A brief introduction to home mechanics
Discussion
Still chuckling at the waxoyled cat story 
I love working on my cars... but only when I'm in the mood to love working on them. If I'm not, I've learned it's better to leave it till another day. The worse a mood you start in, the more difficult everything will be and the more fed up you'll become. The other vital fact I've learned is to know your limits, and stop before your lack of talent/correct tools/tolerance becomes an irrevocable problem. By wayof example, I was "just" swapping a clutch master cylinder; two bolts, one clevis (ask yer dad) and one hydraulic fitting. The hydraulic line's been there for thirty years. No way it's unscrewing with just an open-ended spanner. I need a brakeline wrench. Which I don't have. The instant I felt the spanner slip, I stopped and swallowed my pride, took it to the tame local garage. In the old days I'd have got medieval on it's ass with some molegrips, blowtorch and/or hacksaw, and then ended up looking at my now-immobilised car (which would also be blocking in the other car) and wondering where the hell I was going to find someone who could flare a brakeline and supply new fittings at nine o'clock at night
I love working on my cars... but only when I'm in the mood to love working on them. If I'm not, I've learned it's better to leave it till another day. The worse a mood you start in, the more difficult everything will be and the more fed up you'll become. The other vital fact I've learned is to know your limits, and stop before your lack of talent/correct tools/tolerance becomes an irrevocable problem. By wayof example, I was "just" swapping a clutch master cylinder; two bolts, one clevis (ask yer dad) and one hydraulic fitting. The hydraulic line's been there for thirty years. No way it's unscrewing with just an open-ended spanner. I need a brakeline wrench. Which I don't have. The instant I felt the spanner slip, I stopped and swallowed my pride, took it to the tame local garage. In the old days I'd have got medieval on it's ass with some molegrips, blowtorch and/or hacksaw, and then ended up looking at my now-immobilised car (which would also be blocking in the other car) and wondering where the hell I was going to find someone who could flare a brakeline and supply new fittings at nine o'clock at night
SonicShadow said:
How did you manage to round bolts on a 10 year old car? Crap 12 point sockets instead of proper 6 sided sockets, I assume?
A 90's Jap car isn't for you if you're rounding bolts on such a relatively new car
Here's what I read;A 90's Jap car isn't for you if you're rounding bolts on such a relatively new car
SonicShadow said:
I didn't actually read anything he said but I'm going to assume he's an idiot anyway, because I'm arrogant as f
k but remember undoing a bolt once with my dad watching me. I read somewhere some people don't know what "single hex" is, so often use it inappropriately. He must have done that and be an idiot, as I've fk all actual experience in how bolts can be rounded by things like condition, the previous removing of the bolt, and the quality of metal.
Rather than join in, with what has been quite a good natured thread by all, I'm going to have a go at this bloke, who was mostly just having a laugh, because I am actually such a loser, condescending to people on the internet makes me feel momentarily superior. Even if it's absolutely baseless.
Also I lack so much perspective and experience, that I haven't realised that 10 year cars are actually very old. Especially when they are lowest bidder Euroboxes. I can't however admit this, as I own one an old car and my ego won't let me.
Finally if I checked his car history I'd also realize he's owned three 90's Jap cars including the turbocharged version of my own "hairdresser Spec" MR2 and some pretty ancient metal which must mean he has considerable experience of removing old bolts.
Your version was much more succinct though. k but remember undoing a bolt once with my dad watching me. I read somewhere some people don't know what "single hex" is, so often use it inappropriately. He must have done that and be an idiot, as I've fk all actual experience in how bolts can be rounded by things like condition, the previous removing of the bolt, and the quality of metal. Rather than join in, with what has been quite a good natured thread by all, I'm going to have a go at this bloke, who was mostly just having a laugh, because I am actually such a loser, condescending to people on the internet makes me feel momentarily superior. Even if it's absolutely baseless.
Also I lack so much perspective and experience, that I haven't realised that 10 year cars are actually very old. Especially when they are lowest bidder Euroboxes. I can't however admit this, as I own one an old car and my ego won't let me.
Finally if I checked his car history I'd also realize he's owned three 90's Jap cars including the turbocharged version of my own "hairdresser Spec" MR2 and some pretty ancient metal which must mean he has considerable experience of removing old bolts.
All in good humour of course. Probably.
Prof Prolapse said:
Biker's Nemesis said:
Yep, that's me to a "t".
You're not old ya wining young pup, wait until you're my age.
When I'm your age I plan to have been dead for ten years.You're not old ya wining young pup, wait until you're my age.
Lots of love. xxxxxx
BN
Nik da Greek said:
Still chuckling at the waxoyled cat story
I love working on my cars... but only when I'm in the mood to love working on them. If I'm not, I've learned it's better to leave it till another day. The worse a mood you start in, the more difficult everything will be and the more fed up you'll become. The other vital fact I've learned is to know your limits, and stop before your lack of talent/correct tools/tolerance becomes an irrevocable problem. By wayof example, I was "just" swapping a clutch master cylinder; two bolts, one clevis (ask yer dad) and one hydraulic fitting. The hydraulic line's been there for thirty years. No way it's unscrewing with just an open-ended spanner. I need a brakeline wrench. Which I don't have. The instant I felt the spanner slip, I stopped and swallowed my pride, took it to the tame local garage. In the old days I'd have got medieval on it's ass with some molegrips, blowtorch and/or hacksaw, and then ended up looking at my now-immobilised car (which would also be blocking in the other car) and wondering where the hell I was going to find someone who could flare a brakeline and supply new fittings at nine o'clock at night
Regarding tools I work on the principle that if I need a tool I'll buy it, even if its only for one job. That way I knw I'll have the tool if I ever have the same or similar job to do in future. I love working on my cars... but only when I'm in the mood to love working on them. If I'm not, I've learned it's better to leave it till another day. The worse a mood you start in, the more difficult everything will be and the more fed up you'll become. The other vital fact I've learned is to know your limits, and stop before your lack of talent/correct tools/tolerance becomes an irrevocable problem. By wayof example, I was "just" swapping a clutch master cylinder; two bolts, one clevis (ask yer dad) and one hydraulic fitting. The hydraulic line's been there for thirty years. No way it's unscrewing with just an open-ended spanner. I need a brakeline wrench. Which I don't have. The instant I felt the spanner slip, I stopped and swallowed my pride, took it to the tame local garage. In the old days I'd have got medieval on it's ass with some molegrips, blowtorch and/or hacksaw, and then ended up looking at my now-immobilised car (which would also be blocking in the other car) and wondering where the hell I was going to find someone who could flare a brakeline and supply new fittings at nine o'clock at night
I also keep a stock of misceallaneous common parts in the shed. Brake fittings, fuses, hose clips, tie wraps, gasket material, heat shrink plastic tubing, hoses in various diameters, brake line tubing, split pins, r-clips, fuses of all types etc etc. Not often I can't complete a job because of a lack of simple parts or tools.
I used to do everything myself: brake pads, discs, engine swaps, head gaskets, piston rings, gearboxes, even bodywork repairs. Mostly because I couldn't afford to pay someone else, but also for the challenge.
It's only with hindsight that I realised that some of my cars were fiendishly difficult to work on, especially my Alfetta-based Alfas. Rears disc inboard right under the car, front discs behind the hub, a transaxle that weighed half a ton etc.
Once, I had my GTV6 up on axle stands at the rear and ramps at the front. I was under the car attempting to remove the exhaust so I could get to the propshaft. The exhaust joints were pretty corroded (what else?) and I was yanking and twisting the exhaust pretty hard to try and free it.
I sensed that the car was beginning to move. Almost in slow motion, I rolled sideways from under the car, just as the axle stands began to topple and the car rolled down the ramps. I managed to get my body out, but the front wheels went over my ankle.
Surprisingly it only caused minor bruising, but the psychological damage caused by the thought of what could have happened stayed with me for life!
These days, I still do pads and discs etc., but I pay an independent for anything more complicated...
It's only with hindsight that I realised that some of my cars were fiendishly difficult to work on, especially my Alfetta-based Alfas. Rears disc inboard right under the car, front discs behind the hub, a transaxle that weighed half a ton etc.
Once, I had my GTV6 up on axle stands at the rear and ramps at the front. I was under the car attempting to remove the exhaust so I could get to the propshaft. The exhaust joints were pretty corroded (what else?) and I was yanking and twisting the exhaust pretty hard to try and free it.
I sensed that the car was beginning to move. Almost in slow motion, I rolled sideways from under the car, just as the axle stands began to topple and the car rolled down the ramps. I managed to get my body out, but the front wheels went over my ankle.
Surprisingly it only caused minor bruising, but the psychological damage caused by the thought of what could have happened stayed with me for life!
These days, I still do pads and discs etc., but I pay an independent for anything more complicated...
I suspect this is many of us down to a tee.
I even sold my last car (M5 touring) and bought an older car (e46 M3) so I could go back to tinkering on it.
That said, I now have no interest in crawling around in the dark and cold on the driveway, plus I have little spare time with the kids.
So.
I decided to save money on mechanics by building a double garage instead, so I can spanner away at 6am / 10pm (ie, when the family are asleep) in relative comfort.
Genius.
I even sold my last car (M5 touring) and bought an older car (e46 M3) so I could go back to tinkering on it.
That said, I now have no interest in crawling around in the dark and cold on the driveway, plus I have little spare time with the kids.
So.
I decided to save money on mechanics by building a double garage instead, so I can spanner away at 6am / 10pm (ie, when the family are asleep) in relative comfort.
Genius.
Patrick Bateman said:
Having a decent garage would change things significantly I must say, the driveway is not ideal.
So true. My OH converted the garage to a music room before we met. I've since recommissioned it as a home cinema room. She regrets converting it now given my interest in cars but has said that when we have a spare 10k we can build a double garage and add extra width on the driveway. She's a good 'un.I learned a few things about home mechanics these last few weeks
- a blown brake caliper seal can sieze a piston so hard against the disc that you cant get the car to move and have to tackle the job on the drive in the Scottish winter (which lasts 11 1/2 months anyway).
- if one side is gone, the other side is also gone.
- steel wheels mean when pressure washing the car the brakes/suspension behind never get cleaned meaning every metal component is covered in 8 years of all manner of st and all nuts and bolts are stuck fast.
- no matter how well you think you've bled brakes the first time around, there is still air in the system.
- your hands are normally free of oil by Thursday, giving you one day to meet clients without having to explain having black nails and bloody knuckles.
- you always find out you need something else on a Saturday at 2 minutes past when any motor factors closes until Monday
And with the money I've 'saved' I've had to buy a spline bit set, an Eezi-bleed kit, lots and lots of DOT 4, a refurbished brake caliper, several new wire brushes, a brake rewind tool, lengths of tubing, brake pads, brake discs, copper grease, silicone grease, red rubber grease, another caliper seal kit, and approximately 50 tea bags and the same in Tunnock's Caramel Wafers.
Quite satisfying though....
- a blown brake caliper seal can sieze a piston so hard against the disc that you cant get the car to move and have to tackle the job on the drive in the Scottish winter (which lasts 11 1/2 months anyway).
- if one side is gone, the other side is also gone.
- steel wheels mean when pressure washing the car the brakes/suspension behind never get cleaned meaning every metal component is covered in 8 years of all manner of s
t and all nuts and bolts are stuck fast.- no matter how well you think you've bled brakes the first time around, there is still air in the system.
- your hands are normally free of oil by Thursday, giving you one day to meet clients without having to explain having black nails and bloody knuckles.
- you always find out you need something else on a Saturday at 2 minutes past when any motor factors closes until Monday
And with the money I've 'saved' I've had to buy a spline bit set, an Eezi-bleed kit, lots and lots of DOT 4, a refurbished brake caliper, several new wire brushes, a brake rewind tool, lengths of tubing, brake pads, brake discs, copper grease, silicone grease, red rubber grease, another caliper seal kit, and approximately 50 tea bags and the same in Tunnock's Caramel Wafers.
Quite satisfying though....
I'm old enough to know better but still enjoy working on my own cars. The trick is to have at least two so that (hopefully) jobs aren't done in an urgent panic. A nice warm garage to work in helps immensely if only because you can leave a job half way through without putting everything away and come back to it another day.
When I moved house recently I annoyed all the estate agents by insisting on measuring all the garages (mainly because they missed the dimensions off their house details)
When I moved house recently I annoyed all the estate agents by insisting on measuring all the garages (mainly because they missed the dimensions off their house details)
I feel the OPs pain!
Something that I always look back and laugh was the following scenario;
Under the bottom of some £500 scrapper on the wet drive. Barely high enough to scrabble underneath. As I was reaching for some nut or bolt, I hit my forehead on the underside of the car, it turns out your brain informs your muscles to automatically jerk your head away from the impact...this causes a second impact. The back of your head now connects with the wet driveway. Basically you end up in a pendulum of hitting your face on the underside of the car and the back of your noggin on the driveway, until you somehow stop your brains impulse! How many on here have done a similar thing I wonder?
At the time, there is nothing more irritating in life when the job is being a anyway! I laugh about it now though.
I tend to let someone else spanner on the daily driver and tinker with the weekend car when you can put the spanners down at your leisure as you don't need it on Monday morning.
Something that I always look back and laugh was the following scenario;
Under the bottom of some £500 scrapper on the wet drive. Barely high enough to scrabble underneath. As I was reaching for some nut or bolt, I hit my forehead on the underside of the car, it turns out your brain informs your muscles to automatically jerk your head away from the impact...this causes a second impact. The back of your head now connects with the wet driveway. Basically you end up in a pendulum of hitting your face on the underside of the car and the back of your noggin on the driveway, until you somehow stop your brains impulse! How many on here have done a similar thing I wonder?
At the time, there is nothing more irritating in life when the job is being a
anyway! I laugh about it now though.I tend to let someone else spanner on the daily driver and tinker with the weekend car when you can put the spanners down at your leisure as you don't need it on Monday morning.
Yeah, me too. I've worked on cars since I was 18 so (cough) 36 years now including a spell as a mechanic working for a car restorer.
Last Monday I had to change the water pump on the Alfa, nice easy job, car's RWD, pump's on the front, couple of belts, hoses, take off the old one, fit new one, refill with new coolant and put the tools away.
My hands were covered in cuts and scrapes and my back hurt for three days.
Last Monday I had to change the water pump on the Alfa, nice easy job, car's RWD, pump's on the front, couple of belts, hoses, take off the old one, fit new one, refill with new coolant and put the tools away.
My hands were covered in cuts and scrapes and my back hurt for three days.
Jon_Bmw said:
Under the bottom of some £500 scrapper on the wet drive. Barely high enough to scrabble underneath. As I was reaching for some nut or bolt, I hit my forehead on the underside of the car, it turns out your brain informs your muscles to automatically jerk your head away from the impact...this causes a second impact. The back of your head now connects with the wet driveway. Basically you end up in a pendulum of hitting your face on the underside of the car and the back of your noggin on the driveway, until you somehow stop your brains impulse! How many on here have done a similar thing I wonder?
I can be heaving away on a ridiculously tight, awkwardly located fastener with all sorts of sharp spiky bits in the vicinity, and know that it's likely to end in pain and blood but I carry on anyway rather than having to crawl out from under the car, walk down to my workshop and get a different tool and crawl back under. Perhaps my laziness outweighs my self preservation.
All highly amusing and oh so familiar! It used to annoy me slightly when I was at work and people would say "you're SO lucky knowing all that about cars and must save a fortune etc......." I used to show my poor knuckles and explain that it didn't happen by accident - hard graft, animal cunning and determination. I also wonder about age too. Since my garage is full, I changed the exhaust on my 190e in an interval during a busy Christmas outside. In pouring rain. Actually, though it was a truly crap experience, it was straightforward as I'd put the failed system on with stainless fasteners and lots of copper grease - a little expense and forethought pays off!
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