Becoming a Mechanic or just Old

[Scout63]

It seems like the little things that mark your journey as an amateur mechanic.  For me it was the other day when I realized I was more concerned about over-tightening a fastener than under-tightening it. Another was today when a roadside breakdown became an interesting puzzle to be looked at slowly rather than a hassle. I stripped off my gear, returned a few work calls and then went looking for the problem. Maybe I’m just getting old and philosophical.

[moto-uno]

 As long as these things don't p*ss you off , your gonna do just fine as a home mechanic  . Peter

[Stretch]

.......I realized I was more concerned about over-tightening a fastener than under-tightening it.

Yep - you're definitely getting older! 

I still swear when the bike has an issue, so I've got a little ways to go until
I'm as serene as the Budhha.............


                                                 -Stretch

[OldMojo]

You're winning at life when you can think your way through a job to the finish, anticipating all the little clips, bits and flavors of goops and fluids you'll need.

If you can complete a job without a trip to the parts house, nirvana is within your grasp.

The first level of enlightenment is achieved when you embrace the concept of keeping a stock of windshield wipers.

[centauro]

It seems like the little things that mark your journey as an amateur mechanic.  For me it was the other day when I realized I was more concerned about over-tightening a fastener than under-tightening it. Another was today when a roadside breakdown became an interesting puzzle to be looked at slowly rather than a hassle. I stripped off my gear, returned a few work calls and then went looking for the problem. Maybe I’m just getting old and philosophical.

I don't think so; and I say this based on a compilation of my whole life experience. I have been behaving like you since I was 20 years old, and I attribute it to my 25-year long USAF career as an aircraft mechanic, followed by 8 more years as an A & P mechanic on General Aviation aircraft, while also wrenching on my bikes and all other types of equipment all these years.
You see, when you work on planes (as well as on cars, motorcycles, and bicycles) any overlooked and seemingly unimportant maintenance detail has the potential to lead to catastrophic consequences.
So, it becomes an obsession to care about improperly torqued hardware, fluid leaks, chaffed wires, damaged hydraulic lines, and just about anything else that gives you that feeling of not being correct or functioning as it should.
It is a state of mind, and I would surmise that that alert state actually keeps your brain functioning well into old age.

[Moparnut72]

I do as much work as possible considering my abilities on everything I own, because I am cheap. MG content.
kk

[mechanicsavant]

Ah , grasshopper. When you can walk the speedy dry without leaving a footprint & snatch these flat washers from my hand , then you may leave Shou-Ling  garage !

[lucian]

Like all things in life knowledge is a quest. If you are truly interested in performing a job right, seeking the knowledge to do so becomes the first step. The info age we live in has made  the process soo much easier. We are fortunate to have so many pro's on this forum that are willing to offer their expertise to help us weekend warriors.  I was lucky as a youngster to work a few summers at a local golf course . I ended up working in maintance along side two life long mechanics that could fix literally anything. They taught me how to sharpen rotary blades and gang mower reels. We rebuilt gearboxes and  drive shafts . Stripped down and painted many different machines ect.
 Kenny , the old man taught me to 1- always find the right manuals 
                                                   2- always make sure to acquire the right parts and tools necessary
                                                   3- Always clean whatever you work on before you start
                                                   4-  cover all raw internal parts with an oiled rag if left exposed and plug and cap any open ports or lines
                                                   5- don't skip steps and know when to take a break.
                                                   6- And don't ever touch his manuals without washing your hands first
  I ended up in charge of the golf cart maintenance and most were electric back then. Did lots of of battery changes and charging duty. Tires and switches ect. I much preferred working with Kenny in the tractor garage but no one liked doing the carts so I was the chosen one. My last summer there the Harley gas carts started arriving and the members all wanted those. They were much better on the hills and a lot less time to maintance.  All I had to do with those is change the oil , gas em up and clean them. I think all of the electrics are gone now but with the EV craze I imagine they will be back.
I am still grateful for the experience and the chance they gave me to learn. I've been fixing my own bikes and equipment ever since . And I still enjoy it . Soo important to share what you have learned along the way with those who seek to learn. Kenny worked at the course garage well into his eighties. We are truly fortunate to  cross paths with people like him.

[usedtobefast]

I have walked a reverse path.   

I started riding at 11.  I could not afford a nice motorcycle so I would buy a "junk" motorcycle and had thrills with getting it to run.  It helped that about 4 other kids in the neighborhood were in the same situation, so we would get together and help each other out. 

I still remember the day I bought a new knobby tire ... friends came over, there was a lot of struggle to get the old tire off and new on ... and then we proceeded to take turns ripping up my parents yard!! 

On any ride a break down was sort of expected ... and then it was comradery as we sorted out the issue and got going again ... or towed/pushed the moto to the nearest house for more tools.

As I got older and had more money, I got nicer bikes.  Mechanic work became adding accessories, tires, oil & filter, brakes, etc.   

Last year, at age 60, I rode my BMW into a dealership and had them put new tires on it while I had coffee and watched motorcycle race videos in their lounge.  First time in my life for doing that!  And, it was kind of nice! 

[moto-uno]

  ^  Must be nice to be sooooo young  , and laden with soo much spare cash  ! Guzzi content , as they say .  Peter

[Canuck750]

I am still at the stage of not considering every fault a major catastrophe. How many times have I started to dive into a motor to find it was a loose connection, a blown fuse, a sticking fuel tap …?

[Tom]

If there was a shop that did competent work at a reasonable price, I'd use them.  No such animal here.  The local multi-brand price gouges on parts, service and the work isn't competent.  They have a monopoly and don't care about the service they provide.

Wrenching on your own machines is required if you want to be on two wheels.   

[bigbikerrick]

I have always felt that good mechanics are" Born" not "made". If you have what it takes, you are a "natural" .  If you love solving mechanical issues,and you feel good doing it, and feel much better after, knowing you did it right,and can depend on the repair, you are a "zen mechanic".  Some of the best mechanics I have had the pleasure to know, have all been self taught types. some of the worst, have always been school trained and certified types, with all the fancy patches on their shoulders, etc. Most of the bad ones hate their job, and their main motivator  is  their paycheck,and leaving work at the end of the day.
Rick.

[n3303j]

If it's a planned repair there is a joy in mentally rehearsing the procedure before the actual performance. Fixing stuff is fun!

The procedures use enough personal resources that it blocks out all the other crap that can make a day annoying. You are in the task at hand and it is your world.

If you can't fix it, clean it. You would be surprised at the number of solutions that become obvious when you break away from the solution path and just wander around removing dirt. And if you don't fix it,  the the guy who does will appreciate working on a clean machine.

Focus on a solution and often you are caught in a path (sometimes an unproductive one). Step away from the task and your view of the problem and posdible solutions widens.

[Moparnut72]

I find that if I step away from a problem for a day a solution appears the next day. I think that my subconscious brain works on it during its off duty hours. Through the years it's amazing how many times I have had the answer in the morning. Sometimes it's wrong but at least it is something new to try.
kk

[larrys]

Started twisting wrenches at age five or so. Dad had me help him build my first bicycle. There was no money for bikes, Dad brought dead ones home from the dump and built them from parts. After that it was outboard motors. Same thing, would get a couple dead ones and build a runner from the parts. Was a weapons mechanic in the USAF, they beat it into our heads that things were to be fixed/built correctly the first time... No do-overs. I still find working with my hands mentally cleansing. When I'm deep in a project, my brain finds a "groove" and the work just flows.
Larry

[Scout63]

I am still at the stage of not considering every fault a major catastrophe. How many times have I started to dive into a motor to find it was a loose connection, a blown fuse, a sticking fuel tap …?

I still do that.  I just replaced the electronic ignition system on my 860GT to solve a random dead-engine-won’t-start problem.  Two weeks and a thousand dollars later I realized that the 32 pumpers flood the engine if I touch the throttle when starting it warm. It just won’t fire until I clear it out. Now I keep my right hand on the seat.

A few years ago I tore my v50 to the flywheel trying to find a right cylinder cut out.  I had just forgotten to install the idle jet on that side.

Ignition problems really are fuel problems.

[CoolBreezeBreva]

My hat's off to you! I don't think I could fix stuff by the side of the road in 101 degree Louisiana temps

[slowmover]

[Huzo]

I think as you age, you become more of a teacher.
The longest term student you’ll ever have is yourself. In (almost) every one of those responses, I detect a high degree of philosophical introspection and a peaceful turn of phrase.
It’s one of the few good things associated with getting old…

[n3303j]

I still do that.  I just replaced the electronic ignition system on my 860GT to solve a random dead-engine-won’t-start problem.  Two weeks and a thousand dollars later I realized that the 32 pumpers flood the engine if I touch the throttle when starting it warm. It just won’t fire until I clear it out. Now I keep my right hand on the seat.

A few years ago I tore my v50 to the flywheel trying to find a right cylinder cut out.  I had just forgotten to install the idle jet on that side.

Ignition problems really are fuel problems.

We all do that sometimes.
Now that we're older we realize that the cost of our mistakes is just "tuition". Some classes are very expensive, others not so much.