Working on Engines

[niceguyeddie]

Everything you need to know is always just a click (or 5) away.

Yep.
The internet is awesome! I wanted to replace ball joints, tie-rods, axle support bearings, seals and etc on my truck. I watched a guy do it on YT and was ready to rock and roll. I typically refuse to pay people for things I can do myself. I also find spinning wrenches to be very therapeutic.

[2manymustangs]

Yep.
The internet is awesome! I wanted to replace ball joints, tie-rods, axle support bearings, seals and etc on my truck. I watched a guy do it on YT and was ready to rock and roll. I typically refuse to pay people for things I can do myself. I also find spinning wrenches to be very therapeutic.

^^^ What he said... ANYtime I have to have to do a new project (like changing front hubs on my ford truck) or my recent valve spring repair adventures on the ford 4.0 SOHC...

The internet is usually my first stop when I have to do anything NEW to me...

[RVRKID]

I can work on most my stuff, probably not rebuild a motor w/o some help but could get pretty close. I always just watched over my Grandpa/Dad/Brothers shoulder and it got me along pretty good. They got rid of Autoshop at my high school while I was there or maybe just before so that sucked. As far as oil changes on our cars, I take them in because you don't really save anything by doing it yourself nowadays and most come with free tire rotation.

[Sharp shooter]

As far as oil changes on our cars, I take them in because you don't really save anything by doing it yourself nowadays

I do my own oil changes because I like topping off the new oil filter before installing and I like knowing I tightened not only the pan nut (not stripping it) but also the filter myself.

[Stainless]

I do my own oil changes because I like topping off the new oil filter before installing and I like knowing I tightened not only the pan nut (not stripping it) but also the filter myself.

same reason I do also, you forgot to mention the lubricant engineer's mind is about 10% on your car and 90% on whatever 18 yo's think about.


CH3NO2

[wannabe]

I build my own stuff. Started out slow and kept my eyes on the guys that knew what they were doing. (Pro stock, comp elim, NASCAR, etc.) Pride and thinking you know it all will ruin you in the early stages of learning to be an engine builder. Keep your eyes open and be as observant as possible in the pro pits.
Now I can build an engine that makes power and lives. It ain't rocket science. But, if you knew anything about rocket science, you would know that rocket science isn't rocket science either.

[niceguyeddie]

^^^ What he said... ANYtime I have to have to do a new project (like changing front hubs on my ford truck) or my recent valve spring repair adventures on the ford 4.0 SOHC...

The internet is usually my first stop when I have to do anything NEW to me...

I also figure that even if I have to buy new tools like I did with my recent project (ball joint service kit), it beats paying someone labor. Now I have the tool to do it again someday.

[2manymustangs]

I also figure that even if I have to buy new tools like I did with my recent project (ball joint service kit), it beats paying someone labor. Now I have the tool to do it again someday.

Yup, when I built my first Harley around 1986 I bought some SNAP ON brand tools for the compensator nut/tranny input shaft seal/primary drive system... BIG stuff, 3/4" drive (sockets, removable handle breaker bar, removable handle wrenches) and it seemed like a TON of money at the time but 25+ years later I have used those tools MANY times for my second harley build and many other tractor projects and such...

AND I can/could say that I built them all by myself...

A balljoint service kit is absolutely a handy kit to have in your toolbox...

[The Doctor]

My dad didn't even change his own oil but I loved all things mechanical so I "experimented" until I learned some things by trial and error. As my sons were growing up, I built a handful of Camaros and they thought I was really something. Since that time, they learned so much more than I'll ever know that I'm only allowed to sweep in their shop while they build engines. They have their own dyno room and build everything for our boats, drag cars, etc. in house. Here's one corner of their shop.

[gn7]

I think I recognize Dr Frankenstein, Jessica, Fat Sam and Bannister.