How to learn...
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 480
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From: Mesa, AZ -Gilbert & Univ.
How to learn...
OK, I dont know much about anything with a motor. I want to learn though, I want to be able to do my own work on my own truck.
Obviously the best way to learn is hands on (atleast for myself), but I dont really have anyone there showing me the right or wrong way to do anything.
I'm thinking about taking some sort of auto shop type class through a local comunity college, if I can find one thats not too expensive. But other than that is there another good way to learn on my own?
What would you do if you were me?
Obviously the best way to learn is hands on (atleast for myself), but I dont really have anyone there showing me the right or wrong way to do anything.
I'm thinking about taking some sort of auto shop type class through a local comunity college, if I can find one thats not too expensive. But other than that is there another good way to learn on my own?
What would you do if you were me?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Hockley, Tx.
Take that class you mentioned or hang out with someone that knows automotive repair. Possibly even try to work part-time at a garage. Are you just wanting to know more about maintenance items such as oil changes and tune-ups, or really dig in a learn how to rebuild motors and such?
I worked part-time for one of my buddies at his body shop and learned tons of stuff.
I worked part-time for one of my buddies at his body shop and learned tons of stuff.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
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From: West Chester PA
Well, for the most part I am you. The difference is that I was in your situation about 6 months ago. Today, I am enrolled in a career certificate in auto tech at my local community college. By the time I'm done I'm sure it will be an assocates degree instead of just a certificate. I have my bachelor and masters degrees in computer science, so I can't imagine that the CC wouldn't accept the 'academic' credits needed for the associates degree. By the way, I'm about 1/2 way through the first class - intro to shop - and am having a blast. I'd say go for it, so far (for me at least) it's been an incredible experience. Being taught the right way to do things is HUGE!
Good luck!
Matt
Good luck!
Matt
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
Another way to learn, although that would be the best, but if you have space, get an old engine from a junkyard, as it is just going to be torn apart. They have what they call core engines, these are units that had something wrong with them and are being sent in for rebuild. They typically sell for like $50 for the common engines, and that's what you want because they are easy and cheap. Get a manual that covers the particular engine you get, and follow the instructions, and simply tear it down and put it back together, don't worry about fixing it at this time, just do the work so you know how it's done. This is exactly the same thing you will do in the auto tech class, After you do one, you have a basic understandong what you have to do, and then if you choose, you can fix the engine for real. That is another reason for getting a core, you can get one that's salvageble instead of one that's trashed. Any questions while you do that, you can come back here and ask, noone will think less of you for doing so, actually you will be commended for trying. Good luck and enjoy.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Mesa, AZ -Gilbert & Univ.
Tex- I can do little stuff like changing oil, tires, batteries. But when something goes wrong and I have to figure it out, I am completely lost. I want to be able to do all the repairs I might need done, and I also want to be able to swap an engine into my Bronco II.
I only really know one person that knows about this kind of thing, and we havent had the chance to hang out like we used to. He is willing to help, and show me the stuff, but he has a wife and 3 kids, so he just doesnt have the time.
I don't think I could 'hang' if I tried to get a job in a garage, since (as far as I know) they want people who already know what they are doing.
maa- Awesome, that's actualy what I wanted to hear... I'll check around and see what I can find.
Fellro- I don't have the room for that, I live in an appartment, and we arent even supposed to work on our cars here :-\
I only really know one person that knows about this kind of thing, and we havent had the chance to hang out like we used to. He is willing to help, and show me the stuff, but he has a wife and 3 kids, so he just doesnt have the time.
I don't think I could 'hang' if I tried to get a job in a garage, since (as far as I know) they want people who already know what they are doing.
maa- Awesome, that's actualy what I wanted to hear... I'll check around and see what I can find.
Fellro- I don't have the room for that, I live in an appartment, and we arent even supposed to work on our cars here :-\
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 339
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From: north central Indiana
Aside from the classes and other good ideas previously related, I'd say read, read, read! Anything you can get your hands on. Many automotive magazines have articles for the novice. You obviously have a computer...use it! Search for anything you can find and study it well.
I've been turning wrenches for a living for over 28 years, and it amazes me how many people say they want to do their own work, but are too lazy (apparently..) to pick up a book and read. Many questions I've seen asked on a variety of message boards would be easily and more quickly answered if the person would just pick up a book and READ! I'm not pointing any fingers, certainly, just trying to make a point.
Have fun and go learn!
I've been turning wrenches for a living for over 28 years, and it amazes me how many people say they want to do their own work, but are too lazy (apparently..) to pick up a book and read. Many questions I've seen asked on a variety of message boards would be easily and more quickly answered if the person would just pick up a book and READ! I'm not pointing any fingers, certainly, just trying to make a point.
Have fun and go learn!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
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From: Spokane, WA
My best learning experience was buying a rebuild kit and a Haynes book and going to town. I like Haynes manuals because they will walk you through everything and have plenty of pictures to show you what you should be doing. The classes are great too. My trouble is they cost money and they never seem to work with my schedule. 
But if you can get into one of them that would be ideal.
But if you can get into one of them that would be ideal.
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