Beginner Book?

[Shawn0331]

I'm quick to admit that I don't know much about auto mechanics, but I'm not content with staying there.

I never took autoshop in high school & the most my dad taught me was how to change my oil, filters & tires.

What would be a good book for me to pick up so I can get the basics down?

I'd like to understand what makes it all work together, what all the parts do, etc., I just don't know where to start.

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

[Skunksmash]

Youtube. Far better than any book imo.

[Jason S]

Actually, some of the 70's GM manuals had some very good information. 

One example is the 1973 GMC factory service manual.  It has detailed explanations about how components operate, like: air conditioning, differential operation, carburetor operation, etc.   By 1979, a lot of the theory and operational basics had been taken out of the service manual.

[bd]

Actually, some of the 70's GM manuals had some very good information.  ...[They had] detailed explanations about how components operate, like: air conditioning, differential operation, carburetor operation, etc.   By 1979, a lot of the theory and operational basics had been taken out of the service manual.

X2

By the early 80s, in an attempt to decrease warranty expenditures, OEMs started "thinking" for technicians and gradually supplanted "practical theory" with trouble shooting trees that, early on, often led nowhere.  Today's repair environment has grown so sophisticated in its electronics that a tech almost needs a "black box" diagnostic tool.  Nonetheless, nothing can replace basic knowledge and a thorough understanding of how a system operates and what needs to occur for proper function.  For many OE manuals, go to Helm Publishing  http://www.helminc.com

In addition to the vintage OE manuals mentioned above, some of the HP Books paperbacks offer decent explanations.

[sbx22]

I was in the same boat you were in too. I feel good about my skill acquisition so far, but by no means, consider myself a complete mechanic. Whatever I can do myself, I usually like doing myself. I learn on the go. Go and buy yourself a repair manual for your truck. And also, youtube how to fix a specific problem even if it's not chevy specific, it may be similar to our trucks. Also, this forum is a very nice place to go if you are stuck.

[Irish_Alley]

this is a waist of money lmao. for me the best knowledge is hands on, this is why i suck at spelling but great at math. you can read all you want but in the end it doesnt make you any smarter than you where before just know what to look for. its like trying to read a book about welding. till you know what your really looking for and at it wont do you no good. so get your hands dirty and then read your palms

[Blazin]

I have several Helms manuals, they are by far the best ones as they are reproductions of service manuals. Haynes and Chilton books are good but really only show how to take it apart, and reassemble it with correct torque specs.
Nothing beats hands on experience.

[klaussk]

I learned the basic theory of a 4 stroke motor in my 8th grade science book haha! But i never truly understood how each part does its job until i was able to disassemble a motor myself, thats when everything clicked. Ive read a few books about performance engine building. My favorite was "how to build performance small block on a budget" by david vizard. He dives into basic theory of an engine and how to make more power. As far as diagnosing an engine I would have to say that experience is king followed very closely by advice and help from others. Its a hands on thing. But knowledge is knowledge no matter were it comes from. As you work on your truck you will learn alot.

[Shawn0331]

Thanks guys. I guess I'm looking for more of a "this is what this part is and this is what it does" picture/diagram type deal.

I agree hands-on is the best. That's how I learned the ins and outs of my M9, M16, M249, M2 .50, MK19, and M240G.

Thing is, even then, we had instructors and manuals with exploded diagrams. 

[bd]

Take a beginning class!      Many community colleges have automotive programs.  The advantage in a hands-on course is that you will work with automotive systems instead of just reading about them.  For example, having the three-dimensional mass of a carburetor in your hands and being able to tear it apart and study it from every angle, in conjunction with the theory of how it works, is a whole lot more meaningful than just reading about it.      Pictures are a "substitute" for (like a "promise" of) the "mass" of actual parts and their relevant motion and interaction.      If you want understanding and retention, you need to physically work with the systems you're studying, so you can apply new information and be able to think with it.  In other words, a course gives you basic "experience" under controlled circumstances.  Hence, everyone's suggestion of getting a repair manual for your vehicle and digging in.      Otherwise, it's just significance that, at some point, will make your head spin and put you to sleep.      

...'nuf said.   

Barring a class - go to your local library and look through their offerings.  Then go to a local book seller or community college bookstore and comb through their shelves.  Or, search online for Automotive Encyclopedia.   

[VileZambonie]

I agree on the earlier GM factory Service manuals.

Where do you live? School is definitely the best way to benefit. Youtube my have some great info but there's more false and bad info there than you can imagine.

[Shawn0331]

I'm going to check the local community colleges for classes. Also going to ask my neighbor (he's a mechanic and has a full shop with lift, welder, etc) if he'd be willing to teach me some stuff.

A guy at church has a 350 with low miles he said he'd give me. I'd like to maybe swap it for mine (145k on it). That'd be a great learning experience.

Next thing I'm tackling is the passenger side ball joints (did driver's side already) and tie rod ends.

[bd]

Now, you're talkin!  Good luck with your endeavors!  And if you ever need help, don't forget us.  We get lonely when no one talks to us.   

[bake74]

I'm going to check the local community colleges for classes. Also going to ask my neighbor (he's a mechanic and has a full shop with lift, welder, etc) if he'd be willing to teach me some stuff.

     2 of the very best ways to learn.  Just remember that there is more than one way to do some things, the others are very directional on how they are to be done.  Learning for yourself is always the best way to go.

[klaussk]

Learning from people that have been doing it for a living is a great way to learn. Theres alot that just isnt covered in books and they usualy know it. I also plan on schooling when my enlistment is up. The best of luck with your engine swap. Maybe you should think about doing a basic overhaul on the new 350. That way you can get a look at the insides of the motor. Be a great experience to just do a simple bearing and gasket overhaul. One more thing, I have learned a great deal by just reading threads on this forum. Theres alot of people on here with tons of knowledge about the trucks. It's a great source of information and every one here seems to enjoy helping.