Dumbass of the Year Goes to... Me.

[kwimberly]

Ok. This weekend is like the only weekend I have free to get my timing belt done. I ordered the parts from MJM and got them today. Chris (dirtybrd) is installing everything on Saturday.

The box for the tensioner had this funny little icon. I thought it was so funny that I turned to my wife and said, "Look, I've never seen this icon - it's like 'no dumbasses, only skilled professionals.'" Ha ha ha.



Like any curious dude, I opened everything up to inspect and play with the parts. I had read all the DIY's when evaluating whether to do it myself, so I was familiar with "the pin." I picked up the tensioner and started wiggling this flat plate around when all of a sudden, SNAP!!!!! Apparently that was the pin. I was thinking it was like a grenade pin, not a flat piece of metal.

So, my heart skips 20 beats, I immediately turn to my wife and say that I'm the reason for the "no dumbasses" icon on the box, and then explain why I have to buy a new part because I ruined this one.



I called Chris to let him know, and he told me that he can compress it back slowly using a vise. So I guess I escaped pure FAIL status, but I definitely learned a lesson. I'm an idiot.

[dougyfresh]

No worries. Yes, you can compress that no problem. I do it all the time.

dumbass of the year avoided.



At least you're not the one that took a rubber mallet to the end of a brand new HD tie-rod and damaged the boot only to have to shell out another $50 for a new one.

[ApexIt]

haha it happens. good to see that you wont have to replace a brand new part lol

[JMRQuattro]

i do like the icon haha

[Chris_tA_4]

the scale of the wrench to the mechanic in the icon is like my weiner to me

[kwimberly]

the scale of the wrench to the mechanic in the icon is like my weiner to me

except that it just shrank after you used the word "weiner"

[7speed]

that is pretty funny though

[BNZ TOY]

funny thread, great icon.

Still, bit early in the year to crown yourself the annual winner. I'm sure they'll be more competition in the next 11 months

[maclem8223]

funny thread, great icon.

Still, bit early in the year to crown yourself the annual winner. I'm sure they'll be more competition in the next 11 months

Very true, there are way to many months left for me to grab the title.

[vdubstreets]

that means, dont work on your car naked, wear a sideways hat and overalls.

[maclem8223]

that means, dont work on your car naked, wear a sideways hat and overalls.

...and don't forget your lifesize wrench.

[diagnosticator]

except that it just shrank after you used the word "weiner"

LOL!!

[Chris_tA_4]

except that it just shrank after you used the word "weiner"

O man, I mean schlong!?













i'm ron burgundy????

[doublezero30]

^its the pleats, i was just on my way to return them now....

[dewey527]

Hell I thought I installed the front springs upside down this wknd on my stasis touring. Stasis said it is not that big of an issue though,phew

[nytildie914]

dirtybrd is doing it for you? where does he live cause i might have to get mine done eventually and i would even pay a decent amount..cause i dont wana go to the stealership haha...

[dak360rt]

Good thing it can be fixed, but either way i was gonna say that there is still quite awhile left in 2009 im sure someone will take the title

[kwimberly]

dirtybrd is doing it for you? where does he live cause i might have to get mine done eventually and i would even pay a decent amount..cause i dont wana go to the stealership haha...

Chris is in Lakeland - about halfway between Tampa and Orlando.

[Sp3C14L 3D]

That logo is hilarious hahahaha

[SeKKeY]

somebody make a decal!!!

[tdmopar59]

hahaha the icon made me laugh more than the story... but i hear ya mistakes happen no worries !

[KraftwerkB6]

FYI i would compress that pin back in really really really slowly!!!!!! if fluid comes out the top where the recessed C clip is , you blew the gasket on the inside and it will not work anymore.

[pondside36]

That picture would make a great toolbox sticker.. and no worries even if you had to buy a new one you would still be saving hundreds of dollars by having Drtybird help you.. Good luck with the TB

[03 silverbullet]

I fell out of my chair laughing about that decal.

I thought i ruined my tensioner also when i had everything installed i pulled out the metal piece and THEN checked to make sure the lower crank and the cam lined up on the notches with the lower timing belt cover and the cam cover, turned out i was about 2 teeth off.

I ended up getting a pair of C vice grips and clamping the pulley to keep the tensioner from expanding all the way. Then fixed my mistake.

[sean1.8t]

yep, it's just a piston. what goes out, can go in. i've compressed that a couple of times using a vise. and no problems at all