RTFM is a Navy term and I am sure you can figure out what it means.
Back in my Navy days, to get qualified to run a massive machine like the Main Engine (for instance), I had to be able to describe in detail, every aspect of the Main Engine as well as draw any sub-system or component you can think of. Not to mention the inevitable trick question posed by the Chief Engineer... (asshole).
Even though you could do all of that, you'd better have the manual out for any evolution on that machine. It would be trouble if you were caught without it. And for good reason. You'd better have your shit together if you are going to run a nuclear powered steam plant!
If you really want to understand, maintain, and repair any machine, it's imperative that you have the manual. Not only should you have it, but you should Read The F-ing Manual!
I have a shop manual for every car and motorcycle that I own, including my new (old) BMW R65. It was delivered on Friday. I feel confident that I can maintain and repair all of them. That includes 3 BMW cars, two of which have over 115,000 miles on them and still running strong. And soon this old, dilapidated BMW airhead R65 is going to run like a champ, too!
This shop manual is actually a good read. It includes a decent history of those old air cooled BMW motorcycles, affectionately known as the 'Airhead' because the heads are cooled only by moving air. It seems to be written for the beginner as well as the experienced gear-head. According to the forums, the Clymer manual is the one to have.
My son, Jules, who I just taught how to read schematics, is totally digging the wiring diagrams in the back of the book. He can trace every circuit and name every component. That young man has a bright future ahead of him, no doubt.
BMW still makes the boxer twin engine, and it is used in quite a few of their motorcycles. However, the cylinder heads on the new ones are cooled with oil. Those engines are called 'oil heads.' They are basically the same engine, but with a few more bits and pieces to move oil to the heads and cool them off.
These old 'Airheads' are a classic and hardy design. There are still a ton of them on the road. Keep an eye out, you'll see one soon. People really love those old bikes. In fact, there is a whole community out there that is dedicated to sharing knowledge and wisdom. Their goal is to keep all those old bikes running and get them on the road. I have found multiple forums that can give you some help and guidance to getting new, aftermarket, or used parts for just about any job that you can imagine.
Well, back to my point. I personally think it is imperative that you have some engineering documentation (i.e. shop manuals) on hand for any machine that you intend to own, operate, and care for. Knowledge is power. It can save you thousands of dollars by not needing to visit your local repair shop.
PS - A classic book to read: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Fantastic book! I just re-read it last summer after the author, Robert M. Pirsig, passed away. Even if you don't own a motorbike, it's a great book to read.
Read.
And understand the world. It will make life better.
Back in my Navy days, to get qualified to run a massive machine like the Main Engine (for instance), I had to be able to describe in detail, every aspect of the Main Engine as well as draw any sub-system or component you can think of. Not to mention the inevitable trick question posed by the Chief Engineer... (asshole).
Even though you could do all of that, you'd better have the manual out for any evolution on that machine. It would be trouble if you were caught without it. And for good reason. You'd better have your shit together if you are going to run a nuclear powered steam plant!
If you really want to understand, maintain, and repair any machine, it's imperative that you have the manual. Not only should you have it, but you should Read The F-ing Manual!
I have a shop manual for every car and motorcycle that I own, including my new (old) BMW R65. It was delivered on Friday. I feel confident that I can maintain and repair all of them. That includes 3 BMW cars, two of which have over 115,000 miles on them and still running strong. And soon this old, dilapidated BMW airhead R65 is going to run like a champ, too!
This shop manual is actually a good read. It includes a decent history of those old air cooled BMW motorcycles, affectionately known as the 'Airhead' because the heads are cooled only by moving air. It seems to be written for the beginner as well as the experienced gear-head. According to the forums, the Clymer manual is the one to have.
My son, Jules, who I just taught how to read schematics, is totally digging the wiring diagrams in the back of the book. He can trace every circuit and name every component. That young man has a bright future ahead of him, no doubt.
BMW still makes the boxer twin engine, and it is used in quite a few of their motorcycles. However, the cylinder heads on the new ones are cooled with oil. Those engines are called 'oil heads.' They are basically the same engine, but with a few more bits and pieces to move oil to the heads and cool them off.
These old 'Airheads' are a classic and hardy design. There are still a ton of them on the road. Keep an eye out, you'll see one soon. People really love those old bikes. In fact, there is a whole community out there that is dedicated to sharing knowledge and wisdom. Their goal is to keep all those old bikes running and get them on the road. I have found multiple forums that can give you some help and guidance to getting new, aftermarket, or used parts for just about any job that you can imagine.
Well, back to my point. I personally think it is imperative that you have some engineering documentation (i.e. shop manuals) on hand for any machine that you intend to own, operate, and care for. Knowledge is power. It can save you thousands of dollars by not needing to visit your local repair shop.
PS - A classic book to read: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Fantastic book! I just re-read it last summer after the author, Robert M. Pirsig, passed away. Even if you don't own a motorbike, it's a great book to read.
Read.
And understand the world. It will make life better.
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