There are just some days I wish I didn't turn wrenches

[homesick]

I was bragging how much money I was gonna save him and threw out the $950 as a joke. Although, the two jobs I did in last 2 days, got in under the wire. I am raising my labor rate to an even "C" note as of the 1st.

I knew I was gonna save him some money but it turned out to be an even $400 savings. Very happy guy.

Mama never did accuse me of being real smart. Thanks.

joe

 

[OR VietVet]

Yesterday and today. Look what the p/s caliper pins did to my cheap Duralast T55 Torx. I have an SK T55 but when I tried with a 3/8" drive, I could not budge it. I had to get the 1/2" impact to break them loose. I was only replacing the front rotors for warpage.

 

[OR VietVet]

Then on to the 2010 F150 with some problems. Coolant leak at the coolant crossover between heads. Severe Battery service needed. Frothy oil filler cap and oil fill tube but dipstick was fine. Going to do PCV lines and see if there is a PCV valve. RA does not list a PCV valve. The crossover gaskets were a PITA. The P/S has an aluminum corner that goes under the upper intake corner and you have to snake it in or pull the upper intake. The cable ends actually turned out pretty good.

I also did oil change, upper radiator hose and thermostat, cleaned throttle body and MAF and replaced the air filter and replaced the broken tailgate handle.

 

[homesick]

It seems like so many of your customers neglect their vehicles. Are you a magnet for those folks, or is it true of people in general?

Or, am I wrong in thinking it's so?

joe

 

[OR VietVet]

They neglect because of cost and hard to get scheduled in to shops. With me they save on parts costs and the labor costs plus my clientele is my advertising. Plus, I watch and check when the vehicle is with me. Not gonna say I caused a problem. I take a lot of pics.

 

[homesick]

They neglect because of cost and hard to get scheduled in to shops. With me they save on parts costs and the labor costs plus my clientele is my advertising. Plus, I watch and check when the vehicle is with me. Not gonna say I caused a problem. I take a lot of pics.

OK, thanks.

joe

 

[Fless]

They neglect because of cost and hard to get scheduled in to shops. With me they save on parts costs and the labor costs plus my clientele is my advertising. Plus, I watch and check when the vehicle is with me. Not gonna say I caused a problem. I take a lot of pics.

Routine basic checks of fluids and things like battery connections have gone the way of the dodo bird for a lot of people. How many times do we see, even on this forum, people shocked that the engine oil level is two quarts low but they didn't know about it? "Gee, I thought it would go 7,500 miles without having to check or add anything." Sheesh.

 

[OR VietVet]

When I first started at a gas station, before I went in the service, I would check oil and show the driver the oil was low and they would say, "the light isn't on, I'm good".

Now days, drivers are only paying attention if lights go crazy or it dies. The lady on the F150, is a widow, so I am training her and have told her that, for free, she can come by any time and I will check under the hood.

 

[OR VietVet]

After talking to the lady that owns the F150, I ordered two new valve cover assemblies, with the pcv valve system in the driver's side valve cover. They were both seeping oil anyway and I had shown her that a couple days ago. Going to replace the line from the intake to the d/s valve cover and the oil fill tube and cap, as well.