DIY and value for money

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

The real trick to satisfying DIY work is to be selective about what you 
decide to do. For example I swore never to do brakes, shocks, or exhaust 
components ever again after doing several of each. The professionals have 
the tools and the hoists to do these jobs much more efficiently than I can. 
Of course, if you like doing any of these then go for it, my condolences on 
your unusual interests!

If you have time then you can save a lot of money. You can also justify 
using top quality parts if you donate your labour. If you enjoy the work 
then it makes sense to divert time from other pursuits to the DIY car 
repair work. However, if you do your own work it is important to know what 
you can do cost effectively, and what you are doing because you like to do 
it. Mechanics should be doing the rest.

I have also given up oil changes even though it is a simple, time saving 
and satisfying DIY job (kind of like washing or waxing the exterior or 
vacuuming the interior, cleaning the inside of the engine is satisfying) 
but around here we now have to trek off to a special oil dump to "recycle" 
the filter and old oil. So, by the time I buy the oil and filter and then 
trek off to dump the old, there goes the time saving, and I also have to 
store the drain pan etc. Even the oil containers must now be "recycled" in 
an environmentally responsible manner.

Spark plug renewal is still a DIY pleasure, the engine runs so much better 
with new plugs. However, on the Alfa 164  V6 the rear bank is a literal 
pain I the neck to get at.

Engine drive belts now benefit from use of tension gauge and experience 
with the V6 to ensure long component life.

So, I replace power seat switches, check the oil, and spend most of my DIY 
time diagnosing the trouble for my mechanic so as to keep the costs down. I 
still change over the winter tires, as it is still time effective, though 
perhaps not truly satisfying work. I do use this time to examine the 
brakes, CV and tie rod boots, and generally inspect the undercarriage of 
the car twice per year.

Cheers




Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta,Canada
91 Alfa 164L
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