Learning Mechanics

[Dead Eye]

I would highly recommend having theory behind you if you work on your only vehicle and study how to do a job. However, this only really helps up until the point you finally do the job - at which point practical experience is where you gain.

I find theory fascinating though so revel in the chance to read articles and watch tutorials on the subjects. Haynes may be helpful for a specific task, but the theory behind the internal combustion engine is shared between all manner of vehicles and engine designs. I would suggest some basic reading from "How Stuff Works" maybe (not sure on exactly how much you know) and even to find some videos on YouTube demonstrating different tasks.

I managed to find a channel from someone in Spain who showed the entire process of them rebuilding the engine from a Mk2 Golf GTi (I owned one at the time). It wasn't as dull or boring as some of the tutorials as they guy was just getting on with the work and explaining what he was doing as he was doing it without getting too bogged down in detail.