beachrog

I'm often disappointed by my Chilton and wondered if I would find more useful information in an actual Factory Service Manual.

It just seems like anytime you have a serious enough issue to reference the Chilton, it just states take it to a professional.

These manuals are somewhat pricey, has anyone ever used one? Do they offer more information than Chiltons?

http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2...1L1G4SQGQ8ETW0

Headnsouth

I personally don't like Chiltons and use http://www.haynes.com/
Factory are real nice and have a ton of info but you'll pay out the wazoo.
I might be able to help with factory info for your C/K if you give me some info.

'97ventureowner

Check on eBay once in awhile. You can find great deals on factory service manuals for most makes of vehicles. I've purchased them over the years for many of my vehicles and I don't think I've paid over $30 for any of them. You have to be in the right place at the right time concerning bidding and getting a lower price. Much cheaper alternative than buying them from other sources.

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Thought for the Day… Alcohol does not make you fat - It makes you lean... against tables, chairs, floors, walls and ugly people.

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bigcoconut

I love the Helm factory books. I normally keep my cars well past there warranty. I have the Helms book for my 92 Silverado and my 99 Venture. I went to the website to purchase them both. Actually, I had a 91 Siverado before and the manual is for a 91 but the manual works great for both (same body, etc. I just have to watch out for some electrical differences, usually very minor.

Somewhere between 92 and 99 they went to chicken speak, but they are still very usefull. My Venture manual requires a little more time to locate the info but it is there, and with pictures, man I love pictures, pop-ups would be nice but they haven't thought of that yet.

In a nutshell, the better the info the better the job will be. With my Venture, nothing is easy to get at so having the manual really helps me plan the job better, a lot less cussing, not totally eliminated, but less.

__________________
"Yes I have a truck and No I won't help you move your stuff..."

2008 Kawasaki KLR650 2500mi (fairweather commuter)
1992 C1500 Silverado 235,000mi (daily, not so much anymore, driver)
1999 Venture 120,000mi (moms vacation bus)
1989 Dodge Ramcharger SOLD, Yee-Freak'in-Haw

MT-2500

Factory repair manual or a cd repair manual are good.

Or the All data online sub. has all factory repair info and TSB's
But it is just a one year sub for 24.95 a year.
With a plastic card and 10 minutes online you are set to go with it.

http://www.alldata.com/products/diy/index.html

AZ sells All Data and has a some of the info on there web site.
Good Luck MT

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beachrog

I subscribed to Alldata for the 1 year on my truck. It isn't the easiest thing to navigate at times and I found some of their step by steps go somewhat overboard. However, it was quite helpful for a couple of projects I did, for instance, replacing the turn signal switch, that was very helpful.

I suppose I'm just looking for that resource that is all inclusive and don't know that it exists. Last night I had to call my step-father again who is a mechanic and say, "Sorry to do this to you, but I have my weekly truck diagnosis question for you." He's always more than happy to help, but it'd be nice to have a resource where I might do a better job of finding things out on my own rather than harrassing him.

I think I'll check ebay out and see if I can get a good deal, if not, I may just bite the bullet and get some new manuals.

j cAT

I think I'll check ebay out and see if I can get a good deal, if not, I may just bite the bullet and get some new manuals.[/quote]

i have never regretted purchasing the factory manuals. I have saved many times the cost of the manual. and as your vehicle gets older if you study and with proper education to help you along you will know more about your vehicle than the dealer tech's..........

bigcoconut

Good point on the Dealer Techs, dont' forget they exist. I've bugged my local Chevy dealer and AC/Delco shop with questions and they've always been very helpful. I also found this really cool website where you can post questions and get responses from a bunch of folks who have had the same problems you have. It is really helpful, try AutomotiveForums.com... HAHAHAHA

__________________
"Yes I have a truck and No I won't help you move your stuff..."

2008 Kawasaki KLR650 2500mi (fairweather commuter)
1992 C1500 Silverado 235,000mi (daily, not so much anymore, driver)
1999 Venture 120,000mi (moms vacation bus)
1989 Dodge Ramcharger SOLD, Yee-Freak'in-Haw

j cAT

the down side of factory manual is you are not supplied with tsb and other changes I have had this occur so sometimes the manual is wrong......If in doubt double check info......