Well, you still do a little bit...
I like to think I'm pretty mechanically inclined. I can rewire, plumb, and troubleshoot a lot of things. However, where I have the least comfort and experience is working on engines.
I never worked on cars as a kid or tinkered with engines. I was more of an electronics guy. So when it came to working on the engine or getting something fixed, I called someone.
What I found is that, especially for a diesel engine, working on an engine isn't that bad. Sure, I still call in the experts for some of the more challenging fixes (and sometimes just for convenience). But once I overcame my anxiety, I found that engines are pretty cool, and rather simple. Well, at least diesel engines.
Having a buddy to encourage you, or better yet who has done what you need to do, nearby, can be the extra "safety blanket" to push your comfort zone out and try your fix. Plus, preparing by researching, watching YouTube videos and chatting up others can further bolster your confidence. And then I always have in my back pocket that I can always call the expert to clean up my mess if it comes to that.
When I do my research and perform my fix, I make sure to record it in BoatProject. That way I have a record of what was done and when. And if I have to do it again (like flushing the raw water cooling at the end of the season) I have fast access to the research I did, any pictures I took, etc. So get over your anxiety and change that oil, flush that engine, replace that hose. It's not as scary as you may think! Now, if anyone knows how to fix a leaky fuel injector…
I never worked on cars as a kid or tinkered with engines. I was more of an electronics guy. So when it came to working on the engine or getting something fixed, I called someone.
What I found is that, especially for a diesel engine, working on an engine isn't that bad. Sure, I still call in the experts for some of the more challenging fixes (and sometimes just for convenience). But once I overcame my anxiety, I found that engines are pretty cool, and rather simple. Well, at least diesel engines.
Having a buddy to encourage you, or better yet who has done what you need to do, nearby, can be the extra "safety blanket" to push your comfort zone out and try your fix. Plus, preparing by researching, watching YouTube videos and chatting up others can further bolster your confidence. And then I always have in my back pocket that I can always call the expert to clean up my mess if it comes to that.
When I do my research and perform my fix, I make sure to record it in BoatProject. That way I have a record of what was done and when. And if I have to do it again (like flushing the raw water cooling at the end of the season) I have fast access to the research I did, any pictures I took, etc. So get over your anxiety and change that oil, flush that engine, replace that hose. It's not as scary as you may think! Now, if anyone knows how to fix a leaky fuel injector…