AI as a repair tool

[JZLAJeep]

With the challenges I've run into while working on my CJ-7 in the past week I've discovered that AI, specifically Google Gemini, is a particularly helpful tool in pointing me in the right direction. The AI scours various forums and YouTube videos and synthesizes the information. After a few positive experiences I'm quickly finding myself going there first when I get stuck. What has been the experience of others?

 

[Smokeyyank]

I've used it more than a few times with jeep stuff. Does help me get info quickly or at least headed in the right direction at times. I mainly use gpt and claude but have used them all. 

[White_Comanche]

I've used it nearly exclusively on my ongoing Replicating MJ Bumper Caps project.

 

...its helped a lot on abstract math.

 

If you know how to feed and guide it, these tools can be quite nice.

[AeroNautical]

I used it to diagnose a high RPM engine roughness issue on a Piper Twin Comanche (still a Comanche, it counts). I knew my own troubleshooting would get me there, but I was surprised at how effective its answers were. I've also seen cases where it may feed bad information, and it convinces itself its correct when its not. Just be careful with it. 

[Porquer]

6 hours ago, AeroNautical said:

I used it to diagnose a high RPM engine roughness issue on a Piper Twin Comanche (still a Comanche, it counts). I knew my own troubleshooting would get me there, but I was surprised at how effective its answers were. I've also seen cases where it may feed bad information, and it convinces itself its correct when its not. Just be careful with it. 

I’ve used it on aircraft to help me track down service bulletins that I know exist, but can’t find. I like using it to locate original sources of info.

[AeroNautical]

20 hours ago, Porquer said:

I’ve used it on aircraft to help me track down service bulletins that I know exist, but can’t find. I like using it to locate original sources of info.

That's a great use I hadn't thought of. It's getting harder to track down information on these aging airframes, for sure. 

[ComancheX2]

On 10/25/2026 at 10:48 AM, AeroNautical said:

I used it to diagnose a high RPM engine roughness issue on a Piper Twin Comanche (still a Comanche, it counts).

Another (former) Twinkie owner...  

[AeroNautical]

5 hours ago, ComancheX2 said:

Another (former) Twinkie owner...  

Oh, I wish I owned a Twinkie, but I did almost buy a Comanche 250. In fact, I was planning a photo shoot with the Piper and the MJ. Would have been kinda cool. Why did you sell?

[ComancheX2]

Didn't sell it.  Long story, I'll just say Garmin, their dealers, & A&P's aren't what they used to be.

[derf]

My dad owned a share of a Comanche way back in the day.  We flew all over the Midwest in that plane.  He let me do a few basic maneuvers one afternoon when he was doing touch-and-gos to stay current.  I learned a lot about avionics and even went into designing cockpit electronics after college.  But never got the bug to get my license.