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I used to work with a guy that always had leftover screws, nuts, washers etc. when he was done with a job (he was a maintenance/mechanical guy)... I’d always call him out on it if I was around (in a fun/joking/poking way - he wasn’t building engines thank god)... He’d always come back with “ahhhh you don’t need them anyway”...
I don't think I've ever worked on a car with a bottom panel (especially BMW, Porsche, Mercedes) that wasn't missing at least 1 screw or clip or push retainer.
I have a drawer full of brand new bottom screws and clips, and push retainers.
If I work on a car, it has all the screws or retainers underneath when it leaves.
I guess technicians are more focused on getting it out of their area so they can jump onto the job.
Jake is correct, flat rate(book time) makes the technician focus on speed, not attention to detail.
It's obvious his guys aren't speed focused.
"Jake is correct, flat rate(book time) makes the technician focus on speed, not attention to detail. It's obvious his guys aren't speed-focused."
That is precisely correct in my view and my experiences just from dealers...... missing lug nuts, spark plugs not seated, driving exhaust manifold bolts into the water jacket, to fifteen ounces of weights distributed on a front-wheel to balance a front end shimmy and a dashboard that orchestrated over every pothole that shorted out the headlights due to missing fasteners. At times my only recourse was to send in my latest girlfriend who wore a skimpy top and tight jeans and would depart with a handful of extras and a fully repaired car whereas I would depart with a poorly sorted out car and a pound of abuse for pointing out their stupidity. All of which led me to become interested and develop an appreciation for all things mechanical and how they are serviced. Over the last few years, I have noticed that companies have focused more on the concept of components and replacing rather than repair and people with mechanical skillsets have been under financial deadlines and in some cases, those skillsets are no longer required.
Over the last few years, I have noticed that companies have focused more on the concept of components and replacing rather than repair and people with mechanical skillsets have been under financial deadlines and in some cases, those skillsets are no longer required.
My wife laughs at me (but secretly loves it) that I try to repair *everything* instead of replacing. The local Porsche dealership service writer told me that he had never seen anyone repair a transmitter key before (just needed a resistor to be re-soldered) after I brought one of the two non-functioning keys back to get a new part.
My biggest pet peeve is the inability to use an oscilloscope, and the lack of desire to learn how to use one.
These days there is a parts-changer attitude and the skill to actually diagnose a problem is diminishing.
A good technician WITH the ability to diagnose the actually issue is worth his weight in gold.
I can diagnose a lot of issues with my scope, but there are some awesome technicians with advanced diagnostic ability.
Every shop needs one...or hopefully more.
But unfortunately I believe a lot of shops these days have, and desire to have, none.
I do most repairs myself, but can't be bothered to change the oil in my DD (2014 TSX). The service writer was amazed when I told him I adjusted the valves myself and no, I don't need to pay you $115 to change an air and cabin filter (10 minute job for both filters). Last time in for an oil change the tech over filled the oil by at least a 1/2 quart in my estimation. I brought the car back and made them drain and refill the oil. The service writer stated matter-of-factly that the tech will loosen the drain plug just a little and pour off some oil. Yeah right I thought. 20 minutes later he sheepishly admitted they had to drain all of the oil and refill. And you think I'd trust them with adjusting the valves if they can't be bothered to check the oil after a change? Nope.
Another peeve of mine is when the tech takes air out of the tires to reset the cold air pressure. Hey numb_nuts, I just drove the car 30 miles to get here, of course the tire pressure will read higher. I bet that is the single reason we are stuck with TPMS now. All of these techs bleeding air out of tires to send hapless consumers on his/her way with under inflated tires.
Interesting, curious how the chain tensioner can fail. Is there a spring in there that got fatigued over time? Or did the thing just snap for some reason?
That r40 is going to be fantastic! Keep us posted!
Interesting, curious how the chain tensioner can fail. Is there a spring in there that got fatigued over time? Or did the thing just snap for some reason?
That r40 is going to be fantastic! Keep us posted!
Couldn't you reuse your engine?
They get weak. I think I read they should be changed every 90-100K miles. It's been awhile though. Yes I am using my old engine.
They get weak. I think I read they should be changed every 90-100K miles. It's been awhile though. Yes I am using my old engine.
You would have to drop the engine right to replace them? And would you have to lock everything in place to make sure timing doesn't slip when you do it?
The flat six engines always throws me off, things are never where they are supposed to be!
You would have to drop the engine right to replace them? And would you have to lock everything in place to make sure timing doesn't slip when you do it?
The flat six engines always throws me off, things are never where they are supposed to be!
u dont have to drop the motor, but it is easier to get to bank 2 by dropping. It is reccomended that u lock the cams.
Originally Posted by turbogrill
Interesting, curious how the chain tensioner can fail. Is there a spring in there that got fatigued over time? Or did the thing just snap for some reason?
That r40 is going to be fantastic! Keep us posted!
Couldn't you reuse your engine?
they leak down, as they r hydraulic using engine oil
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