Reborn in 1982: I Became the Richest Man by Repairing Cars

Although he was prepared to spend the whole day there, Jiang Hui was determined not to let Andrei feel like he was dawdling.

Every minute should be used to its fullest potential.

It's simply about making each movement more precise, and also explaining why you're being so careful.

This can also be considered as training Lin Yuanwu and Fan Weimin.

Such a good teaching material shouldn't be wasted.

After several fixing bolts were removed, the gearbox housing slowly separated.

The planetary gear set, multi-plate clutch, brake band, and servo mechanism inside are exposed layer by layer.

Lin Yuanwu held his breath as he watched.

This isn't car repair; it's more like disassembling a precision instrument.

"Pay attention to this part."

Jiang Hui held the wrench and pointed at the clutch disc.

"This clutch disc has steel plates and friction plates arranged alternately."

"The friction pads that should have been flat and fitted are now blackened, hardened, and unevenly worn at the edges."

"Some areas are even worn smooth and shiny, with almost no friction."

"This is the root cause of the lack of power at the start and the slippage on the uphill section."

"No matter how hard the engine runs, the power is consumed by the worn clutch plates and cannot be transmitted to the wheels."

"Naturally, the start will be weak."

Upon hearing Jiang Hui's words, everyone, including Andrei, couldn't help but nod in agreement.

This logic is easy to understand.

Jiang Hui carefully took out the entire clutch plate assembly and laid them out one by one.

"Before the new film is installed, it must be soaked in the new transmission fluid for half an hour to allow the friction material to absorb the fluid fully, otherwise it will burn as soon as it is installed in the car."

Upon hearing Jiang Hui's words, Andrei immediately took the new clutch disc to soak.

Jiang Hui, meanwhile, was earnestly explaining the structure and working principle of the 3AT automatic transmission to Lin Yuanwu and Fan Weimin.

"The core of an automatic transmission relies on planetary gear sets."

"It's not the kind of manual transmission we usually repair, where the gears gnaw back and forth and you have to manually shift gears by turning the gear lever."

"Automatic transmissions use hydraulic pressure to control the clutch and brake bands, locking power onto different gears and changing speeds on their own."

"Look at these clutch plates. They look simple, but they are actually the throat of the entire power system."

"The engine's power is first transmitted to the hydraulic torque converter, and then these plates press, engage, and disengage to deliver the power to the wheels."

"Once the film is ground thin, it slips, and all the power is wasted in the gearbox."

Although the 3AT automatic transmission is far behind the 8AT and 10AT of later generations in terms of technology.

However, for China at that time, it was still a very worthwhile subject of study and research.

Jiang Hui explained to Lin Yuanwu and Fan Weimin very seriously.

"Look at this brake band. It's responsible for locking a certain set of gears, and that's how you shift gears."

"The tension should be just right; the gear shift should be either too jerk or too smooth."

"The most critical part is the valve assembly; it's the brain of the entire automatic transmission."

"The oil channels inside are thinner than a hair, and the valve core clearance is ridiculously small."

"If the oil gets clogged or the valve core gets stuck, the oil pressure will be messed up, and the gear shift will make a 'click' sound and cause a shock."

"This kind of thing can't be manufactured domestically right now, and repairing it also requires experience and a feel for it; even the slightest difference won't work."

In the era of 3AT, TCU (Transmission Control Unit) and the like did not exist.

It is an old-fashioned automatic transmission with pure hydraulic control, which relies entirely on mechanical and hydraulic logic to achieve gear shifting, without any electronic control module.

However, this does make it easier for Jiang Hui to perform repairs.

If there's an electronic control module, the repair process becomes even more complicated.

As the sun rose high in the sky, it was lunchtime. Andrei didn't stand on ceremony and told Jiang Hui and the others to stop, wash their hands, and go eat first.

Based on what happened this morning, at least one thing is certain.

That means Jiang Hui truly understands the GAZ-13 and its 3AT automatic transmission.

Considering Jiang Hui's past performance, Andrei believed that the other party could really fix the car today.

Andrei led the three of them into the embassy, ​​through several iron gates, and into the canteen.

The canteen is not large and is simply and plainly decorated.

Long wooden tables, hardwood chairs, and several oil paintings of polar bears and domestic landscapes hanging on the wall.

Several hardy green plants were placed in the corner, and the air was filled with the aroma of butter, bread, and roasted meat.

"Wash your hands first, there's hot water here."

Andrei pointed to the sink in the corner.

Jiang Hui took the lead in washing his hands thoroughly and then wiping them with a clean towel.

Lin Yuanwu and Fan Weimin followed suit, even carefully cleaning the dirt from under their fingernails, afraid of losing face in front of foreigners.

Andrei had clearly arranged everything. After he led the three of them to sit down, the chef quickly brought the dishes up.

The first dish served was borscht, a deep red broth containing beets, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.

There was also a large piece of stewed beef that was very tender, with a thin layer of oil floating on top, and it smelled delicious.

Andrei gestured for them to have some soup first: "This is the most common soup in our country, please try it."

Jiang Hui scooped up a spoonful; it was perfectly balanced between sweet and sour, with a unique vanilla flavor.

It was the first time Lin Yuanwu and Fan Weimin had ever tasted soup of this color. They sipped it slowly, their eyes filled with curiosity.

The staple foods are black and white bread, cut into slices and placed in wicker baskets.

Jiang Hui was the first to try a bite. The black bread had a firm texture and a noticeable acidity, making it completely different from the white steamed buns in China.

White bread is soft and sweet, with the aroma of butter.

Andrei picked up a slice and spread a little pale yellow butter on it: "Bread with butter is the most filling thing."

Fan Weimin tried applying a little, and the rich milky flavor made his eyes light up immediately.

In those days, ordinary families in China could only afford to eat a little bit of lard during festivals.

I've barely even heard of butter.

The main course is a plate of pan-fried meat patties, made by pan-frying a mixture of ground beef and pork.

It's served alongside boiled potatoes, peeled and served whole, soft and fluffy.

There was also a small dish of pickled cucumbers, which were crisp and refreshing. Taking a bite of meat pie and a bite of pickled cucumber was just the right way to cut through the greasiness.

The beverage was black tea, served in a glass teacup with a saucer and sugar cubes on the side.

At this time of year, tea is mostly consumed in large porcelain jars in China, so glass cups with saucers like these are relatively rare.

Andrei ate very casually, giving a brief introduction as he ate, without putting on airs at all.

"The food in the embassy is all according to domestic standards. It's not as exaggerated as outsiders say. It's just home-style food."

Jiang Hui ate while observing discreetly.

These things may look ordinary, but for ordinary families in the capital, each one is actually quite "scarce".

Butter, beef, black tea, sugar cubes.

In China, it was either rationed or only available at hotels catering to foreigners and Friendship Stores; ordinary people might not be able to afford it even once a year.

Lin Yuanwu and Fan Weimin ate with restraint and seriousness, savoring every bite.

They dared not wolf down their food, yet they couldn't bear to waste a single bite.

This meal was more than just filling their stomachs; it broadened their horizons.

Jiang Hui ate slowly, occasionally glancing up to chat with Andre about the progress of the car repairs.

"I'll put the clutch disc back in this afternoon, adjust the valve body oil pressure, and test drive it repeatedly. I should be able to deliver the car before dark."

Andrei nodded, completely relieved: "Jiang, I believe you."

"In the entire capital, only you dare to disassemble the gearbox of our GAZ-13 like this, and you even explained it so clearly."

The meal was quite quiet, but very enjoyable.

Unlike the lavish feast at the US embassy last time, there was no extravagance or pomp; it was all typical polar bear home-cooked meals.

It's absolutely unique!