My Education in Progress...
Could one of the most important lessons I learn really be just to replace the blown fuse?
I spent the ‘better’ part of my day IMing with Jenn... But then I spent the next 7 hours trying to figure out what was wrong with my car. I’ve been having problems with it stalling out on me for the last few weeks, and it has always been hard to start. Yesterday, it finally died.
So, after reading the car manual extensively, several trips to AutoZone, and replacing quite a few parts, I finally decided that there was either a problem with the air intake, or the fuel pump. And I was right (along with 2 mechanics, 1 ex-mechanic, and a few semi-knowledgeable friends,) there was a problem with the fuel pump ...
The damn fuse was blown!
Why none of us thought of the most simplest solution causes me to pause. (Actually, I can probably guess why the mechanics didn’t mention it, but that’s beside the point...) As soon as the hood was propped, we just assumed that it was a serious problem. We expected the worst, and worked back from there. The mechanics said fuel pump (expensive), I (and a few others) clung to fuel filter or MAS (something we knew), while others just said to clean up the ‘carb’ and air filter (fairly simple).
But I can’t help but think that someone who knew nothing at all about cars, would have just suggested checking the fuses. Before I knew what I know about cars, that’s what I would have suggested.
Now that I’m sitting back, relaxing because the problem is solved, I’m thinking about the importance of first opinions, second opinions, and deep thoughts. And for the first time in a long time, I’m beginning to wonder if delving too much into a problem may not be such a good idea.
I spent the ‘better’ part of my day IMing with Jenn... But then I spent the next 7 hours trying to figure out what was wrong with my car. I’ve been having problems with it stalling out on me for the last few weeks, and it has always been hard to start. Yesterday, it finally died.
So, after reading the car manual extensively, several trips to AutoZone, and replacing quite a few parts, I finally decided that there was either a problem with the air intake, or the fuel pump. And I was right (along with 2 mechanics, 1 ex-mechanic, and a few semi-knowledgeable friends,) there was a problem with the fuel pump ...
The damn fuse was blown!
Why none of us thought of the most simplest solution causes me to pause. (Actually, I can probably guess why the mechanics didn’t mention it, but that’s beside the point...) As soon as the hood was propped, we just assumed that it was a serious problem. We expected the worst, and worked back from there. The mechanics said fuel pump (expensive), I (and a few others) clung to fuel filter or MAS (something we knew), while others just said to clean up the ‘carb’ and air filter (fairly simple).
But I can’t help but think that someone who knew nothing at all about cars, would have just suggested checking the fuses. Before I knew what I know about cars, that’s what I would have suggested.
Now that I’m sitting back, relaxing because the problem is solved, I’m thinking about the importance of first opinions, second opinions, and deep thoughts. And for the first time in a long time, I’m beginning to wonder if delving too much into a problem may not be such a good idea.
posted by RT at 4:31 AM
12 Comments:
What a pain in the caboose! Its so easy to forget the simple things. Glad you were able to get the fuse taken care of.
You did much better than I would have done. I would've just bought a new car.
Are you supposed to read manuals?
Carb? How old is this bad boy?
I'm impressed that you do your own auto work. About half the time when I've had a fuse problem it's been because some other faulty device was causing it to blow, so maybe you replaced a problem part afterall!
Actually ES, there wasn't even a fuse in the box. I suspect (but can't prove) that it was the deed of the last mechanic I took the car to... Which is also why I do most of my own work. I've always tried to be self sufficient (cars, electronics/computers, home repair, anything I own) because, while I love sex, I hate to be screwed. And those boys can see me coming from a mile away!
It wasn't a carb, it was the TBI unit, but most people understand carb better and it's basically the same thing, so...
I'm still dumbfounded at how much better the car performs now. It's almost like having a new car! (And yes Fred, I was just about to send it to the junkyard. I'm glad I didn't now! The only thing I can't figure out is how the car had been running without the fuse in the first place... ?)
But all of that isn't the point... I was trying to make a metaphor, dangit! Linny got it, why didn't the rest of you??? Am I that bad of a story teller???
I've had this happen to an old car of mine. It's just like a doctor sometimes. If something is swollen, it could be from bruising, body chemical reactions, allergies, torn muscle and many other things that I can't think of at midnight. I just find it funny how doctors and mechanics usually will just replace things here and there until the machine works properly again (usually at your cost for experimentation.)
Spending the better part of your day IM'ing with me, I mean really, things just can't get any better! =P
Haha, I hate the fuse stuff!
I usually try not to delve into a problem too much. I try to start small, per se. And if that doesn't work, then is when I delve a little more each time.
Fred and Vavoom cracked me up!
Of course you are, Vavoom! As well as the rest of yens. (It's on Yahoo, btw)
But you have to find me because I don't know what your screen names are.
LIV, email me.
Jeff
Whoa you never cease to amaze me.. I have no clue when it comes to cars.. I hate even going to get my oil changed because they make me feel like a moron when they ask me questions....
Daaaummm... I just got my ass chewed.
What do you mean I don't return your calls? You haven't called me! :p We do need to get together, though. It's been way too long!
And, lol, your mechanic already didn't find it. Remember, he's the one that sent me to CarX (the jerks!)
I normally find that the answer to a problem is usually the simplest...if not, I eat donuts and get someone else to solve it.
Whoa, Hiya Boko! Nice to see you over here :o)
Humm. Donuts. I wonder what would happen if I just shoved a nice Krispy Kreme into the fuse box...
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