changing parts

George Miller

George Miller

Well-known member
I see on here all the time people changing parts to fix a engine. That is like going to the Doctor and he gives you differnt kind of pills tell he finds the one that fixes the problem or kills you. Every engine has a symptom for each problem. If you change a lot of parts, you might fix it or make it so bad that no one knows what is wrong. There are parts changers and there are mechanics. Why not learn to be a mechanic.
 
George, I definately agree. Been bending wrenches since I was eight. Got my A&P certificate in 1992. Since then I have worked on aircraft and industrial equipment. Now work on electric forktrucks for a living. I often read posts here and ask myself "what were they thinking?" when they replace a part that likely had nothing to do with the symptom. Rod
 
Not everyone is mechanically inclined (my wife for one!) and may have never-ever tried to repair a car of any kind until they bought the Model A they had always wanted. There is a great resource on this forum, best advise is to ask here first, change parts last.
 
The suggestion that all barn members become mechanics is unrealistic. Remember this is a hobby not a profession. Even most mechanics nowadays ars replacement artists. The mechanics should be your target group, not the hobbyists. Wayne
 
Nothing replaces troubleshooting before anything is changed. Understanding what the results of the troubleshooting makes all the difference in the world. Often problems are the small parts, not a whole subassembly failure. Case and point often a problem such as a starter not working is just a dirty communtator and people send the whole starter out for a rebuild. The person rebuilding it cleans the communtator, installs new bushings and paints it. Then makes an easy $100. Rod
 
Art Newland said:
Not everyone is mechanically inclined (my wife for one!) and may have never-ever tried to repair a car of any kind until they bought the Model A they had always wanted. There is a great resource on this forum, best advise is to ask here first, change parts last.
Click to expand...

Art pretty much summed it up...
But what gets me is they always go for the MODERN LISTED style parts like points etc...
Like this thread

http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193280&highlight=Modern+original
ASK FIRST
 
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You don't need to be a mechanic. You just need a little common sense. Diagnosis first. Replace failed parts second.

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Mac_4 said:
You don't need to be a mechanic. You just need a little common sense. Diagnosis first. Replace failed parts second.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Tell that to the mechanics in the dealerships. The mechanics are the biggest offenders. Many if not most mechanics know how to replace and rarely fix. Wayne
 
Same goes for modern cars and the OBDII code readers when the check engine light, or some malfunction occurs. I have heard that some parts stores no longer lend out code readers because customers would use them, see an o2 code for instance, and simply replace the expensive o2 sensor expecting the problem to be fixed and then be back later because it failed again wanting their money back and upset when the cause might be a vacuum leak. You don't replace the gas gauge when it reads empty do you? :D Always start with the easy stuff. Is it timed correctly? do you have spark? pull the fuel line, do you have fuel flow? One thing at a time until the problem is diagnosed and solved.
 
Excellent point, George. How many times have we seen posts that go like this: "Car won't start. I replaced the distributor, coil, battery, radiator, headlights, spark plugs, and the front bumper, and it still won't start. HELP!"

Then someone answers and says, "Did you turn the gas on?" And the OP comes back and says, "That was it! You guys are geniuses!"

Many, many times, a solution is very simple, if a guy will just relax, ask questions, think about things, go slowly.
 
'There are parts changers and there are mechanics. Why not learn to be a mechanic.'
end quote

The 2 tend to go hand in hand. Becoming a mechanic is a long learning experience. Some experiences good, some not so good. Most mechanics [ and folks] I know still learn something every day, its never ending.

But, I understand your point.
 
In days of old there were butchers and now there are meat cutters, there used to be mechanics and now there are part replacers !
 
For the beginners, I always refer them to the old blue Motors books manuals for the sections on symptoms and fixes. Lots of them in old book stores. The year does not matter. It's all universal to the four cycle engine so long as the years relate to carburated engines with points and condenser ignitions. And for Gods sake, if your going to guess, change only one thing at a time so you can learn from your experience.
 
How many times have we seen this on Fordbarn? Car running rough, changed carb with one that ran fine 5 years ago and has been on the shelf since. Still won't run right. Reset timing even though it was set near perfectly by the best mechanic in the club less than 300 miles ago. Now won't start at all. After some questions on the barn, replace the condensor and properly set the timing and put the original carb back on. Problem solved. Could have all been avoided by checking for a good spark to begin with. Just an observation and no disrespect to people this has happened to. Just no replacement for troubleshooting vs guessing. Rod
 
So...how many of the "expert" mechanics here when their computer doesn't work just turn the power off and on instead of solving the specific software problem ?

Helpful, kind words to a new Model A owner are much more useful than just running them down because they are new to the auto world.

Marc
 
I couldn't agree more, everytime you replace the wrong part the problem becomes more complicated.

If this is all new to you come here first and ask.

I own an electric shop and people come here after replacing parts and want me to help. It becomes difficult when 3 or 4 unknowns are introduced.
Years back a guy came into the shop and said he replaced the alternator, voltage regulator and battery and it is still overcharging. I looked at it briefly, went into the shop and loaned him a 7/16 wrench. Said tighten up the bolt on the back of the valve cover where the ground strap is connected.
He asked what he owed me, I said you have paid enough. BTW a slant six, common problem.

I have learned much reading this forum. The people here are unbelievable.
Could you image not having this?
 
I take it to someone who can work on them and pay the bill at the end of it and smile. While I can do alot with troubleshooting the lifttrucks I work on with 7 computers, as many as 40 sensors and a 4" thick maintenance manual, I draw the line working ony PC with anything a virus scan and disc cleaner will not fix. In turn my local computer expert brings his classic car to either my buddy or I when it needs more than new plugs and wires. We all have our place in this world, that is just how it works. My comments were never meant as an insult to anyone. Rod
 
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