Hi all,
Since the start of a thread on Diesel pollution, I have blathered away on diesel maintenance and the lack there of. As a result I have decided to start a thread on vehicle maintenance for Expats who are operating vehicles.
Owning a vehicle or motorcycle in Ecuador is no small endeavor. Initial costs are high, and maintenance and repair costs an be frightening. One major problem is that repair parts are affected by the import restrictions, and the fact that they do not allow the resale of used parts i.e. no wrecking yards as in the U.S.
On a positive note, gas is, and remains at a low price.
First, I would like to establish my credentials to be a reliable source of advice.
I was one of those kids that as soon as I could stand was taking things apart, anything and everything. I had a driving need to know how things work. My Mother however, did not find my curiosity amusing or productive, as I at first, was seldom able to return my projects to their normal working configuration. Thankfully I did improve over time.
As the internet did not exist I spent many hours in the library. At 16 in Mom's garage I rebuilt my first engine. Mom was understandably horrified. Luckily a good friends father had an extensive set of tools and was away on business a great deal of the time. I am happy to report, it went back together with no extra parts. At that point just the basics was not enough and I immediately collected any information available on high performance applications.
Thus began my career in the business street racing, and business was good.... I was quickly sought out by potential enthusiasts and set to work modifying and improving others cars. I soon started working on motorcycles as well.
At 18 I enlisted in the U.S. Navy where I received my first real formal training in mechanics, electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics etc. While on shore duty I worked for a Land Rover and Saturn dealership. Ultimately receiving my initial ASE, Automotive Service Excellence certification and later earned my ASE Master Mechanic Certification. I was also certified to perform emissions testing in the state of Colorado. During my final shore tour I worked for a company building custom Harley Davidson motorcycles. Having a strong background in Electronics, I became very proficient in electronic fault isolation and repair.
NOTE: I OPENLY ADMIT, I DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING. BUT DO TAKE PRIDE IN MY PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITIES.
The following is what I can offer assistance with;
1. Buying a used vehicle.
What to look for, the right questions to ask, if a small thing can grow into a large problem.
2. General Preventative Maintenance.
What needs to be done, and how often. What fluids to use, and other tips to keep you on the road.
NOTE: THIS IS NOT YOUR HOME TOWN "JIFFY LUBE" THEY DO THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENT HERE.
3. Corrective Maintenance, when a repair is needed, what can the average "Expat" do, and local shop practices to watch out for.
4. If you use a local repair shop, what to look for and do, before, during, and after the repairs.
5, Performance tuning, not that there are too many places to stretch your legs here anyway.
If there are other concerns I have not addressed, feel free to pose any question. Well, any question related to automobiles.
There are many factors to consider in owning and operating a vehicle in Ecuador. Costs, road conditions, local driving practices, the law. It can be a big step, and can turn into a money pit. The influx of electronic controls in vehicles today, effectively reduces the capabilities of the average "back Yard" mechanic.
We have owned two cars so far, and I have dealt with local shops and mechanics. Even the better ones found had practices I did not find suitable. Since the first brake job I performed on my wife's mothers SUV, I have been dubbed the "Family Mechanic". I recently saved her, over $500.00 on a failing power steering pump.
So start those engines.....
GMC