honest mechanic, and stay away from gas
hi, guys, I had the vn v6 on dual fuel for nearly for years. I always go for the same gas mechanics. today I am very very unhappy about the only mechanics I trusted for 4 years, and I am going to dump the vn and stay with gas.
make the long story short, got the car in 2005, drove it for 3 months no trouble, drove it to canberra, lovely. after that discovered back fire. asked local people, they recon this mechanics is good. sent the car in, and he put the car on the computer to test CO level for 20 minutes, charged me 42 dollars and said ok, it is beautiful. I drove it for less than 5 minutes, and did not even went for 1k, backfire again. then I sent it back, and he recon it might be the gas converter, he charged me 300 bucks to change a new one, the car went well for only 5 days, then backfire again. this time I was in trouble, the car just stall on gas, but never stall on petrol. I passed the info, but he never say a thing. after a while the car stalled on the main street and needed a toddy. this time he did not check the gas system, instead he fixed my petrol system, it cost 120 for injestors, 170 for fuel pump and another 160 for labour. I am a layman on car, I said to myself, just trust him, at least I could drive it on petrol.
after a while I found it too thirsty on petrol, 26 liters per 100k. then I sent the car to holden, holden immidiately told me that they found the petrol light and gas light comes up at the same time. they I copy that report and showed it to him. He just said : I understood, I can fix your car now. it turned out to be the small switch which change over form gas to petrol failed. he delayed the fix several times and finaly charged me 65 for the parts and 70 for the labour. then the car goes well.
then the drama happened this year, I found the car lost power and backfire again. sent the car in and he found it was the no. 5 coilpack. he changed it and said it is ok, without even test drive the car. I was charged 160 but this time I have to be happy, because I can drive the car. but I found it has no power, when I goes up hill I even stuggle to get 40kph. told him but nothing has been done. two week after I paid the 160 bucks, my car broke down on the high way. this time it cost me 150 bucks for the toddy. then he found it was the ECU, and he charged me 330 for the second hand ECU and labour. today when I pick up the car, it still do not have power, and even worse, it do not start on petrol.
to those who has lots of experience, I would like to ask several questions:
1. why did he go to fix the petrol system instead of fix the gas system. to my understanding, whenit is on gas, it do not use the petrol system at all.
2. when it is on gas, the petrol pump should not be working, but the switch he fixed is a dodgy one, when the car is on gas, the petrol pump still working.
3. when he changed the gas converter, is that his responsibility to make sure that is the one which play up, or the mechanics can gamble at the cost of customer.
4. when he charged me after the coilpack, why didn't he test drive, that mistake leads to my cost of 150 for the toddy, and maybe abother 50 bucks for the call from my mobile to NRMA, while standing beside a highway.
5. I am not questioning the price for the ECU, but he saiud to me he test drive the car, all beautiful, but why that car still has no power and even could not start on petrol.
I am a layman on car, but could you tell me can I still trust this mechanic or I have to dump the vn and stay away from gas.
many thanks for your advices and correct me when I am wrong.
ok sounds like he is guessing.
most backfire problems are cause by by spark issues, leads and plugs.
gas is vey simple system on these cars.
on the gas vp i have a relay cuts the fuel pump off but if it failed and i had a leaking injector then i could use a lot of fuel.
you realy shoud test the coil packs with a multi meter before replacing and test the dfi module to.
is he gas certified?
if he is not the complain, after work to a gas system you shoud be issued a new safety certificate for it.
Haul him over the coals if he is not and if he is then still complain and assist him to loose his licensce, if he can be proved to be doing dodgy stuff with gas.
vp bt1 gts replica
my old vp v6 drove flawlessly on gas - was an impco system - when it was set up properly.
alls i can say is dont settle for less
theres plenty of taxis out there running flawlessly on gas - find out where they go - and go there.
Gas can be very volatile and affected a lot easily than petrol engines so everything has to be tip top.
Swerves for gay koalas
Mind Me Bloody Beer Champion!
Unfortunately I don't think there are any statutes saying that if he replaces a part which wasn't actually the problem, that you have any recourse. He does have to perform each service with due care, so if he installs the new coil back, but bolts it on backwards or something, you shouldn't have to pay for him to fix it, but if he replaces the coil pack and it was fine to start with, well thats just unlucky for you.
I have two suggestions:
1) Explain your situation to consumer affairs and see if they think he's broken any consumer protection laws.
2) Find a better mechanic. Honestly, after all that I wouldn't have taken the car back to him so many times. Fool you once, shame on him, fool you twice, shame on you.
you are right. I should not trust him when he tried to sqeeze money at the first time, he tried to fix petrol system instead of the gas system, and I suspect that he new what the problem was, but just squeeze 60 bucks for the switch is not enough. by the way he is the most famous gas mechanic in the local area.Originally Posted by danja
my point is when he changed the coil pack, the car started fine and no backfire, but he did not test drive it, if he could drive it, and find the car has no power, he might found the ECU is faulty and I would not ended up calling for help in the high way. I recon couple of hundred is small money for him, because he is concentrating for installation which will probably give him profit of more than 1500.
also he fixed the car without letting me know how much it will be before hand, that is also something unusual, I am afraid the business is a bit quiet and people need money.
Swerves for gay koalas
Mind Me Bloody Beer Champion!
Is he the only gas mechanic in the local area?
It's all too common unfortunately that mechanics take one attempt at fixing something, then just say "job done". I've had some who have been shown a problem, demonstrate clearly that they understand the problem, attempt a fix, test drive the car (which is still displaying the problem) then returning claiming it's fixed - along with a bill.my point is when he changed the coil pack, the car started fine and no backfire, but he did not test drive it, if he could drive it, and find the car has no power, he might found the ECU is faulty and I would not ended up calling for help in the high way. I recon couple of hundred is small money for him, because he is concentrating for installation which will probably give him profit of more than 1500.
In most cases it seems to be quantity over quality when it comes to work.
When you find a good, honest, and conscientious mechanic - hang onto him for dear life!
Not that uncommon in my experience. You might be able to get a ball park figure, but unless the problem is black and white as to the cause and resolution, you'd rarely get an exact quote because until you have fixed the problem its not always obvious exactly what work needs to be done. If you get quoted for "rear end noise" and the mech thought it was just a half shaft, quotes you $300, then it turns out to be a $1500 diff overhaul, there is going to be trouble.also he fixed the car without letting me know how much it will be before hand, that is also something unusual, I am afraid the business is a bit quiet and people need money.
Is he the only gas mechanic in the local area?
It's all too common unfortunately that mechanics take one attempt at fixing something, then just say "job done". I've had some who have been shown a problem, demonstrate clearly that they understand the problem, attempt a fix, test drive the car (which is still displaying the problem) then returning claiming it's fixed - along with a bill.
In most cases it seems to be quantity over quality when it comes to work.
When you find a good, honest, and conscientious mechanic - hang onto him for dear life!
Not that uncommon in my experience. You might be able to get a ball park figure, but unless the problem is black and white as to the cause and resolution, you'd rarely get an exact quote because until you have fixed the problem its not always obvious exactly what work needs to be done. If you get quoted for "rear end noise" and the mech thought it was just a half shaft, quotes you $300, then it turns out to be a $1500 diff overhaul, there is going to be trouble.
I agree with you. but is it a good practice for him to call the client saying mr.smith, your car need... and it will cost ...I recon most mechanics do.
imo, stay away from gas, it is horrible stuff and is only meant for bbq's, not cars
"A life lived in fear is a life half lived"
Ute Finatic
hahahah ^^^
he is the most refered gas mechanic, I tried the other one, he just runt he car for 30 munites without putting it on the computer and send me a bill.
the switch for changing over from gas to petrol is not working properly from day one he put it in, there is no reading, I have to estimate how much gas left myself, or look at the gas tank in the boot, that is what he told me. mine is a Sprint system.
andi, by the sound of your posts, you have either a dodgy gas fitted / mechanic or someone who has something against you. I agree with others, I wouldn't be taking my car back to him. What area are you in and who is saying he is a top gas mechanic? FIND SOMEONE ELSE mate!
I have had a few cars on gas over the years (XF Falcon, VN Lexcen, 90 Nissan Maxima V6, VR Caprice) and never had the amount of trouble you are having with this guy. I had a change over switch go on the XF and trouble with the Maxima from day one of the gas conversion. The Maxima was fixed by a person other than the mob that installed the system.
It is very true today, once you find a GOOD mechanic, or any tradesman for that matter, keep a good hold of him. Good work sometimes costs you more, but it is usually done right. But you seem to have paid good money AND STILL got shafted!
Danja is right, mmost backfire problems on gas are spark related. Usually the plug leads (runs fine on petrol), then on the VN the coil packs, then the plugs (different heat range suggested for cars on gas), AND then engine timing slighly advanced (I think) from normal setting.
I hope you sort out your problems mate. In most cases, cars on gas run well and it IS a fairly simple system for a VN.
The Wagon on Wheels..
Out of all the things that you have had done, have the sparkplugs been checked at all. And how long since they have been changed and what type are they.
It's cheap and half arsed - perfect fit for a Commodore
Reaper
Donating Member
Bah the only thing mechanics are good for is roadworthy's
Gas systems are always hard on plugs and leads. If i had any problems with one thatd be where i look first.
$60 for a switvh sounds fair $70 to put it in??? what a rip off what to unplug seven or so wires and plug them into new switch?
$330 for the ecu is high i'd be wanting a receipt proving that it has been reconditioned and not sourced from a wrecker for about $50.
The vn wagon i bought the previous owner had it break down on him that is the reason i got it cheap. He has a receipt for $180 form mechanic diagnosed as ecu ($100) paid $25 for a 2nd hand one and $80 for installation!! $80 to take out 3 screws and and 2 plugs ten minute job tops. Worst part was it didnt even fix it i fixed it myself and it was the crank angle sensor. Some mechanics have no idea and more than happy to take blind shots in dark and says things are all good.
AS above go elsewhere If this guys is the best gas mechanic up there then theres a good business opportunity begging to be taken
I changed it two weeks ago, brand new NKG plugs and brand new Bosch lead.
thanks for the reply guys, I feel I am supported in the community. yes, he charged me 60 for the switch and 70 for the labour. the funny part is he told me he could not order the proper one, and wit the dodgy switch I have to estimate how much gas left in the tank, because the meters in teh switch does not work. or I have to look at the gas tank in the boot. all he could do is said to me: I am sorry for the nonsense.Bah the only thing mechanics are good for is roadworthy's
Gas systems are always hard on plugs and leads. If i had any problems with one thatd be where i look first.
$60 for a switvh sounds fair $70 to put it in??? what a rip off what to unplug seven or so wires and plug them into new switch?
$330 for the ecu is high i'd be wanting a receipt proving that it has been reconditioned and not sourced from a wrecker for about $50.
The vn wagon i bought the previous owner had it break down on him that is the reason i got it cheap. He has a receipt for $180 form mechanic diagnosed as ecu ($100) paid $25 for a 2nd hand one and $80 for installation!! $80 to take out 3 screws and and 2 plugs ten minute job tops. Worst part was it didnt even fix it i fixed it myself and it was the crank angle sensor. Some mechanics have no idea and more than happy to take blind shots in dark and says things are all good.
AS above go elsewhere If this guys is the best gas mechanic up there then theres a good business opportunity begging to be taken
Bah the only thing mechanics are good for is roadworthy's
Gas systems are always hard on plugs and leads. If i had any problems with one thatd be where i look first.
$60 for a switvh sounds fair $70 to put it in??? what a rip off what to unplug seven or so wires and plug them into new switch?
$330 for the ecu is high i'd be wanting a receipt proving that it has been reconditioned and not sourced from a wrecker for about $50.
The vn wagon i bought the previous owner had it break down on him that is the reason i got it cheap. He has a receipt for $180 form mechanic diagnosed as ecu ($100) paid $25 for a 2nd hand one and $80 for installation!! $80 to take out 3 screws and and 2 plugs ten minute job tops. Worst part was it didnt even fix it i fixed it myself and it was the crank angle sensor. Some mechanics have no idea and more than happy to take blind shots in dark and says things are all good.
AS above go elsewhere If this guys is the best gas mechanic up there then theres a good business opportunity begging to be taken
I tried some other one but they are not good either, I will ask for the receipt, may be if he could not provide it, I will buy one from the wrecker myself and put it in, if that will solve the problem, I will be considering take him to fair trading and maybe the court. if he could show it, I might check the CAS for the last attempt, if failed, I will just drive it to the day it broke down again and dump it. mechanics, they are pretty much the same all over the world, but I still thinking there should be some reasonable one out there some where.
Donating Member
They are out there maybe there is some in your area or your town is too small to have one. As i dont know where you are im just guessing anyways best of luck to you maybe try some normal mechanics they might not know everything about gas systems but theyll know the basic in's and out's
I am in sydney.my mate told me the one in Bronte is good, but he is not a gas one.
He charged me 250 for the ECU(part ) and said new one is 1000,
Why don't you just fix it yourself? it can only be a spark issue and there's not many spark related parts on a VN then you can only blame yourself it it doesn't go right
the spark is fine, just put in 6 new NGK, and the leads is new too, Bosch from supercheap. no.5 coild failed, he changed it, the car can go on gas , no backfire, but no power, I told him, but nothing has been done, two weeks later, it broke down on the high way, just gradually loss power and finally could not even start. towed to his place, three days after he told me it was the ECU, I checked the car, it goes on gas, but still no power, and when I turned on the aircon to no.2 the car choke and becomes slow and rough. correct me if I am wrong: if it starts on gas, there is no need to check the CAS? lack of power means no enough gas flow in, that means low fuel pressure, then could it be the throtle body and the sensors on it? I am suspecting he put a dodgy ECU from a wrecker in, do I need to check ECU again or get a faulty code? many thanks.
You need to find a new mechanic.
got a book called the penguin bumper book of australian jokes, one item is: the mechanics tell you the truth.
I recalled this funny things in his work shop. two months ago, I send the car in, he was on holiday, and I spoke to the boy working there (he is only 15), another " senior" boy came in (he was about 20), I said the car backfire, without any thinking, the senior said to me: SPARK PLUGS. then he took one spark out and showed me how crapt it was. then I ask his businnes partner who just came in, said 8 dollors for the spark(each), and 50 bucks for the labour, plus 100 bucks to tune the gas. I said to him my car is complicated, I am not going to pay you 200 unless you could solve the problem. I am happy to double the price if you can get it right.
then he tried to stop me taking the car back, saying they already gave a diagnosis and will charge me, I asked how much, he answered 15 minutes. I said I am not paying you anything, and you can not upset your custmer like this. at that time I am going to bring the story to channel 7. if they still mark around this time, I will take some serious action.
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