So we left Saturday on vacation and left the equinox at the dealer to check into the car efficiency code, oil consumption, occasional hard shift, and slow l/f tire leak. So we'll see, they have it for the week. I also dug up a letter from GM for an extended warranty on replacing the cat if needed.

16 hours ago, MCT said:

How is your car coming?  @chevyguy

Haven't taken it yet, check engine light still on. Might have to bring it after vacation.

Advance Auto Parts has GearWrench Combination Ratcheting Wrenches for $34.99

Metric Wrenches

SAE Wrenches 

Product Features:

• The Patented GearWrench® ratcheting box end needs as little as 5#176; of sweep to move a fastener, while a standard 12-point box-end wrench needs 30#176;, or 6x as much room; the flex head tilts 180#176; at any interval with continuous head tension
• Long bolts and threaded rods are not a problem for the GearWrench®; the ratcheting head allows the wrench to travel the length of the threads without removing the box end from the fastener
• The thin head and shank allow the GearWrench® into the tightest areas
• The Surface Drive® box end configuration virtually eliminates the rounding of fasteners; by moving the contact points of the wrench back from the edge of the fastener, the area of flat contact is expanded, distributing the load over a wider area
• Extremely strong, GearWrench® ratcheting combination wrench meets or exceeds ANSI, DIN and federal torque specifications for standard professional combination wrenches
• The GearWrench® ratcheting combination wrench is a precision tool and is not intended to free frozen fasteners

Nope, we are going to drop it off at the dealer in a couple of weeks so they can check it out. Hopefully its part of one of the added special warranties...

Yeah, I'm leaning towards a clogged catalytic converter.

Looks like its off of backorder and I have yet to find this for a better price! I had ordered enough for free shipping with $100 order.

3 hours ago, MCT said:

The good thing about buying parts from the store, If you buy the wrong part, you can blame it on the employee.

That is true...lol.

4 hours ago, MCT said:

I'm still not  sure about using full synthetic oils. I've heard they are harder on Gaskets,Seals, O rings. Is that just a myth or what?

I've never heard that really and the big difference is that synthetic oil doesn't break down as fast and offers additives that are friction modifiers. When oil breaks down and loses it's ability to properly lubricate, you get more friction which takes a toll on internal engine parts with wear and gumming up the engine, which is why it's important to regularly change oil. Repair shops used to (may still today) offer oil flushes to clean a gummed up engine. Today, clearances are much smaller and tighter and in some cases you have to use synthetic oil. I would say synthetic on newer cars more than older makes a difference and could extend the life of an engine. Once oil breaks down, turns black, no good.

Platinum and iridium. Sounds like a commodities market. It is, but it’s also what’s under the hood!

Today we’re talking about metal. There are different types of metal used in spark plug electrodes. Whether it’s nickel alloy, platinum or iridium, different metals bring different characteristics and uses to spark plugs. Watch the latest installment of Counter Intelligence to learn more.

Source: http://www.counterman.com/watch-talking-metal-platinum-iridium-make-spark-plugs-great/

They filled the back order at that price, it's coming this week. 

The website still says:

This item is currently on backorder with no eta date from the manufacturer. You may place an order for this item on line or call 1-800-345-4545 and speak with one of our technical sales representatives to discuss your best options!
(Option 2 for sales, then option 2 for a technical sales rep)

They must be only filling the backorders and at that price, I'm sure they sold a bunch.

I have used  EZ Chill Refrigerant this year and it works well. Walmart seems to have the best price at $17.88 , here's the link:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/EZ-Chill-Measure-and-Charge-Can-with-Inline-Gauge/16930284

Jegs has AC-Delco Full-Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 (dexos1) at $3.99 a quart. I ordered a bunch but its on back order. Great price though.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Performance/809/88865635/10002/-1

AC-Delco Full-Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30 (dexos1)

Interesting forum and I wasn't aware of all the auto parts stores that are around and online. I've heard someone mention Autopart international and I looked them up on google for the newark nj area and it says there is a location but is this a store you can go in or do you have to be wholesale?

So my check engine light came on and I was able to pull a code P0420 Catalyst system low efficiency. Now I know this could mean a bad cat, bad O2 sensor(s) or even a crack in the manifold. I have a 2011 Chevy Equinox 2.4L with a little over 80k on it. Does anyone know if there is a common fix for this? I was hoping it was a loose gas cap or something lol...But seems from looking online it can be a variety of things.