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When through analysing a repair is it time to throw in the t

C

Crackerjack

Member
You've had a break down or long overdue maintainence, through analysing the work it just isn't worth the time or rearache of doing it yourself ?

an example of mine is I'm currently based in China my handme down knock around scooter blew a voltage regulator and fryed all the lights, in 36 degree heat I have up after looking at the puddle of sweat, took it down to the local dodge bike mechanic, have him instructions (in China a must, never let them make assumptions!) 5 bucks later lights and regulator are all back.
 
Economics is more powerful than "can I do this". Some things are really important to do for one's self. Others are a prelude to disaster. Jim
 
Had that this summer. 2004 Dodge pickup blew a head gasket. I've worked on engines of all shapes and sizes for 55 years. This one I looked under the hood and said screw it and took it to a local mechanic. Mine was a lot more than $5 though....
 
I have a stated policy of not working under the hood of a minivan. Something I'd do without a second thought under the hood of a car or pickup, if the same engine is in a minivan, I let someone else fight with it.
 
Been more than once I've started a repair, then thought 'Why didn't I take this to somebody who knows what he's doing?'

But I always got them fixed, and learned something in the process...even if it was just 'next time, let somebody else do this'

Fred
 
To para-phrase Dirty Harry from Magnum Force: "A man's got to know his limitations." I usually jump in to fix just about anything tackle any size project. Lately I have been spending a little more time thinking it through before I start. Seems there are things that are better done by the pro's. Had the house painted this year as an example. The knees couldn't take all the ladder work. Sometimes you just have to write a check and sit back and watch.

OTJ
 
I know the feeling. After starting the removal my motorhome fuel tank, to replace the fuel pump. I was past of the point of no return. I had to finish the job. I have done some hard jobs, but nothing like that. Never again. Stan
 
I dread the day I have to start hiring things done.

The few times I have done it, I always felt I was not given the best of service for the money I was charged. Everything from being outright robbed, to having to fire the contractor because of horrible work!

There are a few things I have never been willing to tackle, like tearing a roof off, fear of not getting it done before the next rain.

As for working on vehicles, I try to buy the ones that can be repaired without having to drop the subframe to replace a plug wire.

Your $5 motorcycle repair, that must be a cultural difference. I assume motorcycles and scooters are basic transportation there, so the shop rate is adjusted down to accommodate those who need the bike. Over here, motorcycle translates to "a luxury toy" and the price skyrockets!
 
On my cars I have had { Saturn , Cadillac ] it is a matter of will my hands fit between the engine and the fender well to even be able to do the job. Motorcycle I can do everything and have the lift and tools. Tractor I have dunnage to split the tractor. { I have no tractor right now.] Labor on repairs is very high.
 
Whenever I've been at the point of willingly paying someone else to repair something, I can never find someone willing or able to do it.
 
$5 goes a lot further in China. Remember that was 2 days' pay to many factory workers at one point, and may still be.

I'm guessing he probably should have gotten a full engine overhaul and a paint job on the scooter for that $5.
 
[i:654c4848f0]$5 goes a lot further in China[/i:654c4848f0]

"36 degree heat" is a lot warmer too. North of 96 'Merican degrees.
 
I hate it when you are doing a job and just as you are about 8 1/2 minutes from completing the job.....you need one more stupid tool. Changing the oil and I don't have the correct size filter wrench. □■?{♤》?□■■$$ !!!!
 
$5 in China won't buy much now, in fact the
cost of living here in the large cities is
actually on a par if not higher than America
so a lot of Americans have told me.
 
Earlier this summer I took a boat alternator to a shop that claimed to work on all such relates items. After ringing the bell a 20 something year old wearing a rubber apron, gloves, and a serious expression came out from the back where he'd obviously been working hard on something. Spied the alternator, picked it up and turned it in hands almost lovingly while I asked if he could test it. He gave it a last glance, looked me in the eye, said, "Yes I can". A few minutes later he reported it to be good. How sad I was so shocked to see such competence and confidence.
 
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