Re: Re:Being one's own mechanic

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <01bd1537$b5124560$2713460c@yo> "Mik Tip" writes:

> ... I can safely say, there are two "basic" types of mechanics.   

> The first I call a "bookworm".  This person is great with the book's, 
> associated paperwork, etc...., but lacks that all important, "Hand & eye 
> coordination" required to "turn a wrench".  Granted this person can still do 
> mechanic's but never seems to develop it to that higher skill level! 

> The second type I call a "Natural".  This person is awesome with any and all 
> tools!  But lacks the book skills, to keep themselves out of trouble, 
> especially on aircraft.  Of course there are those that fall in between 
> the "two extremes", and every once in a while you will find a person with 
> both skills, but these folks are very rare.

And all the while technology is passing the workshop door ...

The "natural" had his day until electronic controls came along.  A "natural" 
can easily handle a WX or WR engine.
 
Once you're dealing with a post-1988 engine design (in Audi terms - the 10v MC-
2, MB, 1B or the even more sophisticated 20v RR, 3B, or the V8, etc.) you're in 
"bookworm" country, and there's very little any mechanic can achieve without a 
thorough theoretical grounding in the principles of operation. 

-- 
 Phil Payne
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club