Thread: Expensive Mechanical

Just for interest did you get a quote?

On a similar note I took our quad in for a service and to replace the starter relay. The little woman thought Aldinga Mowers too expensive so she took it to Dodgy Brothers Mechanical down near second valley. I specifically told the guy that the starter was not working and I suspected the relay. Got it back and talked to the guy on the phone. He assured me that the relay was replaced. A couple of weeks later - no starter. So I ordered a replacement relay for $12 and it took about 30 minutes to replace. The old relay was full of sand. These guys are a waste of space.

John

Originally Posted by nrb

Just for interest did you get a quote?

...not being such a small job ...MM

What sort of vehicle?

Originally Posted by Ubernoob

What sort of vehicle?

Mitsubishi Triton...MM

I had a 2005 triton. Was a pain in the neck to work on!!! Had to near on take the engine apart to change the spark plugs! ! I'm not a mechanic, but from what I know of them, they were a nightmare to work on so (and I'm not saying it's a reasonable price - unless it took 2 guys a full day to do it) maybe it was a real pain to do?

The fuel pump died on my old Rodeo flat tray ute some years ago - quote for the pump only from the Holden dealer was almost $450 + fitting .

I bought a pump from Bursons Automotive for $160 and fitted it at home.
Not all easy going however, I had to lift the tray almost a metre to get it in without dropping the tank (and no, it's not a tipper)!

Originally Posted by Gabriel

unless it took 2 guys a full day to do it) maybe it was a real pain to do?

2 guys..a full day????..... How much do you think a mechanic charges?

My 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee had a fuel pump issue and the repairer quoted about $1200 to remove the fuel tank and replace the pump. The pump was about $200 and the labour about $1000. Being of poor health I dreaded the thought of removing the tank myself in the driveway but, I was not in a financial position to part with $1200. I took off the rear bumper and towbar then took the tank straps off and dropped it on the ground. Removed the pump and found the non return valve o-ring had split. I dug around my o-ring box and found a close match and replaced it. Put it all back together and away she went like a bought one. The whole job took me around 5 hours. A healthy person probably could have done it in 3 hours with a hoist.

I don't know why many modern cars have the pump inside the tank other than to create huge repair costs. In my mind the pump could be mounted externally with easy access or have a removable inspection plate in the boot to gain access.

Steve

Cars are designed to be built; repairs are an afterthought.

Many years ago, I had an Oldsmobile Cutlass which needed a new heater fan motor (about US$35 IIRC). It was mounted on the firewall uder the AC unit. To replace it, I removed the hood, front grillework, and the fender for access. This was a two-day affair. I later learned of a "standard" repair procedure which consisted of removing the wheel and cutting a hole in the inner fender; then patching the hole. Even had a template for cutting the hole and making the patch.

Some repair manuals (e.g. Chilton's) say "based on a complete teardown." Sometimes that's the only way that works.

Cheers,
Joe

Cars have been around for a long time. Why is it that each time we take them to a mechanic it is like reinventing the wheel?
I am blessed with a mate who is an excellent mechanic. He will tell you how much a job will cost before he starts, unless of course, it is some new fangled thing with a trillion computers and heat seeking missile detection. Then he will tell you to call IT or a watch maker.
Surely a good mechanic could have set rates for most tasks rather than leaving the customer to pay for their incompetance.

This might be a little sidetracked but when you find a good mechanic stick with them.

There is a book put out by MTA (I think it is) that tells the mechanic, what the charge should be to R&R (Remove and Replace) a fuel tank, and R&R the fuel pump, for example, and that is what they charge. If they are good and can do it in half the time, that's money for them. I think that sometimes they add the 2 together and that is what is charged, plus their mark up for parts.
My son manages/works in wrecking yards, they'll sell a motor to XYZ Mechanical Services for $250 including delivery, they then charge you $550, plus Pick up, also fitting 6 hrs labour @ $90 per hour. He has a Torana with a Commodore V8 and can change motors in 2.5 hrs drive in drive out!
If you find a good mechanic, treat them like Mortein, when you're on a Good thing, stick to it.
Kryn

I had a good mechanic, he was pricey but around the corner from work so I put up with it for the convenience. Then one day my gearbox blew up and he reckoned his transmission specialist wanted to charge $3k just to have a look at it.

Had it towed to a Honda wrecker/mechanic and had it swapped out for a fully rebuilt/reconditioned 'box for under a grand. I now have a new mechanic.