Max Ellery workshop manuals are shoddy garbage

[jeepster]

I found one in an op-shop and still think I was ripped off.
For example STAGES OF BELT WEAR: 1. NEW BELT: cracks or chunks
I think that should be "no cracks or chunks" I guess they don't have a proofreader.
I also found striker spelt as STRICKER and hooked spelt as HOCKED.
Then stuff about spark plugs is repeated on different pages. Just padding out the
page count without giving extra content.
The book claimed to be for VR+VS, but almost every picture or diagram of V6 motor
is for the older version.
The section about removing front door trim doesn't mention the ventilation assembly
at the top front corner of the door.
If I hadn't thrown it out in disgust, I am sure I would find 100 more abominations.

[moff_man]

i found some haynes manuls to be the same, i had on for the vl and it was showing pictures of vb- vk's lol expecily the headlights

[old mate]

i have the same book. it should read VR only.

[chrisdoesitbetter]

i have a gregorys and a haynes manual, i think the haynes are crap as they cover something like 5 differnt models and sometimes it shows pictures from other cars! but the gregorys is very useful as it shows only VR stuff.

[stocky]

Mine is an ellerys and it was quite good. Much better than the Gregories I have. The Gregories spelt install with one L every single time. They need the proof reader more than anyone else

[Brett_jjj]

The gregorys VS V6 manual is excellent,,except for a few small errors that I have noticed..I have the haynes one that covers VN-VS, for both the V6 and V8.And its not the best though.Especially the wiring diagrams,they are just useless.There is some ok stuff in it though,thats why I have both manuals,that way if something doesnt look right,I can double check the other manual.I mainly use mine these days for the rated tensions that are listed when tightening up different nuts ,bolts etc with a torque wrench.

[chrisdoesitbetter]

IMO the gregorys is better for the particular car you have, but the haynes shows stuff like servie intervals, troubleshooting etc. but its probably best to have both.

[Barnzey]

I agree I brought the ellery VS manual becauce the ellery manual I have for my AU and BA falcons are great but the VR/VS is crap and disappointing should of brought a gregory

[dirt drifter]

yeah the ellery's manual isnt too flash, but it does have fault code reading, wiring diagrams and torque settings. its enough to get u out of trouble but the gregorys would be better no doubt

[bandit10]

the ellery's also seems to think the VR/VS automatic transmission has a kick down cable..!!

[Reaper]

The only workshop manuals worth having are the original GM Holden ones. The few aftermarket manuals I have used are riddled with errors with some of them that will lead to expensive failures if not realized. They are only good for lighting my open fire.

Reaper

[Brett_jjj]

Any manual is better than none at all if the person attempting the repair or service procedure has little or no experience with cars.I always recommend to people on here that if they have little experience, that they should get themselves a workshop manual (preferably a factory one) and read it first before attempting any work on the vehicle.Ive seen some dangerous things done by people who had no idea what they were doing.

[chrisdoesitbetter]

The only workshop manuals worth having are the original GM Holden ones. The few aftermarket manuals I have used are riddled with errors with some of them that will lead to expensive failures if not realized. They are only good for lighting my open fire.

Reaper

i agree, i have read the gm manuals and they are the most in depth of them all, bloody expensive though comapred to gregys or haynes

[chrisdoesitbetter]

Any manual is better than none at all if the person attempting the repair or service procedure has little or no experience with cars.I always recommend to people on here that if they have little experience, that they should get themselves a workshop manual (preferably a factory one) and read it first before attempting any work on the vehicle.Ive seen some dangerous things done by people who had no idea what they were doing.

i second that ^ any manual is still better than uncommon sense

[dirt drifter]

i agree, i have read the gm manuals and they are the most in depth of them all, bloody expensive though comapred to gregys or haynes

i didnt know the general public could get hold of them, will a dealership sell me one? now i want one regardless of what they sting me for it

[stockyvrcalais]

i too have a haynes, and i think is garbage, its all over the place and complicated

[launertic]

i needed one for my vs caprice v6 supercharger, the vr-vs book only covered v6 and v8 not a supercharge, i sooner found out that the v6 supercharge motor in the vs is the same as the vt supercharge motor, can anyone confirm this cause im still confused.

[benno9911]

all they need now is the bush mechanic book and will all be set

[charvel]

I found the following ebay auction for VR/VS manuals on CD:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Has anyone here bought one, or know if they are worth having? For less than $10 delivered to my door, I thought I might give it a go....

[smokyJ]

all they need now is the bush mechanic book and will all be set

they don't need books, the diagrams are written in the stars :P

[Reaper]

Any manual is better than none at all if the person attempting the repair or service procedure has little or no experience with cars.I always recommend to people on here that if they have little experience, that they should get themselves a workshop manual (preferably a factory one) and read it first before attempting any work on the vehicle.Ive seen some dangerous things done by people who had no idea what they were doing.

I completely disagree with that. I have found errors that will lead to catastrophic engine failure or worse if the instructions were followed. A person with little or no experience with cars would not know this and end up with a huge bill to repair teh damage.

Use them to light open fires - that is all.

Reaper

[seraphic06]

I found the following ebay auction for VR/VS manuals on CD:



Has anyone here bought one, or know if they are worth having? For less than $10 delivered to my door, I thought I might give it a go....

I have bought one and I think they are totally worth the ten bucks mate.

[Brett_jjj]

I completely disagree with that. I have found errors that will lead to catastrophic engine failure or worse if the instructions were followed. A person with little or no experience with cars would not know this and end up with a huge bill to repair teh damage.

Use them to light open fires - that is all.

Reaper

Well,post the errors up then so we can all see what they are if they are as dangerous as what you say.Ive come across a few small errors,none that will do what you have said.Ive got about 10 gregorys manuals for different cars Ive owned over the years,Ive never had a problem or found any info that is dangerous if followed correctly.Ive even seen dealers mechanics looking through them for info or whatever.

[sleepa]

Glad I chose a Haynes over a Max ellery then. I gotta say it's not too bad for the vt through vz. Has some pictures from the wrong series sometimes, and some parts can be a little hard to understand but common sense will prevail. Mostly it is a good manual, a hell of a lot better than nothing at all. Would have prefered a gregory's though, had them in the past and they seem good probably because they only relate to one or two series so less confusion.

[charvel]

I have bought one and I think they are totally worth the ten bucks mate.

Well, I clicked buy-it-now, so we'll see how good it is! I don't have great expectations!