this post was submitted on 12 Jul 2024
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Cars - For Car Enthusiasts

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Hello! Don’t know if this is the right community to post this question, but maybe you can help.

I want to learn about cars and engines. I’m a pretty mechanical person and I like to tinker. I can do basics, like changing my own oil etc.

I want to do some hands on learning, but I don’t have a ton of money to spend or space to work in. I was wondering if you had suggestions on something small and affordable I can get to learn about engines. I was thinking a lawn mower or a scooter but I don’t know how similar those would be to a car.

Do you have any advice?

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[–] [email protected] 0 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

My first engine was a lawnmower too! I was 6 and I didn't think my parents thought I would get it working. I have a picture somewhere of me holding a piston like a prize fish. Worked up to a minibike later. Finished a complete rebuild of a V6 a couple years ago.

Books (remember those things?) are great. YouTube is ok if you actually find a good video. But the best is to make friends with someone who knows what they are doing.

I've found, almost too late sometimes, that you have to already know what to ask to learn about something. Buy new bearings for your specific engine? Great! Check clearances before you purchase in case something is out of spec? Oh, guess I'm doing that again. Oops. Haha!