Howdy everyone,
Thanks so much to you kind souls that took the time to comment on my first attempt at blogging.  Now that I am a seasoned professional, I would like to use my blog time to discuss what every male (okay this is a complete generalization of the male gender, but go with it) likes to talk about, CARS! 

Not really any car, our car a 2000 Beetle TDI 1.9L.  The TDI stands for Turbo Diesal Injected for all of you not familiar with these little gems.  When working properly, these cars consistently get 40 to 50 mpg even in city traffic.  Which brings me to the real point of my post.  Recently, my car was not working properly.  I didn't really have the time or expertise to diagnose and fix my problem.  So I decided to take it to the "professionals," (ie the trained VW mechanics at the local dealership).

They diganosed my problem as a failed Turbo, that's the T in TDI.  And since it makes up 1/3 of the name, I guess they assume it should cost 1/3 the value of the car to replace.  I wasn't happy.  Anyway, since it was such an expensive repair, I thoughtfully decided to get a second opinion.  Another specialist in import cars diagnosed it as a failed turbo. 

So here I am trying to get ready to be a missionary, you know saving money, etc.  I decide to fix it myself, of course I called in my Dad to help.  My dad is a good mechanic, he can fix lots of different things.  But working on the turbo in one of them "foreign jobbies" is a little much for even my dad.  So he naturally is reluctant to tear into the engine components.  As any good father, he takes the cautious route and decides to check the turbo, take note this is the third time someone has laid hands on the golden turbo.  Several hours later, and few dollars down the road, we discovered that the vacuum supply that operates the turbo on/off valve was disconnected.  Basically, a loose hose.  We plugged the hose back in and BLAM!  We have lift-off!

Man it feels so good to be driving with boost again.  The real point of this long winded story is that a good Dad is irreplaceable.  You just can't substitute for their savvy and experience.  So next month on Father's day, take time to thank him and appreciate him for those important blessings he has brought into your life.  The other side points are that German Engineering remains superb, and "professional" mechanics from Oklahoma working on German Engineered products is not a good idea.  Until next time....blog happy.

Ira