GTP Dad--Update

ForsakenLioness · #1 05-09-2006, 12:27 PM

GTP Dad,

Here is an update on my 2.4L 99 Alero with the timing tensioner problem. -sigh- Well, I *thought* I had saved up enough cash to take it in yesterday. As things have turned out, the guy couldn't even tell me he was 100% sure if that was the problem or not, as the entire engine has started vibrating back and forth now. He said he was 90% sure, and I went ahead and ordered the parts. I had to get them from a dealership... $400 (tensioner at $144.00, 3 guides at $111.00, and a gasket at $75.00 plus a couple other minor things I had done yesterday) so far before the labor which is $85.00/hr. HE told me that he's never seen a chain break before, and that the chain should never have to be replaced. Also, I'll be driving my car until I can take it in next week to get the work done. I couldn't let him hold on to it for three days to wait for parts, as I can't afford a rental and need a vehicle to get my fiance and I to work. The Alero is our only *running* vehicle. The guy also told me that I don't even have to fix this problem-- I could still drive it like this if I wanted to. WELL, I am having the problem fixed because I know otherwise. It's frustrating to me that I'll have to return next week and spend almost $500 more (credit card of course because I don't have that kind of money) there on labor to get the car repaired with his 90% sureness that's what it is. BUT, I've already ordered parts through them, so I have no other choice. Besides it's close to my apt, so when I drop of the car I can walk home and walk back to pick it up the next day. All this on top of a bad sensor and who knows what else I have to get repaired to pass the CA smog requirements... I need to do this now also because my tags are six months expired from SC. I just haven't been able to pay to get these things taken care of. I couldn't even sleep last night worrying that with a new tensioner and guides the problem will either arise again like before (this will be the third NEW tensioner on my car) or isn't the prob in the 1st place...

This is unrelated but please everybody, tip your server at LEAST 20% for legitimate service at a restaurant... they could be trying to make it through college on minimum wage (minimum in CA, in most states we usually make $2.13/hr as our tips are supposed to make up for the difference, I don't miss those days AT ALL in SC) and the kindness (or unkindness) of their customers by themselves and have no real family like me.

Okay, now that I'm incredibly depressed about my car I think I'll go have a drink.

JTrujillo86 · #2 05-09-2006, 03:19 PM

I hear you on the poor college student thing and the bad tippers...I'm in college myself and have been a server before *sigh*

Anyway, good luck with your car. As far as timing chains go, I'm kinda skeptical as to what the mechanic is telling you. With chains, the likelyhood for them to break is extremely slim...there is however the possibility that the gears are worn down and the chain and gears both need replacing.

Again, good luck with it!

- Jeremy

GTP Dad · #3 05-09-2006, 04:49 PM

The 2.4 has a rep of either running until it falls apart or it gives you all kind of problems. I really appreciate the update and hope you will let us know what the final disposition is. As for the chain breaking, it isn't likely but the tensioners can cause issues. Hopefully, when the mechanic takes it apart he won't find other issues. You may have spent less money by replacing the engine with another one. But at $85 per hour I doubt it. I really wish you luck.

PS. I always tip at least 20% for normal service more if it is great service!!

JTrujillo86 · #4 05-09-2006, 08:47 PM

WHOA! WHAT? You tip for getting your car repaired...after paying $85 an hour in labor? I'm sorry, but I don't agree with that. Vehicle repairs are expensive enough, even before talking labor costs. I think $85 an hour is PLENTY for a mechanic to recieve, especially at an independent shop.

I don't mean to be rude on this topic, but what's the justification for tipping? I'm already paying him to do the job correct. I also don't understand how service can be "great" -- either it's fixed correctly or it's not.

- Jeremy

ForsakenLioness · #5 05-09-2006, 10:52 PM

No no no I don't tip for getting my car repaired!!! Never in a million years!
Why would I tip somebody for raping my money out of me? Hahaha...

GTP Dad · #6 05-10-2006, 07:28 AM

Get real guys! I would never tip a mechanic for repairs. They make more money than I do. But the guy that brings me my dinner at a restaurant who makes $2 per hour plus tips deserves a break and I try to help them out if the service is good. These folks work hard and are not to blame if the food is bad. You can send the steak back but with car repairs if the car doesn't work right when you get it back you get to pay him to fix it again. So there is not way I would tip him!!!

vamc · #7 05-10-2006, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

WHOA! WHAT? You tip for getting your car repaired...after paying $85 an hour in labor? I'm sorry, but I don't agree with that. Vehicle repairs are expensive enough, even before talking labor costs. I think $85 an hour is PLENTY for a mechanic to recieve, especially at an independent shop.

I don't mean to be rude on this topic, but what's the justification for tipping? I'm already paying him to do the job correct. I also don't understand how service can be "great" -- either it's fixed correctly or it's not.

- Jeremy

***Vehicle repairs are expensive enough, even before talking labor costs. I think $85 an hour is PLENTY for a mechanic to recieve, especially at an independent shop.***

MMMMMM......The mechanic does not make 85 an hour. That is set from place to place. The guy mybe only makes about 50 thousand a year....give or take. If i made 85 bucks an hour i would not have became a Pharmacist. LOL!!!

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