Topic: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

Hiyas, I've been doing a lot of research into things like folkracing and just learned bout Lemons and ChumpCar and want to get involved. Unfortunately I live in San Diego so it'd be a bit of an outing.

Anyways, although I'm interested I don't know the first thing about cars. What are some recommended ways to learning automobile mechanics? Are there any books that can be recommended? Should I take some classes at my local community colleges? Should I buy a clunker and repair it?

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

Buy a wrench, take crap apart, put it back together, throw away extra parts, blame the neighbor's kid.

You could read books, but most people that read don't become mechanics and vise versa. lol

But seriously, Find a gearhead buddy as a mentor, or even join an existing team. Most folks are all too willing to teach someone new who is interested. There are a couple Lemons teams down there in San Dog too.

"Real ZomBees prefer Bacon"
IOE(x2) MGB/SAAB 96, Judge's Choice, Class C Win, & 2011 Hooniverse Car of the Year!
MRolla, Stick Figure/Animal House, Free Range MR2, SAAB Sonett, "The Death Flip"
2008 Exoskeleton Jag Fiasco, Concours d Lemons - Rue Britannia, worse British car.

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

I learned by doing.  Something needs maintenance or repaired I try to find out if I can do the repair myself, the answer is usually a resounding, "Yes, I can."

It started with the basics, tune-ups, brake jobs, starters with a Haynes manual.  Now thanks to the internet I don't think there is much I wouldn't attempt at this point.  Most everything has been done and documented somewhere.

Aaron

1999 Astro (Green the Daily Driver) - 2WD, 4.3L, 3.23, 200k+ miles, FE2 steering
1997 Astro (Grumpy the $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 330k+ miles on the orig eng and trans, $30 eBay fuel pump

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

rayofash wrote:

Hiyas, I've been doing a lot of research into things like folkracing and just learned bout Lemons and ChumpCar and want to get involved. Unfortunately I live in San Diego so it'd be a bit of an outing.

Anyways, although I'm interested I don't know the first thing about cars. What are some recommended ways to learning automobile mechanics? Are there any books that can be recommended? Should I take some classes at my local community colleges? Should I buy a clunker and repair it?

Just start small and don't be afraid to make mistakes...I started with a lawnmower engine. Easy to work on and the principles are the same as the bigger stuff.

Jim "Endo" Anderton
30 years of racing and still not Brambilla.....

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

Just like everyone's said: you'll learn it by doing it.  If you don't have a garage to work on something, then maybe you could start your training by joining a team.  That would give you some confidence knowing there was someone there to help you if you needed it and to check your work.

But a great way to learn on your own is practice in your garage.  Get an older simple car (have they made a simple car in the last 20 years?), pick up a Haynes manual on the way home and then start going through the car.  Brake job, plugs and wires, shocks, etc.  It will all start to make sense when you're holding that rusty nasty part in your hands.

Most importantly, if you've got a question, ask!  There is always somebody who has run into your problem before.  Good luck!

Mike
Lab Rats Motorsports
1988 Mitsubishi/Dodge/Fiat Colt Carpocalypse Edition

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

And don't buy cheap tools....you'll just end up replacing them later. Buy good hand tools as you can afford them....basic stuff like screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and sockets. I started in 1973 with a 3/8-inch basic socket set with a ratchet handle, a couple of extensions, a universal joint and spark plug socket. I still use them. A few basics can get you lots of experience and can last a lifetime. Pull on bolts, don't push and think about eye protection. Use penetrating oil on rusty fasteners. Take off rings and necklaces. Don't smoke around gasoline or solvents, even if the cans are empty. Wear gloves or skin block and try to avoid leaving solvents against your skin for long. Waterless hand cleaner can travel anywhere. Learn and have fun...forget what people say about computer-controlled engines. There's never been a better time to get into the hobby.

Jim "Endo" Anderton
30 years of racing and still not Brambilla.....

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

"Sparky" Pete wrote:

Buy a wrench, take crap apart, put it back together, throw away extra parts, blame the neighbor's kid.

just do be extra cautious putting those brakes back together.

arse-sweat-apalosa thunderhill 2011 : team killer zomBee!

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

I'll second the recommendation to start small, however a lawnmower won't teach you about wheel bearings, brakes, drive-shafts/CV joints, etc.

Don't underestimate the value of a good local car-club and picking a car to start with that's both simple and *popular*.  Jump into a later model BMW, and you're in for a world of hurt both in terms of cost of parts, complexity of systems, and access to people who know what they're talking about.

Consider VW Bug/Beetle - lots around, cheap to find parts for, dead simple, and a generally active owner base that will be helpful in lending a hand whether it's advice, show-me-how, or what have you.

So, pick a simple car, find a good club (or the reverse) and start from there.

"Chief Idiot" - Italian Stallions Rotary X1/9
Class Win (Bad) / IOE Win (Guzzi Fiat 600) / We Got Screwed / GRM Most from Least

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

If you're close to Palomar College in San Marcos, take the Auto 101 class with Bertram (or any Auto class with Bertram). He's a fantastic teacher (this coming from a former teacher).

Also, join a local car club that plays with the car you like the most. We have a mini/MINI club and most of the active members are in North County (Escondido).

Walk around your neighborhood some Saturday/Sunday and see who is wrenching in their garage and go up and introduce yourself and establish a relationship with them if he/she is friendly.

10 (edited by rmcdaniels 2009-08-27 09:46 AM)

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

What worked for me:

1 - Buy an old car that needs work (starting with a '62 Sprite when I was 16, with many more in the intervening 27 years).

2 - Ask your Dad to help you fix it because as soon as I got it home it died and fluids started leaking out of it all over the driveway. My Dad drove me to the auto parts store, instructed me to buy the shop manual for the car, then drove me home and went back inside to drink beer and watch football. He did say that I could use his tools as long as I cleaned and put them away daily, although depending on your relationship with your Dad, you may have to buy your own shop manual and basic tools. I'll repeat jimeditorial's admonition about cheap tools because it will save you a lot of grief; I think that Craftsman stuff from Sears is a good minimum standard for the amateur enthusiast.

3 - Start fixing/breaking stuff using the directions in the shop manual. Mechanically inclined relatives or friends can help explain stuff in the manual that you don't understand, but use that lifeline sparingly as it will wear thin from overuse.

4 - Use antisieze; that way when you have to take it back apart to fix it again, there will be less breaking stuff, bleeding, and swearing. Antisieze is some very good stuff.

5 - And finally, borrowing from Bill Watterson; Memorize the following list of profanities, and learn how to use them appropriately:

*List available on request, not sure what the policy is on NWS links is on this forum*

Everybody grab your brooms, it's shenanigans!

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

You guys are all wrong. He needs to buy the cheapest Citroën SM he can find and a $9.99 Taiwanese socket set. Public transit only until it works perfectly!

After six months, he'll be a great mechanic. Or insane. Probably both.

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

How about giving HIM the Wartburg and a $100 Harbor Freight gift card to buy tools?  What could possibly go wrong?

BRE Datsun (Broke Racing Effluence) formerly Dawn of the Zed Racing
'74 260Z
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/editpicture.php … 2559430584

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

MurileeMartin wrote:

You guys are all wrong. He needs to buy the cheapest Citroën SM he can find and a $9.99 Taiwanese socket set. Public transit only until it works perfectly!

I think a good starting place here would be to do a flush, fill and adjust of the hydropneumatic suspension in the SM.  I think you would really learn a LOT in this process (ie. absolutely how to NOT design and build a suspension).

Citroen - the only car I know of that has 19 screws in the windscreen base airvent, but only 3 bolts holding the wheels on.

"Chief Idiot" - Italian Stallions Rotary X1/9
Class Win (Bad) / IOE Win (Guzzi Fiat 600) / We Got Screwed / GRM Most from Least

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

As someone whose first two cars have been Chrysler minivans, I'd strongly encourage the purchase of a car where access to the engine bay is less impeded. The struggle should be learning how the parts fit together and work, rather than trying to work on parts based strictly on feel. (That comes later.)

15 (edited by rayofash 2009-08-27 11:22 AM)

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

Awesome, thanks for the advice. Would a Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, or Volkswagen Jetta be common enough for a repair job? Actually, looking through Craigs List a lot of the older models seem to be in good shape.

Edit: Ooo, a 91 Ford Escort.

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

Japanese cars are the easiest to learn on.  The Germans tend to overcomplicate everything.  If you buy a super common car like a Camry or Civic, you can scrounge junkyards to find anything you might need.  It will save you money.  I'd stick with a manual trans.  Autos get expensive to repair and are not for the home mechanic.  Also, 4 cylinder cars usually have more room to work.  V6s can be really hard to work on.

BRE Datsun (Broke Racing Effluence) formerly Dawn of the Zed Racing
'74 260Z
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/editpicture.php … 2559430584

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

rayofash wrote:

Awesome, thanks for the advice. Would a Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, or Volkswagen Jetta be common enough for a repair job? Actually, looking through Craigs List a lot of the older models seem to be in good shape.

Edit: Ooo, a 91 Ford Escort.

Honda is a great platform, and there are handful of HUGELY clever guys that get 450bhp+ out of a little 1.3L vtec.  Those guys are hard to get in touch with.  If you can find a good club, go for it.  Looots of go-fast parts.  Sadly, I find that when you ask a Civic tuner the difference between the Greddy and the AEM cold air intake, their reply is "well, one comes in blue and the other comes in red".  I had one guy ask me how many hp he'd get from installing an intercooler in his Prelude.  I asked him what turbo he had on it, and he replied that he didn't have one yet - and that would be his NEXT modification once he had the money.

Camry, meh.  Most Camry owners tend not to do their own work - so you'd need to find a Toyota group of friends who do this kinda stuff.

If you can get yourself into an older GTI, you're *golden*.  There's lots of knowledgeable tuners out there, good go-fast parts for reasonable prices, and active clubs that know what they're doing.

"Chief Idiot" - Italian Stallions Rotary X1/9
Class Win (Bad) / IOE Win (Guzzi Fiat 600) / We Got Screwed / GRM Most from Least

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

Jeff G 78 wrote:

Japanese cars are the easiest to learn on.  The Germans tend to overcomplicate everything.  If you buy a super common car like a Camry or Civic, you can scrounge junkyards to find anything you might need.  It will save you money.  I'd stick with a manual trans.  Autos get expensive to repair and are not for the home mechanic.  Also, 4 cylinder cars usually have more room to work.  V6s can be really hard to work on.

Awesome. Thanks for your help everyone.

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

I am biased, but if I were you I'd go find a cheap Fiat Spider, either a carbureted 69-74 or a 80-82 with fuel injection depending on the level of technology you want to deal with. You can get rusty Fiats for next to nothing, they are easy to work on, there is lots of documentation and support online, and parts are pretty cheap and easy to find.  And of course they're fun to drive.

Josh Poage
Poage Ma Thoin Racing - 1981 Fiat Brava #09 - 2009 Yee-haw It's Texas
Prison Break Racing - 1986 325e #27 - 2010 Gator-o-Rama
Poage Ma Thoin Racing - 1981 Fiat Brava #09 - 2011 Heaps in the Heart of Texas

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

My older British cars were the easiest, much easier than my German (BMW, Porsche and Opel) or Japanese (Honda, Nissan and Toyota) cars. I think that the British engineers understood that their automotive designs were going to need a lot of maintenance, both preventive and corrective, so they designed the cars accordingly. My older AH's, Triumph's and MG's were also very simple vehicles, which made it much easier to tear them down. Plus they look great and are a lot of fun to drive.

A guy that I worked with was into older VW Beetles, and from what I saw him doing, those looked easy to work on as well.

My American cars have varied from easy (My old Camaro) to nightmare (Any of my three Taurus/Sable's), depending on a number of factors. They tend to have a maze of peripheral (accessories, emissions, other sensors/actuators) crap surrounding the motor or have been designed such that maintaining the car is best done with the drivetrain removed.

Everybody grab your brooms, it's shenanigans!

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

kalpol wrote:

I am biased, but if I were you I'd go find a cheap Fiat Spider, either a carbureted 69-74 or a 80-82 with fuel injection depending on the level of technology you want to deal with. You can get rusty Fiats for next to nothing, they are easy to work on, there is lots of documentation and support online, and parts are pretty cheap and easy to find.  And of course they're fun to drive.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/1338848203.html

That does look like a nice project car. But that may be because of all the dirt.

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

kalpol wrote:

I am biased, but if I were you I'd go find a cheap Fiat Spider, either a carbureted 69-74 or a 80-82 with fuel injection depending on the level of technology you want to deal with. You can get rusty Fiats for next to nothing, they are easy to work on, there is lots of documentation and support online, and parts are pretty cheap and easy to find.  And of course they're fun to drive.

Yikes!  After working on 124 Spyders and many Japanese cars, I'd say the Fiats are not a good beginner car.  Yes, they are fun, but they're Italian!

BRE Datsun (Broke Racing Effluence) formerly Dawn of the Zed Racing
'74 260Z
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/editpicture.php … 2559430584

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

Keep your first car as simple as possible...avoid power accessories like electric windows, locks and seats until later...consider starting with an older 2WD Japanese pickup, particularly a Toyota. Very simple and robust, and when you buy the Big Project like that Citroen, you'll have a reliable parts getter for those Pick-A-Part runs....

Jim "Endo" Anderton
30 years of racing and still not Brambilla.....

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

You should get something similar to what most would want on the track, longitudinal engine, rear wheel drive, minimum six cylinders.  How about a 3rd Gen Camaro?

Aaron

1999 Astro (Green the Daily Driver) - 2WD, 4.3L, 3.23, 200k+ miles, FE2 steering
1997 Astro (Grumpy the $250 Rally Van) - AWD, 4.3L, 3.42, 330k+ miles on the orig eng and trans, $30 eBay fuel pump

25 (edited by rayofash 2009-08-27 01:26 PM)

Re: Where do I begin learning car mechanics?

What about engines? What does having more cylinders allow for? A 82-89 Lincoln Town Car for example has a 5 liter 302 V8 engine. Is this a good engine? It sounds like a good engine, it can take this 4,000 pound car to 60 in around 8 seconds, and Town Cars don't break down.

The 86-90 North American Ford Escorts have a 1.9L CVH straight-4 engine. The engine has 2 valves per cylinder which apparently allows for higher revs? It also seems to have amazing fuel economy.

Where can I learn the science behind this?

Edit: What's the benefit of RWD over FWD? More control over the vehicle?