I have discovered a serious flaw in my survival skills, I welcome advice?

[KirkMcquest]

Hi,

Since I got my homestead and have been working on becoming more self reliant I have discovered some strengths and weaknesses. One glaring weakness has come up time and again;

My automotive knowledge is not adequate. I mean I can fix breaks, replace hoses, batteries and easy stuff like that but there are so many things that I am clueless about. I bought the haynes manual for my truck and in many cases it just isn't enough information.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't think there are many classes near by,...any videos or books that might help me?

I have noticed that the 'country folk' around here are amazing. These guys can fix anything using junk parts, scrap metal, whatever. Not sure I'll ever be that good, but I'd like to work on it.

[Bull]

Tell the country folk you want to learn more. Tell them you would like to help if they want when someone does some other work on something. Ask a bunch of questions. You can find some decent books out there that are good to have for info on the theory of operation of different equipment and systems, or other technical info. That can be a pain to find though, but they are out there. I can't think of anything specifically automotive related, but google millwright and mechanics guide, and you get something like this: (Amazon.com: Audel Millwrights and Mechanics Guide (9780764541711 ... 6 reviews - $23.98 - In stockAmazon.com: Audel Millwrights and Mechanics Guide (9780764541711): Thomas B. Davis, Carl A. Nelson: Books.) That has all kinds of info in it about everything from steam plants, hydraulics, framing metal buildings, welding, etc, etc. A ton of good mechanical and electrical info. I just am not familiar with any automotive specific sources of info. You could start looking online at carcraft magazines article archives. Carcraft is great and they have a bunch of good info in their articles. Most other auto magazines would be good also, but you might have ten articles that are about something you don't care about to every one that you do. You might not want to build a 650 hp stroker engine whatever, but it's still a good source. I hope I helped.

[Klayton]

Ah the Haynes manual, my shop teacher called them "parts replacement guides" LOL

You need to chuck out some serious cash, anywhere between $75-250 for a "OEM service manual". This is NOT an Owner's Manual!!!

The service manual is on digits now, so even better if you are somewhat computer savvy. The service manual is what your mechanic uses for everything from simple where the heck is the windshield wiper motor located, to what is the proper wiring for the onboard chip, and common troubleshooting techniques.

This will vastly improve your ability to do some more self repairs. But a word of warning, modern vehicles rely heavily on computer diagnostic equipment. For complete self reliance, an old structurally sound car with a new crate engine is the easiest thing to repair and maintain. Just take your state's pollution guidelines first, as for me if the car is over 20 years old it's level of emmission testing (smog testing) is almost non-existent. They never look under the hood. :)

[Klayton]

Oh forgot, most high schools have "adult training" during evening hours. Check your local high schools and find out which one offers an adult automotive class. :)

[KirkMcquest]

Thanks guys for the tips. I will shell out for the service manual, definitely. I bought a ford f150, older ( but still fuel injected) because what little I have done was on a ford and I think they are easier to work on than many others.

I think I should be able to take apart and put together anything that I rely on.

[Klayton]

Oh one suggestion I learned the hard way on while working on the mrs' vette. Print or make copies of the section you need of the service manual and take that to the garage. Its better to get your copy all full of greasy fingerprints than the expensive manual. :)

[Gordon]

A camera is your friend. Take photos before and during repairs to help remember where stuff goes back. Or in my case, to see where to put those parts that are left over.