reference guide for dummies?

[ndhaon91]

ok i seriously need a "cars for dummies" reference guide or something.

i really want to learn, but its tough when you don't even know the lingo! any websites or books that would serve as a good all-around reference guide? something with diagrams/pictures of parts would be great.

even though guys on here are great, its just tough to ask a bunch of questions that most guys take for granted!

 

[Redrig]

Just search for your question on here. You will learn more here than anywhere. If you dont find your answer ask us.

 

[MONMIX]

Ask away man.
We ALL had to learn some how.

There is no dumb questions.
90% of the folk here will be delighted to help you out.
That is the reason this site exists.

 

[IgotTwo]

ditto - always ask away
sometimes the web can be pain with too much info ....sometimes it can help alot

a suggestion?
Go to the library and just thumb through a few difference books - Chiltons, Mitchells etc There are a ton of them. The bettter ones have a theory of operations - complete description of how things work.
You may not take it all in the first time..... but if you work on it, you would be surprised what you can pick up over time.

 

[MrShorty]

I remember one of the first things I ever read about engines was an article in an encyclopedia. Described the basics of internal comubstion engines -- 4 stroke, 2 stroke, diesel. Just enough to get a basic idea of what's going on.
I believe Chilton's or Haynes or other publishes some basic hwo does an engine work books -- try looking at the library.
www.howstuffworks.com has some decent articles about automotive systems.

 

[ndhaon91]

ok guys, you'll get what you've asked for!

lets start with this one:

what is the "throttle body"?

 

[MONMIX]

It is a body where the throttle is !


The TB is right at the end of the air in take tube.
It regulates the air comming into the engine.
Your gas pedal is connected to it.

 

[IgotTwo]

Watch it ! I think it's a trick question....

(the fancy lead up to "I know nothing" - we might be getting baited)

just kidding

 

[ndhaon91]

hehe... i wish it were just a trick question. i'm a pretty smart guy, but i know zero about cars. but, at least i know what the throttle body is now!

thanks for the friendly help, guys. love the site.

i'll post some pics of my '02 sport tomorrow.

 

[Con Seann3ry]

Yeah, don't be ashamed, this summer I knew absolutely nothing, but i bought a couple books and checking this site I'm amazed at how much i've learned....even more amazed at how much I have yet to learn

 

[ndhaon91]

can i ask what books you bought, and if you found them helpful?

 

[IgotTwo]

Why buy em?...... got to the library...see what you like and buy it if you think it is a good reference to keep around.

Suggestion?
Don't try to become a resident expert by reading books.
Pick something you would like to fix, replace, change.....research that! Find what you need and go for it...get your hands dirty.

(and keep $100 handy if you have to get the car towed to a garage)

I've been very luckly..never had to grab the $100 ...it was a matter of pride ...I think?