3 comments about Haynes' Automotive Electrical Manual (Haynes AutomotiveRepair Manual Series No.10420).

1. This book is fantastic in explaining how to find and fix a problem with a cars electrical system. Tells you what tools to use, how to use them, and how to go about making repairs. This book is a must for any weekend mechanic who gets anxious at the thought of working on electircal problems.



2. I have been a backyard mechanic for about 10 years. The last 3 years, I have gotten much more serious by expnading my knowledge, tools, supplies and work load. During all this expansion, I promised myself I would learn electronics and really start getting serious with the subject. Every method I tried to learn electronics, I just couldnt grasp the advanced (useful) concepts. I tried several online courses, on the job training, other electrical manuals, pretty much everything. I found this book at my local library and it seemed like it would cover everything I wanted to learn. Within three days, I had everything I wanted to know practically memorized. The fourth day I spent about $100 in tools and supplies so I could practice what I learned. I have read this book front to back and already fixed several problems in my car and home. I just cant say enough good about this book. Not only is it well written and easy to understand, the topics go in order and have excellent pictures to match. I will return the library book and get one for myself. The only thing I can say negatively about this book is that the publish date is about 15 years old. Not much has changed since then, especially the basic concepts the book teaches. Overall, If you need to learn how to understand, troubleshoot, overhaul, or replace anything electronic that is automotive based; this book is for you!



3. If you have no clue whatsoever about electricity and cars then this book will be a first step to understanding. I bought this book years ago when there were not that many books on the subject available but since then far better books have come on the market and if you can only afford one or just want to buy one book then I suggest tracy martins book. I hope I dont give the impression that this is a bad book, it isnt, the problem is it is neither good or bad its just a simple overview.

No comments about Nissan Altima 1993 thru 2006 (Haynes Repair Manual).

1 comments about Engineering Street Rods (Practical Hot Rodder's Guide).

1. This book has the answers to the questions that are asked by both the new builder, and those that have done a few cars.

   Not just another tired litany of buying this part or that part and simply bolting it on as most American street rod oriented publishers recommend. Rather, good solid information on how to do it yourself, making many of the components from scratch at home.

   The book is loaded with good clear B&W photos of works in progress, bare chassis and the like. Lots of good written information in the text as well. Basic construction on all aspects of street rods is covered as well as advanced engineering techniques.

   The typical street rod under construction is covered from stem to stern so to speak, and you'll even find things like installing windshield wipers, hidden washer bottles and defrosters. All in all, a most interesting read.

   Since it's a book that focuses on Australian street rod building the steering is on the wrong side for US cars, but that's easy enough to figure out.

   Lots of good information here and I recommend it highly.

5 comments about SVO: Powering Your Vehicle With Straight Vegetable Oil.

1. Thinking about running your car/Truck on Grease? Been running your car/truck on grease for years? Know nothing about running your car/truck on Veggie? Know everything about running a car/truck on Veggie?-This book is for you.
   
   Whatever level, this well researched and documented book has information I bet you did not know-from how Veggie runs in a Diesel at the molecular stage to filtering.
   
   I have been doing the veggie thing a few years & it was great to learn WHY something works as well a HOW something works.
   
   Book is well worth it.



2. Whether you are a 20 year veteran WVO consulting engineer, or a novice that is just starting to investigate the possibility of running a diesel powered vehicle on vegetable oil, this is the textbook that you should have in your collection. Starting with the basics of how a diesel engine operates, the author then moves on to how the fuel burns - and explains how vegetable oil can be used in place of normal diesel fuel. There are some issues with the use of vegetable oil fuels and the author describes the 3 various ways they can be overcome. The focus of this book is the method in which the vegetable oil fuel is heated to break down viscosity and allow it to be injected into the engine in a pattern approaching that of diesel.
   
   While this book is largely about theory and goes into great detail explaining fuel properties and diesel operation, it also describes conversions and presents some generic diagrams. It provides enough detail that a mechanically-inclined person could design and build their own WVO system for an older vehicle. Enough detail is presented that it is not a matter of cobbling together a barely adequate system - rather the reader should have a pretty good idea of what it takes to get the alternative fuel into a temperature range that allows for long term use without engine damage.
   
   The other aspect of vegetable oil fuels is gather and filtering - processing it it so that it can be used in a vehicle. Sources of oil need to be obtained and the author doesn't spend too many pages on this topic, but presents enough detail for the reader to understand the issues and work with restaurants in order to get started. Each situation will be unique, so the reader will need to do some investigation first hand. Filtering the oil is the next step - removing both food waste and other impurities such as water. The author describes several tried and proven methods and he also covers some misconceptions that experimentation has demonstrated do not work well. This is not about a hack-job filtration system using used denim jeans for an inconsistent filtration media, he instead covers some common methods of filtering used successfully by many people.
   
   This book is a must read for anyone considering running vegetable oil fuel in a diesel engine.



3. This work represents over a year of research into the use of an alternative fuel where there are no schools that teach its theory or use. The work is a compilation of different sources whether online or in traditional print.
   
   It is written in a simple conversational tone and is unassuming of the readers past knowledge base. The author even states that he hopes that the material contained within the pages becomes obsolete. Not many authors are so willing to have their work fall to the archives of "old works". However, once you read the book, you will gain a deeper understanding of the rapid changes at work in this field.
   
   The science is sound. The book gives good advice. Sources are properly credited. While it is not a "how-to" manual it does cover the basics. The book uses science to back up the "why" of a particular method used. I would encourage the reader to read the credited sources themselves.
   
   It is not a definitive work on the subject. At this point, there really can't be any one definitive work. The technology is too new. This book, for now however, comes as close as possible.
   
   If you are at all interested in alternative fuels, this book has to be in your reference library.



4. What ever you have to do, you must read this book. What Mr. Gregg has accomplished in publishing this book is nothing less than remarkable. Drawing on a wealth of first hand experience in system installations as well as several years of research involving some of the most complex research documents on diesel engineering and advanced organic chemistry, combined that with hours of conversations with some of the leading experts in the field and you have is a state of the art treatise that corrects many common misconceptions, introduces many new concepts, and is still surprisingly readable.
   So if you're a beginner or an expert with 20 years of experience you will learn a lot from this book.



5. This book is very well laid out and touches on the more broad aspects of VO Fuel and reads well for someone that knows nothing about the subject. It discuses the technical aspects of combustion, fuel properties and more allowing it to be a great overview but at the same time has the ability to keep the attention of the readers who have previous experience with the subject matter.
   
   It has numerous underlining tones of an advertisement for the Frybrid system but disregarding that it presents a well formulated path to outline the objectives for purchasing or making your own conversion kit.
   
   I was disappointed to see a few of the more critical technical items omitted however theres always the next volume.

5 comments about Ht Hot Rod Small Hp1405.

1. The book is well written,very thorough,easy to understand for the beginner. One flaw though, is that it only covers standard rebuilds, and it does not go into the performance aspect at all which is where it loses out in the market, if you already have a sound foundation in rebuilding engines and already know the basics, you would be better served buying something like Mopar speed secrets or something along those lines.

   All in all it is still a very good book.

   by Paulzig@hotmail.com




2. I'm not quite sure what other reviewers read, but this is not a book for standard rebuilds. This covers performance work only, and would not be a guide for the first-timer. It contains info on building up circle-track, drag, and street/strip cars, with general advice and specific part number and machining spec's. The book is written with a heavy factory-slant, as many of the parts and suggestions concern Mopar-sold parts. There's nothing wrong with that, as a lot of fast Chryslers run Mopar-brand equipment. The thank-you list in the front reads like a who's- who of Chrysler racing history, and some of them work at Chrysler to this day, so this isn't some guy out in left field telling you to slap a 800 CFM carb on your 1978 Lean Burn 318 and go Corvette hunting- he and his advisors know small block Chryslers better than almost anybody else I can think of. I've known or worked with several of them, and they've turned out an impressive pile of fast engines over the years. This book is well worth the $15 investment, considering the money you'll dump into a good motor



3. This book seems good for PERFORMANCE rebuilds. But if you're just learning about rebuilding engines, follow the books advice, and start elsewhere. Here's a quote from the book's introduction: "[This book] was written with the performance enthusiast in mind, and contains large amounts of information generated by Chrysler's internal research and development engineers. This book was also written with the assumption that the reader is already familiar with general overhaul, disassembly and assembly practices, especially those peculiar to the Chrysler A engine. Complete standards and techniques for these engines in stock form can be found in HPBooks' HOW TO REBUILD YOUR SMALL-BLOCK MOPAR and in the Chrysler factory service manual for your particular engine. For factory manuals write: Chrysler Service Publications, 20026 Progress Drive, Strongville, Ohio, 44136. This book begins where those two books end--and that is on how to build a high-performance Chrysler small-block--very high-performance."



4. This book covers all aspects of increasing the performance of your small block Mopar. Simple hop ups to full blown race ready engine modifications are covered in this book.



5. This is great for a crash course on mopar. It takes you back to different types of parts and explains them thoroughly.

4 comments about Mercury Outboards, 6 Cylinder, 1965-1989 (Seloc Marine Tune-Up and Repair Manuals).

1. Besides being completly through on nearly every detail of my spcific engine, I learned doezens of useful and time saving techniques. Some of which I passed on to my mechanic and he too benefited from this book. I was able to feel confident in my mechanic, knowing what he was doing to my Engine and Why he was doing it...I never felt ripped off. I understood why each task and repair was performed. I feel i could have done the work myself if i had the tools.



2. This manual help me install my distributor/switchbox and more components of my 150hp mercury motor... i recommend that u purchased this one because it's better than otherS that i brought.... this item deserved 5 STARS!!!!



3. Alot in this book, I'm rebuilding a mercury Outboard and so far it's been a lifesaver. I have no experience with outboard motors and this book has helped me alot.



4. I've been doing my own car repairs for many years now. I have purchased the Hayes books to get information about my automobiles. I like them because they use plain language and LOTS of illustrations. This book (Seloc) has the illustrations, but it lacks some of the clarity. I don't recommend this book for the average shade tree mechanic. It is loaded with technical jargon that I had to read serval times to get my brain around. The book does take great care in making sure that all parts are identified. There are many illustrations with call-outs to define each part during a procedure.
   
   The only other critisism I have for the book is that it is very broad in the models that it covers. Procedures are mixed together for different motors making it rather confusing. You have to know quite a lot about your particular motor before starting to make sure you are following the correct procedure.

3 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Restoring Collector Cars (The Complete Idiot's Guide).

1. If you already know a lot about Pitman arms, rag joints, pinion gears, and harmonic balancers, then this book is probably not for you. After all, the word, "idiot," is in the title. As the new owner of a collector car who hasn't much of a clue where to start, I found it to be perfectly suited to my needs and knowledge level. The information is presented in such a way as to apply to a wide range of vehicle types, which I especially liked, since my specific vehicle interests don't correspond at all with the author's. Most importantly, the author is a good writer and the book is enjoyable to read, cover to cover. (There are a few typos, which always surprises me.) Overall, a good value and a great introduction to the topic for beginners.



2. By far a really, really good starter book for anyone looking to see what it would take to get into restoring a classic car. If you know the basics; budgeting, tools needed, what car to look for this is not the book for you.
   
   But for those who haven't even scoped the project this is a great starting point to layout your plan of how you are going to proceed or whether your should proceed at all.



3. Not exactly what I was looking for, but there was certainly much I didn't already know. Great resource referrals! I wanted more specific, step by step instructions, but now I know where to get it from reading this. I did not waste my time or money.

4 comments about Bmw R50/5 Through R100Gs Pd: 1970-1996 (Clymer Motorcycle Repair) (Clymer Motorcycle Repair).

1. I needed a good book to detail the pieces of the R100GS fairing and control cluster, so I could re-assemble a bike that had been badly "customized" This manual had the diagrams, the pictures, and the wiring information I needed. Good history on the different BMW models in the preface as well.



2. A friend of mine that helped me fix up my old BMW has one of these, and we used it extensively as a reference, so I had to buy one. He has a couple of airheads himself and knows much about the general ideas behind the engine, but he does not have the same model as mine so we used this book for some of the specifications. I tend to like this book more than the Haynes manual, which my friend has as well. NOTE: I have read on some of the discussion forums that both the Clymer's and Haynes have a few errors/type-o's in them, and it is good to check multiple sources for any major job you have to do.



3. If youre in the USA (the Haynes manual is prefered if you're in the UK) and need a thorough well diagrammed and photographed repair and maintance manual, this is it. It tells you all of the tools you'll need for each project and goes over maintance procedures and fault diagnosis step by step. An invaluable resource.



4. Pretty comprehensive manual considering the range of models and years it covers. I recommend putting index tabs throughout the sections you're about ready to use that are applicable to you model. Good schematics, breakdowns and fairly clear photos.

1 comments about Honda V45/65 Sabre & Magna, 1982-1988 : Workshop Manual.

1. How can you own the mid eighties Honda VF's and not have this. I would be lost without it, or at least at the mercy of my local Honda dealer. Good photos and tech writing make this the one to have if you like to keep your Magna or Sabre streetable.

5 comments about The Machine That Changed the World : Based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 5-Million-Dollar 5-Year Study on the Future of the Automobile.

1. The Machine that Changed the World has been published more than once. Amazon, you're offering a special "buy these 2 titles, and save", but they are the exact same book.



2. This book should be read by every business student. It is a perfect summary of 20th century's industrial development.
   This book also provides a perfect insight to large scale academic programs and reseachs. Every student reading this book will gain much more than taking 2 or 3 courses in an MBA program. This book has much to offer than any of the books that I have read. It makes you think and then gives the answers and at the end it presents with you issues to think further.



3. Since the beginning of the 50's, Toyota has been a making a revolution in the way corporation works. A real unique approach named lean has been allowing the company to achieve superior performance concurrently in manufacturing, product development and suppliers management. The Machine brings to the reader a wide explanation of "Toyota Way". If you are looking for a book about Lean and you'd like to understand Toyota, it certainly should be your first choice!



4. A visiting professor recommended this book when I asked him about the LEAN philosophy. What is great about this book is how it introduces the birth of not only the LEAN concept, but also the MASS PRODUCTION which preceded and still dominates the world of manufacturing. With its timeline based structure, this book shows how and why the complex automotive industry is changing to LEAN. All other industries tend to follow...



5. The title sets the tone the authors carry throughout the book. A little too much glorifying. A little too much hype. Yes, what Toyota and others did was impressive. But no, they did not change the world. In my opinion, not even close.
   
   And this book is dated. In fact, though written in the early '90s, it reads more like many of the books written about Japanese management in the early '80s. Books like "Japan As Number One." Or "Trading Places." At the time, the Japanese were thought to be able to do no wrong.
   
   Now, of course, we know that Japanese executives and managers are mere mortals too. Toyota has certainly done better than most Japanese companies over the last 15 years. And part of the reason -- a big part probably -- has been the effectiveness of their management in areas like lean production. But even without the benefit of the hindsight we now have, the authors of this book should have realized that their unstinted praise was not warranted. Even for the brains behind Toyota.
   
   Still, this book is the best I have found on the history of the "Industry of Industries." It traces the history of the automobile industry from craft production to mass production to lean production. No other book I have read has done that so well.
   
   And for an academic book, The Machine That Changed the World is easy to read. It keeps a careful balance between informing the reader and keeping the reader's interest. Most writers, particularly of works like this, tilt too much one way or the other. Either too dry and pedantic or too light and entertaining. A happy medium is hard to achieve.
   
   Where does the auto industry go from here? Lean production is no longer exceptional. It has become the rule. But it seems to have run its course.
   
   The future of the automobile industry may lie in "collaborative production." Major automakers concentrate on sales and service, not production. Suppliers develop specialized skills in technologies from hybrid power trains to drive-by-wire control systems. And everyone sells to everyone else. Technology becomes less important than brand.
   
   If that is the case, Toyota may still lead the pack. In Business Week's list of the top 100 global brands, Toyota leads all carmakers at number 7. No one has caught Toyota napping on the increasing importance of brand.
   
   Even so, Toyota fiercely defends the idea that is a motor company, not a sales company. Innovative technology and excellent manufacturing have been much more of a focus than sales. Will it be able to adapt if the industry does change?
   
   An interesting question that we should see answered in the next few years. Like many good history books, The Machine That Changed the World gives us hints as to what that future will be.