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Great comment. People (especially software types) simply do not appreciate the sheer, ridiculous amount of effort (and money) it takes to keep them safe. This

by mixmax 18y ago

Great comment. People (especially software types) simply do not appreciate the sheer, ridiculous amount of effort (and money) it takes to keep them safe. This is also why I'm always wary of cheap goods, because I have seen first hand the difference between well-designed, properly tested products vs. not. What car do you drive?

potatolicious 18y ago
I actually don't drive :) But based on my experience in that car plant, here are some pointers, just IMHO: - Avoid Pontiacs at all costs. The quality difference between, say, a Sunfire and a Chevy Cobalt is ridiculous. Even "higher end" cars like the G6 are somewhat questionable. Chrysler are built cheap. The radiator motor that I worked on while I was there was timed to stop working after about 4-5 years (brushes in the motor will wear out). - Avoid anything built in Mexico. This is not a knock against Mexicans, but my company's Mexican plant was completely devoid of precision manufacturing. Where an American plant would laser-guide parts into their fittings, in Mexico they're literally eyeballed (and malleted!). A full 80+ percent of warranty returns were due to parts built in Mexico. - The high-end Chryslers are actually pretty good in terms of quality, and when I was working there the Ford Fusion was still under development - and based on what I saw (of the radiator design) Ford seemed like they were willing to pay for good parts. A good sign I suppose. - Nothing beats Mercedes and BMW in quality. You do get something for your money, regardless of what people might say. Whether the cost per unit-quality is low enough for you is your own decision though :) Where GM was running brush motors, BMW runs entirely brushless (e.g. theoretically infinite lifetime, will run as long as your solid state electronics and assemblies hold together), and they're powerful to boot.
- jfornear 18y ago
  What about Toyota, Honda, or Mazda? Volkswagon/Audi? I'm just wondering. Are you basing your entire assessment on these brush motors?
  - potatolicious 18y ago
    The plant I was at also manufactured HVAC and power steering motors - I'm basing my assessment of them not only on the reliability of these products, but also the pricing structures the companies were demanding from us (e.g. a company that wants a $15 radiator is probably not out to create a very good car). The plant didn't make anything for Toyota, Honda, or Mazda at the time, so I can't comment on those.
- paddy_m 18y ago
  By radiator motor did you mean electric radiator fan. Were you the engineer who designed radiator shrouds, fans, and motors?
  - potatolicious 18y ago
    Yes, I was a junior at the plant at the time - I handled heat cycle, noise, and airflow testing on shrouds, fans, and motors, as well as building (which, being that the plant is unionized, really just meant collecting parts and hounding the shops people) prototype parts for clients.

by mixmax 18y ago

potatolicious 18y ago

I actually don't drive :) But based on my experience in that car plant, here are some pointers, just IMHO: - Avoid Pontiacs at all costs. The quality difference between, say, a Sunfire and a Chevy Cobalt is ridiculous. Even "higher end" cars like the G6 are somewhat questionable. Chrysler are built cheap. The radiator motor that I worked on while I was there was timed to stop working after about 4-5 years (brushes in the motor will wear out). - Avoid anything built in Mexico. This is not a knock against Mexicans, but my company's Mexican plant was completely devoid of precision manufacturing. Where an American plant would laser-guide parts into their fittings, in Mexico they're literally eyeballed (and malleted!). A full 80+ percent of warranty returns were due to parts built in Mexico. - The high-end Chryslers are actually pretty good in terms of quality, and when I was working there the Ford Fusion was still under development - and based on what I saw (of the radiator design) Ford seemed like they were willing to pay for good parts. A good sign I suppose. - Nothing beats Mercedes and BMW in quality. You do get something for your money, regardless of what people might say. Whether the cost per unit-quality is low enough for you is your own decision though :) Where GM was running brush motors, BMW runs entirely brushless (e.g. theoretically infinite lifetime, will run as long as your solid state electronics and assemblies hold together), and they're powerful to boot.

jfornear 18y ago
What about Toyota, Honda, or Mazda? Volkswagon/Audi? I'm just wondering. Are you basing your entire assessment on these brush motors?
- potatolicious 18y ago
  The plant I was at also manufactured HVAC and power steering motors - I'm basing my assessment of them not only on the reliability of these products, but also the pricing structures the companies were demanding from us (e.g. a company that wants a $15 radiator is probably not out to create a very good car). The plant didn't make anything for Toyota, Honda, or Mazda at the time, so I can't comment on those.
paddy_m 18y ago
By radiator motor did you mean electric radiator fan. Were you the engineer who designed radiator shrouds, fans, and motors?
- potatolicious 18y ago
  Yes, I was a junior at the plant at the time - I handled heat cycle, noise, and airflow testing on shrouds, fans, and motors, as well as building (which, being that the plant is unionized, really just meant collecting parts and hounding the shops people) prototype parts for clients.