Nothing like the new ones.
Why Is It?
- Thread starter RustyRatRod
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MadScientistMat
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Thanks! I fixed the name now.Nice write up. I saved that link to my favorites.
You referred to FBO as FJO, probably ought to edit that.
Kendog 170
Let the boy go !
I've got a couple of 4" thick OLD Motors Manuals that were my dad's. Some priceless Info in those.
I live my life in diagnostics, everything I do I have to study on it, figure out what’s wrong, and fix it. My wife always says that I’m too analytical, and sometimes it’s a curse. I tend to hold grudges too long because I also analyze those situations too. Even when I’m learning new songs, I have to go over and over them to learn every part, every nuance.
As for cars, I usually don’t need the parts store for the older cars, I have parts stacked up to my ears. But if I do need new parts, I make damn sure that I need it before I buy it. And, I try to teach that to my son too. His old truck has those spooky moments that need to be thought out. His manner of going about things is to ask me, my manner of repair is to help him diagnose the problem and find the solution, then have him fix it.
I alway say that someday ill just short circuit from all the things in my head.
As for cars, I usually don’t need the parts store for the older cars, I have parts stacked up to my ears. But if I do need new parts, I make damn sure that I need it before I buy it. And, I try to teach that to my son too. His old truck has those spooky moments that need to be thought out. His manner of going about things is to ask me, my manner of repair is to help him diagnose the problem and find the solution, then have him fix it.
I alway say that someday ill just short circuit from all the things in my head.
Yep, Motor's for the win.
I had a friend in HS that had Chilton's.
I bought a Motor's at a yard sale after using them in auto shop class and we were blown away by how much better and more specific the Motor's was.
Plus there's the cool "identify the car and sub-model by the grill" section headers.
Chilton is a good second choice, though.
MopaR&D
Nerd Member
Diagnosis requires critical thinking which is difficult to teach. It's more like something that's "conditioned" over time and multiple experiences. I had a more shotgun-parts approach as a teenager when I first got my Duster but now I'll spend days or even weeks researching a problem before I pull the trigger on buying something. Also the necessity of having to save money due to limited budget forces you to diagnose as opposed to waste money on parts.
I'm just old enough now (33) to start noticing how "times have changed". At any given point in history most of the humans in any society are stupid and can't think for themselves (but they sure believe they can!!). What changes are the skills that are considered important or essential. I'm sure back in the 1930s the old train engineers were complaining how the dumb young guys didn't know how to keep up a steam locomotive and how diesel was ruining everything because of their relative simplicity. "Same ****, different smell."
I'm just old enough now (33) to start noticing how "times have changed". At any given point in history most of the humans in any society are stupid and can't think for themselves (but they sure believe they can!!). What changes are the skills that are considered important or essential. I'm sure back in the 1930s the old train engineers were complaining how the dumb young guys didn't know how to keep up a steam locomotive and how diesel was ruining everything because of their relative simplicity. "Same ****, different smell."
True that. As a service writer at the dealership, i turned diagnosis into a game and would add my prediction to the repair order. How times have changed. Complaint, cause, and correction is what everyone has gone to. No more fun. At the dealer you have repetitive symptoms and fixes. Many of the issues at the service desk are easily diagnosed because we have seen it over and over again. Thanks for that. That makes up for the hours (days sometimes) spend diagnosing a strange issue that has never reared it's ugly head before.
Wayyyyy back in the 80's, 90s especially I had the machine shop go thru many a motor, 99% big blocks. Usually a 30 overbore, you know the usual, new cam/lifters, all bearings, rings, everything. So a new engine. Most of these ran when pulled, some did not. 95% went went (the existing) with the points dist. New or rebujilt carb and new coil. And back then a repop engine harness was easy to order and cheap enough. (NOT thru Year! though). 95% of the time if I had an issue it was the only OLD part I tried too use, that was the darn old distributor! They all just "looked" to work OK. Never bothered to do anything otherwise. Good and new Mopar parts were easy and cheap enough back then.
Now days, a" new" or rebuilt dist. is a crab shoot.
I never have used MSD but I watch the RoadKill guys hit the highway with at least 3 spare MSD everything!!
Now days, a" new" or rebuilt dist. is a crab shoot.
I never have used MSD but I watch the RoadKill guys hit the highway with at least 3 spare MSD everything!!
Signetroar
horsepower rules,build to drive
As a former flat rate tech,you learn diagnostics are 90% of a job.It requires either hard learned experience or diligent studying combined with research skills as to where to find resources.All this adds up to work which seemingly many find too tedious in todays world,whatcha think?
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I have an MSD 6AL in both of my trucks, and I haven't had a lick of trouble with either of them. (OEM distributors, though.)
But like you I've seen the knuckleheads on Roadkill have troubles with 'em, so I bought a spare/back-up 6AL, and a coil, a couple years ago, just in case.
Well that and the instant gratification of a child. They want it now and on a silver platter without all the work. With FEW exceptions, flat rate was all I ever worked under, so you better have some diagnostic skills or go hungry.
BasinStBlue
Well-Known Member
Fuel pump or carb. Not which computer is it.
bcschief
Well-Known Member
A lot of this started with the internet, I warn people all the time about following internet advice. Diagnose the problem and fix the problem. Don't use the parts cannon, Buy a factory service manual ect. So many experts on the internet with parts cannon advice. Maybe we should post up some really simple diagnostic routines. Step 1, step 2.
Yup. The silver platter crowd won't listen. It's almost humorous.
I used to have certain people at work that would constantly ask me to diagnose what was wrong with their vehicle, or what did I think they should sell it for, etc.
I stopped responding to these questions and I don't give a **** that they are all pissed off at me now. Boo hoo.
I stopped responding to these questions and I don't give a **** that they are all pissed off at me now. Boo hoo.
bcschief
Well-Known Member
I would be asking for part of their labor time or if hourly I would ask the boss for a raise and to be retitled as shop diagnostic tech.
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