Author Archives: Dan

Bad Alternator = No Reverse

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Dan

Recently a Honda Accord Crosstour was towed in with two seemingly unrelated problems. The first problem was that the charging system light had come on and the car wouldn’t start. The second was it wouldn’t go into reverse. I hooked … Continue reading →

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Annoying Rattle Noise

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Dan

A couple times now, I’ve had a car come into the shop with a complaint of a rattling noise while driving. Squeaks and rattles inside the car can be hard to find because it could be two pieces of trim … Continue reading →

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How To: MTD Yard Machines Series 611 Snow Thrower Belt Replacement

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Dan

I recently bought a used Yard Machines snow blower and it needs new belts. Here’s how to replace them.

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How To Change Spark Plugs

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Dan

New blog posts every Monday and Thursday, plus pictures throughout the week on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Watch Mechanical Malarkey on YouTube! Mechanical Malarkey T-shirts, hats, and stickers are available to order! -Dan

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Thanksgiving 2019

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Dan

I just want to say thank you to everybody who reads this blog, follows me on social media, and watches my YouTube videos. I wouldn’t be doing this if you weren’t reading and watching. Thank you. New blog posts every … Continue reading →

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No Headlights? There’s a Recall For That

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Dan

A first generation Honda Pilot came into the shop to get some recalls done. It needed at least one of the airbag inflators replaced, but I don’t think that’s why it finally came in. The headlights didn’t work, and that’s … Continue reading →

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Chewed-Through Wiring Harness

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Dan

Check engine lights on new cars are not something you want to deal with, because usually it’s going to end up a warranty job and probably not pay as well as it would on an older car. Sometimes you get … Continue reading →

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Clean the Snow Off Your Car

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Dan

This is your annual reminder to clean the snow off your car. Not just off the windshield, off everything. The windows, the hood, and yes, the roof. Snow blowing off your car can make it hard for the people behind … Continue reading →

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Oil Leak and Ignition Coil Failure

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Dan

A Honda Odyssey came into the shop with a continuous misfire on cylinder 2. After confirming which cylinder had the misfire, the next step is usually to look at the spark plug to see if it’s damaged or covered in … Continue reading →

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Creative Exhaust Repair

Posted on November 11, 2019 by Dan

Exhaust systems rust out. It’s a fact of life here in New York. Usually the whole system has to get replaced at some point in a car’s life, but sometimes there are temporary fixes that can prolong the life of … Continue reading →

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