Ogbele-gbele ooo, Emeeeeka, whetin dey happen?
Who be this Oblo?? If na your assistant or you sabi am, better yarn am say the air-plane is ALREADY SOLD.

I beg, make you and Oblo no come use omo-onile style take sell my air-plane to somebody else oo.

I understand say you get them boku, but you have to let Oblo know that as he deals and negotiate with new buyers, he must let them know that they are not buying the "very-first-one". That one na my own faa!!

I branched for mechanic village yesterday and discussed with baba-Yekini. He confirmed that he has majority of the parts in stock except the Landing gear. After calling his supplier in Ladipo, he assured me that all the parts of the air-plane are available, so I have nothing to fear.

Baba Yekini has assured me that he will handle all mechanical maintainance/repairs while his cousin who is a draftsman will attend to any structural/aerodynamic issues. Thanks to knotty, I will go ahead and buy my own Pilot License.

My time has come; everything is just working out for good.

Using the maintenance intervals in schedule A is not recomended for cars in Lagos. The rough roads and the amount of dust in the air are the eqivalent of "Off-Road" condition. You definately need to change the oil according to schedule B, or sooner. This is because as you drive, the air that gets into the engine contains enough tiny sand particles that will eventually mix with the oil. If the oil is not changed soon enough, the suspended tiny sand particles will start grinding the Cylinder walls, Piston Rings, crankshaft bearings and other places where the oil should have been performing lubricating functions. Furthemore the constant go-and-stop driving breaks down the additives in the oil a bit faster.

Your owner's manual will have a number of things that should be checked with Time/usage-(odometer reading). However ensure you always use quality oil, oil-filter and air filter. Use the recomended coolant in the engine (not water), and never agree to remove the thermostat. If the thermostat ever get faulty, buy a replacement.


Will you consider Iju (shortly after Agege) to be too far? This is just to get your opinion, I dont know any mechanic in the area, but I am working with some guys that are intrestred in setting up a standard Auto Service Center, and the land that they have is in Iju.

I will appreciate your advice on the suitability/profitability of a service center in Iju to serve customers in Agege, Ikeja, and as far into the Mainland as possible. (Island and Abuja are slated for phase 2).

Regards,
Kafin

Please I will want to know how the use of ODBII Scanners are helping the avarage car owners. I am really intrested please if you have one, share your experience.

@ nuzo, Thanks for sharing the message from Phil Tam-Al Alalibo.

Several good points in the message, but I am assuring you that Nigerians are not cowards; What is at play in Nigeria is "an understanding of the consiquences of ones actions".

The populace cant take any action (ie public protest and other open confrontations) because if they do, we all know what will happen.

The few that are still comfortable are not taking any action, mostly because of the fear loosing their position/source of wealth.

The "curupt leaders" are taking the actions we have been withnessing mostly becuase THEY ARE SURE nothing will hapen to them. I can boldly say that the reason why someone acts curuptly is either that the person is sure nothing will happen to him/her, or the consequences of being caught is nothing (too small) comapred to the gain that awaits them if they sail-through.

I will definately not suggest any public protest, but we can start by practicing DEMOCRACY the way it is supposed to be practiced; we should all get involved in governance. I am not talking of voting, (some of the officials and parties sincerely dont need anyone's vote to get into power), we should all be in close contact with our Councelors, and representatives in Parliament and constantly tell them to do what we want. It will be even better IF those that dont represent their constituency can be easily voted out.

Another factor that promotes curruption among our leadres (both those in government and otherwise) is this thing they call immunity. We have all comapared western nations with Nigeria in terms of comfort, opportunities, and cleaniness, but let us go a step further and compare the governance. Why for goodness sake should a GOOD LEADER be looking for immunity from prosecution for the action that he/she took? Leaders in the western nations routinely get investigaved, and those found guilty of illigality have been purnished.

I beg each and every Nigeria (both home and abroad) that read this message to find out who is their councelors, and their representative in parliament. Also get to know the process of voting out any one of them that is not representing the intrest of their constituency. If we can get this level of government to respresent the intrest of the people, we will make a big advancement.

After getting to know your representative in parliament, request that we as a nation wants to remove immunity from our elected officers. The president and vice may have limited-immunity, but if it can be established that they acted contrary to the intrest of the nation, they should be held accountable.

Some people fear that our leaders will not be able to act promptly without immunity, believe me, this is not true. They will simply have to make sure that the actions they are executing is in the best intrest of the nation, or else, . . ,

Other laws that will improve the nation can follow, and I am sure the avarage Nigerian already has a long list.


@Ode Remo

the youth in okene local govt. revolted against their local government  about its inability to discharge her  duties , most of the times the local govt chairman was  in abuja attending to BETTER things than what he deems local, anyway  all the youth involved in the call for change were rounded up and well before each and every  release the police collect 3 to 5 thousand naira.  

I wont deny that such events do happen. They will continue to happen untill the "bad leaders" know that there is a repercaution for their actions.

So let us start the long-process of having a House of assembly that represent the intrest of the people. I assure you that other "goodies" will follow.

@Igwe1,
Do you know one that will tell when a car is due for servicing??

Generally, you cant stop your mechanic from guessing. However you can take you car to mechanic that knows his (/or her - what a man can do a woman can do too) stuff and has invested in proper tools.

Hey Siena,

I am intrested in getting more specs of your OBDII scanner. I have not found one that can handle Airbag, ABS, AC, Tansmission all in one pack for Japanese, Asian and European cars.

You can mail me at kafinkata@yahoo.com

I still believe that OBDII scanners should not be used by people who dont know the details of automotive system operations. For example, one's car is acting-up, and the owner owns OBDII reader so he/she reads the trouble code (say generic fuel delivery issue) then goes to his/her mechanic. The mechanic whould have normally pick the most appropriate one of their phrases; we dont work on this model, the engine is V6, or these type of cars are very unreliable etc, But because the owner has now told him that the problem is with the Fuel delievery, the mechanic will gladly take a shot at the problem, and most likely get the car into a worse state. Just my though

@Emeka, which kaaiin person be dis Jidex89200 sef?

pls, I beg of you, dont let someone dupe you into buying a plane that is not even ready. I live here in the United States,
Fact- The plane is still in the hudson river and was just pulled out yesterday
Fact-  The plane was missing two engines, one was found and the other is still missing
Fact - The United States will  not even allow the plane to be sold because it is a RISK to human lives.
Fiction- The plane will be sold for 5.2 or whatever million niara.

Please dont fall for whoever is selling this plane and also, come to thing about it, who will sell a Boeing 747 for 5.2 million, please, dont give me bull.

Una, them dey envy because na you first advertise air-plane for Nairaland, me self go be the first to buy!!

I get my 5.2M ready in cash, I go meet you for arrival hall.

Abi na RORO you take send am? Haaa, those guys in Tincan too shine-eye, they fit start to talk long grama, they never see one before. The guys at the airport are more understaning and hardworking, and have been seeing so many air-planes come and go. Just fly am com for airport I beg!

You go see me for arrival hall, I dey wear brown T-shirt, black Trouser and pentigoor cap. I get plenty ghana-must-go bags so you go easily recognise me.

I dey wait ooo.

I am opening this thread for automotive repairs questions/discussions, so that we can stop hijacking other people's threads. Feel free to post your automotive-related concerns, and anyone that has an idea to share will respond.

Because the experience of the individuals who are responding will vary, all suggestions will not be perfect. If someone notices an incorrect suggestion, please don’t abuse the poster, simply indicate why you believe the recommendation is wrong and offer what you think is correct; I can’t imagine anyone deliberately posting a misleading suggestion, and moreover no one is being paid for this.


So, I will get the ball rolling with the following question:
Can anyone recommend any automotive service-center that is very capable in fixing OBD II issues?
How much will a "good Mechanics" charge for the following services in Nigeria?
Regular Engine Oil and filter Change, (I heard that SCOA charges =N= 20K)
Coolant Drain and Refill,
Change Automatic Transmission Oil and Filter
Estimated hourly/Daily labor rate
Cost to read OBD II trouble codes

I will also appreciate an estimated prices for the following, (we can use a 1999 Honda Accord as reference):
Oxygen Sensor
Oil Filter
Air Filter
Automatic Transmission Filter
Jar of 10w 30 regular engine-oil
Jar of Synthetic engine oil (eg Mobil1 0W 40)
Jar of Dextron III Automatic Transmission fluid
Jar of engine coolant (50-50 pre-mixed, or otherwise)
Jar of windshield washer fluid
Wind-Shield wiper blades
Spark Plug
Spark Plug wire

Thanks
Kafin

The problem in this case is fortunately not with the mechanic, but the car. 100K mile is a major maintenance point for most cars; Several components are due to be changed around this time. The work that the mechanic did are not directly related to the problems that you are currently experiencing.

Since the mechanic said that the engine was OK (and the car is not sluggish), I will suggest that he clean the engine and trace where the oil in leaking from. He can also perform a cylinder-leakage test (pressurize each of the cylinders and check the adjacent cylinders, intake/exhaust manifolds, and the radiator to see where the pressure is leaking to). Based on the cost of fixing the leak compared to the price of a new engine, you can determine the way to go. I will recommend fixing the leak and changing necessary internal engine parts - I am sure Nigerian mechanics are very good in this - provided you can get quality parts.

I will personally test each engine on its merit, but on a general basis, Japanese engine should be better than American engines. The average annual commute in America is about 12K miles (app 20K Km) per year, I have seen some Japanese cars with really low odometer readings. So "IF" the engines were made to the same standards, there will be more life left in the used Japanese engine than the American one.

What is your current odometer reading?
Did the mechanic tell you the exact reason why the car was not starting?
What is your current idle rev - Transmission at Park no pedal depressed?

I am assuming that "major repair" included engine-overhaul, If that is the case, the reassembly of parts in hte engine was not properly done (or the parts used were of poor quality).

Locating the oil leak is quite easy; ensure the engine body is clean, then look up from under the car - you will clearly see where the oil is leaking from.

Whitish smoke from the exhaust indicates that the coolant is getting into the combustion chamber. Most likely through miss-fitted or poor-quality head gasket, or possibly from cracked cylinder walls or head.

Rev. fluctuations could be from irregular oil flow to the crankshaft main bearings. Place the Transmission at Park, accelerate to keep the rev @ 2500 for about 5 second, then take your leg off the accelerator. Repeat this with rev @3500. If the drop in rev is not smooth, or it starts fluctuating immediately but later stops, then the oil pressure may be too low - will need to check the oil pump.

The car will need to be scanned (monitoring the appropriate sensors simultaneously) to identify why it is idling roughly.

Definitely find a good mechanic, and depending on where the oil is leaking from and if the engine was not properly reassembled, you may have to rebuild the engine (or change it if you find a good one)

I will open a thread titled "Auto Repair Advice and Parts" so that we can stop hijacking other people's threads.

Hi Klo,

For your Audi A6 (WAULT64BX3N062853):
====================
Model A6 Quattro,
Engine Mfg. Audi/VW
Engine Name AVK
Fuel Type Gas
No. Cylinders 6
Type V6
Liters 3.0L
Standard Transmission 5 speed semi automatic
Drive AWD
Anti-Lock Brakes 4 Wheel Standard
Security System Pass Key
Daytime Running Lights Not Available
-----------
An appropriate ECU is 8E0 909 559R. The following may also be compatible (8E0909559D, 8E0909559E)
====================

Just some quick questions to enable me know the history of the issues that the vehicle is experiencing:

a) How many miles/Kilometers do you have on the odometer?
b) Was the "routine maintenance" done at the "garage in Lagos" - the place you towed the car to?
c) Did you service the car when the Engine Management System requested for service, or you felt it is time for service?
d) What exactly did the mechanics do as part of the "routine maintenance" This will help me to know the parts that the mechanics have touched.
e) Did they use a Synthetic Oil? or "the regular" oil that they have?
f) How soon after the "routine maintenance" did the problem start, and what alerted you that there was a problem with the car? (also list what you can remember that the mechanics say they have done to the car)
g) Did the mechanics in the Lagos-garage test the car before they started replacing parts?
h) If the mechanics in the Lagos-garage (those curently having your car) dont understand OBD II, have proper scan tool (like the VAG-COM recommended by Sienna) and proper test tools (at least a Digital multimeter and a Scope) they will be causing more damage to your car.
i) Are the coils physically burnet? Since the connector can only go-in one way, I cant see how the mechanics would have misconnected it to cause it to burn. If the coils are not physically burnet, what test was caried out before they concluded that the coil was burnet?

Note: The more information you provide to question f) the better.

I can get you the Engine control Unit (about =N= 40K), but I have three concerns:
1) Some ECU will not fire the coil and will not inject fuel if they are not getting the proper input signals; (very similar to the way you described your present ECU - [[it can't transmit power to the coil and the nozzle( wtever that means) although it does to other areas]] so your ECU may not really be bad, but i dont have much experience with Audis to make a decision remotely.
2) If the mechanics mishandled and destroyed your current-ECU, you are risking them destroying more ECUs and sensors on the car.
3) Since your car have the "Pass Key" security system, the new ECU may need to be reprogrammed. If this is case, can the service center reprogram ECUs?

Dont bother buying the OBD II Scan Tool; it is one thing to read the trouble-code, but using the code to plan the repair-steps that should be taken is another thing. Simply look for a service center that has the OBD II ScanTool, and has technicians that understand OBD II.

Remote troubleshooting is hard, but I can at least guide you not to make unnecessary expenses and mistakes.

Regards,
Kafin

2009 modela are out already.
Let me know your prefered trim from this link: http://www.hyundaicanada.com/Pages/showroom/showroom.aspx?model=ELANTRA

Last time I checked, will cost you about =N=750K to clear from customs. Shipping is USD1,605.
I will give you a quote based on your Trim selection.

First, I have to let you know that there is a problem with the Automatic Transmission used on the 1998 - 2002 Mazda 626 models. I have heard mechanics complain bitterly about the Automatic Transmission in the 1998 - 1999, a friend of mine who owns a 2002 model does not have any problems with his (currently at 150K Km). The story was that Mazda's partnership with Ford made it necessary for Mazda to use the automatic transmission manufactured by Ford in these models. (Yeah some Ford's automatic transmission has a story; they go bad between 90Km to 110Km).

My 626 is LX trim, 4 cylinders 2.0liters with Manual transmission, 80K Miles (app 135K Km). I heard about the fact that the automatic transmission was manufactured by Ford, and took the manual.

Till date, I have not done any major repairs on the car; I still have the Original Clutch, Alternator, Starter and timing-belt. I recently changed the Original Ignition wires and the Coolant at 75K Miles. I have always changed the Engine Oil and filter every three months. Changed the air filter 4 or 5 times so far.

The important thing to note is that a used-car is only as good as the maintenance it has received in its lifetime. Get a good mechanic to test the car before you pay. Also watch out for cars (like mine) with original components, as they are due to be changed soon. This is most important for cars around the 120k km.

@Nicols. Definitely stay away from those with automatic transmission. Those familiar with the Nigerian market will have a better idea about the availability of parts, but because the car is not so common I will expect that the parts will also not be readily available, which translate into high-cost to maintain. If the engine-system is in good condition (there is nothing confusing the Powertrain Control Module, and thus preventing it from trimming the amount of fuel that is injected into the cylinders), fuel economy will be same as for Hondas and Toyotas.
Please let me know how much the Mazda 626, 1998 – 2002 models and Mazda 6, 2003 – 2007 are being sold for (both manual and automatic transmission).

By the way how much will a "good Mechanics" charge for the following services in Nigeria:
Regular Engine Oil and filter Change,
Coolant Drain and Refill,
Change Automatic Transmission Oil and Filter
Labor to replace the Starter/Alternator (they used to simply replace the carbon-brush and Diode/Regulator back in the days)
Labor to replace an engine
Labor to replace the Transmission
Estimated hourly/Daily labor rate
Cost to read OBD II trouble codes
Average price of Oxygen Sensor

Lord_Reed,

I really dont know where Mazda Corp. went wrong in their marketing, but thier cars are super. So many people have comfused my 626, 1999 model for a Toyota Avalon.

Nigerians obviously prefer Toyotas, and Hondas, but the mechanics are at a disadvantage with all late model vehicles because they dont have the necessay Service information and Tools (This is same for all cars)

Fuel efficiency and Reliabilty are about the same, but Toyata should have more parts in Nigeria. (purchase price of Mazda 6 will definately be lower that that of a Toyota Camry)

I will vote for the Mazda 6 (zoom, zoom, , zoom). I have a quote for the 2009 model, just waiting to see how the economy will turn out. For the records, I did not even check the price nor test-drove that over-priced box called Camry

All vehicles going out of Toronto have to be containerized.

There are popular shippers that will handle the loading of the container for you. To be cost effective, they can load up to four cars, or two cars and two minivans in a 40 feet container.

Frequent shippers dont have a problem finding the four cars that will go into a 40 feet container, but this may be a great challenge for guys like you and me.

I am curently seeking someone with a sedan-sized car (I have two mini-vans, and have found someone that is ready to ship a car).

If you you have a car (Mazda - 626, 6, 3, Protege; Toyota - Yaris, Echo, Corolla, Camry; Nissan - Altima, Maxima, Versa; Hyundai - Elantra, Sonata, and cars like these are OK) call me on (416) 477 - 1514 or email kafinkata@yahoo.com.

One more car needed. Let me know if you are intrested

I have space for two Sedan-size cars in a 40 feet high cube container, and will like to know if anyone need such a space to ship car(s) from Toronto to Lagos, Nigeria.

The shipping-agent confirmed that the ship will be leaving 27th of November.

Clearing charges will be discussed, and we can use any clearing-agent (yours or mine) that have the cheapest quote.

Please email me at kafinkata@yahoo.com or call (416) 477-1514

Regards,
Kafin

Oga DP,

I called your Toronto office (905) 361 3050 - to arrange for a 45feet High Cube container to Lagos. The guy that took the call informed me that he is not intersted in shipping used cars to Lagos.

Your advertised transit time is very impresive, and I want to check if you can help twist his arm a little bit. You can reach me at Kafinkata@yahoo.ca

Regards,
Kafin

You are most likey refering to the City and Guilds of London.

The City and Guilds of London Institute (City & Guilds) is a United Kingdom examining and accreditation body for vocational, managerial and engineering training, offering over 500 qualifications in 28 industry areas, spanning from entry level to the equivalent of a postgraduate degree.

Check the following links in the Automotive section:
http://www.cityandguilds.com/cps/rde/xchg/SID-E92A5D60-5E0DB649/cgonline/hs.xsl/21353.html?search_term=auto%20repair

http://www.cityandguilds.com/cps/rde/xchg/SID-0D1ADE9B-168B2608/cgonline/hs.xsl/1767.html?search_term=4101

http://www.cityandguilds.com/cps/rde/xchg/SID-E92A5D60-5E0DB649/cgonline/hs.xsl/15111.html?search_term=5101

http://www.cityandguilds.com/cps/rde/xchg/SID-E92A5D60-5E0DB649/cgonline/hs.xsl/4174.html?search_term=4121

http://www.cityandguilds.com/documents/ind_engineering_automotive/4101_4121_Automotive_Suite_Handbook_30Oct06_v2_5.pdf

Regards,
Kafin

Hey Babeisme!

Please help me pull the information the available information this VIN 2FMZA57284BB26518

Ii is Ford Freestar year 2004. Presently gold colored , with odometer reading of 199,116KM.

TIA
Kafin

Thanks to Drekid for showing intrest, and Babeisme for your effort in checking the VIN.

I have given the first option of buying the Van to someone. He will be paying =N= 800K plust the cost of clearing.

Ford Windstar LX Year 2000 (Canadian Spec.) for sale
VIN : 2FMZA5142YBA68664
Odometer : 143,944Km (86,367 Miles)
Color : Gold
Cylinders : 6
Engine Size : 3.8L
No. of Doors : 5
Clean inside and outside.
Family Minivan carries 7 passangers, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Dual front air bags, 4 speed automatic Transmission, factory AM/FM with CD. Tilt Wheel, Powered and factory tinted Windows.

This minivan will arrive in Nigeria in 4 to 6 weeks. Asking =N= 1.0 Mil