Well, That Was Disgusting

[kiffie]

A few days ago, the Bug started making a strange grinding sound when I would turn the engine on.

It was only happening every other start, and it was running fine, otherwise, so I didn't think too much of it.

Today, it got worse. A lot worse. So, I took it over to the mechie, and let him listen.

"Bad starter," he said, got me the part, and sent me on my way.

I knew the starter was a fairly simple job to replace. Bug innards are crowded, but I'm small enough to comfortably crawl under the Bug without a jack, and worm my hands up inside without too much trouble. What I really didn't stop to consider is that Bugs are also absolutely filthy.

There's a running gag that VWs will keep on trucking, even if their bodies are literally nothing but rot and rust, because the engines leak oil so badly that they preserve themselves even in the harshest, wettest conditions.

Having spent an hour (or more) getting completely covered in oil, grime, rust flakes, and whatever weird sludge settles on wiring, I 100% believe this. My hands were black. The entire side of one arm was black. I got grease on my face, rust in my mouth, and gravel in my hair. I've showered, and still feel oily.

At least I won't rust.

Comments

[taichara]

Duuuuude. That's impressive!

[kiffie]

kiffies have gained 2 levels in Dub Mechanics. |3

But really, VWs are super-simple. Legit, like 75% of their parts are plug-and-play, with very little in the way of technical skill needed to repair or replace. I think I had a more stressful time disconnecting the battery than I did actually swapping out the starter. The whole thing was more time-intensive than anything.

The impressive part was that, three hours after I'd turned the car off, the engine was still warm. The weather started getting cold pretty much as soon as I'd come home-- breezy and with that chill that wind off the water has --and I thought for sure I'd have to sacrifice a hoodie to the oil gods. But under the car, it was still pleasant and beeny and warm like a slimy, greasy sunbeam. :V

[taichara]

The most awesome of oily, scuzzy sunbeams ~~ 83

[vespurrs]

I am not laughing. I am also impressed. But not laughing. :)

[kiffie]

It's all fun and games until someone accidentally licks an exhaust manifold. :V

[vespurrs]

... That sounds decidedly kinky and like something I might use in my smut RPs. XD

[kiffie]

*horrible laughing*