Strange

12 minutes ago, raro said:

thanks a lot for all the answers! Some answers / more hints:

 

1. The amount of liquid was more or less the same on all four wheels as shown in the picture. not much but noticeable.
2. It is not iron oxide, that would be rather brownish. We have here a rather bright red/orange-ish colour.
3. Something driven through? What could one drive through with this unnatural colour? 
4. The car is from 2007
5. The wife is driving the car, she reported (when asked....) that the brakes were a bit noisy. Will cue her on the other tell-tale signs.
6. I noticed that when you back up out of the drive way (i.e. cold engine) and shift to D it doesn't engage immediately but after a second or so with a noticeable "clonk". Problem vanishes once engine is warm..sounds very much like a transmission problem to me...

The only thing I can think of that would leave red oily fluid across the entire undercarriage of a 2007 honda civic is the Transmission Fluid Cooler or Trans Fluid Cooler pressure/return lines. 

Trans cooler is located in the front of the engine and is either integrated with the radiator, or external mounted on the AC Condenser in front of the radiator. 

2 minutes ago, KMartinHandyman said:

It looks more like prestone dex-cool radiator coolant to me. Orange color more than red. Maybe pressure cap released some or hose leak under temperature and pressure.

Yeah but it would not be a thick oil based liquid as seen in the pics. 

If its all 4 wheels then you probably drove through something. 

What year is the car? 

Its not really possible to speculate on the potential source without putting it on a lift and looking for the leak (if there is one) 

Take it to any shop and lift it and have a look or figure out how to get under it and see were its coming from. 

Any drivability issues at all? Soft brake pedal? A lot of whining (more than you normally hear) when you turn the steering wheel with the car running and in park/netural? Shifting funny if its an auto? Slight difficulty shifting into a gear or slight grinding shifting into gear when driving at speed if its a manual? 

Have you checked all the fluids correctly? 

13 minutes ago, tropo said:

In Pattaya 99% of the dogs you see on the streets are born in the wild. i.e. parks and vacant lots. They are not abandoned pets. Perhaps it's different where you live, but I doubt it.

Its not different, its everywhere. Hell most of the time people with dogs don't even own them, the dogs own THEM and their property and crash out like they own the place cause people give them food. 

OK so I just got back from Bangkok and Thonglor Pet. 

After 5 days of treatment with doxycycline and clindamycin the dogs blood levels are back in the normal range. Blood platelets were >50,000 and are now over 200,000 and within 3 days of treatment he is back to his normal self eating and full of energy. Was informed to continue treatment for 28 days, but they want me to go back and re-test in 2 weeks. Happy to do it and will make the drive again. 

Thonglor pet was great, wasn't expensive, they seemed to actually care and it was very refreshing to see other people (foreigners and thai) bringing their animals in that were well cared for. One thai girl brought a ferret in on a leash and was having it vaccinated. The first round of tests was a walk in at night, and came out to 3,500 baht, second round of tests was like 2,300 baht. 

Ive been a dog owner and around dogs my whole life. House dogs, hunting dogs, name it. When a dog is not acting like itself and gums look paler than normal, its vet time. I don't wait until its about to die or won't move. This time with Thonglor the dog was not acting right and within 3 days of the symptoms appearing he was on the vets table in BKK. He is not out of the woods yet, but hopefully this helped. 

The vet recommended human grade pfizer doxycycline (Vibramysin) and human grade pfizer clindamysin (Dalacin) and I opted for this. 28 days of these medications all cut up and dosed properly for the dogs weight, along with blood supplements, are included in the price I mentioned above. Could I have used the cheaper generics, or animal grade stuff? Yeah probably but considering that these meds could be potentially life saving, the choice was easy. 

We will see over the next few weeks but right now he is fine thank god. 

9 minutes ago, OMGImInPattaya said:

No it doesn't,  and unfortunately, as the rules are unwritten, there's no way to learn them other than by experience. I learned them by being a passenger from 3 years in Bangkok taxis, before driving a car in Thailand, and observing how they drove.

Agreed. I didn't learn from others though. I bought a car and started driving immediately when I got here. Frustrated me beyond all belief for a while but I got used to it. Just go with the flow and drive defensively. Don't matter how hard you look, there is STILL going to be the family of 4 with a baby that zings out from the left on a motorbike without looking causing a mini heart attack. 

3 hours ago, sas_cars said:

Strange, how's the thunderstorm and lightning situation in Tampa? I heard it's called the Lightning capital of North America. Is it really that bad?

 

How about the hurrican situation there as well?  I am also comptemplating to retire there later on in life, so wanna have a base in Tampa and agree to nearly all of your points you have been mentioning in this thread.

Never heard of the lightning capital thing honestly, just looked it up. Yeah we get a lot of lightning, but its great to look at. You get strong thunder storms with a lot of lightning strikes and wrong wind for a little bit then its sunny again and hot. We also have ALOT of heat lightning that you can see almost every night in the summertime and its fun to look at. The whole lightning thing has never had any affect on me except going out on a boat offshore. 

The hurricanes do happen and I have only been through 1 severe hurricane that we did not evacuate from and that was hurricane Opal in 1995. I lived in Santa Rosa Beach. It wasn't near Tampa, but it can happen. Things are better now than in 95. We went without power for 2 weeks and FEMA/National Guard brought in food/water by boat and helicopter until the major bridges re-opened. Radar & Prediction is way better than in 95. 

For the most part, unless you live RIGHT on the water or in a flood zone, most people don't evacuate unless its a stronger category 3. Most people keep enough food/water for about a week and will have a small generator in the garage for the fridge/freezer. For the most part anything from Tropical depression to Cat 2-3 people just get together and have a hurricane party. Likely won't have to work or school. 

IMHO the lightning and hurricanes are not something that would not put me off from living there whatsoever. 

2 hours ago, transam said:

So it's a movie thing...OK

11 minutes ago, chiang mai said:

 

Glad it worked out. 

Goes to show though, doesn't matter how good of a driver you are or how thai you drive, can and does still happen. Could easily be worse for both involved as well.

46 minutes ago, OMGImInPattaya said:

Very well said...some people it seems come here and stick like glue to the UK driving manual and wonder why they get in a head-on collision...beggars belief. Of course, I get slammed every time I say that there is a very specific form of unwritten rules of the road here in Thailand if you know and follow them, like you say, it can be a safe, and even fun, place to drive.

Don't know why you would be ridiculed for saying that. Its the truth. But that does not protect you from other drivers all the time. 

23 minutes ago, chiang mai said:

 

I lived (and consequently drove) in the US for thirteen years, Mid West, West Coast and Florida, I drove across country three times - I never once had an accident in who knows how many hundred of thousands of miles.

 

I then lived in the UK, Europe and later in China where I again drove, often in challenging conditions, I never once had an accident.

 

As stated, I've lived in Thailand for fifteen years and have had two accidents, both at very low speed where motor bikes ran into the rear of my truck, the second as recently as last week.

 

I believe driving in Thailand is safe for drivers who are fully prepared and fully equipped and up to the job, not everyone is, it can be taxing on the nerves but as long as you understand what the (mostly unwritten) rules are, it can be a pretty safe place to drive and it can be fun. Where it is NOT safe is when westerners drive here only from time to time and don't understand the rules, the timid and those living their motoring lives by the Highway Code will also be in trouble - there is no single rule that fits everyone but for me it's a safe place to drive, for you it may not be and that's no BS.

 

So you drove all over the earth for years, including the USA, never had an accident. And you have had 2 accidents in Thailand. Both of witch were not your fault being that you were rear-ended. I believe this 100%. 

So you have had, or been involved in more accidents in Thailand than anywhere else you have driven. Not your fault but did damage your vehicle. 

Then you go on to say that Thailand is safe for drivers who are prepared for the job, regardless of the fact that to say this means you have mastered the art of Thai driving yourself, and have still had 2 accidents that were not your fault. 

While I agree 100% that when driving here, you have to learn the "Thai Way" of unwritten rules (or lack thereof) but this only helps protect you from your own mistakes. You are still very exposed to other drivers witch is why you have been hit twice regardless of how "Thai" you drive. 

If you are trying to insinuate that I am a western driver and do not understand the rules or the "Thai Way" of driving and that this is why I have the opinion that driving in the US is safer than Thailand, thats just a reach if I ever heard one. Just like you, I have been all over. 

Yeah sure you can mitigate the dangers by adapting and I do it with the best of them, but its still MORE dangerous. 

Did the motorbike drivers pay for the damage to your truck? Or did your own insurance cover it? 

6 minutes ago, OMGImInPattaya said:

That's fine. 

 

I'm not gonna argue that the Thai roadside emergency services are on par with any in a developed country...that's a silly statement. If such is important to you, you should definitely consider moving to another country...and pay the high property and income taxes that support such lavish emergency services (which 99% of the population will never use).

I already said I'm moving back and again, its not just one thing its culmination of many things. Currently we are talking about driving. 

"Lavish" come on man. 

You and I both know that the benefits of income and property tax are FAR greater than "Lavish" emergency services so don't paint me up to be a nancy thats scared of the road and wants to run home. 

1 minute ago, chiang mai said:

 

Dude, I've driven Chiang Mai/Phuket five times and all over Thailand, easily 300k miles in 15 years. The fact that I now drive a similar route most days means no more or no less than the holiday maker who drives say Chiang Mai Bangkok once in his life.

And? 

What are you trying to prove? 

Im not a holiday maker, nor tourist. Im just not buying the BS people are spouting about how safe it is driving here. Ive had several cars here, drive everywhere, and will continue to drive, but it does not change anything. Still dangerous. And more dangerous than the majority of the USA. 

Just now, OMGImInPattaya said:

Well now you're talking about all sorts of other things...I talking about the act of driving, which I find more or less the same in terms of stress and dangerousness.

Nope its all under the same topic of driving. 

Even then, take it all out, and use your terms of stress and safety, I still don't agree. 

26 minutes ago, chiang mai said:

 

I drive 15,000 miles every year, Mae Rim to CM and back (44 kms) almost every day etc etc.

Driving in your safe sphere is hardly indicative of anything. 

6 minutes ago, OMGImInPattaya said:

Try I-5 from SF to LA...just as many if not more. The point being there are accidents in all countries...and I don't find driving in Thailand any more dangerous than at least urban areas of the US.

OK you think driving in urban areas of the US is the same as driving in Thailand. 

I don't agree. Not even a little. Especially when you consider the police that actually police, emergency services that will come and cut the car away from you if needed. Helicopter transport if needed. 

5 minutes ago, transam said:

16 minutes ago, Strange said:

 

And this case, you think the president can just whip it open with his morning coffee and press the botton?  

Tell all...?

Nope, im not going to educate. If others want to form an opinion over uneducated fear mongering posts, go ahead. 

19 minutes ago, transam said:

Dunno, but thought the Pres was followed by a guy with a case handcuffed to his wrist that the Pres could use to do stuff, or is that just for the movies....?

And this case, you think the president can just whip it open with his morning coffee and press the botton?  

1 minute ago, chiang mai said:

 

FWIW I don't see very many road accidents here, no more so than anywhere else I have lived. That is not to say that those accidents don't happen, I'm certain they do, it's just that I rarely see any. Now near misses is another story altogether!

You clearly don't drive much nor very far. 

Just got back from BKK and thats about a 350 kilometer trip one way. 

Saw 5 accidents with one that had to be fatal involving a motorbike. Another was a completely avoidable rear-end that blocked 3 lanes of traffic FOREVER. 

I don't count near misses anymore. Whats the point right? 

1 hour ago, giddyup said:

1 hour ago, Strange said:

 

You realize that this is a huge blatant fear mongering post right? 

Read my comment in context. I was responding to the poster who asked why the rest of the world should be concerned about who is running for president.

And you realize that what you said in response to the poster is completely false fear mongering right? 

Either that, or you genuinely don't understand how our country works and you honestly believe that we have a dictator in power that can just press a button and nuke the world. 

You honestly believe this?

55 minutes ago, OMGImInPattaya said:

I didn't say it didn't exist...just that I'm not affected so wouldn't cause me to consider leaving Thailand. Being retired, my interaction with Thai officialdom is minimal so again not a problem. If I was starting or running a business, I might feel diferently. Everybody's situation is unique. 

 

I also wish people would post SPECIFIC examples of this rampent racism/xenophobia, I imagine it's mostly drunks prancing around town in flip-flops and a singlet with a girl who could be his great-grandaughter on their arm and a goofy grin on his face. Yes, I could imaging these types getting a few nasty looks from the locals (and me as well) which they might interpret as racism/xenophobia.

 

Just stay in Florida and don't move to California...millions of unlicensed and uninsured drivers there too (courtesey of the Democratic Party). I should know, I was rear-ended and nearly killed by one...and I can tell you, I much prefer being rear-ended in Thailand. 

Hey, if you are good with the status quo then good on ya, but in my opinion it would be a real mistake to deny/downplay whats going on. As with everything in this thread its usually never 1 thing that makes people want to leave, its usually several factors that stack up over time. 1 person says something negative, and you are on it to say "Thats no reason to leave blah blah" or my personal favorite "I don't know what you are doing but I don't have that problem"

Im not going to post specific anything for your approval. 

And your last paragraph, dude, really? 

Driving ANYWHERE in the USA > Driving in Thailand

3 hours ago, Sphere said:

Thanks for that Grubster.

 

Clean-up was a no-go as the inner surface of the connectors is corroded and it is no longer possible to tighten the screws.

 

I found a couple of local shops selling such bars.

 

However, none of they have one similar to the affected one with a large cube-shape connector for the neutral.

 

Still trying - planning a trip to Khlong Thom / Mahajak area on the weekend.

Might have to buy a whole new box and either replace the whole box OR take the part you need out of it and put it in your own. 

OR find any bar that will accept your neutral wire then workout a way to screw it into your box. 

What made it get so hot? Do you know what caused this? 

35 minutes ago, giddyup said:

1 hour ago, Strange said:

Criticize all you want, just be informed and knowledgable if you want to be taken seriously. 

I think I have read and witnessed all I need to make an informed opinion of both Trump and Clinton. It seems to me that it's actually US citizens are the ones badly informed.

lmao an aussie accusing an american of being uninformed of american presidential candidates & politics

They are both idiots but there is a reason that they are there. 

So I guess you will be in the ridicule camp then?

On 9/30/2016 at 9:29 PM, Scotwight said:

I've lived in Florida and Colorado.  No mass transit.  Thailand I can take a good bus Nakhon Chai Air - cheap almost anywhere in Thailand.  I can live here and date and travel and dine out and go to the doctor or hospital without a car.  Try getting a date in Florida or Colorado without a car.  

On 10/1/2016 at 0:12 PM, JAFO said:

Absolutely. Getting around Thailand is easy.  My wife and I have taken nice bus's to numerous locations. Then hop a cab or van.  Cheap and honestly quite fun.  NCA is the best for long runs. We have also done the train.  Not to bad. Did a sleeper car. A whopping $31 each included food. Nice going through the country north to south.

1 hour ago, Strange said:

Yeah sure you can take a bus anywhere... But its a damn bus. I want and can afford a nice car, good roads, knowledgable mechanics, dealerships that have parts ON THE SHELF for your brand new car OR can order them in 24 hours (Don't BS me by saying its the same in Thailand, its not) 

My posts about the busses are directed at these 2 ^^ and clearly I should have explicitly stated such. 

8 minutes ago, OMGImInPattaya said:

1 hour ago, Strange said:

 

You realize I'm the OP, and you have read all my other posts right? 

 

Because I really don't feel like dissecting this unless you have read all my other posts and realize I'm not a Thailand rookie nor broke nor a mechanical idiot, nor have a solid plan b. 

Yes I was aware of that and have read many of your posts, including the OP,  and therefore what you wrote in the post I quoted sounded quite strange to me. I have posted many replies to people in this thread, agreeing that Thailand certainly isn't perfect and that at some point, I too may return Stateside after over 15 years in Thailand. However, saying you're returning Stateside because you can't get auto parts quickly enough and you don't like taking busses is just whack. I mean, who says you have to take a bus...there are taxis in Thailand and of course, like I said, you could buy a car.

 

In any case, I certainly understand there are many reasons that might pull someone "back home" and I hope the decision works out for you and you're happy in Florida (and that the Pep Boys and Auto Zone stores are fully stocked to your satisfaction...just joking). 

And to say that Im moving back to the states because of car parts is just retarded and you are nit picking what I said so just quit that patronizing sh*t and try it on some other sucker. 

2 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I don't know if criticising the two presidential candidates is "taking a shot", I think it would be ridiculous to claim that either candidate is the best that the US has to offer. I'm from Australia BTW, if that makes any difference.

Criticize all you want, just be informed and knowledgable if you want to be taken seriously.