RJS
Jedi Warrior
Offline
OK, some of you may have just seen my post titled "Calling all TR4A's". Fortunately, I solved an oil leak issue caused by an under-qualified "British mechanic with 30 years experience".
Ugh, I need to vent.
Over the past 10 years I have been forced to take-on more of my own work on my Triumph because of lousy mechanics. Fortunately, I really enjoying learning and working on my car. It's a great aspect to the hobby. But, if I may, let me list the "issues" I experienced:
1. PCV valve fitted incorrectly leading to crankcase pressurization and huge oil leaks
2. While bleeding the brakes, spilling brake fluid all over my fire wall and battery box..subsequently eating all the paint off
3. Installing incorrect size u-joint on drive shaft. Result, dropping my drive shaft on the Merritt Parkway at 65 mph!
4. Adjusting my carbs sooo rich that I suffered a hot start problem for about a year (it was like having the choke on all the time). The excessive cranking led me to kill:
a. starter
b. battery
c. starter solenoid
Oh, then there's the constantly trying to sell me new parts I don't need. Typical call: "I have your front brake calipers here on my bench. The pistons are all frozen. I can have new ones here by tomorrow and installed for $250 each plus labor". What?! I brought the car in for a routine service and oil change. The brakes are fine, put them back in! Four years later, brakes are still just fine.
Anyway, the past few years I have taken on almost all service and maintenance myself. I find that I really enjoy it, know it's done right and save money. Triple bonus.
I have to say thanks to BCF and thanks to all you guys (and gals) for your great advice when I am tackling an new issue. It has really helped me solve a lot of issues and enjoy my car even more.
Bob
Ugh, I need to vent.
Over the past 10 years I have been forced to take-on more of my own work on my Triumph because of lousy mechanics. Fortunately, I really enjoying learning and working on my car. It's a great aspect to the hobby. But, if I may, let me list the "issues" I experienced:
1. PCV valve fitted incorrectly leading to crankcase pressurization and huge oil leaks
2. While bleeding the brakes, spilling brake fluid all over my fire wall and battery box..subsequently eating all the paint off
3. Installing incorrect size u-joint on drive shaft. Result, dropping my drive shaft on the Merritt Parkway at 65 mph!
4. Adjusting my carbs sooo rich that I suffered a hot start problem for about a year (it was like having the choke on all the time). The excessive cranking led me to kill:
a. starter
b. battery
c. starter solenoid
Oh, then there's the constantly trying to sell me new parts I don't need. Typical call: "I have your front brake calipers here on my bench. The pistons are all frozen. I can have new ones here by tomorrow and installed for $250 each plus labor". What?! I brought the car in for a routine service and oil change. The brakes are fine, put them back in! Four years later, brakes are still just fine.
Anyway, the past few years I have taken on almost all service and maintenance myself. I find that I really enjoy it, know it's done right and save money. Triple bonus.
I have to say thanks to BCF and thanks to all you guys (and gals) for your great advice when I am tackling an new issue. It has really helped me solve a lot of issues and enjoy my car even more.
Bob