Know When To Call It A Day -ETCG1 

You know what fixes a lot of things? Lunch. Lunch finds the right tool for the job. Lunch remembers that odd solution that you found three years ago. Lunch is a great solution to a lot of problems.

I call it a day when I'm to the point of mental exhaustion, walking around the garage trying to remember what I was walking around the garage for

A few times I decided to call it a day after I woke up under a car I was working on lol

As a tech I completely understand the 'stress' involved in this occupation. My first head gasket R&R, took me two weeks to complete. I had the heads off like 4 times because well, lack of experience. Of course there was some down time for sending the heads off to the machine shop but man, when you start getting a sharp needle like pain in your chest....walk away. This is NOT worth dying for. Try finding the Evap service port on those Astro vans. That alone is enough to drive you crazy.

when I take a break, it's usually to look over one of eric's videos again. Thanks eric!

I have been an auto technician for 10 years now. This guy puts so much of the things that I feel on a daily basis into words that anyone can understand. He is a wise man.

Usually when the part stores close. I'm a chronic procrastinator but I do have cycles of productivity, but I never think ahead. I work in construction, but I help our shop mechanic fix equipment and I have been maintaining and repairing my own vehicles since I graduated high school. And I have had some beaters I only recently discovered you on. RU-vid. But thanks for doing what you.

As a career engineer, I've done manual work and office work and find that they have many problems in common, and many techniques work equally well in both environments. My job has always been one of finding solutions to problems, and I've never been allowed to fail in that goal. When working without precedents or experience, often that is a matter of trial and error. When I reach an impass, or have done something wrong, I try to stop working on that problem as soon as it is safe, switch to a routine activity, such as cleaning up the area, or discussing something else of a related but non-critical nature. While doing this mindless work, I rethink the steps that lead to the situation, challenging my assumptions and choices. Sometimes I'll realize that I'm tired, step away from the work, do some research, eat a snack, or take a short nap. Often the simple act of taking a break and not thinking about that problem is enough for me to reapproach it with a relaxed mind and body and complete the activity. Sometimes my research reveals a better method or tool. Rarely (very rarely), I'll realize that I can't resolve the problem without additional help. While attitude plays a part in the quality of work we perform, NEVER overlook the physical aspect. A tired muscle can cause just as much damage as a tired or frustrated mind. Pain can dull or divert attention when critical steps are being performed. The mind and body must work together in harmony to achieve the best that we are capable of performing. It's better to delay completion than make a mistake that could introduce defects and/or delay completion of later project work even more.

While I was working on my ranger, such as replacing the internal clutch slave cylinder or manifold gaskets, after hours of work, eventually I find myself just staring at how far I've gotten, the parts I have to remove, the parts I have already removed, and don't really think about it. I just stare at the truck that's now in pieces. I catch myself doing that and then think "I've done enough for today". That's usually when I close my garage and walk away until the next day.

Man, you're absolutely right! I appreciate that support too, brother.

The mind is the same as any overworked, overly stressed muscle, and the results from doing that are the same. True that if a customer is waiting one may be pressed to not stop, but there are times when not stopping can actually lead to bigger problems and more time on the job. I walk away for a moment when im ready to throw a tool or set the dang thing on fire and say, "whoops." Its a lesson I learned the hard way but havent forgotten and is good to know when to let the frustrations filter.

Eric, I almost always agree with your philosophy on mechanicing. When you are tired or frustrated one of 3 things happen, you get hurt, break something, or make a stupid mistake. Couldn't agree with the step back, walk away statements more!

I've been doing it 15 years and walking away and coming back the next day, every single time I've knocked it right out. Best thing you can do.

Knowing when to walk away is very important. It isn't something you want to make a constant habit, but if you need to, do it. There are time that I step back for a minute and acknowledge that I am being asked to do something that owner can't and I am going to make the difference. So I take just a moment to focus and then do the job. Other times I simply hit the wall and say I have had enough and I will be back tomorrow to earn my pay. Gas in the crotch, ... demonstrating that you have a sense of humor, a reasonable tolerance for pain and the patience of a mechanic. Remember that stuff can cause cancer so that's another thing not to make a habit of. When you said stay dirty I don't think that was what you had in mind.

Quit smoking over 20 years ago. I was at three packs a day when I quit but back on topic, when I was working, quitting or stopping a job was a no no as a paying customer was waiting for results in my case. Some jobs cannot just stop and restart.

u just channeled this from my brain. truer words were never spoken. working on a 2000 taurus 3.0l with a vacuum leak i can't find & can't quit. i'm afraid i'll start smoking again.

Actually, what you are saying is very important. A mind is the same as a muscle. If you are doing repetitious work with the same set of muscles, resting will help renew them. Same with your mind when dealing with frustrating work. Taking a complete break (walking away) will allow your mind to rest. Doing something else for a while will greatly help clear your mind and renew your ability to think. Same with your eyes when doing close work. Looking away to the distance for a while really helps.

I call it a day when I hit a wall and realize I am no longer making any progress on what I am doing. It is amazing what a break can do. Every time I come back to the job after a break I always manage to get through the wall. Also I laughed quite a bit on the "gasoline on the groin" bit haha!

Smoke breaks are how i deal with getting frustrated. Smoke breaks REALLY help me calm down and think logically as to what the order or steps will be once i'm done my smoke and go back inside.

A quick breather or lunch can be so hard to do when you're already so behind, the stress rises and your refuse to "waste time" on eating or whatever. Sure enough, that quick break can sometimes bring you the "second set of eyes" that you needed all along.

As a student, I come across some times I will call it a day in terms of reading or doing assignments. I stop reading/working when I'm at the point that I can't concentrate while reading, or I can't really feel like learning anything. Then it's better to lay off and continue tomorrow, cause reading without concentration is like working double as hard with a minimum of things learnt. I guess you can paraphrase it into other occupations/work too. When you're too tired, you must rest.

Disconnecting the bell housing from the back of your engine. I had zero documentation on the vehicle I was working on. I did end up later in the project getting a dealer service e-manual. Working in extremely tight spaces from the back of a motor using the craziest combo of tools. The bolt overly torqued on from the previous technician. You can only take so much abrasions on your arms, working in so many tight weird places maneuvering your hands till they cramp to death. More than stressful it just burns you out. Took me a few days just to get an exhaust manifold off. Tried heat, saws, drills etc just to get the seized cracked manifold and some previous genius thought it was a good idea to put an alan hex bolt on an exhaust manifold connecting to the Y pipe. It was not going anywhere lol... Fun times. Honestly this last truck doing a motor swap I've had better times with full engine rebuilds on ford trucks than this simple swap on a mid 90's mitsubishi SUV... Those tight spaces are something else. I don't think I would want to do this as a profession I feel I get burnt out and it becomes a chore at some point. I figure stuff out pretty well I think my mechanical abilities come pretty natural to me but I use it more to my advantage to save my self a lot of money and keep my stuff running. As far as a job choice I can't trade working from home on the computer and keeping my stress down... Yesterday took my truck offroading, got a new stereo in and some corrosion in the cigarette lighter caused some arcing and the 100amp fuse blew and melted down the inside of fuse panel inside the engine. Fun stuff lol... Seems like my junk keeps me busy enough lol.

Absolutely. I take breaks because I’m monitor my motivation and focus. The only way im finishing is if I have those.

Great topic Eric ;) When i get to the point that i am feeling like a caveman operating a space shuttle, that is when i know its time for a cigarette break, some food, talking too friends, etc. You need focus to think clearly and make wise desitions. If you are overworked you wil become mentaly drained. Keep up the good work Eric !!

I agree with Aaron. Good video Eric, thanks for taking the time to help us out.

When I start misplacing tools and I find myself looking for the tool for more time than I use it... Thats when I walk away.

I call it a day when I run out of daylight since I don't have a garage lol luv this guy

Haha! I feel the exact same way about the smoking... Just quit a little over a week ago, and now I too feel like I have a lot of free time.

It's kind of crazy but it's amazing what the psychology field has found out about what happens when we sleep. All the information we take in during the day is given a final processing during sleep.

usually I find that "break" point when that one bolt you need strips out, and of course the torque you were just applying to that bolt then leads to your hand seemingly always smashing into frame, motor, or anything under the car that's always harder than your hand. After a couple of those its usually a good idea to tap out and walk away for a few

My "sign" is expletives. When I hear myself cursing, I know its time for a break/time-out.

I always find I go outside for a cup of tea and a cigarette and then come back into the workshop and it all seems to come together. That's the only thing I'm worried about giving up smoking.

Been there several times. Needing a mental break from the moment. Marathon repair jobs that run 10 plus hrs can suck.

My grandpa always said when somethin pisses you off, walk away for 20 minutes and think about somethin happy, when you come back the parts will fall into place. Works EVERYTIME! :D

I had a guy that worked for me years ago that just LOVED working on the vans and anything with cramped quarters. His name was Herman, or as we called him, the Hermanator. Via con dios my man.

check the rubber connector where the pcv hose connects to the upper intake. the oil rots them and sometimes can cause a small crack that is not easy to see. also check the elbow at the pcv.

yeah, thats the magic of taking a break and coming back later!

I have seen most every video you have made and I've gotta say, I love this video! I can relate to exactly what you are going through. Hilarious outtake with the gasoline on the crotch btw. Absolutely comical gold. I like to to a smoke break and I eat something. That's what helps me not meltdown.

I hate breaking bolts or stripping threads. I hate that the most. especially like you said when is hard to reach area like you said.

Awesome video, been having that kind of day myself. Sometimes you just have to laugh out off

I worked with a guy . when his day wasn't going well he would close up his tool box and take the rest of the day off. He called it a "GET YOUR MIND RIGHT DAY". Some times yo u need that time and change of scenery

You are, the first week is the toughest! Don't slip up!

Hi Eric. I call it a day when it turns out to be one of those days where EVERYTHING seems to go wrong for some reason. The stress from that just makes me say F-IT and go do something else while I self medicate (alcohol)

You spend so long on a job, a form of hyposis takes over. You find yourself getting frustrated, unable to make any head-way. Mistakes will happen, injure yourself or others, or you end up breaking something else.

That's one way to relieve stress Eric, I'd suggest removing the gloves before any hand to gland action tho! 😂

when it is 6 AM on sunday, been working on the truck since noon on saturday. youve got the new long block in the truck, everything is almost ready, then snap there goes your alternator mounting bolt. then sleep on it and get back on it on wednesday on my next day off

I've lost too many friends and family from Lung cancer, I'm always happy to see someone get away from the cancer sticks before its too late. B-)

Haha, love the sense of humor man...wouldn't hurt to see more of it :)

HAHAHAHA!!! You remind of me at the end!!! I always laugh hard when I am tired as hell!!!

Best advice I ever got; "sometimes you gotta slow down to speed up."

when working at home i get more frustrated not having all my tools at hand and laying on my back so i find taking a break more helpfull but at work i ask other techs for suggestions instead of walking away

Oh man the end of this video, priceless.

thanks for your effort

Gas in the gentleman's reception area...not much fun I imagine. Haven't had that pleasure but I have had it in the eyes and in the armpits. Also a...liberating...experience lol

When I worked at a dealership, I hated when the Service Manager would work up to me first thing in the morning [usually with a token gift {donut-coffee}]. I would look around and see someone who was stuck with a problem job the day before had called in sick. Guess who was called on to pick up the ball and run with it? The guy would get his when he did come back to work though. The moral: Don't stiff the other guy.

Eric you made your point very well in this video lol.

I have been around long enough now to know when i'm tired. And it's time to stop because my usefulness has come to an end. This only comes through experience though...

When you set your hair on fire when welding on the exhaust system. ...Not that it's ever happened to me. :\

I call it a day whenever something that should be simple gets frustrating. Some rest definitely helps, let leveler heads prevail

When I find myself loafing, I clean up, shut the lights off, and leave.

OH MY GOD!!! That's was fun!!!

Well, when my right arm was moving like that, I'm wasn't trying to get gas to evaporate! But, that was many years ago so, what do I know about the newer generation?

"Ah! It's feeling a little better"- Eric the Car Guy, 2013

The Astro van with the shoe horned 4.3L. Of course it's a spider injector problem. No room at all to gain access to that engine.

so great at 6:00 till the end. you should have a bloopers video.

The last time i was working on my car i was getting more and more frustrated (i was fitting a new window regulator) i just got so annoyed with it i just chucked all my tools into the car, through over the car cover, as there was no drivers window and went inside. The next day i come out and it was like an epiphany! i new exactly what i was doing wrong and wrapped the whole thing up in 20 mins after spending the whole day before on it lol

I still love that intro

I call it a day either when I get passed off or when I start dropping tools

:D :D :D thx dude, this vid was just best, i know this feeling :D, almost every day with my work

I would have to call it a day when my fingers go numb from the cold outside. I find it difficult to work on other people's cars as opposed to my own because I can't abuse their vehicles without repercussions. My own has dents and stuff in it from me working on it and getting frustrated lol

4.3 FTW!

Eric, I had no idea you actually worked on cars anymore.

Vortec spider injectors were one of the worst designs GM ever made!

What about those rigs where it's the only job you have, you've been working on it for X number of days, the customer is bitching that they want their ride, you already had 5 mental cigarettes in the last hour, and it's only 9:00 AM. Then what do you do? I did an EGR on a Duramax LML (M/Y 2011+) that was like that. Speaking of Spider Injectors, Astro vans, Conversion Vans, & Dumpsters on wheels, I have another video title for you to film: "When should you decline a job?"

I couldn't get my oil filter off, the socket just spun around it, I put a wrench around it and it just slipped and dented the filter. I drilled a hole through the side of the filter (getting covered in oil) and put a screw driver through it to try and loosen it but it wouldn't budge with hand power and there wasn't room to get a hammer in there to tap on the screwdriver. I was so sure I'd be able to undo it with a screwdriver through it but that failed and I needed the car tomorrow. But obviously now it can't be used because the oil filter has two 7mm holes in it. I finally got the son of a bitch off by drilling holes in the filter socket and right through the filter as well, then put a pin all the way through all that and a slid the jacking bar from the press over the end of the socket wrench for more leverage. The rubber o-ring was stuck to the engine but that came off easily once the filter was off. I've not worked on cars a lot so this was quite a stressful oil change for me because the whole time I was thinking, if I shear off the filter with the threaded part still inside it, I'll need a new engine block! Thank FUCK that didn't happen and it's all back together with perfectly clean oil in it!

What kind of injector problem. I couldn't understand. Just curious.

Someones high on gas fumes!! hehehe

a cool head is better than getting hot headed and busting knuckles

That was a happy ending! :P

Stopped smoking for 8 years?? Wow! And here I am thinking im a badass for not smoking for the past week lol...

I used to work with a guy who had Poison Ivy on his Johnson, like how did that happen? I remember trying to do injector timing (on a CAT) under the dash of a Kodiac, it licked me arse lolz

This video always work for my mood :-). :D :D :D

I have a 1999 ford f150 with an extended cab rwd no 4wd....u have any experience with them? I go through front brakes and rotors faster than any vehicle I have ever owned in my life. Back brakes last forever I'm gonna change what may be original pads lol..Vibration from a zero start but only while turning. ..straight starts r smooth......I'm trying to wait till it gets warmer b4 I tackle this.....Vibration from a zero start turn

some times i work on a less stressful job on the car.for a bit. don,stitze,id

Was vomiting after 2-3 breathe strokes of gasoline under the car... Called a day that time!

When you look for a tool you don't even need

I call it a day when I break a fastener. If it doesn't come out in 15 minutes, it's time to think about it and work on it tomorrow--and to let the penetrating lube take effect.

HAH! Man am I recording myself?!?

i've never been able to justify buying a proper smoke machine (starting about $850) so i make do with a fog maker. why the hell should a smoke generator cost that much?

Last time i was supposed to do a lower intake on one if those vans the kid i worked with had nothing on the schedule an i had plenty so i made him do it hahaha he was pissed but i felt damn good, i think eric smoked his lunch he sure is acting goofy today

take a selfie after hard day and see for yourself

Its a necessary evil of the business though, (I can't tell you how much I've absorbed over the years....) and I really can't put a finger on one person I've ever met that actually got cancer from gas fumes.

these comments are public, meaning they are for everyone to respond too..

I call it a day once I find petrol on the junk as 'liberating'.

On a side note, sniffing gasoline doesn't help the cancer situation either. ;)

Getting high from those gas fumes huh? Lol

Smoked*

Haha. Hows it feel now big fella?

"Have I mentioned that I hate working on astrovans?"

Eric, look on the bright side: If you had a no start problem, you might of been holding a battery, spilling battery acid on your crotch. Now, THAT's a BAD day.