Wye vs Delta Motor Connections

In general, three phase motor windings are connected either in a wye or a delta. I say "in general" because some motors are not pre-connected either way. We'll discuss that in a minute. The primary reason for connecting in wye or delta is basically for manufacturing convenience. It DOES NOT have anything to do with the way the upstream transformer is connected. So, all we can do is connect the motor for the correct voltage.

Most motor nameplates have connection data for low or high voltage. If not, there are many charts and publications out there that will show you those connections. One great source is a small handbook put out by our trade association, EASA, that is literally pocket sized and contains a wealth of information. It is called the "Electrical Engineering Pocket Handbook." But don't worry, there's a lot more electrical than engineering. These should be available from your local motor rewind shop. Another common source is George Hart's "Ugly's" book. This has a lot more general electrical information than the EASA book, so it is larger. It sits nicely in a mechanic's toolbox, though. Also, most manufacturer's catalogs have connections in them too. Because of that, this article will not cover which wires to connect for every possible winding you may see. So, let's look at some of the things you will see when you take the cover off the connection box.

In the US, it is not uncommon to see motors up to around 25HP wye connected, and delta connected above that. It is common to find nine leads which locks your connection into either a wye or a delta right out of the box. The thing to remember is that, for either voltage, you always connect the incoming lines to motor leads one, two, and three. The problem is what to do with the other leads.

A low voltage connection is a parallel connection, while a high voltage connection is series. Those of us who like to fish have been doing this with trolling motor batteries forever. Paralleling two twelve volt batteries still gives us twelve volts but with lots of current. Connecting those batteries in series gives us twenty-four volts with less current. But that's OK, because a twenty-four volt motor draws half the current of a twelve volt motor at any given speed.

Many IEC motors will use a delta connection for all ratings. It is also common to see IEC motors with twelve leads, which does not pre-configure the windings into a wye or delta connection. Because motors are made all over the world for shipment all over the world, it is becoming more common to see this on some US motors also. Motors connected like this can be started across-the-line, part-winding, or wye-delta, depending on the final run connection. This allows a "soft-start" of the motor, which becomes more common in larger horsepower motors. We'll cover "soft-start" connections in another article.

Once you are familiar with the numbering system for nine or twelve lead motors, it's much easier to figure out the correct lead numbers if a couple leads have lost their tags. Also remember the jumpers which connect the motor for the correct voltage must be connected before doing any motor testing.

Single Phasing Three Phase Motors

When a three phase motor is "single phased", it is a power system problem, not a motor problem. A three phase motor needs three EQUAL phases in order to operate properly. When the symmetry of the motor is interrupted by the loss of a phase, the motor will die quickly unless the controls have single phase protection. Many heater type overload relays do not have this.

Single phasing occurs as a result of several possibilities. A loose wire, a bad connection, bad starter contacts, overload relay problems, a bad breaker, a blown fuse, and other things can cause this destructive condition. Obvious signs are a louder than normal humming from the motor and/or a shaft that vibrates rather than rotating.

Testing for this possibility needs to be done quickly since motors are not happy with this condition at all. The obvious test is to look at the current in each phase. This is where multiple meters will help so you can see all three phases at once. You can also look at the voltage, again with multiple meters if possible. I look at the phase to ground readings first. The phase to ground voltage will equal the phase to phase voltage divided by 1.7; thus 480 volts phase to phase will be 277 volts phase to ground. The advantage of taking phase to ground measurements is that each reading is independent of whatever is happening in the other phases. However, you can read phase to phase if you want. You would see an unbalance there too. The phase to ground reading will show you the bad phase, though; this will make troubleshooting easier.

These tests need to be made as close to the motor as possible, preferably in the motor's connection box while the motor is driving the load. If the motor is not connected, or you take your readings at the starter or breaker with the motor off, you can get fooled. A bad set of contacts in a contactor or breaker can just barely touch and still tell you that you have good voltage. Ask those same contacts to deliver enough current to run a loaded motor, and the voltage will take a dive.

You could continue to test at various stages of the power system upstream of the motor, but that keeps subjecting the motor to the stress of running in the single phase condition. Otherwise, make sure the circuit is off and locked out, and then start taking things apart.

The first place to look is at those suspect contactor contacts. But, Bo Diddley said "you can't judge a book by looking at the cover." Contacts can be like me - real ugly but still functional. Contacts that are gone don't work very well, though. Also look at the connections in and out of the contactor. Loose or burned wires or terminals are probably the second most frequent offenders.

If the contactor looks good, take continuity readings from the line to the load side of each phase of the overload relay. It should look like a short circuit. A word about overload relays here. With today's motors being smaller than their U-Frame predcessors, you need a fast overload relay with single phase protection. An IEC Class 10 thermal overload relay works very well. You can get more expensive, solid state models, but the Class 10 thermal relays work well for all but the most sensitive applications. Be careful with replaceable element versions, though. They are usually Class 30 (slower) and don't have single phase protection.

If everything is good at the starter, check wires, connections, and devices ahead of the starter until the problem is found and corrected. Once you have three good phases again, you should see a voltage balance of within two or three percent. Your motor will be happier, healthier, and have a shiny coat.

IEC Delta-Wye Motors

In the US, we use two windings to provide dual-voltage motors. Those motors are either connected in parallel for low voltage or in series for high voltage. Therefore, US motor voltages have a ratio of 2 to 1, such as 230/460 volts. Foreign motors, with the exception of the ones built specifically for sale in the US, aren't wound that way.

IEC motors typically use one winding that is connected in a delta for low voltage or in a wye for high voltage. In a three-phase electrical system, the ratio of a wye voltage to a delta voltage is 1.732 to 1, such as 220/380 volts. The higher voltage is ALWAYS a wye connection. Unless you are interested in square roots, I won't go into that further. It does, however, make the connections easier because there are usually only six motor leads instead of nine, like on American motors. You can have twelve leads in either version if the motor is large enough to need reduced-voltage starting.

Also, most of the time those IEC voltages are given at 50 Hz, not our 60 Hz US power systems. So, you have to increase the IEC voltage by twenty percent to get the equivalent 60 Hz rating. Let's look at an example:

Take the 220/380 volt rating we discussed above. Those are 50 Hz voltages, and they will be shown that way on the motor nameplate. If we convert them to 60 Hz equivalent voltages, we get 264/456 volts. Since 264 volts does not exist in the US, the 456 (very close to our 460) volt connection is the one we can use. And since we know that the higher voltage is a wye connection, we know how to connect this motor and use it on the proper voltage.

Now, when you see a 220 volt delta/380 volt wye voltage rating on a foreign motor, you'll know to convert those voltages to their 60 Hz ratings and connect them properly. You won't go looking for a reduced voltage starter by mistake.

Speaking of reduced voltage starters, don't mistake an IEC delta-wye winding for a wye-delta reduced voltage starter. This is a starter that temporarily connects a 460 volt, delta connected winding in a  wye configuration. When you do this, you would need almost 800 volts to run the motor. Since you are applying your typical industrial 480 volt power to this 800 volt winding, you get a reduced voltage "soft" start. Once the motor has reached its maximum speed with the wye connection, the starter quickly reconnects the windings for the proper delta connection. Now with the correct voltage on the properly connected winding, the motor will accelerate to its full nameplate RPM. Of course, today we see many variable frequency drives being used instead of two-stage reduced voltage starters. But that is the subject for another discussion.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430 and DB9 Carbon Black

Aston Martin will unveil two exclusive new special editions at the 84th Geneva International Motor Show that is scheduled to take place from March 6 to 16. The British sports car marque, is set to debut, the V8 Vantage N430, a bold new addition to its iconic V8 Vantage range, as well as the DB9 Carbon Black, a new special edition the timeless DB9.

Honda To Offer Improved "iOS In The Car" With The 2014 Civic

According to a report on 9to5Mac, the new 2014 Civic will be the first Honda models to feature Apple's "iOS in the Car". But unlike a few other car companies that offer iOS in the Car, Honda could add one other highly sought-after feature.

That feature is iOS Mirroring. According to 9to5Mac's report, Honda's version of "iOS in the Car" will be "more than just simple mirroring".

Stunning Car Interior of 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS

Up for sale I have a 1969 Camaro RS/SS. This is a clean show quality daily driver. I will try to describe each and every detail about the car. Should you have any questions, please email me or contact me directly at (415) 710-1711 - Ask for Chris.

Honda CX500 Cafe Racer by Kingston Custom

Dirk Oehlerking and Kingston Custom are taking a middleweight motorcycle from the late 70s and turning it into a little golden treasure for 2014: Honda CX500 Cafe Racer. The bike’s transverse V-twin engine received a sheen of thermo-sensitive coating, while the exhaust manifold is wrapped with thermal tape.

2014 Honda Civic Lineup Shows Its Updates at the LA Auto Show

For the 2014 model year, Honda added a series of updates to its Civic lineup, including sportier exterior styling for Civic Coupe and Civic Si Coupe, interior upgrades for all Civic models, a new available CVT, increased engine performance on all models except Natural Gas and Hybrid, as well as several new available features. 
 

Motorcycle parking in Paris under fire

Thousands of motorcyclists protest at the lack of parking spaces in central Paris.

With more than 150,000 motorcyclists riding across the heart of the French capital every day, bikers expect the local authorities to provide sufficient and adequate parking facilities to meet the ever increasing demand. Unfortunately, there is a serious lack of motorcycle parking bays and spaces in Paris meaning that more and more bikers have no alternative other than park on pavements, especially during rush hour on a busy working day. Unless you leave home early enough in the morning to find a space within walking distance to your final destination, you either find yourself riding around for a good 20 minutes to finally find a space or park on the pavement hoping that you won't get a nasty ticket even if your bike doesn't obstruct the pedestrian path.

Some time ago, we published a post in which we explained that 2,500 on street car parking spaces in Paris were being converted into free motorcycle spaces to meet increased demand.

Safety Motorcycle Riding in Cold Weather

Winter has arrived.  The snow on the ground and the chill in the air tells us if we are going to ride, we need to do some things to make our ride as enjoyable, warm and safe as possible.  I feel almost guilty writing this article as I am away in a warm climate after a successful year at the shop.  I figured if I didn't get away when things slowed down I was going to burn out.  Work still calls though, so I put together the following and I hope it is helpful for you.
I am going to expand on some  topics which were touched upon in one of my previous newsletters. I try my best to educate my customers on "protection" if they don't already have a firm understanding of proper gear fundamentals.

Snapping pedal arm hobbles Aston Martins

Aston Martin expanded a recall on Wednesday to cover most of its sports cars built since late 2007 after discovering a Chinese sub-supplier was using counterfeit plastic material in a part supplied to the British luxury sports carmaker.

Owned by Kuwaiti and private equity investors, Aston Martin said it would now recall 17,590 cars, including all of its left-hand drive models built since November 2007 and all right-hand drive models built since May 2012.

Welders Challenge Build A, Hardley-Davidson Motorized Bicycle!

This hobby of building 50cc motorized street legal bicycles is addicting, and a blast just checkout the pic's below maybe you are up to this type of challenge!

Some of you already know that I'm a NCCCO-Certified Tower Crane Operator in Washington,D.C. and hobbyist welder / Custom Motorized Bicycle Builder.

Well long story shortened, I grew tired of traveling to my brothers body shop on the Eastern shore of Maryland 2.5 hrs driving to fabricate and weld my bicycles. So I searched the net and found weldersweb in the hopes of getting some guidance and opinions on purchasing an inexpensive welder, for welding my bicycles. Wow I was impressed with the experienced talented and friendly advice I received from the forum.

Here's the challenge for those of you beginner or experienced welder's, if you like a challenge try your skill's building your own motorized bicycle.

Maybe a vintage style tribute Harley-Davidson, Indian, Cyclone, Excelsior-Henderson, Board Track Racer Motorized Bicycle pic's below.

Maybe a motorized Stretch Cruiser bicycle, or a OCC Stingray Chopper motorized bicycle pic's in next post after this one.

I'll have to post a few times to upload pic's, or visit my photo albums photobucket page: http://s978.photobucket.com/albums/ae265/ICrazyhorse/

You could also visit one of my favorite websites for motorized bicycles and look for my posts there my screen name Crazy Horse at www.motorbicycling.com you'll see many of my posts under these following forums:

Emission Safety is Importance

Auto contaminants can be dangerous to our wellness and the surroundings, but we have many techniques in place to examine and control these contaminants. This article talks about the value of apprenticeship programs that practice professionals in exhaust manages.

Owning and managing a car comes with great liability. The comfort they manage us regarding travelling, transport, and even adventure must always be taken with a powerful consideration for protection and liability. But automobile protection goes well beyond the road. Proper servicing of your car goes a long way to defending the actual protection of your travelers and other individuals, with surprising failures resulting in many injuries. But just as essential is the frequent examining and managing of your vehicle's contaminants, for this can not only impact your wellness, but the surroundings as well.

Emissions are the toxins that are removed from a car as it uses up petrol and other powers. These by-products are necessary for the car to function, just as it is necessary for the car to remove them from the fatigue program. Most variety from light contaminants to harmful toxins and are a significant cause of city air contamination.

Some of the main vehicle contaminants are:

· Hydrocarbons
· As well as Monoxide
· Nitrogen Oxides
· Sulfur
· Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
· Formaldehyde
· And various smoking or compound smoke

When mixed, some of the side results of these contaminants on the surroundings variety from acidity rainfall to the increase of green house toxins and contamination. The bad results on personal wellness variety from bronchial asthma to other breathing illnesses, bronchi disease, cancer, and harming.

This is not to say that vehicles are completely dangerous, but they do require us to consistently sustain and examine the amounts of contaminants we create both as a community, as well as independently with our own vehicles. This is especially true when the exhaust managing program of an vehicle is not working. For this, we have qualified professionals who perform frequent exhaust examining. This position makes up a significant part of vehicle auto mechanic apprenticeship training.

Three significant techniques to management contaminants that one understands are air hypodermic injection, fatigue gas movement, and catalytic converters.

Air Injection

This program uses fresh air along with fatigue toxins. It is injected into the fatigue program after being strained. When it blends with the fatigue flow, the engine uses a higher amount of its toxins and thus discharges less by-product.

Exhaust Gas Circulation

This is a program whereby fatigue toxins are watered down. This is done by recycle some of the fatigue toxins right back into the program instead of giving them overall. It also has the effect of decreasing the optimum conditions of burning, which result in 'abnormal' amounts of nitrogen oxides.

Catalytic Converters

The catalytic ripper is a type of transformation device made of powerful, primordial transformation materials and set up in the fatigue tube. This device transforms many of the harmful contaminants into less dangerous ones by oxidizing them, for example, transforming co into co2.

The more learners coming into general auto mechanic apprenticeships, the more we can be confident that problems regarding vehicle contaminants won't get out of management. But while we can depend on professionals to sustain our exhaust techniques, we should not ignore that we have the first liability to bring our vehicles to them for frequent examinations.

10 Reasons to Choose Transport Training

There are a lot of benefits of using transportation exercising. North america is a country that depends on its drivers for the flow of customer items, including the most primary, life retaining items such as meals. Here are ten benefits of using transportation programs and become a driver.

1. Transportation leads to immeasureable dollars a season to the Canada economy

According to Research North america, trucking provided more than $14 billion dollars to our economic system in 2004. More than half of the Canada items released to the U.S. in the same season were shipped by vehicle, and than three-quarters of the items that were brought into North america did so by vehicle.

Takeaway for prospective learners of transportation courses: Transportation is a solid market. There are few viable alternatives for moving items in North america.

2. Canadians depend on drivers for their most primary customer items.

Most of the meals on our grocery store racks has journeyed thousands of miles to get there. Our meals transportation is dependent on learners of transportation exercising. Truck institution learners, our grocery store racks need you!

3.Most of the individual items transferred between North america and its neighbor to the south are transferred by vehicle.

The Canada to America and viceversa trade market depends on the learners of transportation programs.

4. According to Research North america, transportation was the main company in the transportation sector, outperforming riding on the bus and ground traveler transportation (figures for 2004).

5. There is a need for adolescents to take up the occupation. Also according to Research North america, trucking is a occupation that more individuals are leaving than taking up. In 2004, drivers over the age of 55 outnumbered their alternatives under 30.

Takeaway: This is a occupation that is greying. Students in transportation exercising institution can form the much needed next generation in Canada's trucking market.

6. Graduate student from transportation programs into full-time perform. Transportation in North america is an market covered with full-time rather than part-time jobs. According to Statistics North america, 97% of wage-earing drivers worked full-time in 2004.

7. According to the most recent numbers available from Statistics Can, trucking organizations seem, in general to be increasing in success.

8. Don't like travel? Regional trucking is really a significant slice of trucking earnings in North america.

9. Graduates of transportation programs who select to perform in trucking are choosing a varied industry: train cars, advanced equipment, retail items, oil and gas, etc.

10. Transportation programs don't just have to be for learners who love to journey. Some trucking organizations are focused on local supply.

We need learners of transportation programs to drive items across the land, to construction sites, stores, etc. Transportation is clearly an market that is in existence and well in North america.

Toyota ends Australian car manufacturing

World's biggest car maker announces it will stop making cars in Australia within three years, following similar actions by Ford and GM

Toyota will stop making cars in Australia by 2017. The Japanese firm's decision follows similar announcements from Ford and General Motors in the past 12 months, and leaves Australia with no local car production from 2018.

All three firms will remain in the market as importers. Ford will stop producing models in Australia by 2016, and General Motors will end production of Holden cars in the country by the end of 2017. 

Toyota blames the high cost of manufacturing and a low-volume supply chain for the decision, while also citing unfavourable exchange rates with the Australian dollar. "It is not viable to continue building cars in Australia," read a statement from the company.

Around 2500 people will be "impacted" by the decision, confirmed Toyota's Australian boss Max Yasuda. "Although the company has made profits in the past, our manufacturing operations have continued to be loss-making despite our best efforts," he said.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, which represents over 130,000 people in the country says the move is "devastating" and the decision represented the government's "refusal to support investment in Australia, and a lack of support and respect for Australian workers". 

GM also blamed the strength of the Australian dollar for its exit in December, saying that at its peak, producing a vehicle in the country was 65 per cent more expensive than ten years previously. 

Toyota started making cars in Australia in 1963, but following the exit of Mitsubishi and Ford, it was Holden that was left as the sole vehicle maker in the country at the end of last year. At the time, Toyota officials were reported as saying they would review the company's position in Australia.

Models currently made at Toyota's factory near Melbourne include the Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion saloon, as well as a range of four-cylinder engines. While the Camry will be imported from Japan from 2017, the Aurion will be axed completely.

Geneva Motor Show 2014 preview

The 84th Geneva Motor Show starts on March 3, so we’ve created a handy round-up of what you can expect

The Geneva Motor Show is one of the world’s biggest and most important shows, with models such as the Audi A3, VW Golf GTI, Ferrari LaFerrari and Alfa Romeo 4C debuting there in recent years.
The doors will open on March 3 and Auto Express will be reporting live from the show floor. We’ve created a comprehensive list off all you can expect to see at the show, categorized by manufacturer, which we’ll update as soon as new production or concept car debuts are announced.

We already know that there’ll be world debuts of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes S-Class Coupe, Lamborghini Huracan and new Audi TT.

We’ll be updating this page regularly with all the latest new as we uncover it. Let us know in the comment section below what you’re most looking forward to and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

Get all the latest from Geneva as it happens - follow Auto Express on Twitter and join us on Facebook.

Audi

Audi S1, Audi TT, Audi S3 Cabriolet, Audi RS4 Nogaro
Audi’s S range is to expand with the upcoming S1. Speculation of a higher-performance A1 has been fierce since the car’s launch four years ago. And while we’ve already driven a prototype, and the limited edition A1 quattro, the debut of the production S1 and S1 Sportback will take place in Geneva. The S1 is tipped to be a strong competitor in the hot-hatch market, with quattro four-wheel-drive and the 2.0-litre turbo engine from the S3 fitted.

Audi teased the aesthetic of the TT with the Allroad Shooting Brake in Detroit, and with the spy shots of pre-production TT prototypes, we have a pretty good idea about what the all-new model will look like. A bestseller in both of its previous incarnations, the third-generation TT will be one of the most popular attractions at Geneva

Audi will launch the fourth model in its S3 range at the show, too. The S3 Cabriolet will use the same 296bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine and Quattro four-wheel drive system as the S3, S3 Sportback and S3 Saloon.
Geneva is a busy show for Audi, with the firm also unveiling the RS4 Nogaro – a special edition of the fast estate car with a new paint job and interior to celebrate 20 years since the RS2 Avant was launched.

BMW

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
BMW’s ever-expanding range will grow again, with the addition of the 2 Series Active Tourer at Geneva. A direct rival to Mercedes’ B-Class, the new model will be BMW’s first front-wheel drive model, with prices expected to start from around the £22,000. First seen as the Concept Active Tourer, which has been shown in two different forms, the 2 Series Active Tourer is also expected to spawn a seven-seater variant in late 2014.

BMW’s new 4 Series Gran Coupe will also get its world debut at Geneva. The Gran Coupe is a four-door version of the latest 4 Series, and will rival the Audi A5 Sportback.

Citroen

Citroen Cactus, Citroen C1
Another show star at Geneva will be the Citroen C4 Cactus. It carries a new but simpler approach to design, and focuses on comfort and usability, rather than performance. The production version of the Cactus retains the striking design showcased by the concept, shown at last year’s Frankfurt show. The protective Airbumps have been included in the production model, while downsized engines mean fuel consumption is kept in check.

Citroen will also show the latest version of its C1 city car. Once again, the C1 will be the sister car to the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107 – both of which will also be shown at the Geneva show.

Ferrari

Ferrari 149M Project
Ferrari project 149 became the California, which was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. But the Geneva show will pay host to the debut of the 149M. M stands for Modificato, and will represent a thorough facelift for the V8 convertible, including new engines, an upgraded interior and looks, which bring it closer to those of the 458 Italia, FF and F12.

Ford

Ford Focus facelift, Ford Edge concept, Ford Mustang
Ford’s huge effort to grow its European product portfolio continues apace. Star of its stand will be the facelifted Focus. It’ll take its styling direction from the latest Fiesta, with a big front grille dominating the nose. An upgraded interior and new engine options will also be included.

As well as the Focus, Ford will give us a taste of the future, with a look at the forthcoming Mustang and the Edge SUV, which are both due to hit UK roads in 2015.

Honda

Honda Civic Type R concept
We drove a Civic Type-R prototype back in November, but the production model isn’t due to debut until later this year. We know that Honda is promising at least 276bhp from the 2.0-litre direct injection turbo engine, but a Geneva show concept will give us our best idea yet of how the car will look when it arrives in showrooms in early 2015.

Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis, Hyundai Intrado concept
As Hyundai’s ambition to drive the brand upmarket gains pace, the firm will show its all-new Mercedes S-Class-rivalling Genesis at the Geneva show. The Genesis will be offered in the UK with right-hand drive later in the year, although it will only be sold in limited numbers direct from Hyundai GB, rather that its dealers.

The Genesis range kicks off with a 3.8-litre V6 petrol, with a 5.0-litre V8 topping the range. Four-wheel drive is also an option.

Hyundai is also preparing a concept car for a Geneva unveiling, called the Intrado. While details are sparse, we know it will be fitted with a hydrogen fuel-cell motor, and the concept’s look previews new design chief, Peter Schreyer’s direction for the brand’s future.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4
Unveiled last month, the hotly anticipated Lamborghini Huracan will debut at Geneva. Capable of 202mph thanks to its 601bhp 5.2-litre V10 engine, the Gallardo replacement shares the same platform as the next-gen Audi R8. A convertible will also be on the way but we don’t expect that to arrive until 2015.

Mercedes

Mercedes S-Class Coupe, Mercedes C-Class Estate
Mercedes will showcase the production version of the S-Class Coupe at Geneva. We’ve already seen spy shots and the concept version of the S-Class Coupe so we have a good idea of what it will look like. Under the bonnet the 449bhp 4.7-litre V8 found in the S500 is likely to be fitted.

The load-lugging Estate variant of the C-Class will also debut at Geneva. Engine and styling will mirror that of the standard car, with the boot capacity expected to swell beyond 500 litres.

MINI

MINI Clubman Concept, MINI John Cooper Works Concept
Two concept cars are in the pipeline for MINI’s Geneva show stand, which will be shown alongside the firm’s new third generation hatchback.

The first is a look at the next generation MINI Clubman. We’ve already spied the production car, so expect the concept to confirm the new car’s six-door layout – replacing the old model’s controversial Clubdoor rear door. The new model is expected to be larger, too, rivalling the VW Golf Estate for load lugging ability.

The MNI JCW was first showcased at Detroit but it will make its European debut at Geneva. MINI has called it a concept but in reality it’s a thinly veiled version of the production model. It will be powered by a tuned version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the current Cooper S, producing around 217bhp.

Nissan

Nissan Juke facelift, Nissan BladeGlider, Nissan e-NV200
We’ve spied the facelifted Juke testing in Scandinavia, but the Geneva Motor Show is where we get our first look at the new-look Juke. As well as a freshen-up for the exterior, expect a revised interior, with the infotainment from the latest Qashqai, and the 1.2-litre DiG-T to replace the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol.

Nissan will also bring its striking BladeGlider concept to the show, with a positive reaction from punters key to getting a limited production run signed-off, and the production version of its electric e-NV200 van.

Peugeot

Peugeot 308 SW, Peugeot 108
Peugeot’s attempt at a VW Golf Estate rival will be shown at Geneva. The 308 SW has a 610-litre boot capacity – bigger than the Golf and SEAT Leon estates – and the most efficient model emits only 85g/km of CO2. Peugeot has also cut 140kg from the weight of the outgoing model thanks to the new EMP2 platform – helping further boost economy.

Peugeot will also show its all-new city car that will replace the 108. It’s the sister car to the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo – new versions of which will also be shown at Geneva.

Qoros

Qoros 3 hatchback
Chinese manufacturer Qoros will debut its second production model at the Geneva Show, the 3 hatchback. It’s based on the 3 saloon, but receives minor visual tweaks at the front, in addition to its hatchback rear, to set it apart. There is no announcement as yet of plans for a UK version.

Renault

Renault Twingo
While Geneva has played host to the debut of many sports cars over the years, this year’s show looks set to be dominated by city cars. As well as the arrival of the Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108, the show will see the debut of the new Twingo. Co-developed with Smart, the Twingo will be twinned with the Smart ForFour, and features a rear-wheel drive, rear-engined layout.

Skoda

Skoda VisionC Coupe Concept
Skoda will unveil a four-door Coupe concept at Geneva. Called the VisionC, it shows what’s in store for Skoda’s all-new Fabia and Superb, due within the next two years.

It’s not the first time Skoda has shown one concept to preview the look of more than one new car. The VisionD, shown in 2011, previewed the latest Rapid and Octavia models.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall Adam Cabriolet, Vauxhall Astra Extreme
Vauxhall previewed a convertible version of the Adam at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, with the Adam Rocks concept. This year, the firm will show the production version of the Adam complete with a retractable canvas roof similar in design to that used by the Citroen DS3 Cabrio and Fiat 500C.
Vauxhall will also unveil a Astra Extreme concept, which takes the normal Astra VXR, uprates the powertrain, brakes and suspension, and cuts weight with the use of carbon fibre body panels and a stripped-out interior.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo facelift
VW will introduce the facelifted version of the Polo at Geneva. Changes will be minor be it will have a slightly sharper design and redesigned grille. Reports also suggest it could be fitted with adjustable dampers – a first for a small city car. It will make its way to showroom shortly after its official debut.

Volvo

Volvo Estate Car concept
Before the all-new Volvo XC90 arrives at the Paris Motor Show in September, Volvo will show the third of its three concept cars, which show the firm’s new look.

We’ve already seem the svelte Coupe Concept and XC Coupe, but the third in the trilogy is expected to be a new interpretation of Volvo’s bread-and-butter model, the large estate car. Expect its design to influence the new V70, due in 2015.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/geneva-motor-show/85394/geneva-motor-show-2014-preview#ixzz2swC6yRJw

MTA and Queens Reps to Meet About Planned 7 Train Shutdowns

MTA officials and Queens representatives are set to meet Thursday to discuss planned weekend shutdowns on the 7 train line this year, which drew fire from Long Island City residents and leaders, who say that the move will devastate businesses in the neighborhood.

Service on the line will halt between Queensboro Plaza and Times Square for 13 weekends between the end of the February and July for maintenance and signal work, the MTA announced last month, with more closures expected for the second half of the year.

Restaurant owners in the neighborhood are fearful the shutdowns will deal a crushing blow to business in the neighborhood.

Tesla Motors named in fatal bike crash suit in Santa Cruz

A 63-year-old Tesla driver from Santa Cruz, Navindra Kumar Jain, will be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in the death of cyclist Joshua Alper, Santa Cruz County prosecutors said Wednesday.

Alper, 40, was killed on Nov. 2 while riding on Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz.

According to the California Highway Patrol's initial report, Jain fell asleep at the wheel about 11:15 a.m. and struck Alper head-on. Jain was not injured in the crash.

Wednesday, prosecutor Greg Peinado said Jain will be charged with a misdemeanor rather than a felony because evidence suggests that Jain did not "act in such a reckless way that creates a high risk of death."

All Star and Invitational Event Draws Top Racers

Slot car racers from 14 states will be converging on Route 93 Raceway on March 1-2 for the running of the First All Star & Invitational Retro event, which is shaping up to be one the most unique and exciting events of the year.

The event, which is similar in scope to the NASCAR Nextel Cup All Star race held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway every May, will feature drivers who have won a championship in a regional retro series, or a major retro race during their career going head to head against one another in Formula One/Indy and Can-Am competition on Sunday, March 2. Racers who have never captured a series title, or major race win will be eligible to compete in the Invitational race slated for Saturday, March 1.

Individual awards, prizes, and giveaways will be presented to drivers competing on both days. As an added bonus the top-eight drivers in their respective classes from the Saturday Invitational races will be afforded the opportunity to compete in the Sunday All Star portion of the program IE: The top-eight finishers in the Invitational F1/Indy race may participate in the F1/Indy All star race. The top-eight finishers in the Invitational Can-Am race are eligible to participate in the All Star Can-Am contest. Invitational racers who elect to race on Sun. will not be charged an entry fee for participating.

Automotive filters: types and their purpose

Oil filters effectively remove from the engine or transmission oil harmful pollution resulting from abrasion and degradation of engine oil into each internal combustion engine (ICE), a oil filter. Their function is to prevent the entry of any external contamination in engine lubrication system, and at the same time to remove any contamination that was created during engine operation. The main sources of pollution: particulate matter trapped in the combustion chamber with the air and fuel, wear products moving engine parts, water and carbon residues formed during the combustion process, the results of the collapse of the engine oil.

Modern engine oil filters are different designs. They can be divided into two groups, according to a method of preventing contamination. Barrier filters, which is used as a cleaning layer porous material absorbs pollution when oil flows through it. Energy filter, which is separated from the oil pollution in the vortex field of gravitational and magnetic forces. Engine lubrication system equipped with one or the other type of filters, or both simultaneously. The use of a suitable type of filter in the lubrication system of the car is its type and is determined during the development of the engine.

How to disconnect the car

Different devices to disconnect the battery for a long time and is successfully used by many car owners. Structurally, it is most often just a powerful switch that can withstand the current of hundreds of amperes. It is usually placed near the battery, forcing the owner of the car every time "dive" under the hood. At UAZ such switches are set at the factory, and you can manage them from the cabin. In some designs the circuit is removable "flag" - turns primitive "protivougonki."

Another group of master switch - electromagnetic, which are relays, designed for high current. They can be controlled from the cabin via a button on the instrument panel, which is much more convenient. The total lack of them, the presence of additional contacts for burning or oxidation which inevitably drop at start-up motor.

Do I need to disconnect switch at all? If the owner is not lazy each time to remove battery terminal before you leave home, then, of course, they would be useful. Will at least be no risk of fire at random closure of the wiring in the absence of the owner. Sometimes, the battery is quickly discharged through the circuit is live atignition is off.

For example, there are cases where this occurred through jammed gear motor faroochistitelya or light bulb, "glove", which are always lit as loose-fitting lid, or because of the mass, circular door limit switch, turn on the light in the cabin ...

On the other hand, in recent years the popularity of circuit weight has fallen markedly. This is due to the prevalence of electronic security systems, which can not operate when the power battery, and radio with digital tuning, immediately erased on power. Then the installation will have to pull the battery main switch a separate wire, and its meaning is lost in many settings, "self-discharge" through the radio or alarm is a constant one (albeit a small shock.)

Clay Smith... aka Mr Horsepower (the Woody Woodpecker cigar smoking logo)

Smokey Yunick once dubbed Clay Smith, “the world’s smartest mechanic.”

 In 1942 Smith bought the company the engine building company he'd been workign at when the owner died, it was renamed Clay Smith Engineering.

 It should be noted that Smith cams were appearing in midgets, land speed cars, Indy cars and even stock cars, but with the addition of his own full line shop, his name skyrocketed along with his celebrity.

Buy a Dodge if you don't like the smell of buring rubber, you'll outrun the smell! (The Little Red Wagon and Boynton 426 B/FX D100 truck)

This video is a Dodge promotional film and the first 2:50 is about the Little Red Wagon, but Boynton and “The Barn Door” are front and center from 2:50 on!

found on http://bangshift.com/blog/never-before-seen-vintage-footage-of-the-dragmaster-bfx-dodge-sweptline-drag-truck-and-killer-tape-of-the-little-red-wagon.html

innovative way to load logs... not safe, but hands free. Some evolution on this on it could be quite the invention

found on http://twentytwowords.com/2013/12/12/ingeniously-simple-contraption-lifts-logs-onto-a-truck-with-the-torque-of-the-trucks-wheels/

they ran out of snow, but still had to find something to do with their snow mobiles

Found on http://bangshift.com/blog/this-video-of-snowmobiles-jumping-into-a-river-and-planing-across-proves-that-even-lunatics-understand-physics.html

Generic used car sales pitch for Craiglist

-I am the 14th owner, not really but I don’t know. First owner barely got it dirty and engaged the warp drive once.

-I have remedied this excessive caretaking with long roads and a pile of fun.

-The motor uses a little oil. How much? I don’t know, I’m not collecting statistical analysis points. I check the oil, I fill the oil, I drive. Not enough to bother me.

 -It leaks a little oil. How much? Not enough for me to care. It has a gazillion miles, Poindexter! If you have a vehicle with 220K NOT leaking or burning oil, it’s empty!

this is funny, getting your POS to whomp on another POS

Red white and blue has some seriously high jumping skills. It's all done by 3:20, no use watching them screw off after that

found on http://bangshift.com/blog/mexican-car-fighting.html

The best bike tricks I've seen in a long time, with Danny MacAskill

above, he is rolling backward, down the hill... until he decides to get back to two wheels... somewhere below that next bend in the road. I've never seen anything like it. Astonishing

speed trap warning is given the green light by judge, overbearing - power tripping Ellisville Missouri police subdued by the 1st ammendment Free Speech provision

According to a federal judge in St. Louis, flashing your headlights to warn of upcoming speed traps is a legally protected form of free speech and is therefore protected by the First Amendment, says Fox 2 News. The ruling came after police in Ellisville, MO, pulled over Michael Elli, a retired man with a clean driving record, for flashing his lights to warn motorists that police were using their radar guns ahead.

Elli sued the city, and the American Civil Liberties Union joined him in the suit shortly thereafter.

ACLU attorney Tony Rothert, "In our view that's speech that's protected by the First Amendment and it's also good for the public because it tells people to slow down, to use caution. That's never a bad thing."

 http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/04/judge-rules-flashing-headlights-speed-traps-legal-video/

screen shots from war documentaries in the movie "The Fog of War"