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A mechanic to avoid in Sydney harbour

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Created by Serb1980 > 9 months ago, 2 Aug 2022
Serb1980
388 posts
2 Aug 2022 7:17AM
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Dear fellows,

on my journey to repair my YSE8 beast I had a nasty experience. Unfortunately, not skilled enough to make it work again I have decided to start making phone calls around to see if any marine diesel mechanic is will to fix the engine. A mechanic in White Bay (don't want to mention the name) sad it will be a piece of cake. Sweet, I saw my Tasman breaking a world record under spinnaker again.
Took the engine out of the boat, loaded in the car and gave it to him.
After 4 weeks first phone call: we need parts (2.5k). Ok, I sent the money. Another 8 weeks another phone call: your engine is in the acid bath and can not be repaired, too much rust. Please bring the spare one. Loaded the spare one. A week later had enough of this nonsense went down to and collected both engines. Off course untouched. One thing was done, the head was nice and shiny. He asked 300 bucks for this pleasure. When I asked him to return the parts and give me back my 2.5k he sad he can not.

I don't understand why he took so long and why he was telling lies about acid baths etc..

Decided to have a call to Yanmar in Artarmon and this time they answered the phone. They took both engines and new parts. After a week engine is ready to go in the boat again. No bull**** nice and easy.

One should be very cautious of so called diesel marine mechanics.

UncleBob
NSW, 1299 posts
2 Aug 2022 9:51AM
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Serb1980 said..
Dear fellows,

on my journey to repair my YSE8 beast I had a nasty experience. Unfortunately, not skilled enough to make it work again I have decided to start making phone calls around to see if any marine diesel mechanic is will to fix the engine. A mechanic in White Bay (don't want to mention the name) sad it will be a piece of cake. Sweet, I saw my Tasman breaking a world record under spinnaker again.
Took the engine out of the boat, loaded in the car and gave it to him.
After 4 weeks first phone call: we need parts (2.5k). Ok, I sent the money. Another 8 weeks another phone call: your engine is in the acid bath and can not be repaired, too much rust. Please bring the spare one. Loaded the spare one. A week later had enough of this nonsense went down to and collected both engines. Off course untouched. One thing was done, the head was nice and shiny. He asked 300 bucks for this pleasure. When I asked him to return the parts and give me back my 2.5k he sad he can not.

I don't understand why he took so long and why he was telling lies about acid baths etc..

Decided to have a call to Yanmar in Artarmon and this time they answered the phone. They took both engines and new parts. After a week engine is ready to go in the boat again. No bull**** nice and easy.

One should be very cautious of so called diesel marine mechanics.


Sadly mate this is all too common in marine industries, been bitten a few times myself, not good.

Serb1980
388 posts
2 Aug 2022 7:58AM
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In Europe, especially Scandinavian and Germany mechanics are monitored by government bodies for safety and faire traiding. A mechanic telling bull**** stories for 4 months to a costumer will get a officer on his door and would not work for long.
I am in the medical industry and rules and regulations are strict. I wish they can do the same thing in marine industries because people live dependent of them just like medicine.

wongaga
VIC, 653 posts
2 Aug 2022 10:37AM
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Sorry to hear of your woes Serb. Of all the relevant trades, my impression is that diesel mechanics rate close to the worst for complaints and poor service. Too late for you mate, but it confirms the need to learn to do as much of this work as you can for yourself, and only deal with people who come highly recommended from multiple sources.

Serb1980
388 posts
2 Aug 2022 9:09AM
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wongaga said..
Sorry to hear of your woes Serb. Of all the relevant trades, my impression is that diesel mechanics rate close to the worst for complaints and poor service. Too late for you mate, but it confirms the need to learn to do as much of this work as you can for yourself, and only deal with people who come highly recommended from multiple sources.


Couldn't agree more. For that reason I am always changing the oils and filters on my card, choosing my oils and Lucas oil stabilisatior even cars are new. Had a joke ones with a demo Nissan Pathfinder bought at Suttons Homebush. They stamped for the first service at 12 000 km and when I checked the oil it was black, an air filter was black full of leaves.

I have difficulties to understand what is going on.. where is the humanity, honesty and pride gone!



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"A mechanic to avoid in Sydney harbour" started by Serb1980