30-05-2014, 12:40 PM
Hi to everyone.
I apologize that I disappeared from this site after having participated for awhile. I was and still am too busy with other things. I must also admit that I have an ulterior motive for coming back. For a few years since I bought, I think in 2008, my 2000 model 1600cc 306, about all I had to do to my car was 10000 km care taking: oil change, filters, sparking plugs, and the like. Aside from that, the car was pretty much trouble free.
More recently, however, I have started to have problems in the fuel system, had to replace the fuel pump, cleaned the stepping motor, mostly simple stuff. But over the past week I've had a problem which I can only hope that the local garage man and I have solved. What happens from time to time is that I turn on the ignition and don't hear the fuel pump kick in. Then nothing can start it. I don't understand all these new (year 2000 is new to me) electronic systems. The garage man, who has a degree in electrical engineering, explained to me that an electric signal, through a relay, starts the fuel pump to working when you turn on the ignition.The relay was burned out, apparently because of a loose wire which caused a short circuit. He replaced the relay, and the car is running. for now. Actually the story is more complex than that. And if anyone wants to read more about it, let me know.
I got to thinking that I would like to go back to an old car, of the sort that I understand, with normal things like a carburetor, a mechanical fuel pump, ignition points, etc. I do not think I ever had a problem on the road, for many years and with many cars, that I couldn't fix myself. I used to keep a fuel pump, points, condenser, etc., etc.,along with tools in the car, and just do what was needed whenever I had a problem.
The local garage man, whom I mentioned, works with his father, who has been in the business for over 50 years. The father told me that when he went out on road calls, he used to send 90% of the people driving away. Now he tows 90% to the garage.
I don't think these problems in the electronic systems come up because of bad, or lack of maintenance. I do the regular care faithfully. Every morning, before starting my engine, I not only check oil and water. I look and feel the engine over to see if anything is loose or out of place. But this does not prevent electronic problems.
I have a feeling that the car manufacturers are learning from the mobile 'phone and computer people. If something is five years old, it is already old and has to be replaced. Or am I too cynical?
So this is what got me thinking about getting a good, old car which I can fix on the road, like I used to do.
But I am vacillating, which is what brought me back to our Forum. Maybe I should just work harder to learn my 306. For one thing, I understand that one has to know something about electronics. I think I understand quite well about electricity. But electronics are a different story. So my first question for 306 friends, now that I am back, is: can anyone recommend a good, simple book, an introduction to electronics for the layman?
And in general, what do you people think about whether my best route would be an older car, or investing more into learning my 306.
Very best wishes to all,
Yeruham
I apologize that I disappeared from this site after having participated for awhile. I was and still am too busy with other things. I must also admit that I have an ulterior motive for coming back. For a few years since I bought, I think in 2008, my 2000 model 1600cc 306, about all I had to do to my car was 10000 km care taking: oil change, filters, sparking plugs, and the like. Aside from that, the car was pretty much trouble free.
More recently, however, I have started to have problems in the fuel system, had to replace the fuel pump, cleaned the stepping motor, mostly simple stuff. But over the past week I've had a problem which I can only hope that the local garage man and I have solved. What happens from time to time is that I turn on the ignition and don't hear the fuel pump kick in. Then nothing can start it. I don't understand all these new (year 2000 is new to me) electronic systems. The garage man, who has a degree in electrical engineering, explained to me that an electric signal, through a relay, starts the fuel pump to working when you turn on the ignition.The relay was burned out, apparently because of a loose wire which caused a short circuit. He replaced the relay, and the car is running. for now. Actually the story is more complex than that. And if anyone wants to read more about it, let me know.
I got to thinking that I would like to go back to an old car, of the sort that I understand, with normal things like a carburetor, a mechanical fuel pump, ignition points, etc. I do not think I ever had a problem on the road, for many years and with many cars, that I couldn't fix myself. I used to keep a fuel pump, points, condenser, etc., etc.,along with tools in the car, and just do what was needed whenever I had a problem.
The local garage man, whom I mentioned, works with his father, who has been in the business for over 50 years. The father told me that when he went out on road calls, he used to send 90% of the people driving away. Now he tows 90% to the garage.
I don't think these problems in the electronic systems come up because of bad, or lack of maintenance. I do the regular care faithfully. Every morning, before starting my engine, I not only check oil and water. I look and feel the engine over to see if anything is loose or out of place. But this does not prevent electronic problems.
I have a feeling that the car manufacturers are learning from the mobile 'phone and computer people. If something is five years old, it is already old and has to be replaced. Or am I too cynical?
So this is what got me thinking about getting a good, old car which I can fix on the road, like I used to do.
But I am vacillating, which is what brought me back to our Forum. Maybe I should just work harder to learn my 306. For one thing, I understand that one has to know something about electronics. I think I understand quite well about electricity. But electronics are a different story. So my first question for 306 friends, now that I am back, is: can anyone recommend a good, simple book, an introduction to electronics for the layman?
And in general, what do you people think about whether my best route would be an older car, or investing more into learning my 306.
Very best wishes to all,
Yeruham