Shop Class for the Soul

My Craftsman Tools hard at work

For those following me you know that I am back in school... no not law school, no not PHD, no not MBA...

I am taking a shop class at Ivy Tech this fall. I have always been a car guy, but never really learned how to work on cars. So I am enjoying my tuition benefit and am taking the first Theory of Engine Servicing course (signed up for part two in the spring).

I entered like a typical adult learner... without much confidence, doubting my skills, and nervous I would do things wrong.

Honda Quote and my All Data Sheets

I proved myself wrong, I know my stuff, and I am connecting with the crew in class. I have really enjoyed the class, I have been surprised at how much more I knew than I thought I would.

This week I tackled my first project on my own car. A month ago Honda did one of those free check up days... so I took it in... its nice to have the dealer check it out once in a while. Well they said I had an oil leak, I noticed a few drops a couple times, usually after oil changes so I figured it was some spilled or something. Well the Honda dealer told me it was leaking oil from three places, and quoted me nearly $400 to fix it.

So my first thing was to hoist the car (last class), clean the motor well and look for myself. Yes having access to a hoist is VERY NICE. Well I cleaned it well and noticed a leak from my Oil Pressure Sensor and I think it was dripping down to the other areas. So cleaned it well, and before this weeks class got the sensor. Checked this week, and yes only new oil around the sensor.

Swamped the sensor, which was a $10 part, got a new tube of liquid gasket for $2 and maybe one hour shopping for parts (online/in store) and one hour working on it.

Really enjoy the hoists...

Well I saved myself nearly $400... and had a good time doing it. Hopefully by next semester I am getting close to being able to rebuild my Z...

On top of that though... it has just been very refreshing. In a job when I work on strategic plans, development theory, long term initiatives.... it is nice to just grab a wrench, start a job, finish it... wash my hands and head home... with a completed job under my belt.