DIY repairs - often better than the ones done by the pros

[aussiebushman]

Others like me who do many of their own repairs should take heart at how effective these can be. The key word here is "can" because this is not intended to be a criticism of the industry at large where the standards ar mostly very high.

I'm pointing to some of the simple stuff where a workshop may make a silly mistake in the way they utilise techniques that are bad engineering, lack of knowledge about plastic and/or metal fatique, galvanic corrosion, inappropriate fixings and so on. This where "life experience" on the part of an owner may be a better base of knowledge than where a mechanic is "fixing" something not covered by OEM part replacements.

A simple example is where a metal bracket that carries a non standard part is mounted to some conveniently located component. My P38 had the bracket carrying the Schraeder valves fixed to the side of the original valve block housing. The latter is certainly rigid enough to do the job, but NOT when pop rivets are used. Either through lack of forethought or (more likely laziness) it was much simpler to use a rivet gun than to use bolts and nuts, the latter being a fiddly job.

As the valves are used and since pressure is needed on the air line to make the connection, the holes in the plastic become worn and eventually give way.

Another example is where a radiator header tank has been fixed with self-tapping screws, instead of a metal plate. After a few Km of shuddering, of course the screws worked loose.

Enough whinging on my part and we are not even close to considering electrical repairs. Please, if you are going to make a DIY repair, think through the repercussions and do the job properly

[PeterH]

Interesting point, the way I look at it, I am invested in my own vehicle to make any repair as good as it can be.
While there are some great mechanics around, you don't really know who is working on your vehicle, it could be the first year apprentice.
When we do the repairs ourselves, we get to choose exactly what parts are used, we check everything as we go to make sure it's done properly, plus you know exactly whats been done.
And the one thing that's hard to quantify, the feeling of achievement when you fix your own vehicle!
It's a nice feeling!

[prelude]

I find this to be a double edged sword. Yes, I take more care of doing custom jobs and possibly on some standard work as well but some work is better done by professionals.

For instance, wheels, suspension, brakes etc. is often done with a rattlegun by the shop and I use handtools mostly and don't just whack on a nut "shell be alright". On the other hand, I can be fiddling with a bolt/nut/whatever that is in a tight spot forever where a professional has better tools, more insight/experience or simply more strength to undo that nut in that spot since he deals with such things everyday. I have by that time already stripped the darn thing!

But, yes, I agree that on average it is better to do your own work, more fun too!

Cheers,
-P

[aussiebushman]

Thanks for your comments. I agree that there are some jobs better left to the pros and my rant was not intended to belittle those who apply their knowledge, skills and experence as they should.

However, I stand by my opinion that plain ignorance, also "near enough is not good enough" are unacceptable when they affect things like torque settings, materials selection, potential for galvanic corrosion and so on. Most mechanics, for example, have never worked on a boat where such issues are frequently critical.

Auto electrical work is another potential nightmare waiting to happen, where the wrong gauge of wire, connections prone to vibration etc are issues not always understood by the average mechanic.

The rule is actually simple: If you have the knowledge and skills. then apply apply them. If not, choose your repairer wisely.

[BradC]

The rule is actually simple: If you have the knowledge and skills. then apply apply them. If not, choose your repairer wisely.

Which is great until you meet the person who doesn't have the knowledge and skills to know they don't have the appropriate knowledge and skills.

[shack]

Which is great until you meet the person who doesn't have the knowledge and skills to know they don't have the appropriate knowledge and skills.Dunning Kruger effect bites again....

In fairness probably everyone suffers from this at some point.

[austastar]

Most annoying is when you need a bloke with a ticket because of regulations, and you have to redo the job correctly.
Cheers