Unable to Understand How to Properly Use Search Function

[Rob V.]

Hi--

As the subject line states, I am unable to understand how to properly use the search function. For example, I tried to find information on Z06 engine failures. I typed into the Search function located directly above "Advanced Search" and to the left of the magnifying glass, Z06 engine failures, and then "Z06 engine failures". Nothing on the Z06; and a page or two of general engine failure posts. To make matters worse, I could have sworn that Z06 engine failures hd been discussed on the TDB within the past 12 to 18 months. Help please!

Thanks in advance.

Rob

[Rob M.]

Re: Unable to Understand How to Properly Use Search Function

You might want to start with reading the FAQ page on searching and similar threads in this forum on this topic. Much has already been published on this topic...

[Rob V.]

Re: Unable to Understand How to Properly Use Search Function

Your response was not helpful at all. I know the subject has been discussed in great detail previously; however, using the suggestions incorporated in the FAQ did not assist me in locating any information on the subject. If you want to be helpful, why don't you give me a specific way/example how to locate discussions on Z06 engine failures (2006/2007).

Thanks.

[Don H.]

Re: Unable to Understand How to Properly Use Search Function

are you referring to the LS7 engine? If so, then I do not recall seeing that on the TDB at all. If you mean the 63 375hp 327 there may have been some specific threads recently but I do not recall seeing those either. However, to search the TDB, click the tiny font Search Forum just above the top thread on right side of the TDB threads. Then write in Z06 and engine and failure in the box that opens. Hit search. Thanks for using the NCRS Discussion Forums.

• Search tips per Richard Mozzetta (13499) search experiments
  Example searches:
  "*L78*" or "*396*", lt1* or lt-1 or lt1% or lt-1
  Note: Blue Boldfaced identify different keywords used in the search strings
  1. First search experiment — Quoted strings and parentheses. Be careful here when using complex searches. Results can be misleading.
  Search, selecting Titles Only.......
  "wheel bearing" AND (*C1* OR C-1* OR "C 1 " OR 195* OR 196*) NOT (1963 OR 1964 OR 1965 OR 1966 OR 1967 OR 1968 OR 1969)
  Result:
  Type: Forums, Posts; Keyword(s): "wheel bearing", (*C1* or "C-1*" or "C 1 " or 195* or 196*), not (1963 or 1964 or 1965 or 1966 or 1967 or 1968 or 1969)
  Results — too many Titles(3360+) and they all did NOT have the phrase "wheel bearing" in them. Most had neither of the words! It Resulted with "wheel bearing" in the Result list, but it obviously didn't get the correct results. I suspect some vBulletin search software limitations or improper syntax in my keywords or ?
  2. Next search string experiment — parentheses enclosing "wheel bearing".....
  ("wheel bearing") AND (*C1* OR C-1* OR "C 1 " OR 195* OR 196*) NOT (1963 OR 1964 OR 1965 OR 1966 OR 1967 OR 1968 OR 1969)
  Result:
  Type: Forums, Posts; Keyword(s): ("wheel, bearing"), (*C1* or "C-1*" or "C 1 " or 195* or 196*), not (1963 or 1964 or 1965 or 1966 or 1967 or 1968 or 1969)
  Results — listed 2 titles, both had proper results with the phrase "wheel bearing" in them.
  3. Next I then tried this — AND function and parentheses
  ("wheel AND bearing") AND (*C1* OR C-1* OR "C 1 " OR 195* OR 196*) NOT (1963 OR 1964 OR 1965 OR 1966 OR 1967 OR 1968 OR 1969)
  
  Result:
  Type: Forums, Posts; Keyword(s): ("wheel, bearing"), (*C1* or "C-1*" or "C 1 " or 195* or 196*), not (1963 or 1964 or 1965 or 1966 or 1967 or 1968 or 1969)
  Results — listed 2 titles, both had proper results with the phrase "wheel bearing" in them.
  4. Next — AND function and parentheses, no quotes
  (wheel AND bearing) AND (*C1* OR C-1* OR "C 1 " OR 195* OR 196*) NOT (1963 OR 1964 OR 1965 OR 1966 OR 1967 OR 1968 OR 1969)
  Result:
  Type: Forums, Posts; Keyword(s): (wheel, bearing), (*C1* or "C-1*" or "C 1 " or 195* or 196*), not (1963 or 1964 or 1965 or 1966 or 1967 or 1968 or 1969)
  Results — listed 9 Titles, they had interesting results. Some with the phrase "wheel bearing" in them, some with just "bearing".
  ====
  It appears that parentheses will be your friend when searching here on the TDB. Use wisely!

[Rob V.]

Re: Unable to Understand How to Properly Use Search Function

Thank you for the quick response Don! I will try what you suggest. I was attempting to find information on 2006/2007 Z06 engine failures. The background to my question: While at a PCA Ladies Day Driver Education event this past weekend, a couple with a recently acquired 2007 Z06 and my friend (also an owner of a 2007 Z06) were discussing engine problems/failures with these years/models of Corvettes. Since I was focused on getting my wife strapped into her car, I missed most of the discussion on the Z06 engine problems. When I later asked my friend about the discussion, he stated that he was not real conversant on the topic but thought it was an oiling issue, and that is why he changed his oil three times in less than 2800 miles. Consequently, I thought that I would check the NCRS TBD forum, as I was relatively confident that I had previously read discussions on the subject. However, since the new Z06s were not of real interest to me at the time, I "ram dumped" what I had read. For the record, I do not find this realtively new site to be particularly user friendly or intuitive. I use computers daily in my work (email/Microsoft Word/Microsoft Excel/Powerpoint presentations), so my computer literacy falls inbetween someone that solely uses a stubby #2 pencil and a legal tablet, and an IS/IT professional. I have tried unsuccessfully to use the "Search" function previously, and thought I would ask for assistance; and perhaps get the steps required that would help me obtain my desired information, as well as function as a learning tool/example for future searches. The first response that I received to my query was as useful as someone asking a question about a specific item on their car, and receiving a response "buy a Judging Guide". Thank you again for your considerate response and attempt to help me!

Rob Vanderhoeven

[Don H.]

Re: Unable to Understand How to Properly Use Search Function

I understand Rob,
I have not seen any discussions in the TDB on the LS7 engines. I wonder if you did not read about engine failures in the C6 Forum of the Corvette Forum?
The FAQs tab above in the blue toolbar will lead you to a heading Searching for Threads and Posts that contains all the tips for using Boolean Search and Rich Mozzetta's Searching tips I included above. Searching can be tricky. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Good luck.

[Gary C.]

Re: Unable to Understand How to Properly Use Search Function

Rob V.,

Using the TDB search function is not for the faint hearted. Searches often take a lot of time and trial and error to return any desired results.

Most of the members that post a question like yours haven't bothered or taken the time to read the search FAQ's that Rich M. wrote. That's why Rob M. recommended you to read the FAQ's. So cut us Admins some slack, we're just trying to help.

JMTCW,

Gary
....

[Rob V.]

Re: Unable to Understand How to Properly Use Search Function

Gary--

Your two cents is not worth a plug nickel...

Rob