Why I don't work on cars

[crokett]

The van burped some coolant this weekend and left a large wet spot. Not a big deal - I've had it happen on other cars. There were a couple more spots the last few days I thought were the rest of the coolant dripping. Last night was checking fluids before our trip and the tranny fluid was very low. Crawled under the car and there was a leak at the fitting for the cooler.

I thought about fixing it. I had visions of bloody knuckles and much blue language so I brought it to my mechanic this AM. Showed him where I thought it was leaking. Walked back to my folks house and drank some coffee. He called in about 20 minues minutes to say it was fixed and it was a different fitting than I thought it was. He'd also gone around and tightened the rest. He charged me 15 bucks to do that and rotate the tires. I paid him 45. A good mechanic is priceless. Having LOYL not worry about her car is even more so.

[LinuxRandal]

A lift REALLY helps, it's amazing what one can do with the proper tools. With a lift, your not crawling under, trying to see everything, if you can. The suspension relaxes, and allows everything to droop (for lack of a better term), to where you can see if a drip is coming from something higher.
I do my own stuff, but then again, I worked for my family mechanic for a few years when he was short handed (helped him through a rough spot). We were broke into a few times (that ALWAYS hurts) and some tools disappeared, when I left there (always told to come back, even if just for a visit), I left both some duplicates and specialty tools, on the understanding that they could either be stolen, or if he retires and sells the shop, I will get them back first. A few weeks ago, when my fuel pump died, I had the vehicle towed down, and was told to borrow the shop, they stuck around to help me drop the tank, and wouldn't take any money for the help (so I bought lunch the next day). Good to have friends like that, and appreciate them, just remember, though, they aren't a miracle worker. (got out because I saw the bad side, I got to track down electrical gremlins that others couldn't, I wasn't the last call, but the most turned too). ("can I get an oil change?", brings car in for a quick change, before appt arrives, then "OH, I also need item: 1,2,3....27")
A good mechanic, appreciates a good attitude.

[Greg.B]

Tools, its all about TOOLs....but we all already know that !

[Ed62]

You're right. A good mechanic is priceless. Any chance of sending him my way?

Ed