[AT] Autos-Was:refusing to replace old equipment-OT

[Cecil Bearden]

Yes, but the computer diagnostic system is a fortune for a little guy. 
I have always done my own work.  I bought 2 systems to connect a laptop 
to the computer about $250 each.  Then when you  find the codes, you 
have to go get another $250 program to really diagnose what is wrong 
unless you are familiar with that brand and generic codes...

Before, we spent about 1 day per year working on a truck or car.
Sure they took service, but then a lot more of the public knew how to 
service and maintain their car, lawnmower, home etc.  With all of this 
specialization, it has created a "dumbing down" of the general ublic 
when it comes to all things mechanical..

It all has a price.  And the price of the dealership I cannot afford. 
My small ford dealership lost its really good mechanic.  He went to one 
of those big dealerships where it costs a minimum of $200 just to pay 
for the invoice that is written up..

Cecil in OKla

Steve W. wrote:
> Cecil Bearden wrote:
>> Charlie:
>> I might agree with you on the reliability, but I can't on the ease of 
>> working on them.  Ford keeps moving the engine further under the cowling 
>>   so that you have to have a special topside creeper to change the spark 
>> plugs.  They have individual coils that will go bad if the plugs are not 
>>   just the very best $5 each ones you can find.  I have both Ford 
>> Chevrolet and Chrysler from 95 to 2002, what I consider to be late 
>> model.  Forget about working on that Dodge mini van. You have to pull 
>> the engine down or raise the body up just to change the alternator... 
>> Same thing with changing the back 3 spark plugs.  I got good mileage 
>> with my 70's cars and trucks and they were just as reliable.  We are 
>> paying for a lot of pollution controls and government controls that just 
>> make big shots managers more money.
>>
>> One of my goals aftrer retirement was to have a shop to rebuild the 
>> older trucks and tractors.  Parts for the industrial engines are so hard 
>> to find that It looks like that dream is shot too...  Not all of my toys 
>> are tractors.  Sending all our manufacturing overseas has created a 
>> nation full of unserviceable junk...
>>
>> The younger folks I talk to just tell me that is the cost of doing 
>> business...    Looks like that cost has put a lot of businesses out of 
>> business...
>>
>> Cecil in OKla
>>
> 
> Cecil, The rear plugs on a Caravan are easy to change, Just put it on
> the lift and change them from underneath...
> 
> $5 bucks a plug, where are you getting the cheap ones. ;-)
> The only good thing is that unless you physically damage them or engine
> damage forces a need to change them a set of platinum plugs will go 100K
> without any problems.
> 
> Actually from a technicians viewpoint todays engines are actually easier
> to work on for the most part.
> 
> The TRICK today is knowing what the computer is telling you and actually
> comparing that to what you see, not just swapping out a part that the
> computer says is bad. That is the problem with many places. The
> computers says a part is bad and instead of testing the system to see if
> it is they just throw parts at it. That can get very expensive QUICK.
> 
>