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

[OR VietVet]

We address their concerns first and foremost. We do a thorough diagnosis/inspection and lay out the steps of what was done to find the problem. Then "I" give them options about "fixing the concern" and what needs to be done now and what can wait. I have always, 40+ years, done that. If we see something during the inspection/diagnosis, we let them know and what priority it is. I ask if they want an estimate for that or do I just note it on the invoice for future reference. My friend has a loyal following. He has 2 vehicles at the shop now that other shops brought to him because they could not diagnose the problem.

We do lots of pics of parts and diagnostic procedures.

 

[homesick]

I understand that certain jobs require a certain amount of work; not arguing that. What I'm saying is to address critical issues first, and give the customer the option to delay repairs that aren't as necessary, or won't likely cause other problems. Then they come back in the future for the not-so-critical repairs.

Eggzakly!

joe

 

[OR VietVet]

One thing to bare in mind is that a small concern now cannot always be counted on to wait till "it is convenient" to be repaired. The time frame is not an absolute. I have seen and heard dealers says, "If it was my vehicle, I would not drive it another foot". Scare tactics will not come from me. I always, at a given concern point, want the vehicle owner to come see for themselves. I encourage a second opinion, if they want.

 

[Fless]

One thing to bare in mind is that a small concern now cannot always be counted on to wait till "it is convenient" to be repaired. The time frame is not an absolute. I have seen and heard dealers says, "If it was my vehicle, I would not drive it another foot". Scare tactics will not come from me. I always, at a given concern point, want the vehicle owner to come see for themselves. I encourage a second opinion, if they want.

As it should be.

 

[homesick]

One thing to bare in mind is that a small concern now cannot always be counted on to wait till "it is convenient" to be repaired. The time frame is not an absolute. I have seen and heard dealers says, "If it was my vehicle, I would not drive it another foot". Scare tactics will not come from me. I always, at a given concern point, want the vehicle owner to come see for themselves. I encourage a second opinion, if they want.

I was driving to work one Friday; '78 Camaro with a 350.

The water pump had just started seeping, but I knew what that meant. I had a new one in the trunk, for a swap out the next day. There was no bearing noise [that I could hear].

I didn't make it to work, and had to add a new, custom-built radiator to the repair.

The bad pump didn't wait for me, and destroyed my radiator when it self-destructed.

I made it to work Monday, though.

joe

 

[OR VietVet]

I am going to get me one of those Power Probe PPDRAW tools. Quite the time saver when it comes to just verifying there is a current/right now, draw.

You attach the tool at the data link connector. Turn it on. Then, after you have rolled down the window and locked the vehicle, like you would when leaving parked for the night, disconnect the negative cable at battery or even the positive too-AFTER YOU PRESS THE SMART OUTPUT BUTTON, close the hood, and then watch the ma draw scale on screen and look for modules to go to sleep and the ma draw should drop. May take around 30 minutes for that to happen. The internal battery, in the tool, has taken place of your vehicle battery and now you watch. There are a couple videos at you tube that explains all the options, better than I can.

Amazon.com

 

[homesick]

I am going to get me one of those Power Probe PPDRAW tools. Quite the time saver when it comes to just verifying there is a current/right now, draw.

You attach the tool at the data link connector. Turn it on. Then, after you have rolled down the window and locked the vehicle, like you would when leaving parked for the night, disconnect the negative cable at battery or even the positive too-AFTER YOU PRESS THE SMART OUTPUT BUTTON, close the hood, and then watch the ma draw scale on screen and look for modules to go to sleep and the ma draw should drop. May take around 30 minutes for that to happen. The internal battery, in the tool, has taken place of your vehicle battery and now you watch. There are a couple videos at you tube that explains all the options, better than I can.

Amazon.com

It sounds pretty gee whiz.

joe

 

[OR VietVet]

The PPDRAW tool is on it's way. This weekend, in Junction City, Oregon, there is an event called the Function in Junction-Google it, and the shop that I have been at since Tuesday is about 1 mile south of the main drag where the cars will flow. Turns out that the building our shop is in, is also a storage place for some of the restored and custom vehicles. They stage out of there, about 8 of them, and then come back after a few circuits with the city out to see them and also people from the surrounding area. I started yesterday at 10 a.m. and got out of the shop and headed home at 10 p.m. Long day but got a lot accomplished in the shop. I have the software programs down about 90% to 95%. Not sure yet but my normal hours may be noon to about 5 or 6. But will not be 5 days a week and never on a weekend, unless there is an emergency. Will soon be working at home as well.

 

[OR VietVet]

Working on a 2019 CRV tomorrow morning for some needed maintenance.....oil change, oil filter, drain plug and gasket, cabin air filter, pcv valve-which is not just a easy in and out swap and look for a possible bad battery or a draw problem. I recently bought a Power Probe Draw Monitor and look forward to using it for the first time. It is new to me but used one at my friend's shop about a month ago. A very slick tool. I hope to post some pics here from the work. It has been a while since I posted some pics of work I do.

While I am on the subject, I am getting more and more worried about the career of "automotive technician". I have offered to show/teach a few males/females when I do some of this work and have found no takers. No one wants to spend the time and get dirty. Mike Rowe is beyond worried about all this and so am I. The automotive institute, at the local community college, has low attendance as well.

 

[89Suburban]

Working on a 2019 CRV tomorrow morning for some needed maintenance.....oil change, oil filter, drain plug and gasket, cabin air filter, pcv valve-which is not just a easy in and out swap and look for a possible bad battery or a draw problem. I recently bought a Power Probe Draw Monitor and look forward to using it for the first time. It is new to me but used one at my friend's shop about a month ago. A very slick tool. I hope to post some pics here from the work. It has been a while since I posted some pics of work I do.

While I am on the subject, I am getting more and more worried about the career of "automotive technician". I have offered to show/teach a few males/females when I do some of this work and have found no takers. No one wants to spend the time and get dirty. Mike Rowe is beyond worried about all this and so am I. The automotive institute, at the local community college, has low attendance as well.

I wish I could attend.