About

    I like to do it myself.  I learned from my dad, who could fix about anything with next to nothing. As for my background, I am a trained electronic technician. I was employed  for a number of years as an industrial electrician. Earlier I attended college and majored in English. So I like to fix things and then write about it. The vehicles you see here are my own or belong to relatives. When working on cars and trucks I prefer to have a Haynes repair guide on hand, at least for the first time I do a complex repair. Then I write up the procedure my own way, in my own words, with pictures and as much hands-on detail as I can.
     I also like to devise solutions to common problems, like removing a pick-up truck cap with one person. Often the solutions require some original thinking. Parts or tools may need to be fabricated and unique solutions devised. I love the challenge, and the feeling of satisfaction as a job is successfully completed. I saved money and got it done right. Well, not always the first time.  
     A very helpful repair aid is time. There is nothing harder than doing a difficult repair on a vehicle when you need it now. We can't whip through a repair like a professional mechanic who has done it a hundred times. We don't have the special tools or diagnostic equipment or training. We do have ingenuity and perseverance and the motivation to do it right and save money. If lacking a spare, try to arrange a loaner from a friend or relative while doing the repair. Maybe you can do a repair for them someday to return the favor.
   Take the extra time to label wiring connectors and parts and fasteners. An adhesive-backed label folded over and stuck to itself works great on wiring. An empty egg carton is great for nuts and bolts. Just slip in a scrap of paper explaining where it goes. Care taken up front will save time later.
   I find a portable, well stocked supply of  tools a very handy and efficient aid to getting a wide variety of  jobs done. Check out the tool box organizer,
   Many of these repairs have a corresponding You Tube video that may be helpful. Click on  "You Tube" to find my channel "The Original Mechanic."
   Be careful and be safe and don't be afraid to tackle it. I hope some of this helps out. Thanks for stopping by.




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30 comments:

  1. Brother, you are awesome. You and I have spent a lot of time together replacing the water pump on my 2000 dodge caravan. (250,000 miles and still producing clean even spark plugs). I am so grateful you took the time to thoughtfully put this piece together. Bob, Grand Rapids, June 6, 2014

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    1. So glad to hear you made some good use of the water pump post. I really appreciate the comment.

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    2. Any idea where I can buy a one-way check valve for my coffee maker?

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    3. Just doing a quick internet search with "check valve for coffeemaker", I found some check valves ($6) for Bunn coffeemakers. It might be tough to find the exact one for your particular machine, but the internet is your best bet. Good luck and it's good to see you are trying to keep your machine going.

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    4. It's easier to buy enriched uranium! Can't believe none of the manufacturers will sell two little pieces of plastic.

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  2. Hello in you jwx31 video you informed us about security screws and removed them with a little tool. I am sitting here with that exact coffee maker, the exact tool, and I've watched that part of the video multiple times, but I can't seem to get the security screws out. Could you please explain in more detail on how to remove them because I am lost at this point.

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    1. I used a small straight blade jeweler's screwdriver that is very close to the same width as the screw opening. I jammed it in there right against that center security post. Then I was able to break the screw loose. If you're don't have a set of jeweler
      's screwdrivers they are quite cheap. Security screwdrivers are also available. I have seen them both at Lowe's. I hope this helps!

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    2. I used a small straight blade jeweler's screwdriver that is very close to the same width as the screw opening. I jammed it in there right against that center security post. Then I was able to break the screw loose. If you're don't have a set of jeweler
      's screwdrivers they are quite cheap. Security screwdrivers are also available. I have seen them both at Lowe's. I hope this helps!

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  3. David you did a video on a 2000 dodge caravan on timing belts ,oil seal,water pump it was so informative and i cant thank you enough. it was a big job though. sincerely George

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    1. You're very welcome and that is a monster tough repair. Again, I'm glad that my content helped and good job.

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    2. David my dodge caravan is my winter vehicle soon i am going to work on my 2000 ford mustang in first gear taking off it shakes at first like crazy i was told it was the throw out bearing. what do you think and is there any content that you can provide me ??? again thanks. George. FYI it is a stick shift 6 cylinder

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    3. I only post on work that I've done and I couldn't even venture a guess on that problem. You might want to try a Mustang forum. I know there are a lot of people passionate (and hopefully knowledgeable) about that nameplate. Good luck on your problem.

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  4. I was watching your video on making a 10 foot wheelchair ramp. It's very informative. Thank you. If I am going to build a ramp for walking, not for a wheel chair, do you think that I need have five of the the support beams? Or, is it the width of the deck that determines the number of support beams that are necessary. Also, this may seem like a silly question but I'm going to use the ADA rise to run of 1 to 12. The rise is 13.5 inches so I need to make it 13.5 feet. Will your approach work but I will need to use 2x4x15 ft boards or so for the support beams? Thanks again.

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  5. I have a 1998 F150 with 5.4L engine. When trying to start, there is just one click in the engine compartment. Battery is new. I was thinking of removing the solenoid without taking off the starter, for $20 I'm willing to replace that to see if that does it. Is it just the 2 screws plus electrical connections to remove the solenoid from the starter?

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    1. If you're getting a click that would be a sign that the solenoid is working. Unless the plunger is not getting far enough to make contact with the solenoid switch, the problem is likely to be the starter motor windings themselves. I think you may be in for a whole new starter. If you want to try the solenoid anyway, yeah that's just two screws. Make sure you disconnect the battery!

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    2. I will let you know what the outcome is. I applaud your efforts for putting up such informative videos. Thanks so much!

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  6. Ok, I have the old starter off the vehicle. My new starter has a small lead wire from the solenoid with a note attached "DO NOT REMOVE THIS LEAD, CRIMP AND HEAT SHRINK THIS LEAD TO YOUR EXISTING LEAD". Have you ever ran into this? I can send you a pic of this if you email me at tommyogburn@hotmail.com

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  7. I just wanted to let you know that the new starter is installed. I never heat shrinked anything before, but that was super easy after finding out what it was.
    Thanks for your video.

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  8. I have a 2001 Buick Century Custom; I have P0122 Code - Throttle Position Sensor/Switch, P0405 EGR Sensor A Circuit Low and a P1122 - Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent Low Voltage. Brought it into a mechanic, confirms the Buick runs great and is not finding a problem with any of these - but - an annoying issue the anti-lock and security and brake lights are always on. Any idea what is causing this? I’ve been to Abraham Torres-Arredondo site and cannot find an answer there.

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  9. Hello David. I just watched your video on how to change the oil pressure sensor switch on a Pontiac Grand AM. I had the same problem and replaced the switch. But it's still leaking. It didn't seem like the unit wanted to tighten down and after looking at it I believe the housing that it screws into is cracked. Can you tell me if that housing can be replaced? It looks like it is a separate piece that bolts on to the block but I'm not positive. Please respond if you can. Also my e-mail is captaincargo@aol.com

    Thank you, Casey

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    1. Hi. I looked over some pictures I took of this repair and I'm unable to tell if this is a removable housing. This car has been junked out so I can't check it directly. Though I can't help you further I wish you good luck with your repair.

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  10. Hi david, just want to say your fender fix is excellent on Youtube!! I want to follow your strategy to pull my front fender wheel arc as well off a car I bought used. Everything is good but the clip ends with the part painted after the primer! May I ask after you moved the tape back an inch, how did you get it to merge with the rest of the panel that has original paint?? I will be using automotive color matched duplicolor spray paint and clear coat (spray paints) . Any help will be greatly appreciated!!

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  11. Hello I have been watching your videos and they are very very detailed and you make it very easy and simple to understand and I want to thank you very much for that. Other people should be detailed as you are it's very helpful. But I'm wondering if you could possibly answer a couple questions I may have regarding issues I'm having with my 02 cavalier. Been told it's timing chain but would really love your opinion on it if I could possibly have a few moments of your time.
    Please email me at slonemeister17@hotmail.com
    Thanks and have a great day

    P.s. please respond if able to the hotmail and not gmail as I receive to much junk and never check it anymore

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  12. This is a very interesting thing that you do. I believe that you need to share this information further. Moreover, the site essayservicescanner.com can help you with the design of this topic and promotes everything. So do it further.

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  13. Hi David, Do you know how to replace the brushes in the Black & Decker 7980 bit sharpener? Need help please.
    Thanks,
    Rex

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  14. you are doing good job by helping millions of car owners

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  15. working on an ecotec 2.2. the timing chain broke. how can i verify the #1 piston is at TDC of the PROPER STROKE? I know it is at TDC. Just not sure its not 360' off.

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  16. Need help removing and replacing an ignition lock cylinder on my 2000 Chrysler Cirrus. I’ve looked everywhere including Dodge Stratus and Plymouth Breeze. It just won’t release. I really need to replace this, my car has stalled 3X while driving. Thank you in advance for any ideas.

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  17. I have an AC line leak on my 2000 Ford E-350 Van and need part # 4c2z-19e558-ba, which Ford said is no longer available. Does anyone have any idea on how I might get this? I can be reached at carvitello@gmail.com - Thanks!

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  18. Hi, David. Regarding the Keurig Classic (B60), what size phillips screw is used to secure the top cover (the cap that says KEURIG in white) … there are two small silver screws. You may reach me at bah.nyc@hotmail.com. Thank you.

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