I want to learn about car mechanics

strat_640

Dear all,

I am new to boards and as such, this will be my first posting! The reason that I joined is to try and find information concerning car mechanics. I currently work in a full time job as an Elec Engineer (thankfully!!!) but I have a desire to learn about car maintenance, strip down engines etc. I would only be looking for something along the lines of one evening a week course as a part time thing, more of a hobby than a career.

I am in Dublin and as such, would require the course to be in the Dub area (south side). Should anyone know of anything happening, please let me know.

Thanks

Strat_640

Best way to learn about stripping down engines to to buy an old car and take the head off Owners forums and a Haynes manual and many hours and you'll learn a lot.

Night courses in car mechanics are generally fairly crap and just cover oil changes and pads etc.

strat_640

Totally agree, nothing like learning old school but sadly, living in an apt limits the amount of space I have plus the fact that I would need a lift and a load of other stuff that I really can't fit anywhere!! Courses on break pads, oil chafes etc could b a good start, mite b able to ask if they have an advanced course or something?!!

strat_640

strat_640 wrote: »

Courses on break pads, oil chafes etc could b a good start, mite b able to ask if they have an advanced course or something?!!

Indeed
I reckon though as you are an engineer and more than likely a smart chappy you'll eat such a course. Most centres of adult education run evening courses in car mechanics, 'tis been a while since I lived in Clondalkin so I can't really offer any specific advice. I think you'll struggle to find an engine strip down course or anything that advanced though.

The Muppet

Your Local independant mechanic may be interested in aquiring a free pair of hands to help out at weekends, Couldn't hurt asking.

strat_640

Could be a good idea alright, granted in this day and age the local mechanic could be looking for me to pay him!!

How much would the FAS course cost?! Im guessing that would b pointless as it would prob be a full time course only for something like 4 years!! No use really I guess!

strat_640

strat_640 wrote: »

How much would the FAS course cost?! Im guessing that would b pointless as it would prob be a full time course only for something like 4 years!! No use really I guess!

FAS isn't there for folks with full time jobs as electrical engineers.

biko

There were a few suggestions in this old thread but as James said, an old car that you can work on is the best.
Or offer to help family & friends out when their cars need service. You can extend the services to bleeding brakes/flushing coolant/cleaning MAF/ throttle body etc.

Youtube has many tutorials and tips vids. You can also subscribe to people like www.youtube.com/user/EricTheCarGuy etc.

strat_640

Yeah, I guess that is prob the only way available at the moment. Might try and ring a scrap yard and see if they mite let me play with an old car. Gone are the days of watching your old man doing his best to keep the car on the road!! Granted mite be case now more than ever!!

strat_640

strat_640 wrote: »

Gone are the days of watching your old man doing his best to keep the car on the road!! Granted mite be case now more than ever!!

I dunno about that, I reckon there is still a decent lash of people doing their own maintenance. My Dad always got the car serviced in a garage until I started doing the basics for him.

strat_640

I think ever since my da knocked over the bin full of oil he swore never again!! So much for father and son bonding time!!!

El Guapo!

Start by messing about with a car if you can. Its the only real way to learn. Reading about it is great but if you can actually SEE how something works its even better.
Get a haynes manual for your car and read up on it. Since your already probably fairly technically minded as an engineer, you might want to have a look at this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0748780823/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0748705317&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1B1EP6JGS1BBPT4HBPWX
Its the book we had to buy as an apprentice starting off and has just about everything you'll need to know.
Also check out Youtube. Theres plenty of "How to" videos you can look at. Try check out videos by "Eric the car guy". Some of his vids can be decent enough.

strat_640

Cheers, will have a look at that. I guess that most of my "car" knowledge is based up on petrol cars and since i now drive a diesel, things are some what different (injection, no spark plugs etc.). I think its just a case of feet first. Just a bit scared of going in feet first and ending up to my neck in a car with no breaks!!