Should I help this kid?

[skipro3]

I learned to jump start my camaro after watching my buddy start it for me when the bendx went out. He used a big screw driver to do so. Before that, I didn't know a starter from a stopper....

 

[Tig]

If he has experience with beaters he could have learned the solenoid trick to avoid repair costs. I had to hotwire my own car one time when the ignition switch failed in the K Mart parking lot on Saturday afternoon. As I worked with the materials available (screwdriver, coat hanger and jumpercables) people walked by and stared but no one said a word.

 

[czechsonofagun]

I think he is ok and he learned just few tricks to keep that beater going. But in a situation like this, he has no understanding what is what and is not able to properly troubleshoot it.

I would help him - proly would never thing a kid like that can hurt me, since I am bit overgrown

 

[mjarrels]

I'm not the smartest mechanic but owned a MGB for several years... learned to perform many roadside fixes... worked on the car to get to work... worked on the car to get home... can you say "lucas electrical"

mark

 

[slewisma]

He said he ran out of gas on the main highway and pulled off onto the dead end. After adding gas, it won't start.
John

Perhaps he sucked some junk from the bottom of the tank into the fuel filter when he ran out of gas? Cars and tractors aren't so different sometimes.

Lots of opinions in this thread. I'm with those that say help him but show up with a buddy to do so. It also wouldn't hurt to call the local police and just be honest. If this car is not on the main highway, I'd think they'd be fine with checking the plate to make sure it isn't stolen and then waiting a day or two before making him tow it. Tell them you're gonna see if you can help him get it going and you'll call them back if it is still there in 48 hours.

 

[LMTC]

One of our sons started a new job last spring, big mix from grunts to engineers (steel fabrication company). Young new grunt started shortly after, working in sight of our son a good bit of the time. Our son said he seemed like a decent kid, worked well, drove a beater and appeared to have little in the way of clothing. Second week the kid missed a couple days, called in, then got someone to bring him, wanted to get his first check early (two week holdback), and couldn't. Our son never saw him again, but remembers him saying he had a bad tire. We theorize he was dirt poor, wanted to work, could not afford to replace a tire that failed, couldn't get paid early to replace the tire, thus couldn't come to work and lost the job. We don't know this, but it seems a good guess. When our son told us about this kid coming in trying to get his check early we told him to approach him next time he came in and ask if he needed help getting a tire...but he never saw him again.

I would have given him the money, not loaned it to him. I have immense respect for anyone wanting to work, and do not want the government in charge of such things. I remember being poor. I remember working on a car most of the weekend so I could drive it to work Monday. I am not "wealthy" (whatever that means) but I could (and I bet most on this forum could too) pull $100 out of my budget right now and truly never miss it.

Protect yourself, but offer to help as you can. You never know what the seed you sow may become. You may have already offered him something he rarely gets simply by being cordial to him. And no, I do not sing "Kumbaya" each evening, and am in fact a social and political conservative. I believe it is MY responsibility to help others on an individual level, but I think that choice should be left to each individual.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

we'll assume that if you don't keep us posted, that he wasn't on the up and up

man, that's a tough one......i have the gene that i love to help people like this too, but since i've had kids and my trust level has dramatically decreased, i try to avoid these situations.........i'm not proud of this position, but around here, i don't think too much of my fellow mankind.....

 

[MossRoad]

My cousin stopped to help a guy with a flat tire one night. The guy thanked him, stabbed him in the leg and stole his car.

I have since been disinclined to help people that I do not know. I will call them a ride, tow truck, police, etc.... but keep my distance and be cautious.

You could offer him a tow if it is not too far, but I would go with a friend to watch my back.

 

[jmc]

Looks like he figured it all out yesterday cause its gone. Thanks all.

John

 

[podagrower]

I'm not the smartest mechanic but owned a MGB for several years... learned to perform many roadside fixes... worked on the car to get to work... worked on the car to get home... can you say "lucas electrical"

mark

Short thread hijack--- I believe the inventor of the above referenced electrical system was known as "the prince of darkness"???
We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread...