General auto troubleshooting tips
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 22
From: Murphysboro, IL
General auto troubleshooting tips
Today I noticed a problem, I noticed a lug nut loose on a truck and someone ask me "how'd you know that?" Well duh! That's what caused a rust streak on the rim starting at the lug nut. So I figured we'd just start a thread on knowledge that not everyone would know, you know smple stuff, like what it means when you see a rust streak trailing from a lug nut on a truck!
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
I've got a good one. When an engine has a miss, it can often cause a serious vibration. Every time we drive a vehicle with a dead cyl, my little bro (actually quite the mechanic) will exclaim, this thing need u-joints! I find it quite amusing, because according to him "I don't know anything"..
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Unless you are pretty sure you know what it is, fix the easy cheap stuff first.
A crawl around under the vehicle and shaking everything you find tells many tales.
Look at what else came out with the fluid to see what's going on inside.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
A crawl around under the vehicle and shaking everything you find tells many tales.
Look at what else came out with the fluid to see what's going on inside.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: north central Indiana
About the best tip I can think of is to learn and understand how the system works that you're troubleshooting. Anything less and you're just guessing....
Here's one little tidbit that may be helpful...to get a good "bite" with that screwdriver (phillips or straight-blade) just put a dab of valve grinding compound on the tip. The compound is very gritty and works wonders getting a good grip on that stubborn screw head.
Here's one little tidbit that may be helpful...to get a good "bite" with that screwdriver (phillips or straight-blade) just put a dab of valve grinding compound on the tip. The compound is very gritty and works wonders getting a good grip on that stubborn screw head.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
I'd love to see this thread get a sticky and a few hundred more posts. Didn't know about the valve grinding compound.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,728
Likes: 1
From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
A can of carb cleaner can cure a lot of idle problems, even with FI cars. The linkages/cables seem to get gummed up over the years and miles, but cleaning them off periodically can do wonders.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Great thread! Here's my tip: Before you go to your mechanic with the problem, post it on one of the forums. You will be much better informed and save lots of $$$.
I really like the valve grinding compound tip.
I really like the valve grinding compound tip.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: north central Indiana
Here's another one...if you have to remove a bearing race from a housing that is "blind" (can't get to back side to drive it out...), weld a bead all the way around the inside face of the race and let it cool. It'll fall right out. Just don't weld the race to the housing!!
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
From: north central Indiana
Maybe this will help someone....when you're breaking loose a bolt or nut use a quick, sharp "pop" on the wrench instead of a steady pull. If at all possible, avoid using an open-end wrench to break bolts loose, and try to use 6-point sockets as well.
Another screw-removal related bit...an impact driver works well on many occasions for breaking loose stubborn screws. The one I have is a Bluepoint (cheap Snap-On) is 3/8"drive. Use a good quality screwdriver bit, add a bit of VG compound and your odds improve dramatically.
Another screw-removal related bit...an impact driver works well on many occasions for breaking loose stubborn screws. The one I have is a Bluepoint (cheap Snap-On) is 3/8"drive. Use a good quality screwdriver bit, add a bit of VG compound and your odds improve dramatically.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Fuel, ignition, and mechanical are your basic engine systems (I know - there are more than that).
Learn to exclude two out of three, and you will have simplified your job a lot.
There is a question you need to learn to ask yourself ("Do you know the question, NEO?")
It is this:
"HOW CAN I PROVE THAT (something) IS EITHER GOOD, OR BAD?"
Some people hop around from one inconclusive idea to another. Think in terms that the dogfighters of world war one did - follow every adversary all the way down! DO NOT leave any loopholes, so that you do not have to backtrack. You have to learn to MAKE SURE, so that you can exclude causes until you have isolated the real issue. If you don't, it will lead to confusion.
Think in terms of systems, and positive proofs.
Example:
I know there is compression.
I know there is spark.
It must be fuel...
I will give you one more point of advice:
"NOTHING BEATS A DAMN GOOD VISUAL INSPECTION"
Sometimes a busted vacuum line to the brake booster is the whole story...
(One example)
Learn to exclude two out of three, and you will have simplified your job a lot.
There is a question you need to learn to ask yourself ("Do you know the question, NEO?")
It is this:
"HOW CAN I PROVE THAT (something) IS EITHER GOOD, OR BAD?"
Some people hop around from one inconclusive idea to another. Think in terms that the dogfighters of world war one did - follow every adversary all the way down! DO NOT leave any loopholes, so that you do not have to backtrack. You have to learn to MAKE SURE, so that you can exclude causes until you have isolated the real issue. If you don't, it will lead to confusion.
Think in terms of systems, and positive proofs.
Example:
I know there is compression.
I know there is spark.
It must be fuel...
I will give you one more point of advice:
"NOTHING BEATS A DAMN GOOD VISUAL INSPECTION"
Sometimes a busted vacuum line to the brake booster is the whole story...
(One example)
Last edited by Greywolf; Dec 2, 2005 at 02:37 PM.