(Part 3) Best do-it-youself home improvement books according to redditors

There are dozens (hundreds?) of guides for the LS engines. Books, YouTube, forums, etc. all offer potential advice and walk-throughs for the actual rebuild process. If you can't find any you like, try: https://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-GM-LS-Engines-ebook/dp/B00V8SS2EY

Far more important is what you want to build this engine for, street/strip, drag racing, hauling, 4x4, and what you want to spend for the total project. Set a budget for the entire thing because it is very easy to blow $1000s on a motor with many fancy aftermarket parts that don't actually work together well and that don't work for the vehicle it's going into. That's a great way to lose interest in the project when it doesn't perform the way you'd like, and the hobby in general.

> Also you to carry a bow to fly helicopters book and would randomly pull it and and look things up in it while pointing at things on the aircraft.

I need to get a copy of this book and leave it on top of my toolbox.

You haven't really looked at all have you?

Art of the Formula 1 Race Car
http://amzn.com/0760337314

McLaren M23: 1973 onwards (all marks) (Owners' Workshop Manual)
http://amzn.com/0857333127

Lotus 72 Manual: An Insight Into Owning, Racing and Maintaining Lotus's Legendary Formula 1 Car (Owners' Workshop Manual)
http://amzn.com/0857331272

Red Bull Racing F 1 Car: An Insight into the Technology, Engineering, Maintenance and Operation of the World Championship-winning Red Bull Racing RB6 (Owners' Workshop Manual)
http://amzn.com/0857330993

The Golden Age of Formula 1
http://amzn.com/3832794360

Formula 1 in Camera 1950-59
http://amzn.com/1844255530

Formula 1 in Camera 1960-69
http://amzn.com/1844252183

Formula 1: The Roaring 70s (English, German, French, Spanish and Italian Edition)
http://amzn.com/3832795375

Formula 1 in Camera 1970-79
http://amzn.com/1859609600

Formula 1 in Camera 1970-79: Volume Two
http://amzn.com/0857330748

Formula 1 in Camera 1980-89
http://amzn.com/1844251098

There are a ton of books on those topics but you'd probably need to buy them separately for home and auto. You can also search the For Dummies publications to see if they have a home/car maintenance once.

Edit: They do.

here you go, took me like 10 seconds, always check amazon

In terms of learning more about a home and how to "think" about getting things done around your home I really learned alot from here: 100 Things Every Homeowner Must Know https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q102MZE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cwMfAbR9X0XB4

I also want to add that when it comes to prioritizing work I say think about what your goal is. If it's to flip (sell for a profit) then some upgrades tend to bring the price up higher relative to the cost of doing them. While if you just want to live in it then it's more about what's important to you. Good luck!!

This question has been asked a bunch of times, but the one post I've found the most helpful was /u/that_video_art_guy's response in this post. For quick reference, here's the copy/paste:



I've read many of these books, I'm partial to the mechanics and team member books but find all of them to be very enjoyable.


The Super Collective Super list of Super Good F1 Books:

Mechanics/Team Members


[Life in the Pit Lane: Mechanic's Story of the Benetton Grand Prix Year](
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Pit-Lane-Mechanics-Benetton/dp/0760300267/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356716346&sr=1-5&keywords=steve+matchett) - Steve Matchett

[The Mechanic's Tale: Life in the Pit-Lanes of Formula One](
http://www.amazon.com/Mechanics-Tale-Life-Pit-Lanes-Formula/dp/0752827839/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356716346&sr=1-1&keywords=steve+matchett) - Steve Matchett

The Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car - Steve Matchett

Team Lotus: My View From the Pitwall - Peter Warr

Jo Ramirez: Memoirs of a Racing Man - Jo Ramirez

Art of War - Five Years in Formula One - Max Mosley, Adam Parr, Paul Tinker

Tales from the Toolbox: A Collection of Behind-the-Scenes Tales from Grand Prix Mechanics - Michael Oliver, Jackie Stewart


Technical Books

Red Bull Racing F1 Car: Haynes Owners' Workshop Manual

McLaren M23: 1973 Haynes Owners' Workshop Manual

Lotus 72: 1970 Haynes Owners' Workshop Manual

Tune to Win: The art and science of race car development and tuning - Carroll Smith

Engineer to Win - Carroll Smith

Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Plumbing Handbook AKA: Screw to Win - Carroll Smith

Race Car Vehicle Dynamics: Problems, Answers and Experiments - Doug Milliken

Chassis Design: Principles and Analysis - William F. Milliken, Douglas L. Milliken, Maurice Olley

The Racing & High-Performance Tire: Using Tires to Tune for Grip & Balance - Paul Haney


Technical Driving

Ultimate Speed Secrets: The Complete Guide to High-Performance and Race Driving - Ross Bentley

Going Faster! Mastering the Art of Race Driving - Carl Lopez

Working the Wheel - Martin Brundle


Drivers and Rivalry's

Senna Versus Prost: The Story of the Most Deadly Rivalry in Formula One - Malcolm Folley

The Limit: Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit - Michael Cannell

Winning Is Not Enough: The Autobiography - Sir Jackie Stewart

Shunt: The Story of James Hunt - Tom Rubython

Alex Zanardi: My Sweetest Victory: A Memoir of Racing Success, Adversity, and Courage - Alex Zanardi, Gianluca Gasparini, Mario Andretti.

It Is What It Is: The Autobiography - David Coulthard

Flat Out, Flat Broke: Formula 1 the Hard Way! - Perry McCarthy The Black Stig, Damon Hill

F1 Through the Eyes of Damon Hill: Inside the World of Formula 1 - Damon Hill, Photography: Sutton Images


People Of F1

Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One - Professor Sid Watkins

Beyond the Limit - Professor Sid Watkins

I Just Made The Tea: Tales from 30 years inside Formula 1 - Di Spires

Bernie: The Biography of Bernie Ecclestone - Susan Watkins


Picture Books

McLaren The Cars: Updated 2011 Edition

Art of the Formula 1 Race Car - Stuart Codling, James Mann, Peter Windsor, Gordon Murray

Kids these days just aren't trying anymore.

The Practical Pyromaniac

Badass LEGO Guns

Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction

I would highly recommend getting this book. Makes life easier, it has great pictures and explanations and tools you need for every job.Hyundai Elantra 1996 thru 2013 (Haynes Repair Manual) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1620921081/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-97QAbKQXGTH5

I'm late to this thread but I thought I'd mention a great book I've been using for around-the-house repairs and other projects: Dare to Repair! It's geared towards women but I think it's very useful for people of all genders who are just starting out with learning how to fix things. The authors also wrote an edition for replacing and renovating things in your home, and another one for maintaining and understanding your car. I haven't read those two yet but I want to.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Yeah, I missed the make and model. You may need to replace the bearings too. I recommend picking up a Chilton/Haynes book for your vehicle and picking up the appropriate parts/tools.

http://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/ford/2000-ford-mustang-owners-manual


Or go for the better option with a Haynes.

http://www.amazon.com/Ford-Mustang-Haynes-Automotive-Repair/dp/1563926768

Here's a link to it on Amazon.

They had me at 'Fire Tornado'.

Books like this series. And lots of youtube videos.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Home-Repair-Improvement/dp/1580115284

I like the Popular Mechanics Complete Home How To book a lot. I picked up a used copy on Amazon for $4. I also of course use Youtube a lot, but take many videos with a grain of salt.

http://www.amazon.com/Popular-Mechanics-Complete-Home-How-To/dp/1588168034

It is actually on amazon now: https://www.amazon.com/How-Wobbly-Table-Puck-Doris/dp/1542885353/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1486450119&sr=1-1&keywords=wobbly+table

Yes, read all you can on wiring basics, like this, and more.

https://www.onallcylinders.com/2013/12/05/wiring-101-basic-tips-tricks-tools-wiring-vehicle/

Check out YouTube, if you prefer videos, though those can be time-consuming because you can't skim for the sub-topics you want.

There's also a good chapter on electrical stuff in "Auto Repair for Dummies":

https://www.amazon.com/Auto-Repair-Dummies-Deanna-Sclar-ebook/dp/B07L8QS5WD/

ALL old VWs have trust issues with mechanics, because most mechanics are unable to work on them, or unwilling unless you throw buckets of money at them. But money, of course, does not make one a better mechanic. Best to learn how to repair your own van; you'll have less stress and anxiety, more freedom and independence, and more money.

Good luck!

Left cylinder? That could be because he keeps it on the side stand a lot. Does this clear up after a while?

You'll want to do a compression and leakdown test on this too. If the compression is below spec, then you're going to need (or want) to do a top-end rebuild. And, you might as well consider the timing chain and sprockets if you're in that deep. A compression test will let you know.

As a long time airhead owner I'll let you in on the secret: These old bikes are great, but be prepared to do some probably long neglected maintenance on them if you plan on being a responsible owner.

My bike is 48 years old. It ran fine when I bought it, but I also bought it knowing it would need some work. I enjoy this sort of thing and tackle big projects each winter. After about 5-6 years now, all the major items are taken care of. You need to be prepared to do something similar.

A Cylmer or Chilton's manual will help too. And, that price seems fine for an R90.

Can you post an image or link to it?

Also, strongly recommend getting the Clymer manual for your bike.

For the basics try Understanding Automotive Electronics by Ribbens.

Most automotive interfaces are defined by the SAE.

> Today I purchased my first scooter. It's a 40cc Icebear Rocket

Congrats! As long as you go into it knowing you will have to maintain it frequently its not a bad starting place IMHO.

> what do y'all know about working on these kind of scooters

Change your oil when you first get it, again at 250 miles, again at 500 miles, and every 500 miles after that. Do valve adjustments also at 250 miles, 500, 1000, and then every 1000 miles. Consider getting this repair manual. Go on youtube and look up "GY6 maintenance", GY6 is the type of engine it uses and its VERY VERY common so there are lots of resources. Specifically its a 139QMB GY6

> I understand this a china knock of brand

I believe Icebear is at least partly US owned and is designed in Japan and manufactured in China. But it uses the same engine and similar design to other cheap Chinese scooters so is generally put into that category.

> some people get lucky and the knock offs last longer than name brands

It can happen - but plan to maintain it like for really real. Its not like with a car where you can just skip an oil change. Also you have to do things you don't normally do with a car like adjust valves and check for loose/missing/broken bolts regularly.

> Anybody else own one of these Icebears?

No but I own a TaoTao which, as far as I know, is very similar.

You could read this book.

EDIT: And this one, too!

EDIT: Man, I made myself laugh so hard this morning. I guess no one else thought it was funny. Or maybe they just didn't notice that I linked to the Dare to Repair Do-it-Herself guides. Yeah, that must be it.

I am a researcher meme (wannabe). Vote for me. Buy my book. Make me rich.

When I used to teach car mechanics to diagnose and repair electrical stuff, I used an older edition of Understanding Automotive Electronics. I don't know about the current edition, but the older edition I used (the cover of the 4th edition looks like the one I remember) went from basic "this is electricity" to "this is how the engine computer works" and then on to "this is how the emission control stuff works" (and how the ECM controls it). Most of the students were already mechanics with little to no understanding of electronics so this was very much a fill-in-the-gaps text for them.

My 2 cents: It sounds to me like you're experiencing the early stages of your charging system failing. It could be the stator or the rectifier/regulator. However, only further testing would confirm whether this is the case.

Another post a few days ago referenced this handy electrical problem solving webpage, I'd suggest you have a look (all you really need is a multimeter) https://www.louis.eu/rund-ums-motorrad/schraubertipps/elektronik When I read through this page I noticed a few things I think could have been described better for people who are completely new to this kind of electrical testing, so it might be a good idea to have a look on youtube for further explanations of any parts of these procedures you aren't clear on. There's loads of stuff out there to help https://www.denniskirk.com/learn/how-to-diagnose-motorcycle

I got a book on motorcycle electrical systems a while back which I found to be excellent, so if you really want to go nuts investigating this issue you might like to check it out (or some similar book) https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Electrical-Systems-Troubleshooting-Motorbooks/dp/0760327165


G'luck!

I'm a little ways further in the process learning maintenance/repair, but still quite new to it all as well. I'm having a blast learning this stuff!

If you can find one, it's a huge help to be a member of a forum for people who are doing work on the same bike you get. All the info is out there but sometimes you just get lost in the sea of it all, or stuck on really easy stuff. A simple word of advice from an experienced person can be invaluable.

They can also point you to key books/manuals. Again, all the info is out there on the web, but can be scattered, and sometimes a book just has exactly the info you want, all nicely packaged up for newbs. I picked up this book on the recommendation from a forum post, and it really got me up to speed on the basics, and helped me diagnose some issues I was having. So satisfying, actually understanding and using that knowledge to fix your ride!

I can't say I read this site THAT much, and it looks horrid, but it's got some good basic general info. http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

Sorry, no. I was just giving you the technical name so you'd have an easier time Googling it.

However if you're into maintaining your own car, there's always Haynes. https://www.amazon.com/Hyundai-Elantra-Haynes-Repair-Manual/dp/1620921081

If it helps, the general advice for replacing all car parts:
Remove things attached to it (wipers, nozzles)
Remove all screws/bolts holding it on
Try prying it up/off from different points
Follow instructions in reverse for the replacement part

Answers.

1. There are several editions of Haynes manuals, such as Chinese Taiwanese & Korean Scooters Revised 2014.
   
   
2. You describe a 2% grade. While I cannot find anything in a quick Internet search regarding specific grades and 50cc scooter performance, there are some results a quick search will find you. You won't like what you find regarding "steep" hills. Some quick googling will inform a reader to expect poor performance with 2-strokes on climbs, and worse performance with 4-strokes on climbs. I found many "walking speed" descriptions of hill climbs, though the rider's weight will have significant impact on performance. One page I found during this brief search should be particularly helpful, as it covers both performance and safety: http://www.scooterlust.com/50cc-scooter-power/
   
   
3. Laws where you live govern operation of powered vehicles on bike lanes and sidewalks. Where I live, both are illegal. Where you live, both might be legal. Spend a few minutes researching what is legal or not legal where you live. Visit your local DMV to get any questions answered that an Internet search does not answer. Note: "derestricting" a 50cc bike to get a few more mph from it may be easy, or may be very complex -- it depends on the bike. But it may not be lawful unless the bike and operator are appropriately licensed and insured. Here, it's fine to derestrict if the bike is re-registered as a motorcycle and the operator has a motorcycle endorsement, but is not legal otherwise. You'll need to do some simple research regarding laws and regulations where you live. There is nothing consistent in how these are treated.
   
   ---
   
   ^(edited to correct two typos)
   

I like the Popular Mechanics Home How-To book.
https://www.amazon.com/Popular-Mechanics-Complete-Home-How/dp/1588168034

I noticed the other day that Lowe's has a really extensive collection of Black & Decker books that looked interesting. No idea how good they are though.

One of the most poignant things I've heard someone in motorsports say about working on vehicles was from a person who gave seminars to professional auto wrap installers, "Anyone can wrap a car and have it look good for a day. The difference is what it will look like tomorrow, a month, or a year from now."

It's easy to take our own skill sets for granted and forget that other people have different skill sets as a result of different life experiences. I don't think twice about tapping threads, but someone else may have no clue how to approach that. They may have no understanding of how brake calipers work and not properly install the pads. Who knows. I'm constantly amazed when people do things poorly that I know how to do correctly, as I'm sure others are equally amazed when I mess stuff up that they understand.

​

If you want an actual recommendation, perhaps something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Basics-Techbook-Editors-Manuals/dp/0857339982/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539818386&sr=8-3&keywords=motorcycle+maintenance

https://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Japanese-Motorcycles-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760347972/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1539818386&sr=8-13&keywords=motorcycle+maintenance

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Electrical-Techbook-Tony-Tranter/dp/0857339362/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1539818386&sr=8-11&keywords=motorcycle+maintenance

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Fuel-Systems-TechBook-carburettor/dp/085733915X/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=085733915X&pd_rd_r=6a177ee4-d263-11e8-b4d0-e1b91b9d888c&pd_rd_w=kuBr0&pd_rd_wg=ulirW&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=XFZH9RFKNMJJ20XZV450&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=XFZH9RFKNMJJ20XZV450

​

I haven't used any of these specifically. I have spent more time working on cars and small motors. But, I also know enough about statics, dynamics, chemistry, fluid dynamics, etc to understand how engineered even older bikes are and how little I know compared to a master mechanic. It's surprisingly easy to do something wrong that will result in destroying something or getting someone hurt. My I had a neighbor as a kid who had a custom bike shop, and he was always talking about project bikes gone wrong that people would bring into the shop. He said people did a lot of really, really stupid/dangerous stuff when building alone without actually understanding the principles. Like someone who didn't understand that the swing arm would experience gyroscopic force from the rear wheel, so they put at chain with almost no clearance near something attached to the body of the bike. Well, the chain started rubbing and eventually caught, which destroyed the back end of the bike somewhat and nearly took out their leg.

​

This book taught me a lot: https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Basics-Techbook-Editors-Manuals/dp/0857339982/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527544626&sr=8-2&keywords=motorcycles+haynes

I'm in the same boat. I didn't grow up around this stuff so I had no idea. What I like about this book is it covers things that a lot of people who grew up in the culture seem to forget to explain because it's almost second nature for them. I remember things a lot better when I learn the "whys" and this book does just that. Also, the hard part about going straight into youtube or something is there's almost too much information. I find it great for specifics because it narrows your options, but for something like "general motorcycle maintenance" it's hard to distill the information you need down and separate the good from the bad.

You'll still need a service manual for your bike but this book will teach you what each part does and how it works, then you can take the knowledge you learn from it and apply it to the service manual.

no you are wrong again.... are you familiar with the internal operation of the ar-15/m-16? your comments lead me to believe you are not. no it is not jerry rigged if you replace the semi-auto disconnector with the full auto one, no it will not be a runaway full auto if you do this. have you experimented at all or are you talking out of your ass?

to have SELECT fire, that is to be able to change between auto and semi auto you would need more modifications along with the auto selector.

ill retiterate so your misinformation is not propogated:
REPLACING SEMI-AUTO DISCONNECTOR WITH FULL-AUTO DISCONNECTOR 100% MAKES YOUR GUN A "LEGIT" 100% FULLY FUNCTIONING, REAL LIFE, FULLY AUTOMATIC RIFLE.


if you still are under the impression you know what you are talking about please refer to this very short, very simple book:
https://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Ar-15-Duncan-Long/dp/0879471808/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1465931676&sr=8-7&keywords=ar-15+build

it's chapter 5, page 27. if you really need me to i will photocopy the chapter tomorrow morning at work and you can read and understand why you are wrong.

Someone may have a better resource, but I used this when I built mine about 8 years ago. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0879471808

get the Haynes/Chilton repair manual. It's nice to not have to rely on youtube or your phone, and it's good for light maintenance and troubleshooting