If you read the GotEngines.com engines blog with any regularity, you probably know I’m a retired transmission shop owner. I have been a transmission rebuilder since about 1976. I opened my shop in 1981 and sold it right before the economy crashed in February 2006. Just because I rebuilt transmissions does not mean I am engine illiterate. In fact, to successfully diagnose today’s super modern computerized engines you have to be an engine expert a diagnostic PHD and a master of all aspects of a car.
Not to many people can claim to have the credentials to be a competent engine diagnostician on the new cars. Lots of people talk, few of them know that the soul of a bum engine was created below.
Now that I blog for a company that I personally endorse, (I’m a BSer like everyone else, I won’t BS to you about a truly worthy company) I read forums and other FAQ’s about cars while I’m looking for information or other auto related information for my posts. The worst, least valuable and possibly dangerous information comes from the amateurs that don’t have a clue, but like to give advise.
The forums who have administrators that really take a proactive position so consumers don’t waste money just changing parts because a carpet salesman said so, are OK with me. I sure would not have been advising the brain surgeon during surgery, if you know what I mean!
Unattended forums or irresponsible forum administrators are the worst place to get advise. A typical question might be “My car started to sputter and quit running”. Can anyone help?
A typical answer may be: Change the computer and put a new muffler bearing on it and change the air in your tires.
So you go buy a computer, install it, and the problem is still there. The computer cost 750.00 dollars and the dealer won’t take it back now, because it is a used electrical part.
Diagnosis my friends. Ever heard of it? Doctors diagnose problems first. Even the pest control guy has to diagnose how to solve a pest issue. Why are people so resistant to automotive diagnosis? So is the mechanic with the $4000.00 diagnostic tool and many ongoing hours of training supposed to do it for free? It might be free if they do the work.
My point is that diagnosing a problem with your engine ASAP almost always saves big money. While you are taking advise from a laymen and the car is not getting fixed, I assure you the problem is getting worse. In the end when you finally go to a repair shop and the problem has exacerbated itself, you will probably need a rebuilt engine by then.
Seek professional help. Search our blog for an answer to your question. If you don’t see the answer, ask me in the comment box. If you need a rebuilt engine because you listened to an amateur fulfill their desires of being a mechanic by diagnosing yours other peoples cars too on the internet, then you deserve it.
In ending, any answer I give you is proven to work, in fact I have used the procedure so I know it works. Just remember, diagnostics rule, don’t fool yourself.
GotEngines.com @ 1-877-268-0664
