Idiots guide to mechanic's terminology

BroncoJoe19 · 09-03-2009, 07:51 PM

Gentlemen,
I would like to create a thread that explains the best way to describe a problem. OK I know that we can't give a complete English course, but we can agree on the definition of certain words. My thought is that we can use this thread to create a glossary of words and their meanings with a preamble that we can post in the "new member" section as a sticky. Then we can point to the sticky when a person uses many "gear head" terms out of context.
I think you have the idea.

One issue that comes to mind is the use of terms such as "turn over" "cranks" or "crank" and another... "nothing" , or.. "I tried everything"

Another issue I have is with personification... "it TRYS to" for example... It trys to start, but it don't crank.

OK... so I hope I got you interested it this little project.

Let's work on it as a team

BroncoJoe19 · 09-03-2009, 07:55 PM

There are many of us here that do our best to help our fellow man/woman. If we can agree on the meaning of certain terminology our posts in both directions will be clearer, and therefore more effective in getting you the solution that you need.

Here is a collection of thoughts of what certain words mean.

BroncoJoe19 · 09-03-2009, 08:12 PM

Often used terms with different meanings:
"Crank" Some think that when one turns the key and the starter turns the engine round and round, that means crank the engine. I agree with that.
Others think "crank" means that the engine starts. They will say things like "the engine will turn over, but not crank", or others will say... I turn the key and the engine does not crank.
Others will say... "the engine cranks but will not turn over."

I would like to suggest that we use the word START when we mean START!
For examlee when we say, she cranks but does not start. That statment is clear
If one states... "she turns over, but does not start!" That is also clear!.

DustDevil · 09-03-2009, 11:35 PM

I agree Joe, it would eliminate some of the confusion.

theoldwizard · 09-04-2009, 01:08 AM

I will also add that describing a problem by its sounds in this mostly text based forum, is typically not very useful. Anything beyond a general "rattle" or "noise" leaves much to the imagination.

(I had a person describe an occasion carburetor backfire as a load "tick".)

sgilbert14 · 09-04-2009, 04:38 AM

As a "newbie" this would be great because I know I have added to this issue when trying to work on my van. It would help us new guys learn and those helping be directed to the actual problem. Hope it falls in place.

jonmark1985 · 09-04-2009, 06:35 AM

Governor, rev-limiter, and top speed limiter on all on my list. I don't see it to often, but alternator and generator have been interchanged before as well. Also air, gas, and fuel. I'm not sure how you guys take them, but i see those as three separate entities.

woosha1987 · 09-05-2009, 07:26 PM

Great idea!
Cranking means turning over, spinning over, or my favourite 'RRR, RRR, RRR' and STARTING means bloody STARTING!!!

Other things... your modern EFI cars don't really get 'tune-ups', but they do get 'major services'. That means your plugs, air filter, fuel filter etc get replaced and you motor runs a bit better(well, sometimes. it's about 10% better and 90% placebo about 95% of the time). Sort of like back in the day when they fiddled with the points and carby, except that you don't have any parts that get adjusted anymore, just consumable parts that get renewed.

My personal tip would be this: when describing a problem to a mechanic, be as creative as humanly possible, and think of as much information as possible.
How long has it had the problem for? What where you doing when you first noticed the problem? Had anything been done to the car prior to the problem occurring? Was it a ripping hot day when your car overheated? Were your brakes squealing or shuddering after you did that mountain pass with a monstrous trailer on the back?
The more information you can give him (or her) the less time they may have to spend hunting for the problem, the less pissed off at you they'll be, and the less money they'll charge you.
They might also be able to fix or improve the vehicle in a way as to stop the problem from re-occuring.

And never feel silly in making stupid noises to describe what your car is doing. It really does help.

And it's really, really funny to watch...

mark v · 09-07-2009, 10:20 AM

Yes this list would be a big benefit. Some of the words people use really are out there, my favorite is "My engine is Skipping".

taz4x4150 · 09-07-2009, 07:53 PM

"It sounds like this _______ only a little different !"