So you want to graduate from oil changes to serious car repair. Welcome. But before you tear anything apart and find yourself in over your head, take these tips to heart.
You're a capable weekend car mechanic. You've got basic tools and skills. You've mastered oil changes and tire rotations. But when a big repair comes along, it's decision time. Take it on yourself, or call in a pro?
That's the choice I faced at the end of last summer, when my 1990 Mazda Miata suffered a crankshaft failure. Expecting a quick repair, I soon discovered the car needed a whole new engine—and I discovered this just after I'd disassembled it to the point that it couldn't be put back together.
Instead of paying a mechanic to mend my Miata, I decided to try replacing the engine myself. I did it—eventually—though I made plenty of rookie mistakes on the way. Here's what I learned.
You're a capable weekend car mechanic. You've got basic tools and skills. You've mastered oil changes and tire rotations. But when a big repair comes along, it's decision time. Take it on yourself, or call in a pro?
That's the choice I faced at the end of last summer, when my 1990 Mazda Miata suffered a crankshaft failure. Expecting a quick repair, I soon discovered the car needed a whole new engine—and I discovered this just after I'd disassembled it to the point that it couldn't be put back together.
Instead of paying a mechanic to mend my Miata, I decided to try replacing the engine myself. I did it—eventually—though I made plenty of rookie mistakes on the way. Here's what I learned.
Do Your Research
Aftermarket shop manuals are great for learning the tools and parts you'll need, but they sometimes read like a general overview (step one: remove radiator, front bumper, and windshield washer reservoir). Internet forums can offer detailed instructions and tricks specific to your car, usually with step-by-step photos. Unless you drive something really outlandish, there's probably a site like VWvortex or JeepsUnlimited to help you. But don't forget that Web forums, while helpful, are just Web forums. Get a factory service manual from your manufacturer if you're diving deep into a big repair.
Set Up Your Workspace
I started my teardown in the corner of my parents' two-car garage. I got all set to pull the engine when I discovered I had no room to maneuver my engine hoist. Even with two muscular brothers, moving a half-disassembled car was a masochist's game of Tetris. So don't make my mistake: Clear plenty of space before you start the job, and position your car for maximum elbow room. I found the best spot was right in the center of the garage, though not everyone in my family shared this view.
Expect It to Take Time
The first time doing a repair always takes the longest. Tinkering on nights and weekends, my adventure lasted nearly a month, far beyond what I'd anticipated. There were lots of trips for parts, tools, and advice, and times when sheer frustration halted my progress. Make alternative transportation plans before taking your car out of commission so you don't get fired when your Saturday project is still in pieces on Monday morning.
Original Article Found Here: 5 Tips For Tackling Your First Big Car Repair
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