Just finished a pretty cool job!!!

[fastfredracing]

I just got done installing a short block in a 2008 Volvo s 40. The car had less than 6000 miles. whoever owned it hit something, and put a hole in the oil pan. It was repaired at the dealer, but developed a rod knock when warm. The dealer wanted nearly 10k to do the job, and no one else local wanted to do it. It was nice doing a motor in a car with no grease, no rust, and not a single broken bolt. When I was first in the buisness, I worked for mitsubishi, and we had a 3000gt vr4 on the lot. It was one of the first cars delivered in the northeast. THe motor locked up tight in the parking lot ( sub zero temperatures in winter) with I think 23 miles on the car. I got to help remove and dissassemble the motor so the local reps could come out and try to determine what went wrong. Cool stuff. I like the big jobs, they are a bit of a gamble sometimes, but always pay well. BUisness has been real good. I am rural, but I am getting a ton of mercedes /volvo, and bmw work as of late. I used to have to sling a ton of car lot work to pay my bills , when I used to have employees, but I am now free to pick and choose work. I take the work that pays well first, and fix the junk when I am slow.

[tsiegwart]

Fast Fred,

What does rod knock sound like? Is it loud? Does it ring? More like a tick or a clunk?

My buddy builds drag boat motors and describes it as his "knuckles hitting the fender". Is it that bell tone like?

Never heard one myself, just curious.

[ChkbookMechanic]

At first I read 'short block' as 'small block' and was thinking bad-ass what a sleeper that would be! Then realized it was short block.

Still it is nice to work on cars with no grease and grime on them and to be able to pick jobs that you find interesting.

[Rick V]

I got to play with a couple of 997 turbos today, one had 5 miles on it the other had 2. Sometimes I just love my job.

[LakeCleElum]

Sounds like you enjoy your work and being your own boss. Good for you. Keep it up!!!!! In this economy, I think you'll stay busy as the older cars stay on the road longer...