Information about Business And Finance, Cars And Transportation And More

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Tom Albert drove his loaner Chevrolet Equinox like any other car.

He took it to work during the week, picked up groceries, and loaded up the back with bags of soil at the garden store. When his infant son was fussy, Albert drove the newborn around the block to calm him down.

The normal driving experience ended, however, when it came time to fuel the car. Aboard the silent vehicle, Albert had two filling stations to choose from in the Washington, D.C., area, and the fuel — hydrogen — was anything but typical.

Albert’s no-cost behind-the-wheel experience last spring was part of an ongoing program by General Motors Corp. to see if next-generation vehicles powered by hydrogen can become a reality. Automakers such as GM, Honda Motor Co. and BMW AG are putting several hundred vehicles into suburban garages, in cities and on the highway to see how they fare in day-to-day driving.

“I heard about it on one of the local news stations on my commute in, that they were offering the chance to drive these,” said Albert, an engineer who has always enjoyed tinkering with cars and applied online to participate. “For some reason they picked me.”

Hydrogen fuel cells have been part of the auto industry’s roster of advanced vehicles for years, and several companies are testing small fleets. They gained attention when President Bush announced in 2003 that the government would invest $1.2 billion to encourage their development.

Albert was among a small number of testers participating in “Project Driveway,” a program that allowed customers to provide feedback on the Chevrolet Equinox electric hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

GM chose participants who live near a fueling station based on their level of interest in fuel cell technology and enthusiasm for new technology. The company covered the cost of the hydrogen fuel, insurance and maintenance.

The Equinox, which holds about 4 kilograms of pressured hydrogen in tanks, generates electricity from a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen and delivers the gasoline equivalent of about 43 miles per gallon. While hydrogen is highly flammable, the hydrogen would diffuse into the air in a nonflammable concentration if one of the tanks was punctured or leaked.

The zero-emissions vehicles, which emit droplets of water, still face high hurdles because of a lack of fueling stations and the high cost of developing the cars. Auto companies do not disclose costs, but the vehicles can cost $1 million and beyond because most are hand-built prototypes.

Hydrogen is typically extracted from natural gas, oil and coal, releasing carbon dioxide from those fuels into the atmosphere. Industry officials say using fossil fuels to make hydrogen is a transitional step, with the ultimate goal to produce it widely through renewable energy sources.

Patrick Serfass, director of technology development for the National Hydrogen Association, said using natural gas to produce hydrogen emits half the amount of overall emissions compared with a conventional gasoline-fueled vehicle.

The test drives are being held while consumers are paying close to $4 for a gallon of gasoline, offering a window into what petroleum-free driving might look like.

The industry estimates hydrogen can be produced for $3 a gallon of gasoline equivalent with current technology, while the government’s target is for the fuel to be available at $1.50 per gallon of gasoline equivalent by 2010.

In addition to the GM program, Honda is planning to lease about 200 FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cells to customers in California. One of the first customers is actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

The three-year leases cost $600 a month, which includes maintenance and collision coverage. The car has a range of about 270 miles per tank. Honda said it received 50,000 applications through its Web site but could only consider those living near stations in three southern California cities.

“You’re not sacrificing anything, and actually for me it’s an enhanced driving experience,” said Jon Spallino, a Redondo Beach, Calif., businessman who previously drove an older version of the FCX and will lease the Clarity.

“I think that’s a misconception people have, that you’re puttering around in an underpowered cramped little soapbox,” he said.

BMW has placed some of its Hydrogen 7 Series sedans in the hands of Hollywood celebrities and others for tests.

The Hydrogen 7 has an internal combustion engine that can run on gasoline or liquid hydrogen, an advantage because of the lack of hydrogen fueling stations. It can travel about 130 miles on hydrogen and shift to a gasoline-powered engine, with a range of 300 miles.

“It’s allowed people to live with these vehicles in a way that they don’t have to feel restricted in the distances they can travel or where they can go,” said BMW spokesman Dave Buchko.

Automakers say the tests show the cars can perform like a conventional vehicle, bolstering their argument that a network of fueling stations are needed. There are 61 operational hydrogen fueling stations in the United States, according to the National Hydrogen Association, and nearly half are located in California.

A panel with the National Academies of Science recently concluded the U.S. would need to invest $200 billion, including $55 billion in government funding, between 2008 and 2023 to make the vehicles viable.

The report estimated that the maximum number of hydrogen vehicles on the roads by 2020 would be 2 million, a tiny fraction of the nation’s fleet.

Albert said after more than 2,300 miles and two months in the Equinox, he sees the potential. He used the vehicle like any other and said the only limitations were the lack of fueling stations and the vehicle’s 200-mile range.

He offered plenty of suggestions to GM’s team, even feedback from his cranky baby. Albert’s first child, Tyler, was born Feb. 4, and the family jokingly called him the “first hydrogen baby.”

“As I was putting him in the car, I was wondering, ‘Is it the engine noise that quiets the baby or the road noise?’ We had no idea,” Albert said. After a short drive, Tyler’s cries subsided, offering some insight for future dads.

“We found out it’s probably the road noise and the motion,” Albert said with a smile. “It didn’t have much to do with the engine noise since there’s no internal combustion engine.”

Absolutely none. The aeronautical experience required for the Private Certificate must all be done in actual flight conditions.

Computer based simulators (FSX and the like) are strictly toys that do nothing to help a person learn to fly a real airplane. They can help an experienced pilot practice instrument procedures, but a pilot should get some real flight experience before using a simulator.

The same really goes for more advanced simulators. They are for experienced pilots, and not for primary training.

retired airline captain

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the minimum, if you are training to be a private pilot in a local fbo becareful don’t buy unnecessary time from schools that are trying hard to pay off their loaned simulator, ask your instructor and make him prove it!

sadly, I’ve seened many weird things in this industry..

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you are not *required* to do any at all. You may have the option to do some time simulated but normally you do the entire Private course in the airplane.

I’am having trouble deciding on leasing a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2009 (july 2009) or try buying a 2005 Jeep Liberty Limited/Sport. Which do you think is a better choice and why?

if you can lease id say try to buy a new car right now is when the dealers are trying to get rid of the 08 models to make room for the 09 models so they will almost give the new ones away dont lease a car and if you buy a new one jeep has the unlimited warranty for lifetime so you can own it for as long as you want too why ‘rent’ a car when you can own one

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Lease. You will have a very hard time trying to sell the 2005.

Also, Jeep has some great incentives on new leases

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never, never, and I mean NEVER lease a car

financial advisor for 20 years

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for a jeep? Leasing. They will fall apart in 3 years and you don’t want to be stuck trying to sell one

I’m really interested in buying this as my first ride. It is cheap, stylish and I’m into sport bikes.

Do any owners have any opinions they’d like to share on it?
Top speed?
How many can it carry?
Mileage?
Is $3,500 the actual price?

The 250R is a great choice for a first bike. Plus, the 08 and newer models are the best looking, yet.

The top speed of the bike is right around 100 mph. It can vary depending on load on the bike.

It can Carry 2 but, the max weight load is 375 pounds. So, if the rider and the passenger combined weigh 375 or more pound, it is technically illegal to do so.

I’ve heard of the bike getting an average of around 65 miles per gallon but, a very conservative driver can get close to 80.

The actual MSRP is really $3499. However, because of the demand on them, there are a bunch of dealerships who are marking the bikes up another few hundred dollars. Not all dealerships will do this but, some will. Also, I’ve seen them going on ebay for around $4500 with a few hundred miles on them.

http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/
Check out this website. It is great for new riders and has great reviews on bikes. There is a 4 part review on the new ninja and I’m sure you’ll like it. Feel free to subscribe to the forums. Wonderful community to help and answer questions. Good luck, ride safe and always wear your gear.

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that would be a very good ride for a beginner, i myself am a beginner and i have a ninja 650 and thats okay but i wish i would have got the 250 just because its lighter and i did drop it once tryin to keep up with my dad and dropped it at a stop sign but you get the idea it is lighter, goes fast enough, gets very good mpg and plus half the ppl that get the supersport bikes cant really ride them if you got good on a 250 you could beat them going around curves and you would be able to handle the road alot better it tight situations if you get what i mean but yes i would be a very nice bike i wich i had one

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Depending on your size it’ll do around 100, but it takes a long time to get there.

It can carry 2 if your both light. But I wouldn’t take it on any trips more than about 20 minutes.

65mpg

NO $3500 is not the actual price. As of right now dealerships in Phoenix are quoting $6300 out the door after tax, title, license, shipping, prep, and the $1000 dealer mark up.

It’s insane but if you want it that’s what you’ll pay. Get one off craigslist, i’ve seen them anywhere from $4000 to $5300

I am considering getting 2004 Gmc Yukon Denali 6.0 AWD and i was wondering if it requires premuim fuel.

No.

Most people who want to put letterings on their trucks or boats go to companies who specialize in custom-paint jobs. These businesses often make rip off deals especially if the truck or boat owner does not know the current rates for lettering services. To avoid unnecessary waste of money and time, it sometimes better to just do things on your own.

Do-it-Yourself Boat Lettering

There are now many DIY lettering packages (that come with comprehensive installation instructions) in the market. Vinyl letterings are the most commonly used type of stickers. Here are some of the materials that you would need to do the job:

· Wet release system letters (for perfect installation)

· A plastic squeegee—that would be used to press down the letters and avoid the accumulation of air pockets

· Plastic spray bottle

· Masking tape

· About 2-4 drops of dish detergent

· Razor knife

· Measuring tape

DIY Truck Lettering

You would need the same materials as the one’s needed for boats (the wet system release is also highly advisable). If it is your choice to do the dry installation, be forewarned as you only have a single chance to apply the letters. Wet application system allows for adjustments and there are fewer chances of folds or bubbles during the installation.

Now that you know the materials, it’s time to go out there and start with the installation—all you would need is a sunny weather and everything’s good to go.

Have you just bought your own Dodge truck? Congratulations! It certainly is a wise investment and you are ensured of great quality. Now, you can enjoy the spacious interior of your own Dodge truck together with tuned steering and strong brakes. You can think of further enhancing the appeal and functionality of your truck by attaching a nerf bar to it.

Actually aside from nerf bars, there are still other truck accessories that you can install in order to further enhance the appeal of your truck. For instance, you should look into the various truck bed rails being sold online or locally.

Dodge nerf bars, including bed rails, are great truck accessories. With a nerf bar, you will be able to climb up or step out of your truck just as easily. With nerf bars, you’d be able to avoid truck damage caused by debris or flying rocks. Most nerf bars are made of 3 or 4-inch aluminum or stainless steel. They are also wrapped with non-slip step pads. You can find nerf bars in various styles – some with black powder coats, others with polished mirror finish and there are those that come in thick chrome plating.

When choosing Dodge nerf bars, you have to take into consideration the truck’s design and its other accessories. If most of the parts of your truck are made of chrome, then it’s a good idea to get a chrome nerf bar. The same goes when you’re specifically looking for truck bed rails.

the sponge filter broke up and must have weent in to carb but all seems fine at moment so will i have to open anything to clean out debri?

It will allow contaminates in your engine and change the air flow making it a bit leaner, could cause your oil to get dirty very quick, and cause engine wear . It’s a recipe for disaster. The foam was sucked right through the throat into the chamber and disintegrated in combustion - most likely… if your carb uses a slide, you’ll be looking to rebuild the carbs very soon. The most important issue is not the carb, it’s the gunk, dust, and other crap you’ll be feeding your pistons and cylinder walls with

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For starters, get a new air filter ASAP. You can ruin your engine very quickly driving your bike around with no air filter. Secondly, if it starts running rough you’ll either need to clean the carbs yourself or take the bike in to a repair shop and have them do it. Cleaning out carbs usually isn’t difficult, but if you’re not very mechanically inclined you’d be better off having the repair shop do it.

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Any sponge that got into the engine, will be out the exhaust in a few seconds.

Don’t let the experts panic you !!!

Yes get a new filter soon, but unless you are getting dust & stuff, when you drive, a few days will not do any harm.

If you go in the Desert….”PANIC”

I ran a Morris 1,000 for 26 years & over
300,000 miles with NO air cleaner

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I’m surprised it’s running at all as not only does the filter keep the dirt out it also regulates the air intake which is critical to maintaining the correct fuel / air mixture.

Is this a trick question to see if people answering know what they’re talking about ?

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You could get dirt or even bits of gravel or sand into the engine and also with no filter you do not have the same air / fuel rate so that is not good either, both of these problems could damage a valve and then you would be looking for a new motor.

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YES!
Don’t operate it without an air cleaner.
Get the carb off the engine and clean it out completely.
There may be some debris that will, eventually, clog the carb and leave you stranded.

Lets say the front tire. If it blows is ther absolutely no way of staying up? How much does it depend upon your speed? I’ve ridden in the country for two years, but then moved to L.A., and now am thinking about riding on the freeway. Will a blowout kill you?

Front flats are bad, but also extremely uncommon. You are safer at speed with a front flat because the centrifugal force of the tire keeps it somewhat in traction. Aim for the shoulder, preferably to grass because you ARE going to crash when your speed drops.

Rear flats are unsettling, but usually recoverable. DO NOT try to accelerate! Your rear end will fishtail if you do - not good on the freeway. You can use your rear brake GENTLY to help maintian directional control as you slow down. I learned these things during the 40 years that I rode.

Remember - Keep the shiny side up!

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If you’ve ever ridden in the dirt its much like hitting sand. Do not brake, let off the gas easy and ride it out.Ive had both front and rear blow-outs at cruising speed on a 700 lb. bike,Scared the $hit out of me but did not “Eat It”. Don’t panic and don’t put the bike down because you woosed out.

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always keep good tires you only have two
a front tire blowout is severe and frightening
use the rear brake only as your front tire is already causing much more problems than u need
hang on for dear life and do not turn the wheel
pray pray fast
i have survived both front and rear blowouts at high speed
they are no fun but with luck and keeping your head you may stay upright