Tony Prodigy

Here's an extract from that link Ash. Here’s the pitch: water has a pH of 7.0 and antifreeze has a pH of 10.5, so a 50-50 mix has a pH of 8.75, and that’s too acidic to protect the cooling system, so the pH must be modified to something around 10 to protect the dissimilar metals in the modern cooling system. And, further, antifreeze must be frequently replaced to ensure proper pH. So based on this, your strips should probably be much darker ?? They want it to be more alkaline rather than pointing to acidic. Would probably be better to use a digital Ph meter. I have one somewhere. I'll try and dig it out and test mine and let you know also.

I don't think you'd go wrong with either water pump. Both the Gates and Nissan seem to pass the OEM quality control and more comforting to see the "Japan" in the casting on the NPW. I'd buy either. Toyota want nearly $200 for theirs.. (It could well be made by NPW)

Hahaha.. So funny. I guess the operative word here would be compatibility. How soon is your coolant flush due ? A good time to give it a full flush and use either the Nulon or SSl pInk. The Gates brand is highly respected and I can't see why the pump cannot last or even outlast the OEM product. It's all down to the quality of the seals and bearings really. Last time I checked, gates water pumps were half that of Toyota's. Will be good to see how long your's lasts ( knock on wood here too)

Gotta Love Yuley lol. What a character. That machine will serve you well Ashley. Rotary polishers are good for when the going gets tough. Baby steps on the paintwork though. Get used to it first. By the way, Lambswool pads are excellent for bringing up the initial shine but it will leave holograms and buffer trails as lambswool pads have an aggressive cut. This is where the DA polisher comes in with the various grades of polishes and pads to help "jewel" up the paint. The headlights and glass are an excellent place to start familiarising yourself with the machine. Rotation is clockwise so you need to keep this in mind when using it so it doesn't buck back. You'll use the area from 12 O'clock to 3 O'clock on the pad to do the headlights efficiently. The Glass you can go fully flat and some lifting when approaching the edges. Start off in a low RPM range too. 500 - 600 rpm should be good and see how it performs. I might be tempted to get me one of those machines. The price is ridiculous lol.. Christmas is coming early for some us

Very nice Ash ! You can always tell an OCD detailer by the way they also pack products too The service is 1st Class from The Detailing Shed. I've yet to use my Beadmaker as I plan to do a full strip back and two stage polish and paint correction on the Aurion. This will do the product the most justice. The main thing to remember before applying the beadmaker is to have the surface prepped well. Strip back any previous coatings of waxes or sealants. Wipe down with a surface cleaner (I use Isopropyl alcohol) and then you're ready to go. Observe the cure time recommendation too. The product will increase in gloss levels as it cures. ( as stated by the maker) Have fun detailing Ashley. It can be a very satisfying hobby, especially if you have a lot of time on your hands.

Yep, quality is decent enough I think. I'm very happy with mine. The beauty is with these types of wrenches is that you can calibrate them yourself too. https://youtu.be/XaqBA-xSGbc

The 1/4" Renegade drive was $22 https://www.tradetools.com/renegade-industrial-1-4-dr-torque-wrench-2-3-22-6nm-or?SearchId=24813718&SearchPos=10 The 3/8" Renegade drive was $25 https://www.tradetools.com/renegade-industrial-3-8-dr-torque-wrench-5-80ft-lbs-or?SearchId=24813735&SearchPos=11 These are still on special. The 1/2" Force was $65. Bit more expensive but comes with a lifetime warranty. Still a bargain ! https://www.tradetools.com/product-range/workshop-and-mechanical/torque-wrenches/force-1-2-10-150ft-lbs-torque-wrench And I got free delivery to Sydney from Queensland.

Man, That rotary tool kit is great value. I don't blame you for taking another look only to discover you already had one. I purchased a dremel 4000 kit a few years back and have most of the accessories to go with it now. Very handy kit for sure. Trade Tools 33 rd Birthday . I'd never heard of Trade Tools before you mentioned them to me Ash. Being a Queensland based company, It's off the radar for us down here in Sydney. I'm glad you did because I will definitely be buying more tools from them. 33 Years in the business, I always try to support Australian companies too. The Prices I paid for the 1/4" and 3/8" torque wrenches was ridiculously cheap being $22 and $25 respectively. I don't know how you could even make them for that price ! Anyway, I am very happy with the Quality of the Renegade brand. Their specials are worth looking at. The Force Torque wrench looks amazing in quality and this one was only $65. Lifetime warranty too. Very satisfied customer indeed. Thanks Trade Tools !

Haha, me too. I price check all the usual suspects

Firstly, I'd like to thank Administration for adding this Section to the Forum. I believe this will be a great addition for all the DIY guys who love working on their own cars who need advice on certain tools and others who have experience who would like to share. I love tools as you all do, so please share and post plenty of pics. I have plenty of recent acquisitions but I'd like to start off with my purchase of three torque wrenches. I got a 1/4" drive, 3/8" drive and a second 1/2" drive. I already had one and thought I'd try another brand. A definite must for the DIY car guy. Got them all for a great price from Trade Tools who are based in Queensland. Excellent service and fast delivery. I ordered on Tuesday afternoon and received them this evening being Friday. Not a bad turn around from Queensland to Sydney. I will definitely be buying more tools from this group, so a huge thanks to the team at Trade Tools

Hi Adrian. So you'd attribute the water pump failure then to having used the Castrol product ? Can I ask how many Kays you have on your Aurion ? I'm assuming we're talking about your 2013 Aurion, and at what point was the factory fill coolant flushed ?

As long as it is an approved product there should be no issues. I'll have to have another read up when I get a chance on the various approved products but for the time being I'll stick with what I have. My car is still on it's factory fill and the coolant still looks as new believe it or not. So that does say something for the Toyota SSL Pink.

Hi MrWills, welcome to the forum too. Are you able to upload some clear pictures to illustrate your issue ? Cheers.

To be very honest, I'd just stick with the Toyota SLL Pink. It's not expensive and it takes all the guesswork out of the equation. I have my Pink SSL fluid ready to go as i intend to do this pretty soon along with my transmission flush.

Haha, I saw that too. When I saw "castrol" I was hoping it would be the 0w-40 for my other car. Oh well maybe someday !

I remember you mentioning that tool actually. This guy has them for $12.06 each https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Steel-Special-Oil-Filter-Wrench-Removal-Tool-Large-Size-For-Toyota-Lexus-Scion/302423459683?_trkparms=aid%3D1110001%26algo%3DSPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131231084308%26meid%3Dc716de23c50a4d31a00da36ad256ffdf%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D183772075837%26itm%3D302423459683%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109 I'm still waiting on several small items from China too that seem to be taking forever. Due to limited planes flying I think we're all in for a bumpy ride for a while. I am still waiting for 3 LP records I purchased from the U.K over 4 weeks ago ! They usually arrive within two weeks or less.

I never bothered to return as it was my fault the filter housing was on too tight as I discovered. I'll wear it as a reminder of my stupidity..

I'm definitely adding one of those to my cart on my next purchase. Thanks Ash

Hey Nice one Ash ! I could use that 24mm socket on my Kincrome oil filter wrench.. I think it's still salvageable seeing it only has to do 25 Nm not 2500 Nm Remember this ??

I'm starting to like the Tool Pro range and yes Robert, I too had that "OH I Need That" moment too lol !! Looks like a very handy pocket light. I still have my trusty Batman light I bought from Bunnings many years ago. It still charges well and lasts for a long time between jobs. Remember the batman lights anyone ? I've tried to buy another but I don't think they make them anymore. If they are available I would get another that's for sure.

I agree that the digital torque wrench adapters are not cheap and you don't want a cheap one either. I am more than happy to stick with the old fashioned type. Just calibrate it occasionally and it's good for a lifetime I reckon. We're not engine builders and so the need for a top end tool isn't warranted.

Exactly ! I'm very much the same. I can't help myself sometimes. I've lost count how many items I have purchased based off other people's recommendations.

How did you guess ?? I cannot stand greasy, grimy tools. I even try my best not to scratch my prized tools. After each use, I do wipe them and place them back in their respective spots. I like being organised and try my best to work as tidy as possible. Thanks for the compliment Robert

Very interesting indeed. You're referring to those carparks with sealed concrete where the tyres will squeal during those low speed turn ins. Good observation Ash. I always advise my wife to occasionally put premium in it when it's affordable to do so. It does seem to drive that little bit nicer with Premium.

Ok Gents. So that juicy little nugget I have brought home. I was always wanting a decent tool chest and just the other day I happen to come across these on sale https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-tool-cabinet-combo-6-drawer-36-inch/385729.html and I picked it up not that long ago, including my 2 pairs of axle stands https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-car-stands-screw-and-pin-3000kg/568659.html There was some assembly required, nothing major. Also gave it a wipe over with Isopropyl alcohol before lavishing the new shiny red powder coated paint with Turtle Wax Seal 'N' Shine. Sorry, My OCD kicking in again It's a product I reserve for items like this. Did my Kranzle pressure washer and my Bosch Front loader when they were first purchased. Just puts a nice thin layer of protection on the surface so it will resist accidental contamination. Easier to keep clean too. Now I have somewhere to put my socket sets, torque wrenches and every other tool I have in one place. My garage needs a total overhaul !!