Re: Choosing The Right Mechanic
Another Update: Called the mechanic yesterday AM (been a week since I talked to him), but had to leave message asking how our engine was doing. I know he had to transfer things from the old engine to the new block, plus put on the new "tin" (timing chain cover, valve covers, oil pan) and new oil/oil filter. Anyway, didn't hear back from him and after a few hours, called him a couple of more times, but no answer, just a recording (didn't leave a message). My wife got a little frantic wondering why he hadn't returned my call and told me to go to his shop. I went, but it was closed up with nobody around. Our boat was sitting there, but I also noticed three other boats sitting by the shop/garage door as well. They had their drive and outboard off. Was he working on other people's boats now, instead of engine/boat? Curiousity flew!
Wife had me go back over this morning and he was there! He told me he got my message, but didn't have time/forgot to return my call. Hummmm, ok (I guess). Actually, it didn't look like he had any intention of returning my call! Anyway, he told me that he had to fire his assistant. Now, since he was the only mechanic now, he had to do everything (clerical, picking up parts and mechanic work) and told me that the job would take a little longer than he thought. I asked him how the engine was doing and he said "it's all together and I've had it running once". I was estactic (happy) and he asked me if I wanted to listen to it run. I said "sure". He showed it to me and sure enough, it was all together on a cart he uses for starting/testing engines. At first, he had a hard time starting it b/c his battery was too low and his remote starter wouldn't work. He hooked up starter cables from the battery to a truck and started it that way. It started up, but he said he need to "tweak" a few things. He told me he put new plugs in it. I did notice a wire hanging down that was suppose to be connected to the alternator and asked him about that. He said the post that that wire slides onto broke close to the alternator (corroded). Actually, two wires slide on to that post and are held with a nut. He said the wire hanging dow is the one that re-charges the battery. He highly suggested that we buy a new alternator, so we are. Give him $175 cash tomorrow.
When I heard the engine running, it sounded like an engine for a performance boat! But, he told me it won't sound that loud after it's back in the boat. He also told me that the boat would be ready in 2 to 3 weeks at the max.
Thanks for reading this.
