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This afternoon I have my first auto mechanics class. I am really nervous, but really excited!
This is a real technical program to become a professional auto mechanic. Who do you think will be in my class? It is limited to twelve students. I hope to God that I am not the only woman.
I take one class each day. Today’s class is Automotive Technology, an introductory overview of all systems.
Here is the syllabus. It is unbelievable to me that one day I might actually know what all this means!
Wish me luck! I’ll let you know tomorrow how it went!
Jennifer
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AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Emphasis is on automobile construction, major components, basic systems and their repair and maintenance.
COURSE RATIONAL:
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- identify and demonstrate the proper use of shop equipment and tools
- identify and describe functions of vehicle subsystems
- demonstrate the use of service publications
- identify various automotive fasteners used in industry; and perform automotive maintenance
COURSE OUTLINE:
I. ORIENTATION AND SHOP SAFETY:
A. Introduction to shop test equipment.
B. Brief review of shop safety, with use of all shop equipment.
C. Orientation of use of basic hand tools used in the course.
II. COOLING SYSTEM:
A. Need for regulation of operating temperature of cooling systems.
B. Instruction into design and function of various components used in the cooling system
III.FOUR CYCLE GASOLINE ENGINE:
A. Design, function, and operation of the four cycle gasoline powered engines.
B. Basic maintenance involved in the operation of engines.
IV. STANDARD POWER TRAIN:
A. Design, function, and operation of the various transmissions.
B. Drive lines and differentials used with the automobile.
V. FUEL SYSTEMS:
A. Design, function, and operation of two and four barrel carburetors.
B. Components related to the fuel system, such as the fuel pump, filters and fuel lines.
C. Diagnosing and repairing fuel-related problems.
VI. IGNITION SYSTEMS:
A. Design, function, and operation of the ignition systems, including both point and condenser type as well as solid state.
B. Brief look at the oscilloscope
VII. ELECTRICAL:
A. Basic function, of the electrical system.
B. Diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical problems.
VIII. SUSPENSION SYSTEMS:
A. Design, function, and operation of suspension in systems all automobiles.
B. Basics of front-end alignment and wheel balance
IX. TRANSMISSIONS:
A. Basic design, function, and operation of both standard and automatic transmissions.
B. Care, maintenance, and minor service of transmissions.
X. DAY TO DAY CARE AND MAINTENANCE:
A. Procedures for lubrication and oil and filter changes.
B. Normal maintenance and upkeep of various systems.
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Countup: 57 days of sobriety! (Though I’m trying to think of it as one day at a time.)
Countdown: 100 days until I move into my RV.
Wow, tomorrow we’re into double digits.
Yikes.
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Maybe too pricey if my house doesn’t sell, but what do you think of this RV?
8 Comments
The ‘06 Navion for $49,000 is a steal especially with the very low mileage, that makes it even more desirable. My View (Navion, View, same same except for color schemes)is an ‘06. With the ‘06 the engine is an inline 5 cyclinder in a cast iron block. The following years they went to V-6’s in an aluminum block. The 5 cyclinder will last longer, is easier to service and gets 1-2 more mpg. No noticable difference in power. As for everything else inside the coach the ‘06 is your basic simplicity which for me works great. Subsquent years they kept adding more gizmos and gadgets which equates to more possiblities of things going south on you. Keep it simple! Too bad the house isn’t sold and you could run up to Nebraska and snatch up this Navion. Hang in there as things work out as they do for a reason.
Relax and have fun with your class today.
Looking forward to hearing about your experiences.
As has been mentioned before, the problem with the View/Navion is that it comes from the factory
1) over priced
2) over weight.
You can’t find the weight or CCC (cargo carrying capacity) on the Winnebago site. That is a red flag. The GVWR is 11030. That is low for anything with a slide. I’ve seen claims that the CCC is as low as 400 lb. The only way to know is to weigh the thing. I wouldn’t buy anything that is overweight. It is just asking for tire and transmission troubles.
Here is one discussion of this topic:
http://www.rvtravel.com/rvforum/viewtopic.php?t=1264
Google is your friend.
Bob
PS: I notice you follow CruisinSusan. As I recall, she also had a problem with weight, and getting the unit to go up a hill.
Just the fact that Winnebago doesn’t give you the weight is a very bad sign. You are going to have problems with any RV you buy, but it is best to avoid those that are actually designed in.
I’m also considering a View after looking at 5th wheels for a year.
There is a 2008 at PPL that I have been looking at. They told me that the dry wieght of this unit is 8,900# (and includes a full load of fuel and LP). This calculates to a CCC of 1,722# (I assumed I only had 5 gal in the gray and in the black water tanks and a half load of fresh water – which is probably how I’d travel).
This CCC seems high to me and I plan to get it weighed.
John in Houston
I forgot to mention there is a View/Navion Yahoo group that you can join, if this hasn’t been mentioned before. They respond quickly and it seems to be friendly. Be prepared for a lot of emails.
Good luck in class, you’re going to be very knowledgable!
Hang in there with stupid salesmen. As every woman (of a certain age) knows, there is rampant discrimination, with assumptions we have no $ and no authority to buy etc. There is a WONDERFUL article on edmunds.com about the tricks of the used car salesman (applies to all vehicle sales IMHO).
For used vehicles, I want to know everything I can find out BEFORE I go to the trouble of driving to see it. I ask by email, so as not to reveal my gender and to get answers in writing. Also, I try not to reveal my level of enthusiasm (which a long drive to see it reveals, if you reveal that).
Experience has taught me that ‘the deal of a lifetime comes along every 5 minutes’. So exciting to watch you on the road to finding THE ONE!
Hi Jennifer,
I don’t know anything about the Navion per se, but I can tell you we have been very happy with our current Class B (a Coachmen Starflyte, 21′). I’ve owned just about every other type of R.V., but this one is easiest to drive, best on gas mileage, can be driven on most any road and fits into a regular parking space. I agree with other commenters that you were treated terribly at that dealership; I wouldn’t go back there. Best wishes,
Mry Ann
I too feel the Navion is a steal at that price. You cannot go wrong. They are classy, and easy to drive. I wish you all the luck in finding your new “house on wheels”.