I know exactly what you mean and can only applaud
Right on, brother!Just don't get tempted to arse about with the engine internals unless you have a forgiving guru on tap to help you through it mentally, and physically with the heavy bits...
But it really is shocking the proportion of car owners who won't get their hands dirty because they're convinced it's way too hard for a normal person ... as if mechanics have two heads and are tutored by hyper intelligent aliens from the planet Zongo or something! No, they're regular chaps who largely learn it just they way you're doing - though often they have some random MOT failed beater to practice on in the safety of a city and guilds workshop instead
The oil/plugs/filter is a particularly good one when you get it finished, as you have something material to show for it, and though it requires some elbow grease, its hard to muck up so long as you're careful but still gives satisfaction. Once you've done it the first time, you'll be reluctant to ever pay for someone else to do it for you!
Surprised at the brake piston thing though, that sounds advanced from where I'm standing ... I hate touching brake parts ... super well done!
(get that exhaust professionally sorted if you can though, those bandaging kits don't last all that long and cost a packet if you have to keep replacing it)
