New member (however, not new to automotive repair

[djphuze]

I guess its time to introduce myself, my name is Tom. I have been a "shadetree" mechanic for 17 years and have many friends that are certified A+ mechanics. I possess and electronics engineering degree and very familiar with electronic systems used in modern cars. I have been interested in cars since my mother's 1986 chrysler LeBaron and have worked on several makes and models of cars since then. I have owned vehicles from Chrysler, ford and GM and gotten to known them well. I am, I guess what you call them "high tech shadetree" now since i have most of the computerized equipment to test and diagnose problems with ODB, ODB-II and CanBus protocols. With the years of experience I have obtained, I am more than happy to share my knowledge to help diagnose problems others are experiencing. My record to date was a 1992 Chrysler Dynasty LE which suffered a spider gear pin letting go in the differential of the 604A transmission, ultimately retiring at 404,000 kms (engine still ran great! no oil burning or other problems) Also, not being a body man, there was considerable rust which also contributed to retiring. That was my first car! LOL. My second was a 1996 Sunfire which I bought for 500 bucks because of a blown head gasket. Did the repairs and lasted me over 100,000 kms until the head gasket blew again (since the model year only accepted an engine as late as 1996 (some 1997) a newer engine was not available, and the fact that i had a newer vehicle, I didn't have an attachment to it, that car had over 368,000 kms) As i had stated above, I am more than happy to share all my automotive knowledge and anything I may not be sure of before replying I do consult my friends before hand. Thank you and I am pleased to be a part of this forum!