1931 flamingo
Well-known member
Where is George's shop located??
Paul in CT
Paul in CT
Engine rebuild cost
- Thread starter spinelll
- Start date
Barry B./ Ma.
Well-known member
1931 flamingo
Well-known member
Thanks Barry!!!
paul in CT
paul in CT
JJCunningham
Member
In August, I had to replace the engine in my model A. I purchased the engine from Antique Engine Rebuilding, and they sent me a new engine, which lasted all of 200 miles before a 4-5 inch crack was revealed in the block causing radiator fluid to spray all over the street as I drove.
I was shocked to discover that the crack had been repaired with solder and then painted over!
Thankfully, it was under warranty, so I had them ship me a new engine. When it arrived, we inspected it, and found 3 more cracks in the block each with similar solder repairs, and some along sealing surfaces that would have compromised the seals.
He's willing to provide a refund if I send him both the engine blocks I have. He's already sold my old engine, so I can't get that back. This leaves me stranded without a core to exchange or rebuild. I'd steer clear.
Schwalm's is much better.
J and M Machine
Senior Member
As I mentioned on another post today: Things you should be asking the machine shop.
Rather than how much does it cost shouldn't be your decision what are you getting for your money. Basically for the person above received two lemons.
Filling cracks with lead or JB weld for that matter from a professional shop isn't professional.
Rather than how much does it cost shouldn't be your decision what are you getting for your money. Basically for the person above received two lemons.
Filling cracks with lead or JB weld for that matter from a professional shop isn't professional.
hardtimes
Well-known member
Hey J&M Machine,
Are A/B blocks getting 'scarce' for builders of quantity engines, for such actions, i.e. - selling 'soldered 'lemon blocks' ,to be sold
Must a builder tell a buyer of such repairs??
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
WOW two engines!
I can understand them wanting the two engines back to give you a refund but they have to supply you a block to make you whole, or the money for the block they sold.
What is their side of the story?
JJCunningham
Member
In hindsight, I should have had my old core rebuilt - but I wrongly assumed that there were basic quality standards and that trading in the core for a rebuilt short block wouldn't leave me with a significantly inferior engine (or none at all). I'm really kicking myself now.
JJCunningham
Member
Yes, I agree that that he should have both blocks back if he's supplying me a refund, however, we haven't yet reached an agreement about how he's going to leave me with a core and/or money for a core. I'm new to engines, and repairing cracks, but I've learned a lot in the last month. As suggested above, don't look only at price; I went with a more affordable option for a rebuilder, and am now paying the price... literally! I'm out the labor costs, shipping costs, and the costs for the 2nd rebuilder. If I had sprung for the more expensive, higher-quality engine rebuilder from the beginning - one that didn't solder the blocks - I wouldn't be incurring these costs now.
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
I have not done this but if you were to look at rebuilder sites and see the difference between core and no core rebuilding it should give you a fair worth of a core.
silversink
Senior Member
I would at least get a lawyer to write a letter demanding your refunds and expenses and a rebuildable(not repairable) block. don't get soft with this guy the certainly didn't have your best interests in mind while collecting your cash.
J and M Machine
Senior Member
Hey J&M Machine,
Are A/B blocks getting 'scarce' for builders of quantity engines, for such actions, i.e. - selling 'soldered 'lemon blocks' ,to be sold
Where we are located in the NorthEast many of the blocks we see are cracked.
However with that being said; We repair all of the blocks before we send them back to the customer not with JB weld or lead we utilize metal stitching to guarantee situations like this don't occur. Yes we show every step of the rebuilding process to the customer and have an itemized receipt of all parts and repairs,work done to the engine.
Furthermore yes this does cost more and we have a reputation of costing more but we've never had to take an engine back due to block failures or any other failures of our own or mechanical. What good is the warranty if you use it daily?
Clearly this customer is out shipping for two engines and the cost of the two engines and no good engine to use; Now what? I too would contact an attorney and get a letter of guarantee for the cost of shipping the engines back and forth total refund.!
Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.
www.jandm-machine.com
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
Benson..........right on!!!!
If you don't like antifreeze, then buy a Corvair!
If you don't like antifreeze, then buy a Corvair!
hardtimes
Well-known member
Good point ! And, was 'your' core cleaned/magd/crack and defect free
. If not checked for these things, you will never know whether your block core was rebuildable. As J&M Machine says...many blocks are cracked. A lot of times to the unrepairable /impractical ..cost wise condition. Was the 'core' in that category.. without checking never know !So, that brings us to the present where there are those who want ' a lawyer' to be involved. Ha, lawyer fees may make you wish you had spent that money on a good engine. Know the saying..good money after bad , well this could be such example.
My first (lawyer) question would be ...have YOU made a written itemized request , to the rebuilder, for money owed to you ? Request written reply..certified mail/signature ? Heck, you might be surprised what such written evidence might yield. Especially, if you mention that your next step is your lawyer
JJCunningham
Member
You make a good point Hardtimes - it's impossible to say what the condition of my old block was without close inspection and cleaning. I do know it didn't have any problem-causing cracks, and it wasn't soldered together. I also know he rebuilt it, and sold it within 3 weeks, so it couldn't have been too problematic.Good point ! And, was 'your' core cleaned/magd/crack and defect free
So, that brings us to the present where there are those who want ' a lawyer' to be involved. Ha, lawyer fees may make you wish you had spent that money on a good engine. Know the saying..good money after bad , well this could be such example.
My first (lawyer) question would be ...have YOU made a written itemized request , to the rebuilder, for money owed to you ? Request written reply..certified mail/signature ? Heck, you might be surprised what such written evidence might yield. Especially, if you mention that your next step is your lawyer
Regardless, it's water under the bridge now, and I'm well on my way to locating a locating a new block for my car, having learned a valuable (and expensive) lesson.
silversink
Senior Member
and we all know who to steer clear from in the future
ctvpa
Senior Member
I agree, this shop is not too far from you. They are more than a Model A shop, they also do very high end. When I went in and saw Rolls Royce, Packard etc, I asked about my meager Model A , they replied " We will do your engine to the same level of quality".
My engine runs like a top, they sent email photos of every part of the rebuild. Their shop is amazing. They did the only running PT boat engine.
They would be my choice for you.
1931 flamingo
Well-known member
Ten1nis: Enlighten me. What is the difference between "remanufactures" and a rebuilt?? Short or long blocks or both?? Their block or would they "remanufacture" mine??
Paul in CT
Paul in CT