Engines for Dummies
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Engines for Dummies
Hey , I am chick who is wanting to get involved in the automotive world. I did not know anything about it two years ago. My boyfriend has taught me a lot.
Any suggestions for a beginner who wants to understand engines ?
I will be building my first engine from top to bottom. (with help of course) It does seem like there is a million parts and things to know??? I am sure it is less overwhelming once you get into it?
Any tips , ideas, hints, suggestions…..
I need to make my car faster than the boyfriends ….
-Rangerchick306
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 560
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From: Radisson Sask
Make sure you have a good engine stand this will make a lot of difference when you have to insert pistons then bolt them up. Then you can rotate the engine easily.
To line things up if you are reuseing parts get some blocks of wood and drill holes to put the parts into and mark where they came from this is for stuff like push rods etc.
Take your time and don't get frustrated! If something isn't working like you think it should STOP. Then come here and ask. There are lots of folks on here who will help you out.
Have fun with it. Its not to hard to do. Read up on stuff and if that doesn't work ask again
Take pictures of stuff. So you can look back at things.
There are lots more things but I type slow
Duncan
To line things up if you are reuseing parts get some blocks of wood and drill holes to put the parts into and mark where they came from this is for stuff like push rods etc.
Take your time and don't get frustrated! If something isn't working like you think it should STOP. Then come here and ask. There are lots of folks on here who will help you out.
Have fun with it. Its not to hard to do. Read up on stuff and if that doesn't work ask again
Take pictures of stuff. So you can look back at things.
There are lots more things but I type slow
Duncan
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,255
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From: saskatoon, SK
save things like egg cartons etc as they are great for holding parts. Dont be afraid to label things and write stuff down as you take them apart so they cam be put back together, pics help too and they make a cool book for when the thing is finished. Get to know your parts people as they can often give hints and tricks (sometimes). Main thing is take your time
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Colonsay Sk. Canada
You can't take apart a motor with a textbook. There fairly basic on the inside just make sure you label whats what. If you are really nervous try something smaller like take apart a old lawn mower engine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20,099
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From: Yorkton Sask
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FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
I havent done half the engines that alot of these guys have, but how I started was on lawnmowers, and motorbikes too. They have the same basic principal and a "who cares" factor, if ya mess em up!
In the digital age, i would recomend lots and lots of digital pictures. What size of engine are you doing? Might take abit of planning and research to beat your mans engine, but anything is possible!
By the way, I think women getting into building engines and stuff is really cool. Good luck with it for sure
In the digital age, i would recomend lots and lots of digital pictures. What size of engine are you doing? Might take abit of planning and research to beat your mans engine, but anything is possible!
By the way, I think women getting into building engines and stuff is really cool. Good luck with it for sure
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Thanks for the responses boys.
I think starting on a smaller project like a lawn mower is a good idea. I need to try that first.
John just showed me how to take out the spark plugs yesterday so removing a few of his would help me slow him down.
Unfortunately before I have even started he is making plans for a bigger more powerful engine as we speak. 
So I will have to start with the lawnmower and go at my own pace.
Someone asked what I am planning on using for an engine... I am going to try to do the engine for my 1965 mustang. So I am not sure yet what i am going to put in it. I would like to use it for racing at the go-kart track just at the top of Qu'appelle valley on the way out to Lumsden. We have a few blocks laying around so I have some options. And I may even have a free hand me down- windsor out of the 89 mustang.
-Rangerchick306
I think starting on a smaller project like a lawn mower is a good idea. I need to try that first.
John just showed me how to take out the spark plugs yesterday so removing a few of his would help me slow him down.
Unfortunately before I have even started he is making plans for a bigger more powerful engine as we speak. So I will have to start with the lawnmower and go at my own pace.
Someone asked what I am planning on using for an engine... I am going to try to do the engine for my 1965 mustang. So I am not sure yet what i am going to put in it. I would like to use it for racing at the go-kart track just at the top of Qu'appelle valley on the way out to Lumsden. We have a few blocks laying around so I have some options. And I may even have a free hand me down- windsor out of the 89 mustang.
-Rangerchick306
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 435
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan
I swear I have taught her everything I know
I even gave her the link to the "BEST" auto parts site on the internet..... KaleCoAuto, Hard to find automotive items!
With all this valuable info I have given I am not sure what more she could want
I even gave her the link to the "BEST" auto parts site on the internet..... KaleCoAuto, Hard to find automotive items!
With all this valuable info I have given I am not sure what more she could want
FTE Legend
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 37,887
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
Sounds like with you as a mentor, you guys will have one kickass fast lawn mower that she practices on!
Keeps us posted with your progress rangerchick, always neat to see a rivalry like this!
Keeps us posted with your progress rangerchick, always neat to see a rivalry like this!
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 20,099
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From: Yorkton Sask