Learning about mechanics/engines

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Hi all.

This may sound a bit strange to some of you, because it feels like most people know absolutely everything, but I really want to learn how an engine works, how my bike works, and how to fix things.

I know a few basic things, can service my bike, replaced my brakes etc. But when it comes to the engine and more complex stuff I have no idea. I really want to learn things for my own peace of mind so I have the confidence to tackle bigger jobs, and because one day I really want to do a bike restoration of sorts.

So for those in the know, is there a good way of learning about this stuff? Is there a good book to read, a nice set of videos to watch? Ideally I'd buy an old bike for scrap and rip it apart, but I don't have a garage, or any space for that.
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Current bike: ZX6R J1
Previous bikes: CLR 125 | GS500 | ZX6R G2 | SV650

[Robster]

Also interested in this

I'm not scared of a spanner, can remove faring/fuel tank etc. and attempt to balance carbs and etc. Gave my last car a light service, but would like to have a stab at the heavier duty stuff, cam chains, tuning carbs, adjusting valves, maybe a bit of welding etc. etc.

I think you've answered your own question, get an old bike in the garage, take it to pieces, put it back together again, repeat x100, spam youtube and Haynes manuals, and this forum
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Up the bum no babies.

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[covent.gardens]

I stripped a car to pieces and sold the bits on eBay, people told me I'd learn a lot, but I didn't.

[nowhere.elysium]

Easiest way is either to watch someone do it and ask questions along the way, or get stuck in and have a crack at it yourself with the aid of a good manual. If you're in/near London, I can go over things like valve clearances with you; I've got to do them on my GS fairly soon anyway, so might as well make it an educational experience.

Carb tuning can be something of a dark art - you typically won't need to do it, and just having a go for the sake of it is asking for trouble.

You can often just get hold of a knackered engine, which is transportable (if it's a small-capacity one that's been drained of fluids, at least).
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[skatefreak]

Its the taking apart that's easy,
putting it back together and having it work is a completely different kettle of fish!
I three am interested in this.
Have rebuilt a 125 stroker from the ground up (NSR), had a 125 4 stroke apart and pretty much completely stripped down and rebuilt my NSR.
Next for the bikes is a CBR600 F3 however the engine is pretty solid and rings etc cost a fortune so the engine will just get cleaned up etc. Cosmetically the bike is a shed atm though

As for cars.
I maintained my old 306 myself as it wasn't worth much however chickened out on the belts etc.
Now I have a 307 worth more so I'm a lot more cautious however have recently decided bugger it.
Will be doing steering rod end ball joints, injectors, EGR, Turbo, Engine mounts, intercooler, Timing/aux belt & water pump, DPF clean and a few other things.
I do regret not doing the 306 belts now!

The best way to learn, take your time, be methodical and don't rush. Find a haynes, use common sense and there is no such thing as a stupid question (taking the previous point into account).

Get some tools, find a project/some space and let at it!

-Jvr

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[P.addy]

If you want a small engine to strip and rebuild I have a 110cc you can have if you fancy coming to collect.

[nowhere.elysium]

[P.addy]

It is indeed, so you'll have everything to make it run bar a carb and exhaust, but you can also learn how to extract studs

[Marmalade]

If i'm over that way in a van i'll collect it, maybe on the bike. Depends what i'm up to.

Beware of what some people tell you, watching and doing are fine,, listening can be full of dangers.

Someone told me yesterday he'd forgotten more about bikes than i'd ever know and and he's been building and fixing bikes for 10 years.

He then went on to tell me you have to have the piston at tdc on a 2 stroke bike before you bolt the head on so you can set up the timing chain.

That'll be the timing chain it doesn't need for the valves it doesn't have. Genius.

If there is anything specific you want to have a go at, you know where I am, just give me a bit of notice and come up.
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[nowhere.elysium]

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[nowhere.elysium]

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Oh and thanks for giving me the idea of a monkey bike or mini moto. I think one of those would make an excellent first project when I get the space
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Current bike: ZX6R J1
Previous bikes: CLR 125 | GS500 | ZX6R G2 | SV650

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[duhawkz]

have you looked at college's near by one of them may offer a short motor vehicle maintenance course on an evening, which would be a good starting point.

as for teaching yourself, if you go down that route take photos of whatever it is your taking apart as you go a long, it'll make it a lot easier to put it back together again when you have forgotten where all the bits go.

and put all the bits you take off in plastic tubs or freezer bags and label them up so you know where they came from.

same with wiring grab some masking tap and label the wires up so you know where they go.
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"The guy is a worthless cunt and I honestly believe I would be a slightly happier person if he died." - Chris-Red

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[nowhere.elysium]

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[nowhere.elysium]

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While pulling an engine apart is all well and good, can anyone recommend any reading or viewing material that will help? I've seen some good YouTube series, but a lot of them don't go into the engine side of things too much.
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Current bike: ZX6R J1
Previous bikes: CLR 125 | GS500 | ZX6R G2 | SV650

[nowhere.elysium]

What specifically are you looking for? There have been many books written about the minutiae of four-stroke engines.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

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[duhawkz]

start with the haynes manual for the vehicle your working on. then go from there
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"The guy is a worthless cunt and I honestly believe I would be a slightly happier person if he died." - Chris-Red