This year I have not had much time and even less money to do anything to the Trans Am, let alone put fuel in it so it put it lightly, it sucked.

Sometimes though I get the itch to work on something and it could be as basic as an oil change or filter change to slugging a cam in a car or removing stuff. At this point just getting to work on stuff is a nice thing especially when its not broken and just doing the upkeep. I always get a good feeling when doing that.

For me I had 2 cars to work on.

-2007 Chevy HHR
-2000 Buick Century

-The Buick was easy as I did he ball breaking job of plugs and wires last year, discovered it had a bad water pump (80k miles) so we did everything from stem to stern between filters, fluids, brakes, serp belt, coolant service, and light bulb changes (front and back), wiper replacement.

This weekend was just new wipers (twice a year thing), top off coolant, de-icer washer fluid, and cleaned the MAF, vaccume, and wash.

**Being a 80k mile car over 10 yrs old all the speakers are blown so I have some Rockford Fosgate replacements coming in, still a stock head unit but better then blown GM garbage.

- The HHR was a little more involved as these cars have "common issues" so being that I read the forums you kinda are aware of things when they start happening.

I had a small coolant leak and the main culperate is the thermostat housing as the rubber o ring generally craps out and lets a small amount get by, and recently you could hear "a water fall" in the dash when it was cold. Being 5 years and dex cool, I decided to swap it out and do the thermo as some people have the issue of it failing all together and getting stuck. Also figured it was time for a new air filter and oil change as well as wipers.

This is a 2.2L Eco-tech and my first so it was cool learning about it but with the HHR it has a goofy intake track set up as its above the motor and the 3 mounting points are a pain to get to as well as the intake elbow being almost welded on to Trottle Body (never removed in 38k miles). Also discoved the oil filter is just the element and its cast into the block from the engine bay.

With some manuvering of the harness and disconnecting some sensors to get at the thermo. I drained the coolent from the radiator, and then popped the thermo housing and got a good amount out. Replaced and put the housing back in place. Ran a 50/50ish combo of Prestone (mixes with everything), and distilled water and up to temp perfect. No bleeders on these car but the car was on a incline.

Lastly the air filter was a PITA and most likely never removed since new it had 8 t-25 torx bits and I was wishing for a small air tool.

The car needed zero matience before, and at the time the dealership did all the oil changes since it was free until out of warrentee so now I get to do all the fun stuff.

I guess in general it just felt good to work on stuff thats not ultra critical where it needs to be fixed before Monday and its 8 pm Sunday night and we dont have the "part" so I was wondering if anyone else gets that feeling. Keeping the skills sharp helps as well so anyways, Feel free to share your exp.

 

You're right, when things go well, and you don't run into issues, it is one of the things I enjoy doing most. I like wrenching in my spare time as it's a complete 180 from my career as a scientist in many aspects, but also very similar. I have always enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together.

It's when **** happens like snapping a bolt that it frustrates me and makes me feel guilty and wonder why I couldn't just leave well enough alone.

 

Agreed, and thanks for the response. I think we always think about the bad times lol.

On HHR my wife just mentioned it felt low on power and with the Throttle body set ups, its a common issue of getting carboned up from the EGR and I will have to go back, clean, wipe, and have the PCM relearn since its all Drive by Wire.

I think though I am going to have to get a All Data subscription as that car has no Chilton or Haynes manual out yet....

 

Haha, I could break a bolt just by looking at my car. Seriously, I count on breaking or stripping something everytime I work on it. Everybody makes fun of me because I can break just about anything. I have the luxury of never being in any hurry as I have a bunch of vehicles, so it isn't like I need to fix it today. I think that helps alot, because sometimes you just want to get the gas and matches. A very love-hate relationship, LOL.

For me I enjoy making parts that I need or doing something unique that I havent seen on another vehicle. That gives me the biggest sense of accomplishment. Some of the routine stuff, like spark plugs on an LT1, can be the most frustrating. But there is nothing better than knowing that the job is done right. I don't think I will ever be able to let someone work on my vehicles. Even taking it to the dealership is a crap shoot anymore.

Anyway, happy wrenching

Ryan

 

Not having the right Parts

That reminds me of a story (I probably shouldn't tell)

Bought new front brakes for my wife's old POS '92' mini van.

Put it up on my two post lift, removed all the brakes and found out the parts were wrong.

Parts store said they had to order new parts, wouldn't get them till following Monday.

Was up-set, put tires back on (without brakes) and rolled in out of garage.

Week later (no help to push van) opened the door & tried pushing myself.

Got the bright idea of starting the van and popping in gear to help. (door still open, helping to push)

Tried to stop car with foot emergency brake (in gear), didn't work and hit my work bench (door still open)

Quick threw the van in reverse (door still open) and ripped the van door off on the lift post.

Returned the brake parts, called a junk yard and had it towed away.

 

i never think about the bad times. if i did I don't think i'd every turn a wrench again. its always nice when your done and know that the money spent could have been a lot more if you were paying a shop.