Smoke in the Wires April 2016

It was only a matter of time before the internet popped to the top of the list for
Tool of the Month candidates. This electronic medium transcends the limitations
of the printed word to bring a wealth of knowledge to your screen. It also
exceeds the boundaries of good sense, safety, taste and civility, but probably
not entertainment. Still, odds are that no matter what mechanical malady you
face, someone with an intense need for attention has met, defeated and
blogged about your problem already.
Looking for help on the internet is not for the fainthearted. Even searching for
something like “Paint Shaker” can expand your knowledge (and definition) of the
subject in ways you had never dreamed of understanding. The key to successful
learning is to search with as narrow criteria as possible. Do you want to know how to
change the intake manifold gasket of your Mini? Go with “replace intake gasket 2004 Mini Cooper R53.” Instantly
you are confronted with write-ups and how-to
videos specific to your car.
Of course, misery loves company. That’s why you
joined a British car club. But what about marque
or model specific needs? The MGB owners aren’t
going to solve your Mini problem. Although the
gulf coast doesn’t have enough E-Types for us to
form a club of our own, there’s an online club
and forum. Every car in our club has a forum of
its own somewhere. There you can find experts
and blowhards alike to help solve your dilemmas.
Likely you will find contradictory advice. The
trouble is that expert and moron-derived advice looks
Smoke in the Wires April 2016 Page 23