Automotive myths - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

richards72chevy · 07-28-2013, 09:36 AM

I know we have all heard them.So lets discuss them and see if they are true.I will start with this one.A few years ago I was working on my 69 impala in my grandpas shop.I had my battery laying on the ground.Puffing away on his cigar my grandpa kept saying "You better pick up that damn battery before all the juice gets sucked out of it"Is this true?I have been told this several times.Whats in concrete to suck the juice out of a battery?

cdowns · 07-28-2013, 09:59 AM

ground/// loads of people dont understand that concept

slow-1 · 07-28-2013, 10:20 AM

My battery out of my truck just sat on the concrete floor for 4 months...put it on the charger before putting it back in just to make sure I had plenty of juice to start the rebuilt engine.

Charger said it already had a full charge.

Maybe the concrete has to be a certain thickness to drain your battery?

pritch · 07-28-2013, 12:13 PM

I think they have made changes to battery cases over the years. Used to be you didn't want to set them on concrete, but today's batteries don't seem to be affected by it as much. Seems odd that our corporate overlords would make something better...

1972RedNeck · 07-28-2013, 08:35 PM

Anymore myths out there?

cableguy0 · 07-28-2013, 08:46 PM

The concrete doesn't drain the battery. The dirt that collects on top of the battery allows the poles to connect and that's what drains the battery. The only issue with concrete and a battery would be if the battery leaked it will ruin the concrete.

Tx Firefighter · 07-28-2013, 09:41 PM

Ive heard the old yarn about concrete and batteries since I was a little kid. Fortunately my dad taught me to reason through things and make my own opinions.

If the concrete would make a circuit through the battery case and drain the charge, imagine the light show it would put on when you mounted it in a metal battery tray which really conducts electricity.

Steel > concrete at conducting electricity.
Posted via Mobile Device

richards72chevy · 07-28-2013, 09:41 PM

How about not changing transmission fluid?Alot of people say they don't change it and have no problems.I own a 96 Mercedes.They have a problem of the reverse going out.There is a guy on the Mercedes forum who claims to have 330,000 on a trans that has never seen a fluid change and his still runs great.I know a man with 97 Toyota he bought it brand new never changed the trans fluid he has 250,000 no transmission problems.I also hear this on this forum.

richards72chevy · 07-28-2013, 09:54 PM

Oh yeah I should also add I have owned my tuck for over ten years only did one fluid change.It was just a fluid change didnt drop the pan and change the filter.Mine still shifts great.Knock on wood.

AntiGov · 07-28-2013, 09:55 PM

hows about the ol black pepper in the radiator trick to stop a leak ??

AntiGov · 07-28-2013, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Ive heard the old yarn about concrete and batteries since I was a little kid. Fortunately my dad taught me to reason through things and make my own opinions.

If the concrete would make a circuit through the battery case and drain the charge, imagine the light show it would put on when you mounted it in a metal battery tray which really conducts electricity.

Steel > concrete at conducting electricity.
Posted via Mobile Device

yeah the batteries are sealed in a plastic case and dont seem to know or care where they sit...

**truckdude239** · 07-28-2013, 10:03 PM

That you cant swap back and forth from synchtic to regular oil... cause u can if you let it drain long enough i have people at work that do it all the time though i dont recomend it
Posted via Mobile Device

richards72chevy · 07-28-2013, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntiGov

hows about the ol black pepper in the radiator trick to stop a leak ??

Black pepper!I thought your suppose to crack an egg in it.

richards72chevy · 07-28-2013, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckdude239

That you cant swap back and forth from synchtic to regular oil... cause u can if you let it drain long enough i have people at work that do it all the time though i dont recomend it
Posted via Mobile Device

I don't know how true it is but I have heard that synthetic and reg oil are the same.The only difference synthetic has something added to it.Im no oil expert though.

ERASER5 · 07-28-2013, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Ive heard the old yarn about concrete and batteries since I was a little kid. Fortunately my dad taught me to reason through things and make my own opinions.

If the concrete would make a circuit through the battery case and drain the charge, imagine the light show it would put on when you mounted it in a metal battery tray which really conducts electricity.

Steel > concrete at conducting electricity.
Posted via Mobile Device

Or put it in your aluminum john boat and go fishing in a salt water cove. Ever see a battery burn right through the bottom of a john boat? Me neither.

cableguy0 · 07-28-2013, 11:34 PM

There was a problem with switching from synthetic back to regular oil 20+ years ago. At this point most oils are at least partially synthetic and considered a blend. There is NO issue switching back and forth with modern oils. In my opinion there isn't any reason to not run synthetic oil.

63 & 64 Bowties · 07-29-2013, 09:18 AM

11 Diesel myths busted:
http://www.dieselpowermag.com/featur..._myths_busted/

67ChevyRedneck · 07-29-2013, 09:41 AM

The greatest automotive myth of all, and there's a lot of poor bastards out there that still believe it to this day...

Ford trucks > Chevy Trucks.

oldblue1968chevy · 07-29-2013, 12:39 PM

Whatta bout puttin a penny on batt terminal to get rid of corrosion

meatwagon83 · 07-29-2013, 12:57 PM

i think the battery thing comes from the days of the old tar batteries, the plastic batteries wont do it.

Tom · 07-29-2013, 07:58 PM

Some good myths here.
-The synthetic vs reg oil is an old one, and seriously false. Swap, mix, do whatever the hell you want with your oil.
-Trans fluid- the saying isen't to not change it, its don't flush it. You'll un-seat built up particles of dirt and crap and your trans goes boom. Seems to hold true too.
-I really like all the people that think higher octane =more power and cleaner combustion inside the engine. More gas mileage too! Even though the engine was only designed to use 87.

motornut · 07-30-2013, 10:21 AM

I thought the higher octane gas is better.....
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/...emium-gas.html
what do you think now?

**leddzepp** · 07-30-2013, 03:18 PM

"You couldn't build it for that" or "It is cheaper to buy one than build one"

Unless you farm out every single piece of labor and pay retail price for every single part, this is not true at all.

jjzepplin · 07-30-2013, 03:49 PM

How about- "If it's on the internet, It must be true!" Bonjour.

richards72chevy · 08-21-2013, 09:53 PM

How about people not wanting to use a newer vehicle to jump start a battery?They claim it will mess up their computer or electrical system.

07-28-2013, 09:36 AM	#1
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,647	Automotive myths I know we have all heard them.So lets discuss them and see if they are true.I will start with this one.A few years ago I was working on my 69 impala in my grandpas shop.I had my battery laying on the ground.Puffing away on his cigar my grandpa kept saying "You better pick up that damn battery before all the juice gets sucked out of it"Is this true?I have been told this several times.Whats in concrete to suck the juice out of a battery?

07-28-2013, 09:59 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Automotive myths ground/// loads of people dont understand that concept __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-28-2013, 10:20 AM	#3
slow-1 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 830	Re: Automotive myths My battery out of my truck just sat on the concrete floor for 4 months...put it on the charger before putting it back in just to make sure I had plenty of juice to start the rebuilt engine. Charger said it already had a full charge. Maybe the concrete has to be a certain thickness to drain your battery? __________________ 1972 Cheyene C-10 "Ole Green" My Grandfathers truck (early 70's to 1983) My first vehicle (1983) Original 350 (3 rebuilds) 700R4 from Bowtie Overdrives

07-28-2013, 12:13 PM	#4
pritch Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hoytsville, Utah Posts: 3,365	Re: Automotive myths I think they have made changes to battery cases over the years. Used to be you didn't want to set them on concrete, but today's batteries don't seem to be affected by it as much. Seems odd that our corporate overlords would make something better... __________________ '68 Panel Project Boogie Chillin' '68 C-10 Ol' Green

07-28-2013, 08:46 PM	#6
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Automotive myths The concrete doesn't drain the battery. The dirt that collects on top of the battery allows the poles to connect and that's what drains the battery. The only issue with concrete and a battery would be if the battery leaked it will ruin the concrete. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

07-28-2013, 09:41 PM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Automotive myths Ive heard the old yarn about concrete and batteries since I was a little kid. Fortunately my dad taught me to reason through things and make my own opinions. If the concrete would make a circuit through the battery case and drain the charge, imagine the light show it would put on when you mounted it in a metal battery tray which really conducts electricity. Steel > concrete at conducting electricity. Posted via Mobile Device

07-28-2013, 09:41 PM	#8
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,647	Re: Automotive myths How about not changing transmission fluid?Alot of people say they don't change it and have no problems.I own a 96 Mercedes.They have a problem of the reverse going out.There is a guy on the Mercedes forum who claims to have 330,000 on a trans that has never seen a fluid change and his still runs great.I know a man with 97 Toyota he bought it brand new never changed the trans fluid he has 250,000 no transmission problems.I also hear this on this forum.

07-28-2013, 09:54 PM	#9
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,647	Re: Automotive myths Oh yeah I should also add I have owned my tuck for over ten years only did one fluid change.It was just a fluid change didnt drop the pan and change the filter.Mine still shifts great.Knock on wood.

07-28-2013, 09:55 PM	#10
AntiGov Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: central Oregon Posts: 1,220	Re: Automotive myths hows about the ol black pepper in the radiator trick to stop a leak ?? __________________ 88 3+3 454 400 205 410 drw to srw still in pieces 90 3+3 350 400 205 410 srw 84 1/2 ton lb 6.2 4x4 parts truck

07-28-2013, 10:03 PM	#12
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,217	Re: Automotive myths That you cant swap back and forth from synchtic to regular oil... cause u can if you let it drain long enough i have people at work that do it all the time though i dont recomend it Posted via Mobile Device __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

07-28-2013, 11:34 PM	#16
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: Automotive myths There was a problem with switching from synthetic back to regular oil 20+ years ago. At this point most oils are at least partially synthetic and considered a blend. There is NO issue switching back and forth with modern oils. In my opinion there isn't any reason to not run synthetic oil. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

07-29-2013, 09:18 AM	#17
63 & 64 Bowties and a few others Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 5,638	Re: Automotive myths 11 Diesel myths busted: http://www.dieselpowermag.com/featur..._myths_busted/ __________________ Bill US Army Vet -193rd Infantry BlueRidgeMuscleCars.com “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Gandhi

07-29-2013, 09:41 AM	#18
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Automotive myths The greatest automotive myth of all, and there's a lot of poor bastards out there that still believe it to this day... Ford trucks > Chevy Trucks. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

07-29-2013, 12:39 PM	#19
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Automotive myths Whatta bout puttin a penny on batt terminal to get rid of corrosion __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

07-29-2013, 12:57 PM	#20
meatwagon83 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Preble county ohio Posts: 1,914	Re: Automotive myths i think the battery thing comes from the days of the old tar batteries, the plastic batteries wont do it. __________________ "DON'T TOUCH THE TRIM!!"-Early Kyler



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07-29-2013, 07:58 PM	#21
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,690	Re: Automotive myths Some good myths here. -The synthetic vs reg oil is an old one, and seriously false. Swap, mix, do whatever the hell you want with your oil. -Trans fluid- the saying isen't to not change it, its don't flush it. You'll un-seat built up particles of dirt and crap and your trans goes boom. Seems to hold true too. -I really like all the people that think higher octane =more power and cleaner combustion inside the engine. More gas mileage too! Even though the engine was only designed to use 87. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

07-30-2013, 10:21 AM	#22
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Automotive myths I thought the higher octane gas is better..... http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/...emium-gas.html what do you think now? __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

07-30-2013, 03:18 PM	#23
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,979	Re: Automotive myths "You couldn't build it for that" or "It is cheaper to buy one than build one" Unless you farm out every single piece of labor and pay retail price for every single part, this is not true at all. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

07-30-2013, 03:49 PM	#24
jjzepplin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ruskin Florida Posts: 4,544	Re: Automotive myths How about- "If it's on the internet, It must be true!" Bonjour. __________________ 70 swb 4x4 406sbc 700r4 203/205 d60/14blt locker yadda yadda http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88#post6935688 Yeller 72 Blazer 2wd conversion project "No Daggum Money" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=550804 LS1-T56 3.73 LSD super budget build Blanco-2014 Sierra SWB https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=810350

08-21-2013, 09:53 PM	#25
richards72chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: konawa ok/oakdale Ca. Posts: 1,647	Re: Automotive myths How about people not wanting to use a newer vehicle to jump start a battery?They claim it will mess up their computer or electrical system.

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