Automotive mechanic classes?

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Originally Posted by PLR

G`day ,

8 hrs a day five and a half a week after work on weekends adds up .

It`s often a surprise when it is obvious that basics are not understood .

I sometimes wish for the ignorance that a lack of knowledge gives .

May seem cryptic but i agree with you .

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How did you go? Did you find anywhere to go through the basics?

I wonder if a mechanic trained in this era of electronics would understand how to drop a dizzie in ..... Get the motor on TDC No1 compression stroke and set the timing statically. Very obvious if you understand what you are actually doing, but .... I don't think the understanding is often there (same thing with A/C .... I just use bang gas in all my cars).

I have got the software for modern PSA vehicles, but unless you know someone that works as a mechanic at the local poogoe/citroen dealier, trying to figure out which error codes can be ignored, and which ones are important is almost impossible. I try to stick to pre= 90s cars, fortunately they are the only ones that really interest me :)

There is a little MG on FB marketplace on the moment that would be fun. I've never played with a wooden framed car before. Maybe I'd need to learn how to tinker around with wooden frames [bigrolf][bigrolf]

[QUOTE=DoubleChevron;3212613]How did you go? Did you find anywhere to go through the basics?

I have books from when i did mech app they have the basics of how and why , principles , reasoning .

Understanding what you are doing-have done and the ramifications is not the same as doing and it works .

These books are 40-50 years old now , there are basics to be found in factory manuals ( Ford /Holden ect )

I have some XR XW XY XA ect and they have more basic stuff than newer manuals .

Ergo a library may be a good source of basics .

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Originally Posted by Astrid14

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone might recommend (other than owning one) courses that could help you become a better mechanic? Not really looking for anything formal or apprenticeships, but generally looking to learn more about the fundamentals.

Are there any courses/classes/garages that might be happy to educate ? Around Melbourne?

Very keen to learn more, any recommendations are welcome, from youtube to user manuals.

thanks :D

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As you can see Astrid, there is a lot of advice available.
Old cars are pretty simple.. newer ones require an entirely different approach/knowledge and tool kit! Does your car need work? or is it physically how an engine works?
Do you want to learn about building engines? Small engines?( think lawn mowers) Diesels? Tuning carbys? Reading spark plugs?
So many questions.. and from your point of view no wrong answers! No matter what you decide this place will probably have a resident Guru.. ( Land Rover Owners have strange hobbies...)
So many youtubers out there, and it is a valid research tool.

well I'm about to change the cambelt kit and throw a new water pump into my wife Poogoe RCZ ....


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachmen...arbox-rcz1.jpg

should I be concerned I don't have factory training though [bighmmm] Worst case scenario ..... I "just" crash the pistons into the valves. That won't hurt right ? [bigrolf]

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Originally Posted by DoubleChevron

[bighmmm] Worst case scenario ..... I "just" crash the pistons into the valves. That won't hurt right ? [bigrolf]

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Not unless you're leaning over it at the time.

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Originally Posted by DoubleChevron

well I'm about to change the cambelt kit and throw a new water pump into my wife Poogoe RCZ ....


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachmen...arbox-rcz1.jpg

should I be concerned I don't have factory training though [bighmmm] Worst case scenario ..... I "just" crash the pistons into the valves. That won't hurt right ? [bigrolf]

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Not sure how this helps someone who wants to be able to confidently go remote touring in a vehicle they have bought. Perhaps you should start another thread.

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Originally Posted by Astrid14

Hi everyone,
.............

Very keen to learn more, any recommendations are welcome, from youtube to user manuals.

thanks :D

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The book that explained a lot of the basics for me was "The AA Book Of The Car" from the original car club the Automobile Association, here is an Amazon review that sums it up.

"Whilst it is true that the book is somewhat out of date (1970), it still contains a plethora of useful and fascinating information, accompanied by clear diagrams and photographs. If you have ever wondered about the internal workings of the motor car - from brakes to epicyclic gear trains - this book will give you all the information you need. It covers everything, including an interesting history of the motor car, which shows the evolution and just how much things have changed over the years!

The AA did, also, produce another version of this book, (The AA Car Maintenance Course 1983) which came in the form of a small, plastic case (like a ring binder) and the pages could be removed. However, the main difference was that the diagrams and photographs were arranged as "pull-outs" where each section of a component lay under the previous one. By this method, you could accurately see what a component was like before, during and after dismantling. I don't know if you can still find one, but if possible, I'd look for this type, as it was truly excellent! It is a pity they didn't continue to publish, but that's progress!

All in all, this is a truly magnificent book, packed with detailed and expert information, which is a great way to start off if you want to learn to repair your own car. I know: it helped me and I still repair cars, albeit for fun!"

or if you prefer a US version.... Reader's Digest Complete Car Care Manual by Reader's Digest (1981) Hardcover

It is the aim of the Complete Car Care Manual to make care ownership as trouble-free and as economic as possible. A car that is well cared for will last longer and serve you better than a car that is neglected. Although the typical car lasts 10 years and 100,000 miles, you may get twice that mileage from your car by "overmaintaining" it-that is by performing regular preventive maintenance jobs at intervals shorter than the carmaker recommends. The book is divided into four sections. The opening and closing pages deal with general money-saving advice. Chapters 2 and 3 illustrate the mechanical components of cars and explain how they work. Chapter 4 through 6 deal with the maintenance and repair of your car-this is the heart of the book and the section that will help you keep your car running better and longer. The glossary explains how much of the technical jargon that mechanics use. Reader's Digest has produced this book with the full cooperation of the major auto manufacturers and importers. The editors, consultants, and contributors have traveled to the automakers' training center and test tracks in North America and abroad.

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Originally Posted by POD

Not sure how this helps someone who wants to be able to confidently go remote touring in a vehicle they have bought. Perhaps you should start another thread.

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Oh I didn't realise we were talking about preparing a vehicle for remote travel. I thought it was just started by someone that was keen to tinker with cars. I still think, just get out there an do it [bigrolf][bigrolf] Its the best way to learn :)

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Originally Posted by POD

Not sure how this helps someone who wants to be able to confidently go remote touring in a vehicle they have bought. Perhaps you should start another thread.

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The OP asked about learning fundamentals, not how to prepare a car for a 12 month lap. He doesn't even have a car yet. Reading the original question helps.

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Originally Posted by Tins

The OP asked about learning fundamentals, not how to prepare a car for a 12 month lap. He doesn't even have a car yet. Reading the original question helps.

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Reading the OP's other posts helps also.