Need Advice from Mechanics/DIYers
 

Hello,
I am an avid car enthusiast but lack any auto mechanic skills :(. I am a network engineer by profession but would like to work on my own car during my free time. Can any of you please provide me with some insight as to how I can go about to learn how to fix my own car and also what the best way is to get some experience without destroying my car? I also thought of getting formal training but can't seem to find a place that is close enough to where I live. I would like to focus on Mercedes/BMW engines.
How did you guys learn how to fix cars?
Thanks in advance.

Certainly one way to start is at the bookstore or library with books on general automotive repair. Also try to get a service manual on your car. Then just dig in, starting with the easier jobs. I've learned from personal experience that when you start dong more complex jobs it's nice to have a relationship with a good natured mechanic willing to clean up your errors and omissions.

Re: Need Advice from Mechanics/DIYers
 

Trial, error, and necessity (lack of funds).

If you want to get into engine internals, see if your local vocational school has night classes.
If you want to learn on your own, get a cheap project car, and tear it apart. Better to learn on something you are not depending upon to get you to work on Monday!

Also, selecting a model that has really good manuals available for it would be a good choice. A model with a lot of room to work would be helpful as well. Finding a good machine shop is key for engine work.

Best of luck.

Read on manuals and books or browse through the "search" feature in this forum for anything you need to know. I used to own Japanese cars and didn't have any clue on German cars. Although I know how to fix cars, a Benz is a Benz.

Like what Nike says, "JUST DO IT"

Good luck ;)

If some one wanted to become and engineer, what would you tell him. Start with the basics. And study.

Go get a copy of "Car Repair For Dummies" Or the "Idiots Guide to Car Repair". Start here. Once you have a basic grasp of the mechanical setup of a car. Buy a SAE automotive study book such as "Modern Automotive Technology" by James Duffy. This is a book to prepare to take the SAE automotive certification test. It will explain various sections of the car in general detail to prepare someone for the SAE test.
This will be a reference book. Then you increase your knowledge towards your specific car. Its not light reading, but your not taking the test. Certian sections I have re-read for more knowledge. Other sections I have just skimmed for general knowledge.
Lots of diagrams, pictures and exploded diagrams to explain various systems.
It is expensive. $75-100. But a great sorce book.
Look at it at Barnes and Nobles or and book store.

As posted above, get a $100 beater and take it apart. Them try to put it back together. Thats how the majority of the people on the forum learned. A knowledgable freind will also be an asset.
Jon the Mercedes Benz Club Of America. Each month we have "do it your self" sessions at various auto shops. Go, watch and ask.

Dave

I started out with a Haynes manual and an Alfa Romeo (my first car).

The Alfa gave me a really hard time so I was lucky coz I had to learn how to keep it running everyday!:D

Cheers.

One thing not yet mentioned is that you have to like doing it... at least like it enough to feel good about the savings from doing it yourself. If you don't like doing it, all bets are off.

All us DIYers scrape our knuckles, wrestle with bolts that won't budge, and invent new swear words, but once we wash our hands we have a feeling of accomplishment on a job well done and feel good about the money we saved. That's what separates us from the people that would rather dish out their hard-earned money to have somebody else crawl under the car.

Start by getting a good repair manual and then begin by doing basic things like changing oil,plugs,trans fluid, fuelfilters and such
Just remember to read everything at least twice and keep in mind mistakes can be expensive.
Good luck

I started by hanging around a guys garage untill he gave me a part time job. That was 7 years ago. Now I know just enough to be dangerous. Lots of fun, part time. I could'nt do it full time, it would take the fun out of it for me. steve

Tools are very important. If you have the right tools, it can make a big difference.

Before you commence with any automotive repairs you must first consult the knuckle gods. Privately you must let them know you are willing to sacrifice the flesh from your knuckles in order to gain mechanical wisdom!

I vould vecomend getting a VW bug, or a Rabbit/Scirocco to begin your on za job training. Haynes company produces zome great materialz for tzese products and it vill break you into ze German vay ov doing zings!

I vould stronlgy suggest you study za viring because it iz consistent through all ze German carzzzzz! Besidez zat is vhere you vill fiind za most fun vhile vorking on ze carz.

Always use the right tools
 

Always always always use the right tools. Get both metric and standard tools of everything, from sockets to allen wrenches, hex bolts. I always buy Craftsman tool, some people use Snap On but,I can't see the not using Craftsman when you can just walk right in and buy them from the store with the lifetime warranty, which i've used many time, sometimes right in the middle of a job..
Once again buy as many tools as you can. The price of the tool is nothing compared to what the shop will charge to do the same job.

Peter

I second the notion of having the right tools. They make all the difference in the world. My collection has grown substantially since undertaking projects on my 190.

One of the things that has always helped me is a "gas engines" class that I took in high school. It really focused on the basics of how an engine works. Pistons, crank, cams, timing, the four strokes, spark, coil, basic electronics, etc. It provides a basis for the stuff specific to your car.

We completely disassembled/re-assembled a Ford flathead V8.

You might see if there is something like this at an adult ed or community college in your area.

Helpful
 

It is also very helpful if your "study car" is not your daily driver so that you can take your time (and correct mistakes) as you go along.:D