automotive engineer question

BobTheBiker · 08-10-2009, 04:27 AM

I have to ask, after spending the last week+ working on my 96 s10, and spending about $300ish in parts on it.

is it just me, or are automotive engineers just plain cruel bastards that take pleasure in making those of us who work on a car suffer?

whats your take?
do they lack hands on experience working on the vehicles they make?
are they just stupid and unable to see bad designs?
is it a twisted and sadistic game they enjoy playing with us to watch us suffer and break shit while they get off to it?
all of the above perhaps? hell if I honestly know.

Phenix_Rider · 08-10-2009, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobTheBiker

I have to ask, after spending the last week+ working on my 96 s10, and spending about $300ish in parts on it.

is it just me, or are automotive engineers just plain cruel bastards that take pleasure in making those of us who work on a car suffer?

whats your take?
do they lack hands on experience working on the vehicles they make?
are they just stupid and unable to see bad designs?
is it a twisted and sadistic game they enjoy playing with us to watch us suffer and break shit while they get off to it?
all of the above perhaps? hell if I honestly know.

They use the cheapest shit they can get away with and design so a robot can do 90% of the work of assembly. There's no thought about maintenance.

Homeslice · 08-10-2009, 07:46 AM

They are designed to discourage DIY service, so that you bring it in to a dealer instead. Why bother making it easy to work on?

SteveP · 08-10-2009, 07:58 AM

I've found that once you understand systems and how things work together it gets much easier. Don't get me wrong, some things still plain suck! I've worked at a shop for a while and do my own wrenching at home.

I kinda enjoy it

unknownroad · 08-10-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveP

I've found that once you understand systems and how things work together it gets much easier. Don't get me wrong, some things still plain suck!

Indeed... understanding how things work together doesn't change the fact that for most vehicles, changing the heater core basically requires tearing the dashboard down to the firewall

karl_1052 · 08-10-2009, 01:34 PM

Trace is an engineer.

Lets get Him!

z06boy · 08-10-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

They are designed to discourage DIY service, so that you bring it in to a dealer instead. Why bother making it easy to work on?

True. They have specially made tools to make some of the jobs easier and when they don't have that special tool...no biggie...labor rates FTW !!

Rider · 08-10-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

They are designed to discourage DIY service, so that you bring it in to a dealer instead. Why bother making it easy to work on?

Truth. People who buy new cars usually take it back to the place they bought for service generating more revenue for that manufacturer. Why take away some revenue just to make the car easier to work on?.

Another factor is, with so much emissions controls and engine diagnostics, it's hard to fit all that under the hood and still maintain size and weight(fuel economy) standards AND make it roomy enough to easily service.

Homeslice · 08-10-2009, 02:12 PM

Witness the plastic "engine shrouds" they put on most luxury cars these days........It's more than just a styling thing........It also makes some clueless people assume that their engine is some complex, new-fangled thing that doesn't have sparkplugs or air filters. Therefore they are less likely to pick up a service manual and attempt any DIY work.

Krypt Keeper · 08-10-2009, 03:30 PM

My charger is pretty simple for oil changes. Too bad they didn't think about the crappy lame front suspension that isn't worth $5, yet wanna charge you over $1200 to do the balljoints YOURSELF. That is not taking it to the dealer.

Wifes van is nice to work on. Each oil change makes me wanna trade it in. The oil filter sits above the frame and is a real pain to get to, and all the oil that drains down on the frame and pours like a black/brown waterfall everywhere makes me want to dickpunch some engineer.

I been turning wrenchs since I was 12. I prefer to do all my own work, as I have worked in shops and see how half assed they are.

08-10-2009, 04:27 AM	#1
BobTheBiker too much time on my hands Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: the northern district of god damn Moto: 01 ZX6R, looking for more now. Posts: 1,802	automotive engineer question I have to ask, after spending the last week+ working on my 96 s10, and spending about $300ish in parts on it. is it just me, or are automotive engineers just plain cruel bastards that take pleasure in making those of us who work on a car suffer? whats your take? do they lack hands on experience working on the vehicles they make? are they just stupid and unable to see bad designs? is it a twisted and sadistic game they enjoy playing with us to watch us suffer and break shit while they get off to it? all of the above perhaps? hell if I honestly know.

08-10-2009, 07:46 AM	#3
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	They are designed to discourage DIY service, so that you bring it in to a dealer instead. Why bother making it easy to work on? Last edited by Homeslice; 08-10-2009 at 09:31 AM..

08-10-2009, 01:34 PM	#6
karl_1052 sergeant hatred Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ottawa Moto: The bus Posts: 2,723	Trace is an engineer. Lets get Him! __________________ My wife was afraid of the dark...then she saw me naked and now she's afraid of the light.

08-10-2009, 07:58 AM	#4
SteveP Canyon Carver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Pensacola, FL Moto: The v-twin trifecta Posts: 437	I've found that once you understand systems and how things work together it gets much easier. Don't get me wrong, some things still plain suck! I've worked at a shop for a while and do my own wrenching at home. I kinda enjoy it

08-10-2009, 02:12 PM	#9
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	Witness the plastic "engine shrouds" they put on most luxury cars these days........It's more than just a styling thing........It also makes some clueless people assume that their engine is some complex, new-fangled thing that doesn't have sparkplugs or air filters. Therefore they are less likely to pick up a service manual and attempt any DIY work.

08-10-2009, 03:30 PM	#10
Krypt Keeper Kneedragger Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: VA Moto: CBR1100XX, Daytona 600 Posts: 174	My charger is pretty simple for oil changes. Too bad they didn't think about the crappy lame front suspension that isn't worth $5, yet wanna charge you over $1200 to do the balljoints YOURSELF. That is not taking it to the dealer. Wifes van is nice to work on. Each oil change makes me wanna trade it in. The oil filter sits above the frame and is a real pain to get to, and all the oil that drains down on the frame and pours like a black/brown waterfall everywhere makes me want to dickpunch some engineer. I been turning wrenchs since I was 12. I prefer to do all my own work, as I have worked in shops and see how half assed they are.