easy, I have a case full of replacement Stihl hardware, I even found a suitable washer. But, I wasn't so lucky finding the tiny little piece that sits below the washer in the blade groove. This tiny part is crucial because it allows the fastener to be tight, yet prevents the bolt and washer clamping down too tight and locking up the blade movement.
Knowing how this stuff works, and being a battery powered tool, I was certain this missing piece would mean buying a whole blade assembly, valued at around $130 - $150. I've had colleagues scrap otherwise functioning hedge trimmers because of a missing piece like this that is not available as a spare part. As a long shot, I went and found the parts manual, then landed on the required parts within 2 minutes! This availability of parts is reassuring as Stihl is now fully invested in battery tools. In the past, battery or electric powered would have meant non-serviceable.
Outside of the basics, Stihl spare parts are normally only available through the dealer network, which generally means visiting a dealer. In the past, I've found this to be hit and miss, I'm still waiting for a fuel line I asked for 9 months ago! :nothappy I can't wait indefinitely for a part on this machine, especially with all of the spring growth. I suppose I could have driven all over town trying to find something similar from a hardware store or specialty bolt place, but frankly, I don't have the patience for that crap anymore. In this case, I found the parts at an online Stihl dealer and had them shipped in less than two days.
The part in question is what Stihl calls a "slider". This is basically a small piece of tube that retails for $6.00 each. While I was at it, I ordered the correct bolt and washer, two of each. I would have ordered more, but they only had two of the sliders in stock.
I said this was a $0.50c failure...................more like a $11.40 + shipping failure. That's one piece of tube, one bolt, one washer for $12. :doh
https://mcmwarrnambool.com.au/produ...8-6700?_pos=1&_psq=4521+648+6700&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://mcmwarrnambool.com.au/produ...81057&pr_ref_pid=8731932819681&pr_seq=uniform
https://mcmwarrnambool.com.au/produ...87905&pr_ref_pid=8731932819681&pr_seq=uniform
Having complained about the cost, I will say that $12 is better than $150 for a new blade set. And the parts were easy to find and fit.
As you can see, the "slider" fits into the grove created by the two blades, the washer sits on top and the bolt drives through and into the blade support guide. This arrangement provides just enough torque to keep the blades firm for crisp cutting, but not too tight that the blades won't oscillate.
You can probably see the blades are covered in a sticky residue. That is not plant sap, but rather a coating of WD-40 Specialist No Drip, formally Spray & Stay. I stumbled across this when trying to find a substitute for Valco Cincinnati Gel Lube that Mr. Dactel uses, which as usual, isn't sold in Australia. The concept being that rather than drying, evaporating or dripping away, the sticky consistency stays adhered to the treated surface. The WD-40 product is not a total substitute for Gel Lube though, which can also be used as an engine assembly lube.
https://sydneytools.com.au/product/wd40-21027-360g-specialist-spray-stay-gel-lube
https://valco-cp.com/products/aeros...aH7XR3_o35swn19u2jq_f6ZFtDnsh7U7irWEuaeNyLITc
Sharp, greased, lubricated...............ready to CUT some bush(es)................
I bought this HSA 56 hedge trimmer in November 2018, my first battery powered garden tool. I paid a neat $500 for it, which included the AL 101 charger and AK10 battery. With how far Stihl have come with battery power, in 2025 you can actually buy the equivalent HSA 50 kit for $459. Considering how much work this thing has done over a 7-year period, today's $12 repair is a drop in the ocean. Amazingly, the batteries that power it are of a similar age, and touch wood, are still performing very well. Can't ask for more.
Comparing that to the petrol-powered Stihl HS 45 it replaced, well that's a completely different story. In addition to the $629 purchase price in 2010, between November 2014 and when it was retired in November 2018, I spent $280 keeping it in service via repairs (fuel lines ect) and blade sharpening. And that's before you add fuel costs, which with how you run a hedger at WOT all of the time, you end up burning through a lot of it! Plus, it was heavier, noisier, smellier. Also, the layout of them makes it awkwardly hard to start, balancing the machine in one hand and pulling the rope in the other, all the while not cutting yourself or a plant.
I love petrol power, but not when it comes to hedge trimmers! After sitting at the back of the shed for 6 years, I cleaned it up, replaced a broken primer bulb and moved it on.
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Last edited:
DFB
Well-known member
- Aug 12, 2019
- 5,469
- 4,194
Man! This thing has some power!! Even with the throttle in the "idle" position (which isn't really an idle), nothing really phases it.
As I finished cutting the grass, the neighbour fired up his 161cc Briggs DOV powered Husqvarna (I'm a Briggs guy, but I hate that engine). Listening to it as he mowed, the engine didn't really hold speed when under load, it would bog down too readily. And his grass wasn't all that tall either. At the risk succumbing to "they don't make them like they used to" syndrome, lawn mowers haven't necessarily improved in the last 30 years.
As I finished cutting the grass, the neighbour fired up his 161cc Briggs DOV powered Husqvarna (I'm a Briggs guy, but I hate that engine). Listening to it as he mowed, the engine didn't really hold speed when under load, it would bog down too readily. And his grass wasn't all that tall either. At the risk succumbing to "they don't make them like they used to" syndrome, lawn mowers haven't necessarily improved in the last 30 years.
Might cross post this in the What did you do in regards to detailing thread as well since I washed it before storage.
Mustang went away for the winter. My usual spot at the in-laws isn't available this year, so I had to find a different place.
Our state fair grounds has winter storage in some of their buildings. It's 7 blocks from my house, so figured I'd try it out.
A bit earlier than I wanted to put it away, but they set the day and time to drop off, and again in the spring for pick up (end of March).
I was the 3rd vehicle in the building, furthest from the entrance.
Vehicles cannot be taken out and if you want to check out the vehicle, costs $50 for 1/2 hour.
Battery must remain connected and no battery tender, which sucks.
We'll see how it survives, but at least the building it's in is very clean.
Mustang went away for the winter. My usual spot at the in-laws isn't available this year, so I had to find a different place.
Our state fair grounds has winter storage in some of their buildings. It's 7 blocks from my house, so figured I'd try it out.
A bit earlier than I wanted to put it away, but they set the day and time to drop off, and again in the spring for pick up (end of March).
I was the 3rd vehicle in the building, furthest from the entrance.
Vehicles cannot be taken out and if you want to check out the vehicle, costs $50 for 1/2 hour.
Battery must remain connected and no battery tender, which sucks.
We'll see how it survives, but at least the building it's in is very clean.
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
- Aug 31, 2010
- 17,592
- 1,784
Wow, you can say that again! What is that building used for at other times? What is the climate going to be in there during the winter?
I had a 2021 Mustang GT convertible that i bought new. Sold it 3 months ago. But it was a garage queen and i stored it at the place below for 4 winters.
They let you pick the date and time to drop off as well as pick up. Had to disconnect the battery and they watched you do that.
Was very reasonable at $80.00 per month.
Worked well for me but glad i dont have to do it anymore.
www.bradysbend.com
They let you pick the date and time to drop off as well as pick up. Had to disconnect the battery and they watched you do that.
Was very reasonable at $80.00 per month.
Worked well for me but glad i dont have to do it anymore.
Western PA's Trusted Underground Storage Facility - Brady's Bend
Protect your car, boat, or RV from winter's harmful effects with our underground storage facility in Greater Pittsburgh. Contact us today!
www.bradysbend.com
Tasmania
Well-known member
- Jan 12, 2017
- 1,947
- 1,395
Could you add a little bule locktite to that bolt?This is a classic case of a $0.50c part closing the show.....................
I noticed earlier in the week my hedge trimmer wasn't cutting very well, it also sounded louder than normal. No problem, it's probably ready for a another sharpen.
On Wednesday, I got around to taking a closer look. I normally sharpen the blades with a Dremel stone while still attached to the unit, but its a little cumbersome. So, this time I wanted to take them apart to make sharpening easier, but also to properly clean them and repack the gearbox with grease while I was at it. When I flipped the unit over, I found the source of the added noise and crappy cutting performance, missing hardware................
No problem, I'll find something in the parts crypt. So, off I went with the sharpening, cleaning, and re-greasing. I put it all back together and went looking for some hardware. The T27 bolt was easy, I have a case full of replacement Stihl hardware, I even found a suitable washer. But, I wasn't so lucky finding the tiny little piece that sits below the washer in the blade groove. This tiny part is crucial because it allows the fastener to be tight, yet prevents the bolt and washer clamping down too tight and locking up the blade movement.
Knowing how this stuff works, and being a battery powered tool, I was certain this missing piece would mean buying a whole blade assembly, valued at around $130 - $150. I've had colleagues scrap otherwise functioning hedge trimmers because of a missing piece like this that is not available as a spare part. As a long shot, I went and found the parts manual, then landed on the required parts within 2 minutes! This availability of parts is reassuring as Stihl is now fully invested in battery tools. In the past, battery or electric powered would have meant non-serviceable.
Outside of the basics, Stihl spare parts are normally only available through the dealer network, which generally means visiting a dealer. In the past, I've found this to be hit and miss, I'm still waiting for a fuel line I asked for 9 months ago! :nothappy I can't wait indefinitely for a part on this machine, especially with all of the spring growth. I suppose I could have driven all over town trying to find something similar from a hardware store or specialty bolt place, but frankly, I don't have the patience for that crap anymore. In this case, I found the parts at an online Stihl dealer and had them shipped in less than two days.
The part in question is what Stihl calls a "slider". This is basically a small piece of tube that retails for $6.00 each. While I was at it, I ordered the correct bolt and washer, two of each. I would have ordered more, but they only had two of the sliders in stock.
I said this was a $0.50c failure...................more like a $11.40 + shipping failure. That's one piece of tube, one bolt, one washer for $12. :doh
https://mcmwarrnambool.com.au/produ...8-6700?_pos=1&_psq=4521+648+6700&_ss=e&_v=1.0
https://mcmwarrnambool.com.au/produ...81057&pr_ref_pid=8731932819681&pr_seq=uniform
https://mcmwarrnambool.com.au/produ...87905&pr_ref_pid=8731932819681&pr_seq=uniform
Having complained about the cost, I will say that $12 is better than $150 for a new blade set. And the parts were easy to find and fit.
As you can see, the "slider" fits into the grove created by the two blades, the washer sits on top and the bolt drives through and into the blade support guide. This arrangement provides just enough torque to keep the blades firm for crisp cutting, but not too tight that the blades won't oscillate.
You can probably see the blades are covered in a sticky residue. That is not plant sap, but rather a coating of WD-40 Specialist No Drip, formally Spray & Stay. I stumbled across this when trying to find a substitute for Valco Cincinnati Gel Lube that Mr. Dactel uses, which as usual, isn't sold in Australia. The concept being that rather than drying, evaporating or dripping away, the sticky consistency stays adhered to the treated surface. The WD-40 product is not a total substitute for Gel Lube though, which can also be used as an engine assembly lube.
https://sydneytools.com.au/product/wd40-21027-360g-specialist-spray-stay-gel-lube
https://valco-cp.com/products/aeros...aH7XR3_o35swn19u2jq_f6ZFtDnsh7U7irWEuaeNyLITc
Sharp, greased, lubricated...............ready to CUT some bush(es)................
I bought this HSA 56 hedge trimmer in November 2018, my first battery powered garden tool. I paid a neat $500 for it, which included the AL 101 charger and AK10 battery. With how far Stihl have come with battery power, in 2025 you can actually buy the equivalent HSA 50 kit for $459. Considering how much work this thing has done over a 7-year period, today's $12 repair is a drop in the ocean. Amazingly, the batteries that power it are of a similar age, and touch wood, are still performing very well. Can't ask for more.
Comparing that to the petrol-powered Stihl HS 45 it replaced, well that's a completely different story. In addition to the $629 purchase price in 2010, between November 2014 and when it was retired in November 2018, I spent $280 keeping it in service via repairs (fuel lines ect) and blade sharpening. And that's before you add fuel costs, which with how you run a hedger at WOT all of the time, you end up burning through a lot of it! Plus, it was heavier, noisier, smellier. Also, the layout of them makes it awkwardly hard to start, balancing the machine in one hand and pulling the rope in the other, all the while not cutting yourself or a plant.
I love petrol power, but not when it comes to hedge trimmers! After sitting at the back of the shed for 6 years, I cleaned it up, replaced a broken primer bulb and moved it on.
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
- Aug 31, 2010
- 17,592
- 1,784
This is all very confusing to me. Do you have to leave your keys when you store in these places? Do you park yourself? I'm just trying to understand why one place insists you disconnect the battery and other insists you keep it connected.
I can kind of imagine a circumstance where there is a fire in that fairgrounds building and they would have to move all the cars out, so they would want the batteries connected--if they have the keys, and presuming the battery isn't dead. Certainly no modern car can sit all winter with the battery connected and not kill the battery, so I don't know how that works, I mean they must store some newer cars.
And on the other hand, I don't understand why the cave place insists you disconnect the battery...unless they expect to have to jump you in the spring and they don't want the battery to be completely flat...again, depending on the vintage of the car. I had a 70's car that could sit for 3 months, no problem, because the only drain was the clock...then that stopped working, and that car could sit for 6 months and start right up...and that was sitting in my driveway.
Flash Gordon
Well-known member
- Feb 6, 2010
- 11,521
- 486
All set up for the evening. Hoping it's as profitable as last year
Big Dave
Well-known member
- Jan 7, 2018
- 4,447
- 3,580
One of those days. I broke the nose clip off on my Ray Bans, they are about 6 or 7 years old, and I've replaced the lenses already. I'm going to attempt a repair.
I also experienced a rapid delamination, luckily I wasn't travelling too fast or I could have crashed. I was about halfway through a walk with the dogs when it started flapping away. I'll probably have a go at glueing this back on as well. These Salomon's are over 10 years old but I only started wearing them again a couple of months ago, I had them packed away from our move almost 6 years ago.
I also experienced a rapid delamination, luckily I wasn't travelling too fast or I could have crashed. I was about halfway through a walk with the dogs when it started flapping away. I'll probably have a go at glueing this back on as well. These Salomon's are over 10 years old but I only started wearing them again a couple of months ago, I had them packed away from our move almost 6 years ago.