That damn little voice lost today.

This morning, I got up and pondered. My starter had been acting up (Seizing) and it's been YEARS since I have done any sort of work on it. I had called around and found a very good price for it and like the nut I am, bought it.

So, there it sat in my trunk for a 24 hours. Sitting there, demanding I use it or return it (I had 60 days for this)

The previous day I stopped at the Battery X-change for advice to see if it REALLY was this problem. After 2 min I was told "Yes this is the problem" (I gave the worker $2 for the solid advice, all I had cash wise) they also quoted me $145 for the part and repair.

Because I HATE looking like a dolt, I passed as the starter already was in the trunk and I would feel REALLY stupid for having them do it while I was "Sort of" positive I could...Couldn't I??

So, after 2 cigs (I'll quit one day I hope) I finally had the bright idea of looking at the starter..2 freaking bolts is all (This is an older car) and I said "Well, if that's all it is, then let's do it!"

So I got my tools (Limited set) and began work. Disconnect battery (How shocking) and then started removing the starter. Ahhhh, so easy it was. Then some more coffee (Yes smokes too) I then took off the wires and moved them to the new one and had it all set for reinstallation.

Oh hells bells, then I remembered just what a PITA this was. After an hour of trying get the bolts restarted, I went back for more coffee, smokes and a rest and think time. I then realized my problem was not in doing it, but HOW to do it. I then looked about and found a sort of pin-punch which was the thick type (Thank you land lord!) and so, I inserted it to one said and soon both bolts were secure.

I then put everything back and cranked the starter. VROOOM!!! went the car and the job was done and I had a smile on my face.

Sure it took me 5 hours from start to finish (I did this on a sloped diverway parking brake was on, I was safe) but could reach everything, I need a jack later..Oh found out I had no spare tire either...$$$ later also) but the main thing was I was nervous and a bit scared about if I really could remember all I had done from years past with this and could I do it again? I proved I could.

But it was the stupid little voice in my head who tried to stop me. Yes, I COULD have had them fix it and still had money for food. But the little voice would have won a battle I really needed to win. I'll need more wins as I go along now and this was a good starting point.

Oh Gene:
    Way to go on a job well done. 

As far as I am concerned, no car repair is easy, and yet, you tried it, did it successfully, and I bet you feel great for it.

Sometimes we just have to believe in ourslves to succeed.

(I too must do things with much coffee, thought, and I used to smoke too)

Thanks for sharing. I always enjoy your posts so much.

                                                        PMM

Gene- Good for you! We all need to push ourselves at times and it is sometimes scary. Good for you and believing in yourself!

Not sure if your story was about listening to the little voice or about the car...lol, but if it's about the voice, then I can't say I recommend always listening to it because I always do and it leads me to nothing but trouble!!

What an inspirational story Gene! It just goes to show that hard work and determination pays off.

I am about to hand over $1300.00 next week to have my transmission fixed in one of my cars. I'll give you $600.00 to do it ! 

WTG Gene!!!!!  Those damn voices try to get the best of us. 
When I doubt myself, I just remember EVERYTHING I've accomplished over the last 41 years and any doubt disappear along with those damn negative VOICES!!! hehe

Hey!! Didn't you just get out of the hospital?  Congrats, I have had the pleasure of hearing an engineer say "I would like to build and work on something that I design so I would know what they mean when they say my arm does not bend that way"

I smoke and drink soda instead of coffee.  But I am sure your doctor wouldn't approve..

Job well done Genenco. 

You were brave to do that on two counts -  you just came out of hospital and you didn't think you could do it.  It's amazing what you [everyone in general] can accomplish when you are driven. 

You should be proud of your bravery - even the little voice would say "well done".

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