I am still green when it comes cars/trucks. I do know the generalities, but I'd like to know more about the inner workings of automobiles. Such terms as duallys, camshaft, etc. still escape me. Is there any way for me to learn this stuff? Is there a website, book, etc. for me to look at? Or is just plain old experience and hard work only way to learn? Thanks in advance guys.

P.S. Sorry if I'm repeating another post.

 

Don't be sorry at all.

I am not sure about a specific website, but to answer the 2 questions that you posed.

A "Dually" is a vehicle with dual rear wheels. (as in it has 2 wheels on both side at the rear on the same axle)

A camshaft is something that rotates while the engine is operating that opens and closes the valves - allowing air to get in and exhaust gases out of the engine.

 

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm

You'll know it all.

 

You have asked, and you shall learn. these guys know their stuff. I'm limited to some extent in what I know, but that hasnt stopped me from trying to figure it out.

The only dumb question, is one not asked.

A camshaft, controls the valves that allow air to be let into the cylinders of the motor where fuel is mixed in, and burned to create power, then exhaust valves open to let the exhaust gases out and the cycle begins again.

 

Dad gave me an old lawn mower motor and said "fix it". Learned all about motors. Had me go buy parts needed etc. Sure was fun...learned a lot. l

 

Ditto...my first car was a 1970 Monte Carlo with half an engine that had been sitting for 11 years. You learn real quick when you have this free car, that doesn't run and your license is coming up in two years. Once I figured out drum brakes, you couldn't keep me out of the garage.

The internet is an awesome source, as are basic car manuals. I'm ahuge Haynes Manual fan, as it has pictures and is easy to understand.

 

If you really want to learn there are many sources, some already mentioned. The internet has uncounted sites that could help (just do some searches), your local library would probably have some books on the subject (anybody remember "books"?? LOL) and sites like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble probably have some "how to" books as well.

I've been turning wrenches for about 30 years now and, believe me, you're not going to learn it overnight. Read, study, get some "hands on" time on an old engine to see and feel the things you read about. While you'll never "know it all" (nobody does, some just think they do...) you really need the knowledge from the reading/studying and hands on experience to truly grasp what's going on inside that hunk of cast iron.

Just my two cents...

 

In addition to all the above, get a job in a salvage yard, take things apart. You will more quickly understand all that you read. When you read about principles you don't always get a picture of all the various manifestations.

 

buy books, mags, and get an old car and rip it apart!! you won't learn overnite, but you have to start somewhere!!! i started at 14 with a hot rod mag, now doing it over again sort of because i just got my first diesel and have to learn the details of all those engines!!!!(just know the basics)

 

Sometimes... Adult Ed or Continuing Education might be offering automotive courses in your area, not to teach you how to be a mechanic but, for basic hands-on info.

 

Don't worry about screwing something up either. If you're not 100% sure how something goes make sure you're not working on your daily driver until you feel confident about what you're doing. Don't be afraid to try something new. Sometimes it's the only way to learn how "not to do something"...LOL! We've all been down that road once or twice...or more
Do your homework before hand, get a good feel of what you need to do...then go for it. Shop manuals are really good. Some libraries do carry a Haynes manual on how to repair certain vehicles as well as books on just the basics that apply to all vehicles. The Internet is a good source for diagrams and information, just make sure it's from a credible source.
As I've learned, THIS website will give you some of the best, and often times rare information you can only get from someone that HAS done the type of work you may be doing. Use US!
Do you have any good friends that are mechanics? Be appreciative of them and most likely they'll point you in the right direction and sometimes show you what to do if you ask.
Do not always rely on the parts people for proper advice/right parts...stuff happens sometimes. Although, once in a very rare while you find a place that does know what they are talking about. I've found it better to spend my money there, than have to go back 5 times to get the 'right' part when it only cost me 10 cents more for the right one the FIRST time and often times it was better than the cheaper version. You do get what you pay for.
Start simple...experiment and when you get confident move up the scale of complexity. I'd get a good project car, something that interests you. Something inexpensive, not rusted out, running or not is ok. Buy a good manual for that car...and start fixing. Haynes, Chilton are good, if you're lucky enough to find the actual manufacturer's manual....life will be good. If it's Ford, give us a holler, most likely someone will be able to help. Then start tearing into it.

Sorry for such a long post

- Rad

 

also remember that if you ask a question that you dont know the answer to, and someone makes, or tries to make, you feel stupid for asking the question, they likely dont know the answer themselves, so if they try to answer the question, keep your bravo sierra detector going wide open untill you can confirm their answer one way or the other.

 

The best way I learned was by picking up dads tools, and start dismantling. Thats the fun part, then you've got to put it back together, ugh. Just kidding, working on cars is very rewarding, and you will find you will always have freinds.