Don’t worry, just a little bump - $70 is just around the corner. Short traders just keep making those margin calls, mortgage the house if you have to. Fortunes await you! PO is for pansies and doomers. At $70 short some more ..... it is going back to $22 .... the world is awash with oil ........ reality has nothing to do with it, its all in those charts!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 11:57 am Post subject: [Skills] Mechanic
Most of us may have to be gardeners but not all of us have the land, time or inclination to be full-time farmers or ranchers. As we've discussed, there are many other skills that will continue to be useful. I believe that being a mechanic is one of those skills.
In a hard crash scenario we won't be without the ICE. Fuel will be hard to come by but it will still be available. Parts may be an issue with many replacement parts made overseas. I would think that the people that have the skill to keep priority equipment running in an environment of scarcity would be in high demand.
I've worked on cars(rust repair and mechanics) as a hobby since I've been in high school. This exposure has caused me to get involved with a host of other related skills(I'm by no means an expert in any of these). These skills include trouble shooting and diagnostics, tool making, welding, pattern making, metal fabrication, basic electronics and general tool usage and care. The skill building is great but note that one is not likely to make much money at this as a hobby.
My last two projects involved helping out a neighbor. They are currently financially challenged. He's not working and they have a daughter that just went off to college so they needed all the help they could get(she'd earned a bunch of academic scholarships). I put an engine in a Isuzu Rodeo for them so the daughter could have a way to school. Their daily driver gave out and would cost more to fix then it was worth. I helped out with this by putting a motor in a little Kia that they bought on the cheap. I hope these vehicles last them a while...
It's been a while since I've done motor work and I normally work on American cars so I learned a lot. Some things that I noticed: First, without the how to books that are available for most cars, I would have made (more) mistakes. These books help with sequencing parts removal and re-installation and have the all important reference information(torques specs, timing marks, etc). Second, parts are expensive and some models are more expensive than others. The Isuzu motor was $800 and the Kia motor was $300(junkyard prices). Third it always helps to have the right tools and there are some parts suppliers that will loan these tools to you(with a deposit).
Anyone else have anything they want to share(tips, stories, etc) regarding car repair?
regards,
mark _________________ I have days--growing more frequent all the time--when I'm convinced the time is now upon us that some Big Events are about to occur. - Ron Paul
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:05 pm Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
I am also a backyard hack. I've been wrenching pretty much my whole life since I got a mini bike when I was 13. I am nearly 45 now.
Mechanics have saved me 100,000's of dollars in car costs over my life being I have spent a grand total of roughly 30k in parts/cars/motorcycles in my life.
I can still tear down an engine and have it run again, but know diddley about trannys. I recently bought torches and now know how to braze and weld. I have used the torch mostly to remove rusty hardware and once to patch up the exhaust.
I think the biggest challenge in the future will be accessing electronic control parts for a vehicle. One toasted sensor is all it takes these days to completely disable an otherwise serviceable ride. Also, not knowing how to diagnose the ecm for faults is another area of concern. I am getting somewhat used to these systems now.
One of my biggest beefs is non serviceable parts. Why are wheel bearings now assemblies? Why can't they just use off the shelf roller bearings?
$$$$$
Ditto on non-serviceable ball joints, which also come with no grease fittings.
Arrgggghhhhhh.
I also like going to the muffler shop and having an employee tell me that my rusty, formerly aluminized pipes are 'stainless'.
Is the tech just an idiot, or does he take me for one?
Oh, despite getting an award for highest standing in mechanics in high school, I still do really bad body work!
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
drew wrote:
Mechanics have saved me 100,000's of dollars in car costs over my life being I have spent a grand total of roughly 30k in parts/cars/motorcycles in my life.
Yeah, I've saved a bunch of money doing my own work. Even simple oil and filter changes can save big bucks over time.
Quote:
I think the biggest challenge in the future will be accessing electronic control parts for a vehicle. One toasted sensor is all it takes these days to completely disable an otherwise serviceable ride. Also, not knowing how to diagnose the ecm for faults is another area of concern. I am getting somewhat used to these systems now.
I'll probably keep some kind of old car or truck around and keep a bunch of spare parts for it. Those sensors and non serviceable parts for newer cars can cost hundreds of dollars. It'd take quite an increase in the price of gasoline to make up for the difference in maintenance costs as complicated cars get older and people can't afford new(er) cars.
Quote:
I also like going to the muffler shop and having an employee tell me that my rusty, formerly aluminized pipes are 'stainless'.
Is the tech just an idiot, or does he take me for one?
My daughter went to a major car dealer and they wanted to charge hundreds to install a part that was under $50 and easy to get to. A little knowledge can save you a lot of $$$$$$$.
Quote:
Oh, despite getting an award for highest standing in mechanics in high school, I still do really bad body work!
Body work is tough to get straight. I still don't do my own paint jobs. I don't have a clean room or the ventilation required to do a quality job.
mark _________________ I have days--growing more frequent all the time--when I'm convinced the time is now upon us that some Big Events are about to occur. - Ron Paul
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:48 am Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
I do a lot of my own work, but know little about modern elctronics systems, although I did buy an OBD 2 code reader for those annoying "check engine" light deals. Cost me about $180 for that thing. so I could find out that my gas cap was loose!!!!
My area of expertise is fixing parts themselves, not wrenching, nor knowledge of cars. Our farm repair shop has an ancient Souix valve grinder and an equally old Van Norman 555 head grinder, the latter used for flat grinding exhaust manifolds after we weld up cracks. Have done valve grind on some old engines, but don't know enough to do newer overhead cam models.
What we do best is remove and replace pressed bearings, remove broken bolts, repair threads (weld and remachine, inserts, etc.), weld broken parts/remachine, and in some cases make new parts machined from steel, aluminum, and plastic. Yesterday I removed a rivetted-on reed valve in my garden tractor fuel pump, straightened the bent reed,and rivetted it on again. Can't repair dead electronic parts, but if it is mechanical, we can often take care of the problem. The idea is to make a business of keeping old iron running, and it is paying off. We get a lot of farm trade, but also some local mechanics and maintenance people from the city water dept. and local factories, sawmills, and construction companies.
afterthought: My daughter does sheet metal forming, and makes a lot of antique car restoration parts. For those interested, see:
WWW.metalmeet.com
Can't say enough good about those guys. I've seen them teach a 15 yr old kid to make a new fender for his bike using an old softball bat made into a mallet and a leather purse from the thrift store filled with sand to pound on. They do some amazing stuff. I'm getting started at this, and built my own English Wheel, and a bunch of forming tools. It has already been used a lot to make parts otherwise unavailable.
2nd edit: I'd like to hear what mechanics have done with regard to improving fuel economy. I know all the standard maintenance stuff, even if I fail to do as much as I should. I mean things like changing to a smaller engine in certain cars, changing fuel injection or carburetion, gear ratio changes with junkyard parts, experiments with lubes, exhaust improvements, electronic chip changes (done for performance-maybe there is something for economy?). _________________ Local fix-it guy..
Joined: Jan 03, 2005 Posts: 1156 Location: western Wisconsin
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:09 am Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
There are 2 web discussion forums of efficiency tips geared towards cars that I like.
http://www.gassavers.org http://ecomodder.com
They also have areas for discussion of home and other energy concerns, but they both focus on energy savings in all areas that they cover.
Joined: Apr 03, 2004 Posts: 6372 Location: My Grandkids' Farm
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:28 am Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
I'm only somewhat experienced with '60s era Ford FE big blocks, though I can find my way around other old motors somewhat.
My best tip (for those older, simpler engines) is to get a simple generic troubleshooting guide and a shop manual for your vehicle. Also a multimeter, vacuum gauge, compression tester and timing light and a small Craftsman tool set and just fiddle around - before something goes wrong.
My brother-in-law had an older Merc. something-or-other and was having charging problems so he replaced almost everything in the loop to no avail.
I suggested his burnt out alternator warning light was the problem and he almost hit me in the nose when a replacement bulb fixed the problem (that dash light is in the middle of the charging circuit).
The only thing that saved my handsome profile was telling him I had done exactly the same and only discovered that fix after buying a book and meter.
Then there was the time when I was 19 on a roadtrip when I blew a head gasket on a 390 and tore the thing down and replaced the gasket in an abandoned gas station in Flagstaff AZ - in January...
But anyway, here again, I think the best way to learn is to find an old mechanic who knows about your chosen machine - be it small, large, gas, diesel, 2-cycle or whatever and just hang out and hand him tools; then go home and tear something apart.
The thing I'd like to hear about is converting an old 6-banger to run well on 3. _________________ Make a plan and work it:
Joined: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 11880 Location: zombie horde wonderland
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:21 pm Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
My husband completely restored a 1965 Datsun pickup, our "farm truck." He did most of the work himself except some of the upholstery and some of the engine work and machining. He did all the bodywork and painting at home.
Small white truck:
(guy in chair is not my husband)
He is currently restoring a 1970 Datsun Roadster and doing moderate repair and restoration on a 196? MG BT.
I have no mechanical aptitude. _________________ "...powerdown so soft and fluffy you'll think you're living in a pillow..." - jboogy
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:05 pm Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
drew wrote:
I am also a backyard hack. I've been wrenching pretty much my whole life since I got a mini bike when I was 13. I am nearly 45 now.
Mechanics have saved me 100,000's of dollars in car costs over my life being I have spent a grand total of roughly 30k in parts/cars/motorcycles in my life.
I can still tear down an engine and have it run again, but know diddley about trannys. I recently bought torches and now know how to braze and weld. I have used the torch mostly to remove rusty hardware and once to patch up the exhaust.
I think the biggest challenge in the future will be accessing electronic control parts for a vehicle. One toasted sensor is all it takes these days to completely disable an otherwise serviceable ride. Also, not knowing how to diagnose the ecm for faults is another area of concern. I am getting somewhat used to these systems now.
One of my biggest beefs is non serviceable parts. Why are wheel bearings now assemblies? Why can't they just use off the shelf roller bearings?
$$$$$
Ditto on non-serviceable ball joints, which also come with no grease fittings.
Arrgggghhhhhh.
I also like going to the muffler shop and having an employee tell me that my rusty, formerly aluminized pipes are 'stainless'.
Is the tech just an idiot, or does he take me for one?
Oh, despite getting an award for highest standing in mechanics in high school, I still do really bad body work!
Drew
Well, as a 43 yr old Auto TECHNICIAN, with 20+ yrs experience ,i think i can answer some of these questions, first the "non servicable parts" are here for several reasons firstly, and this covers every aspect of any vehicle is "cost effectivness" upon manufacture, it takes far less time in final assembly to bolt on a wheel bearing hub than to torque fit tapered bearings, two the ABS speed sensors are usually mounted inside these hubs. these hubs CAN be rebuilt, you simply need a press,and some finese, the bearings are available from SKF and other makers.your steering componants now on a typical car have four ball joint ends, two lower ball joints and two outer tie rod ends, usually very cheap to replace and actually last as long as the greasable types in most applications (we arent talking trucks here),if you want a greasable bal joint , drill a 1/4 hole in the center and tap it to accept a fitting, then grease away, i have seen this done many times and it doesnt last any longer in my observations. finally if you just have to have the "old car" you can work on, make sure it was made before 1975, thats when electronics appeared, and you get the worst of both worlds, poor quality and electronic controls. newer vehicles are easier to work on, have higher quality and last almost three times as long...PERIOD, you just have to understand the technology is differant than older vehicles, take time to learn the systems and how they work it will be easier than you think!
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:09 pm Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
patience wrote:
I do a lot of my own work, but know little about modern elctronics systems, although I did buy an OBD 2 code reader for those annoying "check engine" light deals. Cost me about $180 for that thing. so I could find out that my gas cap was loose!!!!
At least one of the name brand parts dealers in our area will hook up their code reader to your car for free. They will also check batteries and other items for free.
Quote:
My area of expertise is fixing parts themselves, not wrenching, nor knowledge of cars. Our farm repair shop has an ancient Souix valve grinder and an equally old Van Norman 555 head grinder, the latter used for flat grinding exhaust manifolds after we weld up cracks. Have done valve grind on some old engines, but don't know enough to do newer overhead cam models.
What we do best is remove and replace pressed bearings, remove broken bolts, repair threads (weld and remachine, inserts, etc.), weld broken parts/remachine, and in some cases make new parts machined from steel, aluminum, and plastic.
The local machinists are mechanics' best friends
I have machinists do the hot tanking, valve jobs and have them press in the cam bearings when I rebuild an engine.
Ludi, nice truck, probably good on gas
I didn't know Datsun was around in 1965
Is it hard to find parts? _________________ I have days--growing more frequent all the time--when I'm convinced the time is now upon us that some Big Events are about to occur. - Ron Paul
Joined: Dec 27, 2004 Posts: 11880 Location: zombie horde wonderland
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:12 am Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
Yes, it's quite difficult to find parts for Datsuns and they're expensive. My husband bought two trucks to make into one functional truck. He's also not set on using only original parts, so he'll use whatever fits, even if it isn't a Datsun part. _________________ "...powerdown so soft and fluffy you'll think you're living in a pillow..." - jboogy
Joined: Oct 27, 2004 Posts: 628 Location: Salt Spring Island, Cascadia
Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 3:40 pm Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
drew wrote:
I think the biggest challenge in the future will be accessing electronic control parts for a vehicle. One toasted sensor is all it takes these days to completely disable an otherwise serviceable ride.
I'm with you! A computer sits on my desk, not under the hood. I buy cars I can fix with wrenches, not $10,000 fault code analysers.
You can still get vehicles from the '80's and early '90's that have minimal electronic dependencies. I especially like diesels of that era, as you can easily mod them to run just about any oil you can get your hands on, including mutton tallow. _________________ :::: Jan Steinman, Communication Steward, EcoReality, a forming sustainable community. Be the change! ::::
Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 6:32 pm Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
Bytesmiths,
I'm with you. New technology is great as long as it works, but the electronic parts are not something you can fix in a low-tech, dire situation. I expect that my old iron will run a long time yet, and can be fixed with a lot lower level (spell that AVAILABLE) technology. It's not the most efficient, and I know that, but I can make it go with near nothing from the parts store. That's important to me. And it's dirt cheap.... Bought any sensors lately? _________________ Local fix-it guy..
Joined: Oct 27, 2004 Posts: 628 Location: Salt Spring Island, Cascadia
Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: [Skills] Mechanic
patience wrote:
And it's dirt cheap... Bought any sensors lately?
On the other hand, some sensors appear to be nothing more than a license to print money.
For example, the "mass air sensor" in most air intakes is nothing but a loop or small coil of nichrome wire (hot-wire anemometer). If you can find the right gauge of nichrome wire, you can fix it.
But in many cases, these simple, low-tech sensors are encapsulated in such a way as to make repair impossible. They don't want to lose the franchise on their money-printing operation! _________________ :::: Jan Steinman, Communication Steward, EcoReality, a forming sustainable community. Be the change! ::::
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