Mechanic tutoring

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Mechanic tutoring

niekerkj

79 posts

Master Geek
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#189246 21-Dec-2015 18:47

Hi All

I just bought a 1995 Toyota Levin which requires a bit of mechanical work. I'm really keen to learn how to perform these tasks myself, but I need the guidance of a qualified mechanic. I can't seem to find part-time mechanic courses in Wellington, so now I'm looking for a private tutor.

Items to do includes:

Change oil and filter
Replace timing belt
Replace waterpump
Replace thermostat
Replace all disc brakes and pads
Replace brake fluid

There may be more items to do as we delve deeper.

I'm based in Wellington and the work will have to be done either after work or weekends.

Let me know any Wellington mechanics are interested and we can then agree on compensation.

Cheers

DravidDavid

1907 posts

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#1454790 21-Dec-2015 20:30

I've been looking for something like this in Auckland for eons.

I also own a fidgety car and have spent a small fortune getting other people to sort it out. I'm really in to cars, but don't want to stuff my daily in order to learn.

There were a couple of businesses keen on labour swaps, but that's only temporary.

Toyota is the way to go though!

I also want to learn how to build/work on rotaries, but do you think I can find a tertiary education centre that has a course dedicated to that? Nope. I'm guessing I'll have to get a certificate in the operation of standard type mechanical stuff and then approach somewhere like RX7 Heaven or similar and see if they'll let me sweep floors for a few months.

Perhaps they may let me do that without any initial qualification. I haven't had the balls to ask just yet.

Good luck with finding someone in Wellington. There are a bunch of mechanically minded people from Wellington on the car forum I frequent. I'll ask if they're interested in tutoring.

Jase2985

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#1454817 21-Dec-2015 21:29

in all honesty, see if you can find a service manual for it, i know for honda they are pretty damn good, and has step by step processes for everything you need.

it should allow you to do most of what you have listed by yourself.

niekerkj

79 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#1454820 21-Dec-2015 21:32

Thanks for your reply, glad to hear it's not such an outlandish idea... I'll also check on the Toyspeed forum, but I'd appreciate it if you can mention it to your contacts.

Working on Rotaries should be interesting , they're very cool pieces of engineering

nickb800

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#1454822 21-Dec-2015 21:34

There's some pretty detailed youtube videos on pretty much any job with any semi-popular car. I found them indispensible when replacing the CV boot as I could watch a few times to get the hang of things. Someone to ask silly questions helps too - on forums etc

gbwelly

1263 posts

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#1454828 21-Dec-2015 21:48

niekerkj: Hi All

I just bought a 1995 Toyota Levin which requires a bit of mechanical work. I'm really keen to learn how to perform these tasks myself, but I need the guidance of a qualified mechanic. I can't seem to find part-time mechanic courses in Wellington, so now I'm looking for a private tutor.

Items to do includes:

1) Change oil and filter
2) Replace timing belt
3) Replace waterpump
4) Replace thermostat
5) Replace all disc brakes and pads
6) Replace brake fluid

There may be more items to do as we delve deeper.

I'm based in Wellington and the work will have to be done either after work or weekends.

Let me know any Wellington mechanics are interested and we can then agree on compensation.

Cheers

Join a club, I'm presuming you have a 4A-GE?
1,4,5,6 you will be able to do if you can closely follow instruction. 2 and 3 you would be able to entice a club member with beer to show you how.

niekerkj

79 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#1454838 21-Dec-2015 22:06

Thanks all for your suggestions . I have found plenty of guides online, but there will always be the tips and tricks that experienced mechanics take years to accumulate - that is what I'm after. But the basic Items I can make a start with in the interim. Cheers.

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Goosey

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#1454842 21-Dec-2015 22:21

A bit of a messy website however these guys are the pros at DIY manuals for cars;

http://www.haynes.com

Although I couldnt find the Levin, I guess the nearest match for engine type will be sufficient somewhat as well as figuring out how to fiddle about with exterior and interior trim.
You could try to find one in a library?

gzt

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#1454844 21-Dec-2015 22:30

Hanes manual is ok but not enough perspective usually. Get the Toyota service manual has a ton of exploded parts diagrams imho they are more useful for the what, and Haynes + some googling and advice is needed for the how.

If you are starting from zero there is a lot of soft technique knowledge needed which is just not in the Haynes or manuals. An option is an after hours car maintenance adult ed thing usually taken by a mechanic or someone with similar experience to discuss with or turn your car into the course : ).

elpenguino

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#1454907 22-Dec-2015 00:18

A lot of those jobs are pretty basic and you should be able to do them once you have some basic tools and the spare parts.
Whats your skill level to date and where abouts are you?

What tools / equipment do you have or plan to get?

Most of the posters in this thread are just like chimpanzees on MDMA, full of feelings of bonhomie, joy, and optimism. Fred99 8/4/21

lxsw20

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#1454935 22-Dec-2015 02:30

Join Toyspeed forums and ask there, you might find someone in the welly region that can help out. If not you'll be able to get some advice there anyway.

ratsun81

516 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 183

#1455065 22-Dec-2015 10:07

A very good resource for learning things would be Eric the car guy, if you cant find someone locally. Hes been doing youtube videos for some years now and knows his stuff...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_q-UNDJeEBSHqKzAP_8x_A

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Mattmannz

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#1455238 22-Dec-2015 12:39

A good set of tools is important. The forums can probably advise what you need specific to your vehicle.

Mark

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#1455307 22-Dec-2015 14:07

I'd love to find a place doing semi-formal training for car/bike maintenance near me.

If you are in Auckland there are a number of community college courses you can run that cost hardly anything, here is an example :

http://www.rutherfordcomed.co.nz/courses/173-basic-car-maintenance

niekerkj

79 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#1455492 22-Dec-2015 17:32

elpenguino: A lot of those jobs are pretty basic and you should be able to do them once you have some basic tools and the spare parts.
Whats your skill level to date and where abouts are you?

What tools / equipment do you have or plan to get?

I used to change oil, filters and spark plugs on a Golf Mk 1, but that was a while ago now. I'm in the Newlands area and will be purchasing all the tools required for the jobs mentioned. I have all the basic hand tools plus trolley jack and stands.

niekerkj

79 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#1455504 22-Dec-2015 17:50

gzt: Hanes manual is ok but not enough perspective usually. Get the Toyota service manual has a ton of exploded parts diagrams imho they are more useful for the what, and Haynes + some googling and advice is needed for the how.

Yep, Haynes don't seem to have the 4age engine used in my Levin, but I have downloaded the Toyota workshop manual which is actually pretty good

If you are starting from zero there is a lot of soft technique knowledge needed which is just not in the Haynes or manuals. An option is an after hours car maintenance adult ed thing usually taken by a mechanic or someone with similar experience to discuss with or turn your car into the course : ).

Exactly, and it is those soft techniques I'm looking to learn. There is an adult course at Wellington High, but it's pretty basic. If I don't have any luck I may approach the tutor to see if he will consider 1 on 1 training.

Thanks for your suggestions