1..... I don't like it when OPs don't come back either...
2.... Here's what I do know; this was a new member who may be new to such forums and the way they work, and what's expected when starting a thread that requires a lot more info than we usually get at first. Yes a manual is a good suggestion but at least throw something in there as you suggested Rick; that there is a troubleshooting section that may pertain to his problem and that once he has the manual he can get back to us and we can walk him through it or direct him to certain sections of the manual.
3... I've seen a lot of long winded threads with plenty of help and not once was this same suggestion made. If I were the OP, I'd rather have no responce than one that simply directs me to get a manual and nothing else. I think most people can figure out for themselves that a manual would help.
4.... If they're coming to a forum, they're looking for expirience, the kind of stuff you just can't get in a manual but only in the field.
5... They may also be tech speak illiterate and find a manual hard to follow. Don't forget he's new here and an answer like that will most likely just promp him to go to another forum ...IMO. I don't think that's what we want.
1... Agree.... it may be helpful for others to learn what the resolve was.
2... Great point, and well taken.
3.... Well, I wish that was the case all the time.
My experience says that all too often these questions are asked in the absense of an OEM service manual.
Reason? I don't know!
What I'm willing to bet on..... is that when we come to a forum like this one...., we're doing one of two things.
- We're double checking quotes and/or someone else's information.
- We're planning to do the work ourselves.
If number 2..... then get the dog gone OEM service manual so that it can be done correctly.
4... another good point, and again well taken.
Many forums will envoke a 'Sticky' at the top of each page suggesting (in a protocol fashion) how to begin a new thread, and will go on to suggest that the OP offer as much information UP FRONT as possible, in order to promote better and more accurate responses.
Year model, engine, drive, location, salt/fresh, open/closed cooling, and so on.
Then go on to describe the problem.
The "Sticky" works well most of the time, but not always.
In this thread the OP has offered limited info......, so perhaps something along the lines of a "Sticky" would be helpful here.
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Chris suggested to stop changing parts.... I agreed.
Then Gl115 suggested the manual.
I then chimed in agreeing with Chris and GL115 and mentioned the P of E, all under the guise of helping the man.
So... when we don't know all of the info up front, or whether the OP will even return, how far do we go?
I default to the "meet us part way", and I'll be more than willing to offer help if I can!
Woodie, I have no arguement with you here.
I always enjoys reading your posts.... I'm just rattling on a bit and talking out loud.
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dsirekis, no offense to you regarding any of this.
We're just discussing what can be pretty darn normal on forums, and you are not alone in this.
Here's one that just posted this morning.... same thing.... no info, so the thread goes into hybernation mode until the OP returns.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=527806
If you come back to the thread, how about an update of some sort for us, so we'll know how you're doing?
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