Mechanically declined apparently

T

theslimjim32

New member
First, this site has taught me how to change my oil and oil filter. I come here to see all of your amazing looking rigs, and to hope that maybe I can do some of the same things to my rig eventually. Second, I apologize that my first ever post is long and somewhat a complaint ( although about me)

But I'm afraid hoping and looking is about the extent of what I will be doing. Aside from changing my oil, oil filter, air filter and the casual light bulb I am apparently mechanically declined.

I tried changing my fuel filter, only to have to end up taking it into a shop to finish the job. I removed my wheels to try and do the Tundra brake upgrade, to only have to put them back on and take the rig to a shop to do it.

And now I have a bad TPS which the bottom bolt I can't get off to remove the part. I even removed the throttle body to try and get a better angle at the screw. It's kind of stripped, so I don't think I'm going to be able to get it out. I put it all back together, because low and behold, I'm going to have to take it to a shop to do the work.

But of course now that I have put everything back together, my idle is higher than I remember and very slowly rises. I'm scared to even drive it the few miles to the shop.

Am I just doomed, or is it just a learning curve that takes lots and lots of work?
 
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Kuddos for making all the attempts, you never learn unless you try. From my experience youll be fine if you drive the truck to a shop nearby. And dont be discouraged the next time your truck needs some work to do it yourself.
 
Bummer man, you sound pretty down on yourself. It sounds like you're hurting for the right tools and confidence in yourself to push through the tough spots. There are always headscratching bolts and nuts that dont agree with you in any project that you will undertake. Snag a buddy and a brew... work through some of these things with them and don't forget to laugh at yourself.:cheers:
 
When I first got my 2.4L Taco, I had NO idea how do do anything. Couldn't change the oil, couldn't do the brakes.

Nothing.

Now look at the 4Runner.

www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen.../119076-docs-zrv-pic-heavy.html

Don't get down on your self man.

It takes time and patience to get things done, and to have them done right.

Take pictures along the way. that would probably help remember where stuff went.

As for breaking screws and bolts, it happens.

You just need to figure out a way to get it out, and then "keep on, keepin on."

If you need ANY help with anything, feel free to PM me. I'm sure any of the users on there feel the same way.

Just make sure you search before you post up anything. there's usually answers out there.
 
^ The right tools makes all the difference. It's amazing how one tool can turn hours into minutes, and turn big tasks into little efforts.

I advise against the harbor freight tools... I've stripped countless bolts with their sockets, and many tools have been one time use before breaking.
 
Speaking of the right tools, you said screw for the TPS (which is correct) but I am assuming then that it has "Phillips head screws on it". The problem here is nothing Toyota actually has phillips heads on it, they are technically JIS or Japanese Industrial Standard which have a slightly different shape to the screwdriver tip. I have a couple of sets of Vessel brand JIS screwdrivers for things like that where they are just tight enough that a standard Craftsman or even Snap on phillips head driver will round out the inside of the screw.
 
Thanks all. I guess it really is just a matter of time and things will start to make more and more sense. Although it can be kind of daunting doing something new with such huge consequences if I really screw it up.

That's good info to know about JIS. I had no idea. I thought it was just like any other screw.

Again, thanks all. I'm not AS upset about the whole thing anymore. Hopefully, my next job I try to do will go smoother
 
Research and learn online as much as possible. This forum is great, as is customtacos.

Get under the truck and just look at it, tinker, observe. If you don't know what something is then research it and learn.

As stated, correct tools are the key. I am a craftsman and cornwell guy. Stay away from cheap tools, harbor freight and big lots. Even simple tools that you couldn't possibly screw up, harbor freight screws up.

And have fun with it. I head to my garage with a six pack and a bag of chips for fun. Buddies stop over. Some work might get done. Throw on some tunes and don't sweat it. If you find you need a new tool then go buy it, don't substitute.
 
As said, this forum has TONS of info, along with yotatech, customtacos, ttora etc. Take your time with what you're trying to do and if you run into a wall, post a thread asking for help and you will more than likely get a quick response. Post pictures of where you're at and what you did. There are a lot of step my step instructional threads we can direct you to if you're wanting to do some maintenance and/or mod. We don't like seeing people spend money they don't have to on a quick fix.
 
Personally - and I don't mean this as a slight - I think your only problem is that you give up too easy.

I've messed up more things than I can keep track off. Just look at the thead for Tyrone where I replaced the engine. I nearly broke down myself when I broke off a bolt in the engine crank while torquing down the flywheel. ( I didn't think I could get it out, I'd have to replace or tap the crank which is a nightmare.)

Things will never go 100% as planned, you will break stuff that wasn't broken, sometimes it will cost a lot more than you expected - but almost always less than the dealer.

Also, it's really best to learn on a car that is NOT your daily driver where screwing up doesn't mean not being able to get to work the next day.

Being broke also helps - you find out just how capable you really are when taking it to the shop at their $90/h rate is simply not an option.
 
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Cheer up. none of us popped out the wonb a master tech . . .

i think half of it is not giving up. not letting it beat you. when i have problems, i sit down indian style next to whatever im working on, and i stare at it. I know that sounds crazy, but sometimes you need to just relax, sit back, and let your mind work. Works for me almost every time.

experience is knowledge, knowledge is power, but is nothing unless you use it. keep on truckin homie. you'll get it.
 
i want to stress the importance of using the correct tool for the job. Stripping bolts, screws, sheering things off, overtightening, etc... these are all things im sure everyone has dont and usually its because you used the wrong tool.
 
Ruiner said:
i want to stress the importance of using the correct tool for the job. Stripping bolts, screws, sheering things off, overtightening, etc... these are all things im sure everyone has dont and usually its because you used the wrong tool.
Click to expand...

Remember, having a torque wrench isn't any good if you don't know the torque spec...

Buy the shop manuals, they're "cheap" used.
 
and dont use 12 point sockets. 6 oint only unless you have no other choice. breaker bars are a great investment too
 
As mentioned, get the right tools and practice practice practice.

You'll break stuff at first, and it will take longer than it should, but as long as you're improving that's all that matters.

I think back to when I was a teenager and some of the jobs that I had a really hard time with. I would consider a lot of those to be easy jobs now, and back then there was no internet to help you out when you got stuck.

Research what you want to do. Think it through BEFORE you start. Don't rush things or take 'shortcuts' and you'll be well on your way.
 
i concur ^^^ Research, research, research.

I will pretty much study like I have an exam coming up. I will ususally search around for potential problems that others have run in to, and what they did to overcome (as well as what tools they used to overcome the obstacles). Once its in your blood though, good luck, youre done for good. you'll always want to do more.
 
Stick Figure said:
Speaking of the right tools, you said screw for the TPS (which is correct) but I am assuming then that it has "Phillips head screws on it". The problem here is nothing Toyota actually has phillips heads on it, they are technically JIS or Japanese Industrial Standard which have a slightly different shape to the screwdriver tip. I have a couple of sets of Vessel brand JIS screwdrivers for things like that where they are just tight enough that a standard Craftsman or even Snap on phillips head driver will round out the inside of the screw.
Click to expand...

Learned that one working on my first yamaha 250ttr.
 
just be patient, be gentle....your confidence needs a rebuild

Bloody knuckles, dirty slippery hands twisting wrenches in tight places while on your back or some other contortion, lost bolts on skid plates, clips or conectors in blind spots, stuck bolts and rust--Ya I guess my brothers right I'm crazy for fixing my own rig but I don't have the $400 car payment and I feel like I'm gaining an education. I've only had my Runner for about 6 mounths, in which I've done the both 02 sensors, starter, steering pump flush and replacement, running board removal, transmission fluid change, and some other projects. Before that I'd done oil changes. The starter I took my time, read as many write ups as possible and patiently got the job done but with the power steering pump I rushed it got frustrated and had to walk away, rethink it and finish the job with a better mind set.

Don't rush and use every resource possible--ask questions--do research--this site is invaluable (thanks all)
 
Like many on here, I have screwed up/broken as much as I have fixed. Luckily I had a father around who taught me a few things when I was younger, but I have pretty much been on my own. I try to do as much as I can without asking for help, but sometimes you have to know when to give in.
 
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