I really should NOT read the instructions. Typically, this will stop us dead in our tracks. Yes, we’ll be going along quite nicely on a project–all the materials at hand and work getting done. Then, as I open a new container of some sort of “goo” I’ll read the instructions and learn that we’re missing a part, a chemical, we’re doing the task in weather that is too hot, too cold, we haven’t properly prep-ed the surfaces…something! And, then the brakes go on the project while I frantically try to figure out the “work around” or if we’re really OK with whatever it is we’re doing.

This happened as we were about to align the car’s rebuilt transmission with the bottom of the engine. Ah, I made the mistake of reading the directions on the Locktite 518 anaerobic gasket maker (used as a dressing to the actual gasket) which stated I needed the same brand “anaerobic gasket maker activator”…umm…huh? Call a couple auto parts stores that carry the gasket maker. Nope, they’ve never heard of the activator product. So, I pull out the notebook computer, google.. only thing I find is that many other people have the same issue I have–what is this “activator” that nobody carries locally? Oh, yes, I can buy a can of it online for 3x the price of the anaerobic gasket maker. Also, the advert states that it makes the 518 and other anaerobic gasket makers go-off faster. Oh, yes, and if I use 518 on an intert metal (um, what is an “inert” metal??? oh, it is stainless steel, galvanized steel, pure aluminum…things that aren’t going to readily oxidize) then I MUST use this stuff. So…go look up the MSDS to figure out what’s in this stuff. Now we’re getting somewhere. It’s got a copper oxide and seems to act like a rust converter. Hummm…

I now give up and tell David “we’re OK, we’re not using it on an inert metal and we don’t care how long it takes to cure.” Oh, but an hour has gone by while I’m frantically reading up on this and now we don’t have time to put it all together before the hobby shop closes. Tomorrow is another day…

All that angst just because I went and read the instructions on the 518. I need to make a New Year’s Resolution that I will NOT read instructions.