>If you can't figure out how to get the bonnet open on your car and change a
>set of sparkplugs (not said HAVEN't - said CAN'T) then the RRO list is a
>great place.
But you know we all need to start someplace. The first time I tried to
replace a set of spark plugs I was so clumsy with socket wrenches that I
ended up breaking the top off a plug when the socket slipped out. Then
soon afterwards I was driving down the road and heard a big bang followed
by rapid banging. Ends up I did not tighten a plug enough and it came
loose and popped put of the hole while I was driving. I just kept trying
and over time figured out how to successfully change a set of plugs.
I learned on a simple car. It was intimidating enough before the days of
SMOG equipment on a basic V8. I think if I were to get a newish car I
too would be afraid of what I saw under the bonnet.
I once borrowed my bosses wife's Sunbird when I had both cars down for a
week. The starter motor went out. SO I grabbed my tools to pull it and
run down to my local auto parts store for a replacement. You know it
took me a long while to locate the starter motor among everything? And
when I did all I could see was a little edge of the motor.
Luckily the car was under extended warranty and the dealer fixed it for
free. One needs to remove the fuel injection manifold & its assorted
hangers on to get to the starter motor. I believe they said the book
showed 4 hours for the operation. That included setting up the fuel
injection again. SO much for the thought of removing two bolts, a couple
of wires and pulling the motor.
I'm not sure I can handle much of anything on something newer than a '74.
I'm not about to blame someone with a new coiler that can not work in
their engine bay.
I'd be a lot more apt to do any hierarchal judging based upon off road
driving skills and experience including, knowledge and adherence to tread
lightly principles, recovery and safety knowledge. I always thought
there should be merit badges for demonstrated off road skills.
TeriAnn Wakeman If you send me direct mail, please
Santa Cruz, California start the subject line with TW -
twakeman@cruzers.com I will be sure to read the message
http://www.shadow-catcher.net <- Photography for sale
http://www.overlander.net <- Web directory for Land Rover
http://www.cruzers.com/~twakeman <- My personal web site
"In the world of type A & type B drivers consider me a type C gypsy
traveler. Destinations are optional and not necessarily desirable."
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Fri Jul 06 2001 - 12:40:14 EDT