How to become a better DIY mechanic ??

[CSLmarson]

Hi all
I'm very much so an amateur DIY mechanic and love
Nothing more than getting stuck into a project on my cars,
I've done things like suspension and brakes ect ect but
Never delved into the guts of an engine and am quite keen to learn
More. Does any one know of any evening courses or good ways
To learn new skills after work or on a weekend ?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Jon

[Snollygoster]

[MajorProblem]

Buy the correct tools.

[Rickyy]

Buy a spares or repair car and have at it. No better way to learn than getting hands on.

Something with a four cylinder 8v engine would be ideal to learn on. Not too complicated to strip and rebuild.

[shalmaneser]

Just fix your broken car!

[dai1983]

Rickyy said:

Buy a spares or repair car and have at it. No better way to learn than getting hands on.

This!

[cj2013]

Purchase an MG ZR or Rover 25.

It'll soon have you on the spanners!

[eldar]

Rickyy said:

Buy a spares or repair car and have at it. No better way to learn than getting hands on.

Something with a four cylinder 8v engine would be ideal to learn on. Not too complicated to strip and rebuild.

This. Or start with a knackered moped or lawn mover and fix the engine, cheaper and smaller. And only get decent tools.

[dave_s13]

Having something that doesn't need specialist software to do diagnostics and function programming helps.

My citroën c5 suspension pump has packed up. I can't DIY as I don't have Lexia to prime/purge the system.

[Baz Tench]

^ Definitely this! (ETA: the 8v engine comment).

I used to love working on old Ford CVH engines. I also had the enviable task of replacing the head gasket on my bosses wife's M reg Corsa at work one night (I was working in Comms at the time, and we wheeled it into the back of the warehouse).

I had never done one before, and it's fair to say I was stting myself.

I still remember the satisfaction of starting it up again afterwards though, and how sweetly it ran, even though it was still an M reg. Corsa.

Hateful car, but a lovely simple engine to work on.

Edited by Baz Tench on Monday 24th November 22:50

[MC Bodge]

eldar said:

This. Or start with a knackered moped or lawn mover and fix the engine, cheaper and smaller. And only get decent tools.

Yes, get a small engine, give it a strip down and overhaul. dismantle and clean out the carb. It's satisfying to resurrect one that hasn't run in a while.

4 strokes have a few moving parts

2 strokes are a wonder of simplicity and you'll be amazed that they actually work.

Move on to tuning the carb and igntion -and possibly porting.

Practice develops your skills quickly.

[Pesty]

dave_s13 said:

Having something that doesn't need specialist software to do diagnostics and function programming helps.

My citroën c5 suspension pump has packed up. I can't DIY as I don't have Lexia to prime/purge the system.

I've heard you can get these things on eBay. Somebody I know got Peugeot plannet

[dave_s13]

Pesty said:

dave_s13 said:

Having something that doesn't need specialist software to do diagnostics and function programming helps.

My citroën c5 suspension pump has packed up. I can't DIY as I don't have Lexia to prime/purge the system.

By
I've heard you can get these things on eBay. Somebody I know got Peugeot plannet

True, looks like you can get the kit off eBay for £70 or so. Getting it all installed and working can be challenging though.

In my case I'm getting a recon pump fitted for less than the cost of the diag kit so really, is it worth the hassle. I would if I had the time, and an indoor workshop with a lift!

[boz1]

Buy a common older car for which there are lots of owner support forums and people running them on a budget. This should mean there are plenty of DIY guides with lots of pictures. You could also buy the Haynes or Bentley manual which should give an accurate list of required tools and a rating for how hard a given job is, though these are no infallible.

Buy some tools, buy ramps and/or axle stands (and a proper jack). Read the DIY guide/manual extensively in advance. Don't rush anything, or get impatient and try to do something without the correct tool.

[Calza]

Latching on to someone who has these skills always helps!

I've been lucky to have some friends who were very competent at this kind of thing, I learnt by watching them and being their tool monkey!

[dave_s13]

I think the most imptant tool to have is access to the thing you want to work on.

So, buy a decent Jack (maybe a couple), axle stands, ramps, something soft to lay on or a wheeley board. Or a 4 post lift, or dig a pit.

I've only ever worked on stuff on the drive, working on the floor and contorting yourself to get into things can be a right PITA.

[steveo3002]

why not get a cheapy scrap yard engine , even a lawn mower engine to take apart and mess with to gain some practice

pretty much forum /youtube guides for everything these days

[R33dk]

In my experience it's a case if "just do it"

If you can take it apart ... You can put it back together ( albeit with a bucket ton of swearing)

Internet always helps aswell.

My trick is taking pictures and sticky labels.

End of the day it's all just nuts and bolts.

Dk

[OttoJ9221]

Remember 710 Oil is the best you can buy, I kid.

In all honesty the best way to do it is to read handbooks, on-line forums for your car/motorbike, speak to someone you may know who is more mechanically inclined.

If you're not sure about something read it again and again, look at relevant pictures if they are available. If you go into a job without being sure of what you need to do or what order things need to be done in don't attempt it as you may get it very wrong.

Have all the tools you should need ready along with any materials that need replacing.

Most importantly just take your time it's not a race better you get it right and chances are if you need to do it again you'll be a lot quicker.

[Black_S3]

I think I'd struggle getting through a book on this topic as it's hands on practical stuff, sorry if the start of this sounds condescending and you're above any of the steps:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/201177948409?limghl...

then youtube videos:

Then buy a fked engine, strip it down while filming and put it back together - using the recording if you get stuck. Same for other parts.

Then make tea for someone who's doing a cam belt change

Get cracking. If you're unsure of a job you want to take on instead of paying someone to do it research it and ask/pay someone to supervise you - must be plenty mobile mechanics that would be more than happy for a bit of cash while they drink tea and advise.

If you do end up taking your car to a garage for something, go round independents and ask if you can watch/try to help you'll be amazed how many actually enjoy teaching you when you show a proper interest.

If unsure on anything on while your own, pause, take pictures and ask on a car specific forum (don't forget to search first if you want help from the forum gurus).