QuestionHi Jossie, I hope you can help me. My husband passed away suddenly and I am dealing with a mechanics lein from 2005. I feel this man is taking advantage of the situation and overcharging me. Can you tell me an estimated real value of this repair job? Time and parts
He is charging $12,000.00
Scrape rust from sleeves and O-rings and wash dirt from cam shaft and lifters.
Roll out main bearing and replace with new bearings.
Remove old pistons replace with new.
Replace rings
Assemble pistons into sleeves
Assemble head cover
Assemble push rod in the head for rocker assembly on the valves
Torque head and set valves
Tighten rods and mains
Replace oil pan
Assemble oil lines front of tractor
Assemble air breather
Replace oil and fuel filters
Add oil and hydraulic fluid
Answer Hello,
Sorry to hear about your situation, but it's impossible for me to tell if you are being overcharged or not. I have no idea what the parts cost, what the person's labor rate is, or how many hours labor he is charging you for, or why the tractor had to be repaired in the first place. I would suggest getting other estimates from other repair shops to compare. Ask a JD dealer to show you a flat rate manual to see how much labor time is allowed. Even if the repairs were not done by a flat rate shop, it will give you an idea of how much time it should take. But remember, it's hardly ever possible to complete the job in the exact time allowed for flat rate. They don't allow for any problems encountered in the real world, so it usually takes a little longer. If you still feel he is taking advantage of you, maybe get some legal assistance. Make sure that every single part is itemized on the bill with all the prices, and have all the labor time accounted for by employee time records.
I wish you the best of luck, and hope you will be able to resolve this. Sorry I can't be more help.
Arnie
