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Are Haynes auto repair manuels recomended?

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Old 03-26-2008, 05:34 PM
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Default Are Haynes auto repair manuels recomended?

When I was younger and fuel injection and computer run cars were not the norm and it was much easier to work on and understand your car (give me a 70'* Trans Am and I'll build you a monster, ask me a question about my 94 Bonne and you'll get a funny look ) Chilton'* was the manual everybody used. I haven't seen a Chilton'* for some time now, admittedly I haven't been looking very hard, but today at the local parts store I came across Haynes repair manuals and was wondering if it is a good manual to use. Just wondering what everybody'* experience is with these repair manuals and what most would recommend.
Old 03-26-2008, 05:41 PM
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In order from best to worst:

Factory Service Manuals (ebay is your friend)
Chilton'* (about 20 bucks online or at the store)
Haynes (very basic, not great, but ok in a pinch)
Clymer (toilet paper)
Old 03-26-2008, 05:48 PM
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OK, I'll check out some factory service manuals then. thanks
Old 03-26-2008, 08:54 PM
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Default manuals

X2 in that order. Some of the newer Haynes are tissue paper also.
No real technical stuff or extensive diagnosis.
Old 03-27-2008, 01:57 AM
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BTW, I found an eBay store with a good selection of FSMs at decent prices.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=95894
Old 03-27-2008, 08:43 AM
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Originally Posted by GonneVille
BTW, I found an eBay store with a good selection of FSMs at decent prices.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=95894
Thanks for that, I just ordered myself one of the 1997 LeSabre manuals. Wonder why it was so much more expensive than the others, though. :?

One thing is certain, my Hayne'* manual isn't cutting it. I need something better.

Just how in depth are these manuals? Will it give step by step instructions on say, how to remove the intake manifolds? I need to justify my purchase.
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Old 03-27-2008, 09:03 AM
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You can find Chilton manuals on amazon. That'* where I bought the one for my Honda Civic.
Old 03-27-2008, 01:07 PM
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EBAY for FSM'* is your best bet. I've got three on my dresser, probably about 2000 pages, BUT.. if I ever have a problem with any little thing, even a small screw, it'* in there. Haynes is okay but not into great detail. Never dealt with Chilton'*, so I have no experience.
Old 03-27-2008, 01:12 PM
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The Chilton'* manual you will buy now is nothing like the old Chilton'* you may be familiar with back in the old days. Those books were the bibles of auto repair and took you step by step through everything. Chilton'* is now owned by Haynes and is virtually the same. FSM is the way to go, but is still not as good as the old Chilton'*.
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