The Impending Experience

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Most car part stores will scan your check engine light for free and probably also have a part in stock that is closely related to the trouble code they just recorded from your vehicle.  At that point, most people can fix their cars themselves.  Not surprisingly, this is the axiom of most auto mechanic shop operations as well.  So why do such a large number of them have so much trouble with communication, timelines, and comebacks?

Diagnostics are the proverbial line in the sand that separate the part swappers from the authentic professionals.  There is an uncommon term employed by those in the fold; "Diagnostician".  As Diagnosticians, we are the ones that other shops call in a panic when they are on the third customer return for the same complaint and can't figure out the issue.  We are the ones who back-test both the failed and the replacement components.  We are the ones that can explain both the failure and the fix with data recordings and oscilloscope traces.  We are the ones who look forward to our failures just so we can learn from them.  We are the ones by which the professionalism of our industry is modeled but rarely duplicated.  When no one else can triage your car, it's ok, it happens.  Bring it here.  

Intermittent issues are the most vexing of enigmatic puzzles and are the bane of a mechanic's existence.  We must understand, only when a vehicle deviates from its originally designed function, can an issue be traced down.  While I'm happy to take your money to test your vehicle, the simple truth is, if it is not broke, I cannot fix it.

There is definite merit to quick lane type service businesses.  Typically they have the infrastructure to replace just about any fluid in the car in 15 minutes or less.  If you have nothing against these quick lane types, then neither do I.  They are designed to be the most cost effective option for fluid based services and are virtually impossible to compete with in that regard.  

Without question, I am happy to accommodate all of your fluid changes, just know that my lower infrastructure capability tends to impart a higher rate than the quick lane folks.  Swift-replacement products, such as wipers and lights, also share a similar principle.  

I know how much your classic cars means to you, whether it is a family heirloom, something you've sought after your entire life, or something you've worked your entire life for.. I get it.  Nonetheless, we must examine the realities affiliated with these machines that are of age.

Generally speaking, classic cars are beautiful ticking time bombs and break all the time.  This isn't just because they're old, although that plays a significant role.  Let us examine a little further, some of the less conventional and peculiar reasons for this:

• Classic car replacement parts are subpar.  The low production volume of these parts elicits a manufacturing process that is optimized for manufacturers, not for customers or for reliability.  Moreover, the tolerance specifications for classic car components are inordinately ludicrous.  Pair these two factors together and you have a prescription for eventual, dare I even say imminent, failure.  
• Classic cars have had decades of shade-tree mechanics fabricating micky mouse repairs and maiming everything under the hood and along the chassis.  
• Classic cars rarely have factory components.  When a non-factory component fails,  locating a suitable replacement is an arduous process at best.  

Be that as it may, I do occasionally work with classic cars on a case-by-case basis.  Bear in mind, the invoicing protocol will likely differ.  Depending on the work required, an up front deposit is probable.  

The foremost complaint of any carbureted engine is poor drivability.  This can manifest itself in hard starting, misfires, backfiring, sputtering, stalls, dead spots in the pedal, low idle, high idle, etc.  

Regardless of the specifics on the performance based complaint, there are a few minimum requirements which must first be addressed before diagnosis will continue.  We will:

1. Perform a compression check & evaluate plug conditions
2. Evaluate ignition timing
3. Replace all ignition components 
4. Replace all intake gaskets 
5. Install a replacement, or professionally rebuilt, carburetor (mechanical or EFI) that has a mathematically appropriate CFM rating for your specific long block

The reason for these steps is that there are no data recordings or oscilloscope traces that can be taken on these mechanical fuel injection systems aside from a basic spark trace.  There are a myriad of other shops that will work with you to attain a more stepped, or incremental, solution to your drivability issues.  All the same, these five steps are an obligatory prerequisite for all carbureted drivability diagnosis at this business.  

It is a natural and common occurrence for customer aspirations to ramp rapidly once truly diligent and meticulous service has been experienced.  It can also be easy to disremember the necessity of engineering intricacy, accuracy, and pertinent machining apparatus associated with reconditioning precision assemblies.

As even the slightest deviation from exact specifications can result in compromised performance or failure, it is imperative that skilled, experienced, and equipped artisans are entrusted with the task.  

When it comes to rebuilds, I will consult along the way, extract/install vehicle components, and carter to/from the aforementioned artisans.  However, the actual reconditioning work will not be completed here.  This strategic approach enables the rebuilding process to be executed with high confidence, surpassing the capabilities of in-house resources and ultimately delivering superior results.