May 2015 – Page 2 – Humble Mechanic

Why Flat Rate is Good ~ Podcast Episode 64

Hey everyone. Today on the automotive podcast, we are talking about something that I am sure will ruffle a few feathers. That is flat rate. For those of you not familiar with how flat rate works, you can watch a podcast I did called “Getting Paid on Flat Rate” or read a blog post I wrote called “Pros and Cons of Flat Rate“. Wow, remember when I wrote blog posts? Now I highly recommend you watch the entire show before blasting me in the comments section. I understand that many have a very negative view of that system. Try and open your mind a little, and look at it from both sides.

Join me today as we discuss:

Flat rate is not ALL bad
What is flat rate (see links above)
This is NOT pro flat rate propaganda
How flat rate is good for techs
How flat rate is good for customers
How flat rate is good for the shop/dealership
Think about the high efficiency jobs
QOTD “Is performance based pay, the best pay plan?”
and more

Trouble viewing? Watch “Why Flat Rate is Good ~ Podcast Episode 64” on YouTube.

As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. Again, if you have a question for a show like this, email me Charles(at)humblemechanic(dot)com with Question for Charles in the subject. Also if you have an idea for a show you can email me, or use the contact me form!

Don’t forget to follow me at:

May 6, 2015/11 Comments/by Charles

Video

How The 2.0T TSI Timing Chain Tensioner Fails ~ Video

Today we are looking at how the timing chain tensioner failed on the 2.0t TSI engine. The most common engine code is CCTA. This 2.0t was used in almost all VW models from 2008 and up. While my shop has not seen a super high failure rate, we have seen a good amount. Unlike many parts, the failure of this chain tensioner can cause catastrophic engine damage. Also a shout out to Apex Tuning. They saved a few of the tensioners for me, so I can do this video for you.

Sponsor Of The Day
Today’s show is sponsored by Deutsche Auto Parts. They are the VW and Audi parts experts. They have great prices and awesome service. Plus they work really hard on a ton of VW DIY videos. Paul and the fellas at DAP are awesome. Also check out their new site at SHOPDAP.com The article Deutsche Auto Parts wrote about failing timing chain tensioners.

Join me today as we break down:

How many times the 2.0t TSI Timing chain tensioner has been updated
What is a timing chain tensioner
How does the timing chain tensioner work
How does the 2.0t TSI timing chain fail
Symptoms of timing chain failure
How to diagnose a timing chain failure
Average time to failure
Can you DIY the timing chain tensioner
SPECIAL TOOL REQUIRED! (yes it is that important
and more

Trouble viewing? Watch “How The 2.0T TSI Timing Chain Tensioner Fails ~ Video” on YouTube.

As always, your questions and comments are welcome.
Please post them below. If you would like to suggest a part of a show like this, email me Charles(at)HumbleMechanic(dot)com. Thanks again to Deutsche Auto Parts for being such a great sponsor.

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May 5, 2015/4 Comments/by Charles

Podcast

Viewer Questions ~ Podcast Episode 63

Hey everyone. Today I am answering your automotive related questions that you have sent to Charles(at)humblemechanic(dot)com and put question for Charles in the subject. I really love doing the Q&A shows. It gives me an idea where you guys are at, and the topics that you want to know about. If you send in a question and don’t here the answer, send it again. It may have got eaten by the spam monster.

Sponsor of the day
I would like to welcome RainEater wiper blades to the community. They have joined up to help bring you the show. I did a review of RainEater wipers a few weeks ago. They loved the community and wanted to be a part of it. So check out that review, and check out their blades at RainEater.com. They even demo their blades on a windshield covered in mustard.

Join me today as I take your automotive questions on:

Will I be going to Southern Worthersee
A promotion at the shop
Welcoming a new sponsor
More about what it means to be a Humble Mechanic Sponsor
Replacing a part vs replacing just a seal
2.0t TSI engine oil leaks
Earning other’s trust
Getting along with other techs
People having faith in your work
Why would a part NOT be replaced under warranty
How the VW Dual Mass Flywheel fails
Buying a certified pre-owed VW
Possible issues with a 2011 VW GTI
SOWO 2013
And more

Trouble Viewing? Watch “Viewer Questions ~ Podcast Episode 63” on YouTube

Old school VWs at Southern Worthersee

As always I love to hear your thoughts. Please post them in the comments section below. Again, if you have a question for a show like this, email me Charles(at)humblemechanic(dot)com with Question for Charles in the subject. Also if you have an idea for a show you can email me, or use the contact me form!

Don’t forget to follow me at:

May 4, 2015/2 Comments/by Charles

Podcast

Thinking Like A Automotive Diagnostic Technician ~ Podcast Episode 62

Happy Friday everyone. Today we are looking a little deeper at the mind and process of a diagnostic technician. Right now I am in the process of training two new technicians, with a third starting soon. That means I am in full on teaching mode all day long. I really enjoy doing it. So I am trying to help develop these new tech’s diagnostic process. That is something I also wanted to share with you guys. It is something that a lot of automotive techs really struggle with. It is not an easy thing to build. Then after you build it, you have to keep fine tuning it, and working it. Not only to get better, but to stay current.

Join me today as we step inside:

About the diagnostic process
Ways to think about diagnosing cars
Ways to get stuck diagnosing cars
How to get unstuck
K.I.S.S
Work easy to hard
Don’t Assume
Scan tool loop
Getting more information
FUSES!
Write it down
and more

Trouble viewing? Watch “Thinking Like A Diagnostic Tech ~ Podcast Episode 62” on YouTube.

As always, your questions and comments are welcome. Please post them below. If you would like to suggest a topic for a show like this, email me Charles(at)HumbleMechanic(dot)com, or use the contact me form.

Don’t forget to follow me at:

May 1, 2015/1 Comment/by Charles