Ricey Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Ola. In my endeavors to avoid clubbing everyone to death due to the boredom of my office job I bagged up a knackeredish Y plate fiesta......non runner, bits and bobs of rust and scratches with the theory that some cathartic car fettling would diffuse any office related violence. Idea being I'll learn how to do things as I go along and if they go wrong then meh........so what. So its coming along nicely fully serviced it including my first fuel filter, changed the discs and pads, resprayed the drums and suspension struts, refurbed 2 alloys (first time) - so its really appealing to 2 things I really enjoy - messing around with cars and cleaning cars/making them look better..........however it has got me to thinking that whilst I can get by with engines I really don't know that much about them and in reality without working in a garage or learning from someone else I'm not likely to either. Any ideas where I can find a good website (preferably) thats almost 'speak and spell' standard to literally describe what bits do, where they are usually located and symptoms of them not working etc - realise that there is a lot of resource on the net but ideally looking for a RELIABLE place to go (noting that the net is around 99% bullshiiiiiiite!) Like I say I'm not a total 'tard but I would like to be able to look at an engine and; - Know what 95% of the bits are. - Know what 95% of the bits do. - Know what happens when each bit fails or breaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 i learnt mine as i went along, had a problem i looked it up, searched for resolutions, tried them if it didn't work try the next etc, and its from there that i learnt where things are, what they do, how they work and how to diagnose issues and how to discard things because they wont fit the problem. basically what you're doing is the right method, its a learn as you go thing, my usual tip is if you buy a car, see if there is a haynes manual for it. if it is buy it and read it, alot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 i posted this a while ago viewtopic.php?f=23&t=33175&hilit=engine dont know if thats interesting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 Really good video on how a differential works, really well explained so that even a muppet can understand it, the beginning seems odd with the bikes, but it all pulls together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marzman Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 My best tip would be to watch the show 'Wheeler Dealers' which is on a few cable channels (Discovery Realtime etc). I have series linked this on each channel, and watch about 4 hours a week of it. It's basically a mechanic showing you how to carry out loads of different jobs on a car - and i've learnt loads from it. So much so that i swapped my wishbones on my bmw last week without even giving it a second thought (and i've never really done anything mechanical either..) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricey Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 My best tip would be to watch the show 'Wheeler Dealers' which is on a few cable channels (Discovery Realtime etc). I have series linked this on each channel, and watch about 4 hours a week of it. It's basically a mechanic showing you how to carry out loads of different jobs on a car - and i've learnt loads from it. So much so that i swapped my wishbones on my bmw last week without even giving it a second thought (and i've never really done anything mechanical either..) its wheeler dealers that started this whole thing in the first place! Cheers for the vids guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimjim Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Rich... that video is fantastic!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lincolnbaggie Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Rich... that video is fantastic!!! +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wackosr Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Great video, love the way it builds it up from the basics, slowly adding more detail. All made sence even without sound! Does slightly remind me of my Lego Technics I had as a child!! +1 on the Haynes, they are generally really informative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Would have to agree its a learn as you go thing - my dad and brother are both mechanics and neither have been on a night course or the like, and neither had the internet when they were learning. My dad just got roped into it about 45 years ago by his older brother, he was ten years old at the time and earned pocket money sweeping up, but took notice of what was going on. By fourteen years old he could dismantel an engine and put it back together again. He got well into old Jaguars though, ended up specialising in them, listed Rod Stewart amongst others as his customers who had an XJ220. Wish I could put his companies stamp on my service book than some wally from a Nissan dealership He also has a range of Haynes manuals scattered around the place..swears by em! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricey Posted August 3, 2011 Author Share Posted August 3, 2011 Sorry guys I think some of you are missing the point a bit.......I'm not expecting to become a mech overnight but by the same token i can't learn if I don't know what things do, what they look like and what happens when they break. I guess I'm looking for somewhere that basically says - for example 'this is a coil pack, this is where it goes, this is what it does and this is what happens when its busted' . I know I can individually search for this when the problem crops up but is like to be able to just have a read when im bored in work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Is see where you are coming from... will have a look around for something good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 http://www.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm Maybe a basic starter for ten...I'm in the same boat as you Ricey, suddenly after years of not giving a hoot I want to know how to change stuff on engines and 'tinker' - it wont be long before I have a 'sunday classic' car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 http://www.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm Maybe a basic starter for ten...I'm in the same boat as you Ricey, suddenly after years of not giving a hoot I want to know how to change stuff on engines and 'tinker' - it wont be long before I have a 'sunday classic' car exactly what i was going to post But as others have said, the best way to learn is to do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wackosr Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Carrying out your own work not only saves you a fortune, but it's enjoyable and very rewarding when you've fininshed and it works!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Carrying out your own work not only saves you a fortune, but it's enjoyable and very rewarding when you've fininshed and it works!! unless its a 350z exhaust Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wackosr Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Carrying out your own work not only saves you a fortune, but it's enjoyable and very rewarding when you've fininshed and it works!! unless its a 350z exhaust Why do you say that?! I must admit getting my knackered stock one off was a nightmare!! Angle grinder came in very handy!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 having removed 7 or so now i would say they arent fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wackosr Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Wow, that's a fair amont, whould have thought you have it dialed now!! Should have come to you for advice! Must admit, taking the rear barckets off was a pain and a few correded bolts ddn't help. Tried to remove a piece inside the bumper to give me access, bolt was turning, so I thought, excellent, until I noticed it was wrapping the metal around it rather than undoing!! A little like a sardine can! Something else for me to correct! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keyser Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Sorry guys I think some of you are missing the point a bit.......I'm not expecting to become a mech overnight but by the same token i can't learn if I don't know what things do, what they look like and what happens when they break. I guess I'm looking for somewhere that basically says - for example 'this is a coil pack, this is where it goes, this is what it does and this is what happens when its busted' . I know I can individually search for this when the problem crops up but is like to be able to just have a read when im bored in work! Get over to me at the end of the month - nice little engine build from the ground up then install into the car! I should imagine I'll break enough parts (or connect them backwards) to be a massive learning experience. I'd be happy to say "thats a bolt" fits in a hole on hear somwhere Besides I need someone to lift the block in and out it' bloody heavy!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Wow, that's a fair amont, whould have thought you have it dialed now!!Should have come to you for advice! Must admit, taking the rear barckets off was a pain and a few correded bolts ddn't help. Tried to remove a piece inside the bumper to give me access, bolt was turning, so I thought, excellent, until I noticed it was wrapping the metal around it rather than undoing!! A little like a sardine can! Something else for me to correct! Even managed it without jacking the car up at all once. Still a pain in the arse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wackosr Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Wow, that's a fair amont, whould have thought you have it dialed now!!Should have come to you for advice! Must admit, taking the rear barckets off was a pain and a few correded bolts ddn't help. Tried to remove a piece inside the bumper to give me access, bolt was turning, so I thought, excellent, until I noticed it was wrapping the metal around it rather than undoing!! A little like a sardine can! Something else for me to correct! Even managed it without jacking the car up at all once. Still a pain in the arse. Wow, I am impressed. Guess I must have found the most difficult way of doing it then!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 nah, that one had come off before, once they have been off once it's pretty easy. I just get rid of all the stock studs as soon as it's off so I can put decent bolts in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wackosr Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 I see. Yes, I've got a box of new flange bolts to replace the OEM ones. Fingers crossed I'll get it fitted at the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Mcgoo Posted August 3, 2011 Share Posted August 3, 2011 Another recommendation for a Haynes Manual. Admittedly I haven't used one for a few years now and tend to just look things up on the net as and when, but I was about 12yrs old I picked up my Dads 260z Haynes manual and read it cover to cover, and I hated reading!! It gave me a very good idea of what was what and every weekend after that I found something to tinker with on it. They also tend to have a trouble shooting section which may help you with what happens when certain parts go wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.