Feedback on Wrench's Recommendations

[Skipster]

I am looking for feedback on my Wrench's recommendations below. I have a '88 Carrera.

The car runs great and leaks no oil.

Is the service really needed?
Can I do it myself?
Is his price fair?

- Replace A/C Condenser Blower Fan ($556)

- Replace Rear Blower Assist Motor ($691)

- Adjust Engine Valves ($643)

- Install A/C Conversion Fittings ($138)

- Replace Fuel Filter ($100)

- Currently Have Platinum Plugs, He Suggests OEM Plugs ($300)

Thanks for in advance for your feedback.

[Ferrariguyma]

I am in the same boat.

[cstreit]

Wow. Seems a bit high to me...

For example, I'm assuming the AC conversion fittings he's talking about are for R-134? These are screw-on fittings for the compressor. Should take about 10 minutes.

He's right about replacing the platinum plugs, regular copper are better, price is over the top for plug replacement though. Everything seems to be on the high-end. Valve adjust isn't too far off at least.

Tom, I see you are in Chicago. If you like, call me. I'll PM you with my phone. I'm currently discounting my labor rate by 30% though May and can help you out. I'm in Naperville by the train station.

[Rot 911]

I suspect your wrench is more interested in lining his pockets than helping you out. What is wrong with the AC and engine blowers? As for spark plugs I run NGK's in my '86 and they cost about $2.00 each. I see you live in Chicago, there are two members of this board and the Gruppe B board that live in you area and would do much better work. Come over to the Gruppe B board and we will help you out!
Gruppe B

[Rot 911]

Chris beat me by a minute! The bastard! By the way, Chris is one of the guys I was mentioning!

[MotoSook]

Hmmm...I wonder who that wrench is.

[Wil Ferch]

Any... or all.... of this can be done....depends on your aptitude ( and "Attitude"...willingness to learn and get dirty). We're all here to help along the way.....

Wil

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by Souk
Hmmm...I wonder who that wrench is.

And let me introduce you to the other one: Souk! As you can see, Gruppe B is all about helping! Other things too, but I can't mention them here.

[MotoSook]

We be on you like stink to a rich CIS engine WUF! WUF!

[cstreit]

Thanks Kurt...

To answer your other question...

Whether or not it's necessary depends...

- THe blower motors only need to be replaced if you want heating and cooling AND if they are not working....

- The plugs should be copper, platinum jst don't work as well for 911's.

- A valve adjust is recommended every 15k miles.

- Fuel filter is a regular maintnenace item. Replacement schedule varies.

- AC conversion fittings are only necessary if you switch from R-12 to R-134.

[Drago]

I don't know about the AC bits but the last time I had my valves adjusted it was roughly half of what your wrench wants. The plug replacement cost is completely out of line.

[kevjandon]

OMG, that mechanic is ripping you off.

Valve Adjustment Parts including the tools, gaskets, oil filter and oil is about $75

Spark plugs are cost about $2 each totalling $6 Distributor cap and rotor are another $40

The fuel filter costs $25 bucks. Very easy to change, I just did mine last night.

All of the above I would do youself.

As for the AC stuff, I know nothing about AC. Take the advice of the others.

[TerryH]

There was a thread the other day about the cost to adjust valves. I thought the average was in the $300-$400 range. I'm far from expert on this topic, but those prices look absurd to me.

[jyl]

Quotes I got for valve adjustment in SF Bay Area were around $300-400.

Should take a mechanic 1/2 hour to change plugs. Fuel filter should take a mechanic 15 minutes or less.

Don't change the A/C stuff unless you are having problems w/ the system.

I think your mechanic's prices are too high.

[Joeaksa]

Tom,

One comment is that you also need to check to see if the fuse has been put inline to the front A/C condensor blower motor. Several cars have been burned up due to this motor catching fire and its NOT fused at this time.

Also feel that the prices mentioned are way out of line. This mechanic is trying to make his house payment, not be reasonable to a customer. Souk and Chris are well known on this forum and you can trust them with anything. Well... possibly not your beer but for sure your car!

JoeA

[Mysterytrain]

- Replace A/C Condenser Blower Fan ($556)

- Replace Rear Blower Assist Motor ($691)

- Adjust Engine Valves ($643)

- Install A/C Conversion Fittings ($138)

- Replace Fuel Filter ($100)

- Currently Have Platinum Plugs, He Suggests OEM Plugs ($300)

Bending over....priceless

[juanbenae]

STOP! it's going to tear!

has he suggested lube with that prostate exam?

[RANDY P]

OMG those prices aren't even high side of acceptable- at those rates it's straight up robbery. My wrench does valve does adjusts approx. 1/3rd of that with oil change.

Plugs "with labor", $300?! :roflmao:

rjp

[john walker's workshop]

RIP.

[kqw]

Originally posted by Mysterytrain
[B

Bending over....priceless [/B]

LOL...



Did you check the calendar in the shop office? April fool's day has passed. As mentioned, all this can be done by DIY at a FRACTION of what this shop wants to charge. I wouldn't even call that shop back. Move on....