RE: <MISC> DIY versus Professional Work

[BOBINYELM@xxxxxxx]

I used to believe that practically any job could be done by a DIYer with a 
decent manual, but then I became aware that not all folks are wired the same, 
or have a "feel" for such things.

Having grown up the son of a professional mechanic and garage owner, I guess 
I learned a lot of what I know by "accidental ozmosis" and just never figured 
I had any special knowledge not held by everyone. Though I now earn my living 
as a professional person, I greatly enjoy working on things, have a shop 
equivalent to most independent (non marque affiliated) shops, and also hold 
an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate as well as that of Inspection 
Authorization, which allows me to work on and inspect US registered aircraft.

However, I have friends who when attempting the simplest jobs have made 
horrendous mistakes. One chap carefully read the manual on how to remove and 
replace the hubs and rotors on his 320i. He did the job exactly as stated, 
but after torquing the spindle nut to 30 ft lbs or so as the manual 
instructed (to take up all play in the wheel bearings prior to setting the 
final proper play), he neglected to back the nut off prior to fixing the nut 
in place. The result was cooked bearings and ruined hubs and spindles. 
Fortunately he stopped driving before the bearings seized completely and 
thereby possibly averted a bad accident. This guy is a very smart person, but 
he didn't have the "common sense" that comes from exposure to this kind of 
work. The mistake was made not just from carelessness, but from ignorance of 
the conditions of operation of the components concerned. 

Now, this same person just completely restored his 1967 MGB-GT after complete 
disassembly of the vehicle and most of its components, including the engine 
and suspension (and I mean complete). During the process he asked for lots of 
advice from knowledgeable persons and has turned out to be a pretty good 
mechanic. The bottom line is that while most enthusiasts are capable of doing 
most of the work our cars require, they are best advised to learn not only 
the specific task required (as from a manual), but to understand the most 
basic processes involved in auto mechanics, and possibly have the vehicle 
inspected after their efforts. 

This type of skill takes some time to learn, and while not beyond the 
intelligence or abilities of any of us, it is essential for the safe repair 
of our vehicles. I am sure most of us at least know someone who would be glad 
to take us by the hand while we learn the new skills necessary for our 
avocation. I hope that those without prior experience do seek out the advice 
that will make them capable of the repairs they seek to perform.

Bob

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