What would you do??

After numerous problems, my engine builder has agreed to pick up my car, take it 35 miles to his shop and redo my engine. This would mean that they would have to pull my engine and trans to do the work. After all the careful work I did installing it, I cringe at the idea of them doing this. I just know that they won't be as careful,as I was, to not cause any scratches, dents, etc.

I have to replace the steering rack and rebuild my front end. So I'm thinking of taking the engine out myself and keeping the car home to work on it while they do the engine. Just pisses me off that I have to do this when I should be driving. What do you guys think? Should I just let them do this now, then do my rack and suspension work later? Or, pull the engine myself and do my other work now? I'm a little conflicted!!

Mike

I'd go with pulling the engine/trans yourself, Mike. If you have the space and time, of course. That way you know it'll be done carefully. With a friend or two over, you can get the unit out pretty fast.

As well, this leaves you with the car to get the other work done you want to. If the car is at the builder's shop, it'll be more difficult to work on. R&R'ing the rack and suspension is a lot easier with the engine out of the way.

If I was closer, I'd help you out.

Pull it yourself. If they assed up the engine the first time the fenders/paint could be the next victim

I would spend the couple hours and pull the engine myself, keep the car and do the front end work while the engine was being done.

However, just a thought, since the engine builder seems to have caused your problem, maybe you could have him unbolt the cross member and give it to you so you could do the rebuild while he has the car.

I'd talk to them about your concerns and your plans. Surely you guys can coordinate a plan that'll be acceptable for all parties concerned. Lots of luck!

Shawn

I do don't feel that I have necessarily earned the right to make a comment but I would let him do it as he has been ethical enough to stand up to his responsibility and it would be nice to have it installed and running properly while under his control.

Now, having said this, I would want to be present while he took it out and put it back in and I would be tempted to take the rack out and have it redone while in his shop. You could then install it after the engine is back in under you supervision and then drive it home.

My advice is free and therefore, not worth much

Scot

I think Gary and Shawn have it: He jacked you up in the first place, he should be willing to work with you on this. No harm in asking, and if he won't play then it probably would be best to pull it yourself.

One other thing: Post the name of his shop here, whichever way he decides. If he does right by you, it'd be fine to share that info. If he dicks you around, well... Maybe it would save somebody else the same heartburn.

Pull it yourself. And if you can get someone to help, it's only an hour and a half job. Then you'll know it was done right, and save several hundred dollars as well!

Try to work out a deal with the shop owner after expressing your concerns to him. Just in case I would take lots of pictures to document the current condition of the fenders, hood, and underhood area.

Pull it yourself. Otherwise when you get it back you will have to pull it anyway to repaint the engine bay after they have dented and scratched it. Also, it is MUCH easier to work on the rack and front end with the engine out. Even if it takes you 2 hours to pull it and 2 hours to put it back in, it will still be quicker and easier than fixing up whatever damage the shop does while yanking it in and out in the quickest possible time. He won't be being careful, he's already loosing money on the job.

I would probably feel the same way. Chances are your engine builder won't take the same care you would with your pride and joy. I say pull the engine yourself and rebuild your front end to get back on the road a.s.a.p. Have the guy pick up and deliver the engine. Follow your instincts.

Another vote for pull it yourself.. If not you will spend a lot of time later replaceing his shop floor bolts with the correct clean bolts, moving components back to the right position etc.. Maybe you could ask him to pick it up after you remove it and maybe even help remove it at your house.

Well guys I really appreciate the input. And here is what I have decided; he is coming tomorrow afternoon to pick up the car. He called me on the phone about 15 minutes ago. We ran thru a few scenarios including him taking the car, pulling the engine then bringing the car back to me to work on. I felt that he should do the work and run the engine so he would be satisfied that it was fixed right. I asked and he said 'no problem' to installing my new steering rack. He also said that he wanted to run it on a dyno to tune. I will gladly talk about the shop and the results when all is said and done. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Thanks again.

Mike

If he's going to redo your engine, he's going to want to do the break-in and test it himself, and that's pretty hard to do with it not attached to the car. I don't recall what the issues were with the first rebuild, but at least your mechanic sounds like he's trying to make things right. That's a good sign. I'd work with him unless there's some reason you don't trust him - and, in that case, I wouldn't want him touching it again anyway!

i vote him do it seeing he screwed up in the first place ....just dont let him jack you around with things man........his work he should cover it no questions asked

My 2 cents:

Remember you are the customer and you should define the direction to take. It's not particularly difficult to pull a B motor, and if you're particular, you'll be happier in the long run if you do it yourself. If the guy marrs up your engine bay or whatever, it'll only make more problems for your unhappiness on an already probelmatic job.

Just a thought, did he say anything about not backing his repair if you do some of the work? I had that happen to me once.

i was a tech for 20+ yrs(not mg) and worked for a few diff people. this guy to me sounds like he wants to take responsibility , not always the case, and you should let him do it his way. mistakes happen ,it may be parts related ,or maybe his fault. either way he's willing to make it right. it's difficult enough to make a living in this field and reputation is the only way to get new business and keep what you have. also you'd be asking him to guarantee something you've done some of the work on. not fair to either of you. my 2 cents

Document the condititon of the car prior to work. Walk around the car with the owner of the company and point out and agree on ding and scratches before work is done,

Get his signiture...

It puts him on notice that this is important to you and he will put his employees on notice.

Dont be Mr. Niceguy...

I think his offer is generous. I know the policy with the local trany shop is, if you carry it in the first time and there is a problem, you carry it in the second. I know the problem may have been his fault but he didn't get paid to R&RI the engine in the first place or did he? On the other hand, many engine builders prefer to do the install so they are in control of the installation and initial start up ect. If you take him up on his offer, I would sugest as others have that the prior condition be documented. Same as when you rent a car. They check it over for damages prior to giving you the keys. A good shop is used to working on cars with nice paint jobs and should be able to do it without damageing anything. A few moving blankets and fender covers go a long way.

I once had a lady bring in a car with a dent on the front fender. She lived near a bridge that was being worked on and evidently something had dropped on it. When I pulled it in the shop, I noticed there was also a dent on the roof. I went ahead and fixed the fender, she picked the car up, paid me and left happy. An hour later she was back with her man friend screaming that I had damaged her roof. I tried to explain that there was no way anything dropped on it while at my shop and had noticed it as soon as I pulled it inside...but to no avail. To try & salvage good relations and protect my reputation, I fixed it for free. I still think to this day that she knew the other damage was there and I got conned into fixing it for nothing. It just seemed fishy that she noticed it imeadiately after it left the shop. After that, I try to look everything over when they drop the car off and before they leave.

I'd do more than just pull the motor. I'd strip it down to just what the
engine rebuilder plans to work on - remove water pump, oil pump, clutch,
all peripherals, etc. And even remove the head - send it to a separate
rebuilder. Use an old tire to stick the block in to transport.

Do it yourself. Its actually one of the more easier things to do on a B - ie: windshield replacement, blower install, chrome bumper conversion ect...

If you take the engine back after rebuild and have issues at initial run-in who will be responsible?

There's something to be said about letting him do the initial start up, and tuning. Document condition, and let him do his thing.

This has sparked a lot of interest, great! Shop owner came this afternoon and she is on her way. We put her on the trailer backward, so as not to scrape the front valance. Along with fixing the problems I have had, he is going to install my new steering rack, change the thermostat, change the temp sender, and install the new Schlemmerized dizzy that I had not had a chance to change. He is going to run it on a dyno when its done. He also signed a receipt and acknowledgement of the car's condition, no quibbling. I am feeling pretty good about this, but only the final result is what matters. Here are pics of the departure:-(

BTW, it will probably take about 3 weeks.

Mike