I'm about an 8. Used to be a 9 but I've cooled off in my old(er) age. Fortunately I usually cool off in about 60 seconds.

Unfortunately this is probably one of the biggest things keeping me from moving farther up the food chain at work. Well that, and my lack of skills and initiative ;)

I get as high as 7 in the madness scale, I know when it is time to stop and regroup, as most here. When working on a car I constantly control myself to work slowly and meticulously to avoid messing up. Working on the 911 is rewarding if the work is of high standard, done otherwise it results in anxiety. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/wat6.gif
jose

OK, now you're trying to take all the fun out of it!
I have a 3 beer rule. Once I crack my third, its time to start winding down.
After the third, its clean up time.
Good thing I don't live in WA or CO!!

I don't work on my daily drivers. My project cars are something I can walk away from at any time and I don't have to worry about it getting me to work on Monday. I buy/lease newer cars for daily drivers with a warranty. The downside is the incompetence of most dealerships is a maddening exercise sometimes. Fortunately I have kept my daily's new enough that all they need is oil changes.

I was a fleet mechanic for 8 years at my company and did a lot of brake and clutch work because the field service techs beat the living scheit outa those trucks. That used to make me angry seeing all those burned-out clutches that probably saw 1000 degrees. Getting them apart was always a joy...not. Now I mostly do training and supervising and I always tell them "when you hit a wall, remember you just have to be smarter than that clutch/water pump/caliper".

Fast forward to last week where I was replacing a pump impeller and seals. A job I have done a thousand times but this one was really in tight spot and getting any wrench in there was a pain. Sure enough one of the housing nuts falls off and slips through a worm hole into the 4th dimension never to be found. Thankfully I had a spare in my tool kit. I get her all back together and everything looks great, turn it on and water is leaking everywhere. The housing gasket had slipped out of position while I was trying to get tools into this tiny space. OFFS!!!

Deep breath, you can do this thing, back to square one, be meticulous in your method. Three hours to complete a 1 hr job but it is done and it works. Miller time!

I don't enjoy working on my cars anymore. I was never very good at mechanical work but simple things like brakes, struts, oil/coolant lines, oil changes, etc...were fine.

Oil changes - last event pretty much took me to level 11. First up was my 996 - super gravy job. Back car onto ramps, drain oil, replace filter, refill oil. 20 minute job tops. Next up my son's 2000 Ford Explorer. No need for ramps, drain oil, replace filter...struggle with the filter for 30 minutes. Break out the useless filter strap I bought at Autozone and still no go. Rest my arms for an hour and try again. Succeed only in bashing my elbow and gashing my hand. Over 2 hours effort and the old filter still mocked me. I end up leaving the filter in place and filling with fresh oil. The following week I take it to a local shop to have them pry it off and finger tighten a new one. Sure I could have put a big screw driver through the old filter but with my luck that day I would torn up the filter and still not removed it = a tow to the shop.

If the job is expected to be hard I rarely get mad. Easy oil change on a Ford Explorer turned nightmare = mad.

I had a college roommate who did a tune on his 5.0 Ford Mustang. Car was running fine but he was bored. Went to replace the spark plugs and ended up snapping 2 off in the head. Talk about mad. ;)

The only car repairs that make me mad involve places I can't reach because I'm too old and fat, tiny parts that disappear into bad places, and bolts/nuts that won't come loose.

Over the last 4 years I rebuilt my 911 into a track car, only to see it get destroyed when I finally got it "perfect". :(

I bought a clapped out MkIII Supra and turned it into a Chump Car.

These weren't quite challenging enough, so I just bought back my 1st sports car, a 1970 240Z that I will rebuild into a Bob Sharp IMSA GTU clone, assuming I live long enough.

It's better than sitting in my chair, waiting to die.

This is key. If you have the luxury to do non critical jobs when you are in the mood, it can be a great way to pass an afternoon.

Jealous.

That is the sound of experience.

THIS PICTURE RIGHT HERE!!! I have suffered much agony at the expense of rear porsche banana arms!!!!

Thanks everyone for the comments- I was away from the computer today and EACH of these comments made me laugh out loud. To come back to 3 pages of stuff is awesome.

And the comment about volvo's being easier to work on than 944/951- priceless!

I will now prepare to drive my jack legged 2wd cross country though an impending snow in Monterey Va. tomorrow(Rick V will know this area). Wish me luck:D!

I've never had a problem with Volvos (RWD / early '90s) and 944s before. BUT they never had much in the way of stuck or frozen bolts and seemingly had acres of space in the engine bay compared to other stuff I've had the displeasure of working on.

I think a friend's 03 Saab with a 3.0 is the worst. The entire thing is assembled with bolts unique only to that make and there is zero space anywhere. If you're lucky you'll be able to see what you want to get at but you'll be stumped trying to figure out how to get a hand or tool in there. Unrelated to the car, the engine compartment was thick with brown widows last time I had a look.

I'm dreading the upcoming transmission replacement on our '92 Volvo 960. It's RWD, in theory there should be enough room to reach all the bolts, but jacking such a large car up high enough to remove and replace the bad part freaks me out. I'd be a lot happier if the car was on a lift of some kind.

Oh man, can I ever identify with this.

I used to do ALL the work on my cars... I couldn't bear to spend $500 to have someone else replace a clutch or redo suspension parts etc.

My approach is different now. Generally, I know what is wrong with my cars, and usually know the scope of the work. I won't take it on myself unless I get a quote first. Depending on how much it is, I usually ask myself if it is really worth the time, effort and frustration to save that money. If they are going to charge me $300 in labour to replace the rear shocks on my wagon, and I'm reasonably sure I can do that on a friday evening in the garage with a couple beer, then maybe. But if it's been a busy couple weeks and I'd rather be on the deck drinking beer, then no.

I've worked really hard to separate the maintenance of my daily drivers, from the HOBBY of working on cars. I get very little satisfaction from changing the ball joints on an '04 Chevy Silverado. I've done it, and it's simply inconcievable that I would do it again. I'd far prefer to pays someone, and use my time sailing, playing with the kids, or laying on the couch reading car magazines. Heck, I'd rather be at work.

On the other hand, working on either of the 911s is an absolute escape and something I look forward to, nomatter what the actual task is. It's time I enjoy, and even if I spent a whole day saving $100 in labour, it wouldn't really matter. I love getting to know the car and their idiosycrasies. I like the idea of getting to know them really well and repeating the same job later, maybe on another one, with ease and aptitude.

I love having a 911 torn apart with a to-do list taped to the window, and plugging away at it at night when everyone is tucked in. Sometimes I do it in the day and take calls and work with a headset on. I very rarely get cranky doing it, because generally I'm not under any pressure to get it done.

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Occasionally, I still find it very convenient to be able to work on my "normal" cars in a pinch, even if I don't really want to. Diff cover leaking on my truck, can't get it in the shop for another week... may not WANT to do it, but it sure is convenient to be able to have the truck working that weekend. Rear brakes on the wagon need to be replaced before a roadtrip, and the shop is booked solid? Again, sure is nice to not have to wait. Those would be exceptions.

the Ladies Volvo is having this issue/ bad flame trap...
which of course is down there in hell..
and you've confirmed the probable journey and outcome..
I'm going to save myself the grief and anger...
and spend the $$$...

Rika

Used to be 11 but it takes so much energy often with little payback. With German & Celtic genetics I was wired for raging anger but have worked at changing my responses no just outwardly but feeling less inside. Intense emotions can put on hard miles with undesirable consequences. So, maybe 2-3 now, relatively speaking. Tranquillo hijo.

I've discovered the most difficult/hair-pulling/pacing/swearing jobs were originally the smallest and simplest.
Given that, I'm rarely disappointed by my low expectations these days.

I agree that I used to get a lot more frustrated than I do now. With that being said, I DD my 1992 Mustang, but do have my truck as back up if need be. So I can walk away, and this makes a huge difference like everyone is saying.

Funny story, I put a new radiator in the Mustang and wasn't getting any heat, so I got a new thermostat and went to pull the water neck off. Of course I had to remove the distributor to get a wrench on one of the bolts. It spun and the timing got all hosed. Doh! I called my twelve year old daughter out to the garage to have her crank the key once I got it TDC etc. I showed her how to step on the clutch etc. SO back to the front of the car I'd go and tell her to crank it. It would start and run for a second and then die. For the life of me I couldn't figure it out. I could hear the fuel pump relays going on. Thinking I accidently knocked something I investigated for a while then had her start it again and it did the same thing. Hmmmmm.... Long story short when I would tell her to stop turning the key, she wouldn't just let go of the key, she would turn it back to the off position, thus killing the pumps and ignition, etc. HA! We both had a good laugh at that and I felt like an idiot.

I still enjoy working on everything and will continue to do so, but dang I need to get my garage heated. I miss that from my old house.

Bill

I walked away from the demon wagon 2 weeks ago and it is still sitting broken.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1422048234.jpg

I used to do almost all my work myself and enjoyed it. Now I have lost all interest in working on my cars and they are suffering (especially the Porsches as they are too special for just anyone to work on). I just wish I could find someone local to do it for me at a reasonable price that will not screw it up.

Well, the nice thing is once you subject yourself to getting your hands and bank account torn up, you can leave car alone for awhile- it's got it's 2nd life after you fix the bushings, leaks, damage from things the PO screwed up, etc. etc.

What makes it nasty is selling the car after all the $$$ and blood you spilled on because-

YOU GET BORED.

rjp

Demon wagon is for sale in the spring (if it doesn't kill me or blow up)

Working on cars is no longer fun for me, its work.

My 26 y/o Son is taking the Targa to Salinas as I type this (250 miles), he and I fixed the autoheat last night, a problem with the plastic ball and socket that pops off under the black box between the front seats. My first search on PP was on that issue, and it was a simple and great fix. The fix is simple, but at almost 61/y/o with OK eyesight and progressive lenses, its still tough to see what you're doing.

I love my 08 Camry Hybrid with 95K miles. The only things its had are fluids, filters and tires. The plugs are supposed to be changed at 120K miles and I watched a youtube video and it looks pretty easy, everything is on top of the engine.

Yep. Did that for 10 years on my first '74 911... then a high school kid hit me and totaled it. I just can't get that same enthusiasm with it's replacement '74 (although I started with a much better car in most ways). Now I see why there are so many barn finds of cars that were started and never finished.

I bought an '89 to use as a daily driver...but it is so pristine that I am almost afraid to drive/park it.

I haven't lost my temper working on a car in a long time........right up till I bought an 04 Ford F-550 4X4 with a 6.0 diesel. Had to remove the turbo to get at the Y pipe that was leaking (common problem). About an hours work just to get to the turbo which is conveniently wedged between the top rear of the motor and under the cowl. This was 2 weeks ago and my arms are still scabbed up from the tips of my fingers to my elbows from trying to reach the F'n bolts and clamps on EVERYTHING. My chest is even bruised up from having to lay across the top of the motor to reach stuff. I was seriously thinking about cutting a hole in the firewall to gain access from in the cab.
Not a Zen like experience.
I'm quit sure that if you take one of these to the Ford dealer the first thing they do is lift the cab off to work on it.

Good dad.
(but remember you are upper management now ;) )

I do get frustrated and drop F-Bombs but only in my head! I think this came from a few experiences
with a mechanic that I went to for years. Sometimes I would get there a bit early and he would say
"Just finishing it off-take a seat" So I would sit down, leaf through a few car mags and just wait. Invariably it would happen- everything would by quiet and then " What the F**K!" followed by this
explosion (all this to himself-doesn't seem to realise I am 10 foot away) "Its always the f**ken same" "Every f**ken time" "Jesus f**ken Christ- why do they design it this f**ken way!" " I get it all back on and its always this last f**ken c*** "Every f**ken time-its always the...." and so it goes on for maybe 5 straight minutes and then nothing for 10 or so minutes and then he appears wiping his hands with a rag with this coy sort of smile and says " All good- I'll just right up the invoice" This has happened maybe 5 times- I laugh to myself but think that rage has got to be doing him some damage. Just one final thing- I would always get frustrated if there was a deadline,it was hot or if I couldn't find a tool.

Ding.Ding.

The mechanic is the pilot in command:
-Plenty of energy and lack of distraction,
-Personal protection against any mishaps........i.e. WEAR YOUR GLASSES and have a FIRE EXTINGUISHER NEARBY!
-Safe and complete light source (don't be stupid and use a halogen spotlight to change out the fuel tank),
-Proper work space (creepers, bench, tools in reach, etc.)
-Be comfortable (shade/fans in hot environments or stacks of cardboard/spaceheater in cold)
-All tools needed or others available,
-All data.......and um...........parts.......to complete the task.

The first priority is the captain.
The task can sit for another day, or three.

Know exactly on what you are talking about. Im finishing up with new heads ,arp.studs new turbos, and a timingncover on a 2008/f 250 6.4 diesel. I did it cab on, because this is a side job for myself , and I did not want to clog up a money making lift. I knew I would be into it for weeks
..This is the easily one of the hardest jobs I have ever done. The up pipe bolts.were sheer brutality. Everything is packed in there, and super tight and heavy. Still, I enjoyed nearly every minute of it. No.timetable. I just come in in the am. , kick on the tunes, and go at it.

A 1 here. Can't afford to get mad. Feel blessed to be where I'm at. When rushed I say I have one other speed and it's slower. Speed at anything comes with smoothness. When things don't go perfectly I walk away, returning after a short time. Love what I do, do what I love.

Yesterday I was able to keep it at a 1. :) I have new seals for the intake manifold and loads of vacuum lines to replace on the 560SL and yesterday's task was only to remove the fuel-air mixture control unit. It's off, my hands are not shredded and PB Blaster is soaking the intake manifold bolts overnight. If I'm lucky removal will be complete by this evening. I'm trying to do the project in small, bite sized pieces instead of forcing things.

I agree with "no pressure" making it a much more pleasurable experience. For years most of my wrenching was by necessity. Typically we couldn't afford two nice cars, so I would buy my wife something nice as our family car and I had something older that needed TLC. Frantically wrenching on a Sunday so you can drive your car to work on Monday is no fun. Definitely a vote for having an appliance for commuting to compliment your fun car, or at least having a spare car.

Other than brakes and some small cosmetic things like replacing bulbs or waxing I am done working on my daily drivers. When I was in college and poor it was necessary, but I find no joy in it now. None.

However I still love working on cars, just on my time. Last summer I rebuilt the engine and transmission on my current project a 1990 Corrado G60. I would work on it Saturday mornings or late at night when everyone was asleep. 1-2 hours at most and just until I got tired or frustrated. As soon as I felt the least bit angry at something I was done. Took me better part of 4 months but I got it all done.
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As a hobby I love it. Otherwise it pisses me off and I just don't enjoy it anymore.

I don't get mad much anymore, but anxiety does rank pretty high until a week passes, and no other problems arise.

The last repair was a crank seal and timing belt on our 2000 Camry, but the rear cam cover became the next oil leak. I kicked a leg off the table in the garage over that. Small leak not yet fixed, possibly to be farmed out.

I'll report later on today's headaches as I have to replace the water pump on the 91 Land Cruiser. BTDT, so I don't have to hassle with Mr. Toyota's impossible to get to clamps. They've already been positioned in my favor.

There is always that nervousness after working on a car, yesterday I had to take the "newly fiddled with" volvo to work. It's post tinkering maiden voyage was a 1.5 hour drive across the mountains in the dark. Gives me a lot of time to wonder if I didn't tighten something right.

I also dread starting engines after I change the timing belt. I always crank it through a turn by hand before I start it, just to make sure everything clears, but it still freaks me out every time.

This is one area I relish! Repositioning hose clamps so I can get to them just to spite the demons that originally placed them:D

BTW, yesterday, it never snowed, just rained. I also got a code reader for my volvo. It gave me some good leads to work on with the AWD. While I was inmy house happily looking up codes, water started pouring through the ceiling on my enclosed porch right behind me filling up pots of water as fast as I could empty them. I spent last night in 32 degree dark rain trying to fix the roof.

Anger level 12. Much cursing. Neighbors turned on lights to check things out!:D

I don't work on my car that much. But that did not stop me from messing up a few weeks ago. Called myself a few choice words.
I decided to take a look under the rear passenger side of the car to see why I seemed to be getting less heat from the passenger side vents compared to the driver's side. I backed the car up my makeshift ramp, overshot the ramp, and put a dent in my oil line, the one connected to the thermostat on the rear passenger side.
The shop I took it to fixed the oil line for $480.00. I still seem to be getting less heat from the passenger side vent. I decided I get enough heat anyway.

Not a week goes by that I don't want to go find an automotive engineer, and beat them in the face until I feel satisfied, but I don't often get bent out of shape about the lack of concessions towards easier service and repair anymore. I see now that this is the reason I'm in business in the first place; Not everybody can fix this stuff.

I spent a bit of my time early last week with a GM Tech 2, a laptop, and a GM MDI on my tool cart, and during one of those jobs, I was wondering why I had to have over $5000 worth of equipment on hand, and pay the General a subscription fee to replace a driver's door window switch on a Silverado. Seems entirely unnecessary to make a window switch part of the CAN, and not a plug-n-play part, but they did.

Sure, I get angry at some of the jobs that are made harder because of neglect, or abuse by the vehicle's operator (especially landscaping trucks, and equip.) and I'll yell at it, or call it ugly names when a vehicle doesn't cooperate, but I always try to extrapolate the amount of extra time necessary, and supplies needed, and estimate that into the price of the work.

you've got to be kidding. How many makers are this ridiculous? I need a list of cars to avoid.

Ever since about 2004, or 2005, most automakers have used one host computer, and multiple peripheral computers data-linked together in a controller area network in their cars, and trucks. Used to be, there was one computer for drivetrain control , and maybe three other computers on board for sub systems like ABS, and climate control, etc... Now, there's as many as 71 in one automobile, all on a network.

GM seems the worst right now, but they, Chrysler, and to a lesser extent, Ford/Lincoln/Mercury have these systems in use. Their rationale for making so many sub systems controlled by their own individual module is that they save money on copper used in wiring harnesses. The problem is that those modules fail, and after replacement, many of them need to be either initialized by, or programmed with manufacturer specific scan tools, and software in order to communicate with the 'host module' on the controller area network. Failing to do that leaves that sub system non-functional. On major systems, like body control, or engine control, it would cause a no-start. Ancillary systems usually leave a check engine light on, and render the vehicle unable to pass a state inspection.

So far as I know, all manufacturers do this now. By far, the least reliable ones are from the big three. The least reliable of those, in my experience is GM.

Just read this entire thread...haha....good stuff!

Yeah - I'm not above throwing F-bombs and the like.....usually I'm very even tempered but it seems like no matter what the job is - you always drop a fastener and it goes into some black hole - or there's a clamp that doesn't want to come loose - or the way something is engineered you'd think it was purposely designed to frustrate the hell out of whoever had to work on it.

The key really is to have the right amount of time so you're not in some huge hurry. And like Fred said....when something isn't working out...just bail on it for a while and re-group.

My latest job was replacing the water pump on my 4.8 Vortec and it was an easy job - 2 hours - and that's not rushing.

Few years ago R and R my tub starter to replace worn bushing...check out the hose clamp on the top bolt which is only accessed through the engine bay - so it could be held while being tightened - that's something from the PO but just shows the kind of resourcefulness necessary to get the job done.

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Good thread. Yesterday I almost removed the intake manifold on the Benz Almost because one hex bolt came pre-stripped and another one is about to follow suit. I called it quits for the day; put some more PB blaster on that one and hope that it frees up tomorrow (today), and I'll try hammering a torx bit into the stripped bolt and see how it goes after work.

If it's like the one that holds the bellcrank next to the toilet bowl on an M117.968, I know what you mean. You gotta hose it down, and come back a while later. A small 3/8 pull handle is nice to use because you'll still have to work it back, and fourth an eighth turn at a time.

Damn Fred! I thought beheading a 6.4 with the body on was impossible.