The Juggle Zone: Bargain Blog

For several weeks, if not months, attempts at loading ShopSafe have instead loaded a screen with a message that states "ShopSafe is temporarily unavailable from your desktop. You can access ShopSafe from Online Banking." This is sad.

Some background: ShopSafe is a handy program that MBNA offered in two ways: one as a downloadable application for your computer; the second as an online application run through your browser. In either case, it was used to produce temporary credit card numbers, primarily for "safe" shopping while online. There were some important differences between versions, however. The desktop version (only) offered the following added features:

1) Stay on top, allowing easy transfer of data from ShopSafe to e-merchant.
2) Drag-and-drop of relevant data (e.g. credit card number)
3) Auto-load (mixed value)
4) Quicker access
5) Auto-fill

I called to find out what "temporarily" means, and what the problem is. They claim it was security related, and that it is on hold indefinitely. I put in my two cents that I liked the program, but I don't expect to ever see it in use again.

Posted by dwallach at 1:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

First off, the "In Progress" refers both to this post, and to the project. [Well, now it doesn't.]

We moved to a house, and now have a lawn* to care for. My in-laws graciously gave me their not-used-in-years gas-powered lawn mower. To my surprise, it ran fine once I threw in some gas (and rounded up a gas cap for the gas tank). Well, it ran fine for the first few times I used it. Then it would barely start. And once started, it would stall.

At this early point in the repair process, I'm not certain what the problem is - there could be many. However, from what I've read it seems that you start with the cheap/simple solution, then work your way up.

While I do have the original manual from 1981, Sears doesn't seem to use most of the part numbers listed anymore. However I have found some useful resources:

Sears Parts (order by model or part #)
Tecumseh Technician's Handbook (My mower's Tecumseh model # is TVS90-43094B, which means it's a Tecumseh Vertical Styled, 9.0 cubic inch displacement, .)
Small Engine Repair: Free Help (Free, but they charge for Service Manuals, including the one that available online free [see link, above])
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/35624/troubleshoot_a_gas_lawn_mower_carburetor.html
http://www.lawn-mower-shop.com/carb1.htm
http://www.tekbook.com/?hop=okie48
http://www.lawn-mower-shop.com/
http://www.kichline.com/chuck/fixit/mowers/default.htm
http://www.m-and-d.com/helpfaq.html?id=5GJGBIA8

10/14/07: Today I performed an oil change. That oil was BLACK! Blacker than night.
Cost: ~$5 (quart of 10W30 and a funky flexible funnel.)
Result: No improvement.

10/15/07: Ordered spark plug, spark plug socket, spark plug gauge, air filter
Cost: $17.10 - 2% FatCash
Result: TBD
Next project: Replace spark plug and/or perform "minor tune-up" or both. I don't have a 3/4" spark plug socket (required for this mower) ... once I'm ordering that, I might as well get a new spark plug as well.

10/19/07: Sears order delivered. I plan to work on this on Sunday.

10/21/07: Today was the day. Using my new 3/4" socket, I removed the old spark plug. It was definitely dirty, but seemed to still be working. I replaced it anyways, after setting the space to .030" as per the specifications. Next I installed the new air filter. I tried to start it, and it was still a bit weak, but better than before. I threw in some more gas (even though it already had plenty), and it ran a little smoother. I was able to complete the lawn without stalling. Which one (or more) of the variables was the culprit will remain unknown, but at least it now works. I drained the excess gas when I was done and then ran it dry. Next season I hope it starts nice and easy!

*Calling the mixture of dirt, weeds, and stray grass a "lawn" is an insult to lawns everywhere.

Posted by dwallach at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)