Engine know-how

Car Torque 3777 member Jacob works on a four-cylinder motor, assisted by Peter.Car Torque 3777 member Jacob works on a four-cylinder motor, assisted by Peter.

By Kath Gannaway
Community 3777 is gearing up for a second lap of Car Torque 3777.
The program run by the Healesville community group’s Youth Portfolio Group and supported by Healesville Rotary, Victoria Police, the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Healesville Living and Learning Centre and Swinburne TAFE, was launched six months ago and is ready to expand.
“Our current group has covered basic car maintenance through to dismantling and re-assembling differentials, front suspensions and a four-cylinder engine,” said co-ordinator John Robinson. “They will continue to work on their own cars and on specific car projects with the new group running simultaneously.”
Mr Robinson said the 10-week course gives a maximum of 10 members, girls or boys aged from 16 to 24, the opportunity to learn basic car maintenance as well as road safety and safe driving strategies and offers access to a fully equipped workshop for participants to work on their own cars, always with help from qualified mechanics.
“Some of our boys are now stripping and reassembling engines and others are doing quite advanced work on their own cars,” Mr Robinson said.
Those same opportunities are now available to a new group, and Mr Robinson said they would like to see some girls getting a little grease under their nails this time around.
“If there are young people out there who are interested in having fun and tinkering with cars, they should register as soon as possible because there are limited positions available,” Mr Robinson said.
The group mets on Wednesday nights from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Information and enrolment forms are available from Healesville Living and Learning Centre, Swinburne TAFE or from Mr Robinson on 5962 5395.