Shoptalkforums.com

Are others seeing the same problems I am trying to run searches against STF? More often then not I get a blank page back, or some kind of timeout problem. Occasionally Ill go back and search for the same thing and get a full page of hits... Pretty frustrating knowing that there is a wealth of information in here for me but I end up having to go back and ask questions that have been asked a hundred times because I cannot effectivly search the database...

Yeah, the search function here is sorta iffy here. If you play around with it for awhile you usually get results.

I hate the search function, but it is what it is as part of the board software. We continue to chase this issue but have no answer to date. Wish it was different. Like CDS suggests, stick with it, you're searching almost a gigabyte of archives.

doc

BTW, if there are gurus out there who have advice or some proposal that would improve the search capabilities of the board, I and AdminSteve (who is the brains behind the board) would be happy to hear it. I point out, though, that it is a fairly complicated issue. STF is a big database. How you search may make a big difference. Several other seemingly unrelated variables can really distort conclusions. It's a tough problem.

What I can tell you is that we have plenty of server power and resources, so that doesn't seem to be the problem. The search facilty embedded in our board software is pretty weak compared to "cutting edge" search facilities.

So, if you have the magic bullet I'd like to hear about it.

doc

In most cases when Search has returned a blank page, I've found that simply refreshing the page often works. If that fails I'll try a slightly different query. Yes it's kinda slow & frustrating sometimes, but rarely have I not been able to find what I'm after.

Simple solution is to ask the moderator for some help, he should be familiar with his forum and can steer you in the right direction.

Both good options. Thanks, fellas. As well, we will hope that the version 3 software will be more robust.

doc

You could do a site specific google search. Like Type 4 is the search topic and the site:www.shoptalkforums.com is where it searches through.

Another suggestion that might pay in a pinch.

doc

There is a lot of info in these stickies & threads. These are all threads from the STF. This is a little library of threads. Until the search feature is updated I hope this will help.

Glossary - Basic Electronic Symbols, Definitions

Compression Ratio explained by Scott The Viking

Engine Building Tips

Suspension and Handling

Where Did You Start VW Speed and Drag Racing.

A Collection of Threads Conversion Perversions.

Wasserboxer/Oxyboxer Type V The Forum's Best Posts

Some of the Type 4Rum's Best Posts

Forced Induction A Little Boost From The Past

Some Interesting Reading on Fuel Injection

Some Interesting Reading on The Thing181

Replacing Heater Channels and Body Panels

ABC's of Electrical Trouble Shooting One Step at a Time

Some Of The Bus Barn's Best Posts

Can Drive Soon wrote:You could do a site specific google search. Like

Code: Select all

Type 4 site:www.shoptalkforums.com

Type 4 is the search topic and the site:www.shoptalkforums.com is where it searches through.

Hey, that's my trick!!!

You may have posted it first!
(should be general knowledge by now)