I need some help

[samoan_tuner]

Hi, i have been getting into cars lately and wanting to fix up my own car some day. Where should i start off by learning the basics on car engines, i dont mean to sound noobie but i have been wanting to work on a car with my friends. Is there any good websites giving basics or where should i start. If i could get some guidance it would be very helpful.

Thank You

[jdmccright]

Glad to hear another one interested in learning about cars and how they work. They are truly marvelous machines. Even better that you get to practice on someone else's car!

First thing I would suggest is buying a service manual for the vehicle(s) in question. Hopefully it isn't an exotic type...they can be very frustrating and expensive to work on for even simple repairs.

If you're hanging out with other motor heads...ASK QUESTIONS. Ask if you can help with the basic stuff...oil changes, brakes, air cleaners...then gradually up the complexity of the jobs.

Next, go out and get a good set of basic hand tools...hand wrenches (with both closed and open ends), socket sets with 1/4" and 3/8" drive (and 1/2" if you can afford it...certainly a breaker bar!), screwdrivers (flat and Phillps, at least 3 sizes of each), allen wrenches (or hex keys), a spark plug socket, and a set of pliers (normal, wide jaw, and needlenose). I'd also say get a pair of vise grips, but they can be misused and cause more damage, so be careful. A soft faced mallet Craftsman, Great Neck, and Stanley all make decent starter tool kits. Don't scrimp here...crappy tools will just make the work harder!

I would also highly suggest a work light, a magnetic retrieval tool, and an extendable mirror tool. Eventually, you will no doubt drop a bolt way down and not be able to see or reach it. These are cheap and are sanity savers. A fender cover helps prevent paint damage as you're leaning over to work. You could add a torque wrench but they can be pricey so hold off until you need one or borrow from a friend (treat it like gold!)

You will probably need a basic stock of fluids, oils, grease, spray cleaners, etc. I don't think any mechanic around here could be caught without at least a can of WD-40 in their tool box, though there are arguably better products. Carb or fuel injector cleaner, brake cleaner are also common.

Finally, when you're about to do a job, prepare yourself by reading up on the repair procedures and familiarlize yourself with the steps, the parts, fluids, and time involved so that you know you have what you need. If something looks complex or you may not remember where all the hoses would go, take a digital picture or two.

I'm sure I've left out alot, but hopefully this will get the ball rolling...hope this helps!

[globalworld]

Fixing a car is not so easy but i think learning basic thing is good attitude at least we do not have to pay for extra money for the mechanic.

[Brian R.]

Other stuff that is absolutely necessary:
-A hydrallic jack (at least 2-ton capacity) that can lift a pair of wheels off the ground. A SUV needs a high-lift jack.
-Good jackstands to support the vehicle after you've lifted it with the jack. (Never rely on a hydrallic or bumper jack if you're under the vehicle). Sears has sales on jack/jackstand combinations quite often. Don't get cheap on this set.
-A digital volt-ohmmeter for testing circuits.
-A lot of shop rags or paper towels.
-A 3 gal or more capacity drip pan to collect oil/fluids.
-An oil filter wrench to fit your vehicle. I like the socket style.
-A couple of extension lights that have long cords to see what you are doing.
-A tube of anti-seize compound for coating bolt threads going into aluminum.
-A grease gun if you have a truck
-A fluid pump for filling transaxles, differentials, transfer cases
-Funnels for oil and transmission fluids. The transmission fluid funnel must fit into the dipstick tube.

I'm sure there are more....

[Hungrycat7]

An automotive technology course at a local community college can really help. You would be able to get the basics without paying a small fortune.

[Brian R.]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automobile.htm

[somick]

I am surprised that nobody mentioned another side of the topic: personal satisfaction. How great it is to hear a running motor. How wonderful to realize: I did it! I can do it too! This is the best filling on Earth!

Sam

[quincyguy]

You might consider the military; the best training and guidance you could want,
and a paycheck.
Many a tradesperson out there earning a nice livelihood got it by doing a three-year hitch serving Uncle Sam.
A tour in a Navy SeaBee outfit will prepare you for anything, and you can have some fun, too.
Very best to you, young man, with your whole life ahead of you.

[optimaPlus]

One time I was thinking about becoming a self motivated mechanic who thought to be feeling comfortable with messing around with all the parts with own hands. Bought manual from eBay and started to dig... you know what, I gave up on brakes cylindars after spending 3 hours of struggle, with black and gray dust on my face... Not trying to discourage you, but just wanted to say that IT IS HARD WORK... If you're looking for theoretical knowledge only, I'd say try your local community college classes, as they have real good program...