[LightKeeper]

Hi, just asking for some advice here.

My 06 lancer ralliart timing belt broke.
The mechanic said the camshaft sensor needs to be replaced too.
Long story short,
The quote for this whole fix up is 2200$

Would that be a reasonable price?
or should I just give up on this car?

[dared3vil0]

If your timing belt broke you're lucky you didn't destroy your motor, assuming those lancers are an interference motor.

[LightKeeper]

Apparently it's already destroyed.
The valves must be replaced.
I'm guessing that's why the hefty bill.

[dared3vil0]

Valve being destroyed would imply they met a piston. That would also destroy the piston.

[LightKeeper]

Valve being destroyed would imply they met a piston. That would also destroy the piston.

Yes that's possible. Though I haven't looked into it myself. I'm basing what the mechanic is telling me at the moment.

What would you recommend me to do?

But, I'm planning to tow it home from the shop.
I can't afford it right away anyways.
Somehow I don't trust this mechanic.

[Gucci Mane]

and this is the exact reason why you're supposed to keep up with your maintenance. instead of maybe a $500 or so bill you're now looking at $2200. nice!

[LightKeeper]

and this is the exact reason why you're supposed to keep up with your maintenance. instead of maybe a $500 or so bill you're now looking at $2200. nice!

I did a timing belt change at 150000, it is at 190000 now.
The complete package. Water pump, pulley etc.
Cost me 890$ (I probably got ripped off)
Either the previous mechanic did a poor job or he used bad quality stuff or even worst didn't do any work at all.

It's not so nice to jump to conclusions..

[Reeyal]

Perhaps we're talking about two different things.
The timing belt is usually a metal chain belt inside of the engine, which along with many things, drives the cam shaft(s).

The serpentine belt is a steel enforced hard rubber that is tied to the crank shaft to run many accessory motors, such as A/C compressor, water pump, power steering, and alternator.

The complete package. Water pump, pulley etc.
Cost me 890$ (I probably got ripped off)


Based on what you said, perhaps the serpentine belt was changed. If the serpentine belt, water pump, and its pulley were changed, for $890, that was a total rip off.

[LightKeeper]

Perhaps we're talking about two different things.
The timing belt is usually a metal chain belt inside of the engine, which along with many things, drives the cam shaft(s).

The serpentine belt is a steel enforced hard rubber that is tied to the crank shaft to run many accessory motors, such as A/C compressor, water pump, power steering, and alternator.



Based on what you said, perhaps the serpentine belt was changed.

I for sure requested to do a timing belt change to the mechanic. It even said so on the receipt.

It is possible now the serpentine belt broke?
However, this mechanic is telling me the timing belt broke.

Will it damage the same parts as the timing belt if the serpentine belt broke?
I also had the serpentine belt replaced not too long ago.
It could be possible that this installation was bad also.

[Great68]

Valve being destroyed would imply they met a piston. That would also destroy the piston.

Not always.
My old civic bent two valves when the timing belt went.
Pulled head pistons were fine, replaced the two valves, motor was fine after.

[LightKeeper]

Not always.
My old civic bent two valves when the timing belt went.
Pulled head pistons were fine, replaced the two valves, motor was fine after.

How much did it cost you to replace all those?

[Great68]

Perhaps we're talking about two different things.
The timing belt is usually a metal chain belt inside of the engine, which along with many things, drives the cam shaft(s).

The serpentine belt is a steel enforced hard rubber that is tied to the crank shaft to run many accessory motors, such as A/C compressor, water pump, power steering, and alternator.



Based on what you said, perhaps the serpentine belt was changed. If the serpentine belt, water pump, and its pulley were changed, for $890, that was a total rip off.

A lot of motors use rubber timing belts to drive the camshafts, which also drive the water pump off the same belt. The lancer motor is one of them.
My civic's timing belt snapped when the water pump seized.

[Great68]

How much did it cost you to replace all those?

I can't remember, I did it myself. New valves, head gaskets, and a weekend.

[LightKeeper]

I feel it's so hard to find a trust worthy mechanic.

This shop my car is at is kind of sketchy.
My car happened to break down in front of it so I went there to check what happened.
I left it there Saturday and they called me today to quote me $2200.
Definitely some sort of belt broke though since he showed me on Saturday.

The strange thing is he said he towed my car to his house to fix?
To save me on tax?

I thought about it. and I'm just gonna wait on it.
So I called him back to tow it back to the shop so I can tow it home.

[underscore]

Have you got a picture of the broken belt he showed you? I'd definitely get a second opinion from one of the RS sponsor shops before shelling out any money, 40k is very low for a timing belt to go and being interference motors the valves could have been damaged if the belt did snap. If this mechanic didn't mention the valves at all I'd be questioning their diagnosis.

[LightKeeper]

Have you got a picture of the broken belt he showed you? I'd definitely get a second opinion from one of the RS sponsor shops before shelling out any money, 40k is very low for a timing belt to go and being interference motors the valves could have been damaged if the belt did snap. If this mechanic didn't mention the valves at all I'd be questioning their diagnosis.

Unfortunately, my phone died as well just when I was about to take a picture..my luck was that bad.

He did mention about the valve but didn't mention how many was blown.. along with camshaft sensor.

I agree with you about a second opinion.

It's no rush for me to fix it up right away anyways.

That's why I'm wondering if I should even fix it.. considering I can almost buy another car with that price.

I'm still waiting for him to call me back so I can get my car back.

[fliptuner]

Call the shop that changed the timing belt and see what they'll do for you. If nothing, Speed Syndicate and Garage 5 have always been solid shops. Get an estimate. Also see how much a used motor would cost + timing belt, water pump, acc belts and fluids, etc.

[underscore]

Something the occurred to me is that it could be the accessory belt that went and the guy is just trying to screw you. What happened when the car broke down? And did the belt look like this:

(grooves running the length of the belt)
http://www.dhresource.com/albu_936641327_00-1.0x0/new-alternator-poly-v-serpentine-belt-4pk770.jpg

or like this?
(grooves running across the belt)
http://metro-board.com/metro-wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Timing_Belt.jpg

[6o4__boi]

what shop is this?

circumstances seem pretty shady
is the mechanic that did the Tbelt job the same one as the one that has the car now?
similar to what people are asking, what happened when it "broke"?

Yeah, there are all sorts of shady as shit shops out there. There used to be this old shop i'd go to that got bought out by one of those shady ass mechanics. The previous owner charged me $60 to lift the car, unbolt my b-pipe and muffler and replace it with an aftermarket one. Took about an hour. He was a nice guy but I guess he retired.
A few years after, just before i sold the car. I called the same shop, the new owner/shop guy asked me to bring it in and took a look at it. (I was in the waiting room but I could see the car on the lift and he was looking at it). I'm no expert but i'm no slouch either. It was literally a bolt off and bolt on job, as I had the stock parts ready to bolt in. I'd do it myself but I'm lazy AF and figured i was gonna pay that same install fee. Guy looks at me and says, jobs is gonna take about 4 hours, it's gonna need new bolts (rofl) and it might need to be welded in some section...$350. I literally laughed and turned around and walked out.

I know you're trying to make a living but jesus, some of the shops out there are straight up fucking criminally predatory .

[LightKeeper]

Something the occurred to me is that it could be the accessory belt that went and the guy is just trying to screw you. What happened when the car broke down? ]

When the car broke down, it felt like it was out of gas. Everything shut down and all the lights were on. I didn't hear much of a loud noise either.
I wasn't going too fast maybe 40km/h after a redlight. The car would not start up after. At first I thought it was fuel pump or filter related.

It turned out it was some belt.. I think it could be an accessory belt like you said.

I'm afraid I'm no expert so I didn't check if there were teeth mark in the belt.

If he's trying to deceive me then shame on him!

He still haven't called me back today. I'm hoping to get it back tomorrow.

[LightKeeper]

what shop is this?

circumstances seem pretty shady
is the mechanic that did the Tbelt job the same one as the one that has the car now?
similar to what people are asking, what happened when it "broke"?



Nope it was another mechanic by chance that I ran into this one.

I'm not sure if I should name out the shop, but it's on kingsway.

[Presto]

it's on kingsway.

Is it also a used car dealership?

[LightKeeper]

Is it also a used car dealership?

Nope, it mainly sells tires, oil change and such.

[LightKeeper]

The strange thing is he asked me for money up front so he can buy the parts and fix it on his own to avoid taxes.
And, he towed my car to his home without my permission! Is that even legal?

Well, I don't mind paying a little more for warranty the legit way.

He was definitely not happy when I told him I want to tow it back.

I'm afraid now he won't call me back and I will have to go and confront him to get it back.

[Great68]

Shady as fuck.

[dared3vil0]

Nope. Get your car out and find somewhere else

[impulseX]

The strange thing is he asked me for money up front so he can buy the parts and fix it on his own to avoid taxes.
And, he towed my car to his home without my permission! Is that even legal?

Well, I don't mind paying a little more for warranty the legit way.

He was definitely not happy when I told him I want to tow it back.

I'm afraid now he won't call me back and I will have to go and confront him to get it back.

that's shady as fuck lol. is it in the Burnaby side or Vancouver side along Kingsway?

[LightKeeper]

Nope. Get your car out and find somewhere else

I think so too..
He was saying it will cost over 3000$ if I don't do it under the table.
I feel I'm being taken advantage of.
People are vicious.

[LightKeeper]

that's shady as fuck lol. is it in the Burnaby side or Vancouver side along Kingsway?

It's on the Vancouver side of kingsway.
close to joyce station.

[jcmaz]

Your 06 Lancer Ralliart has the 4G69 motor, which is similar to the EVO 4G63T motor. I believe there are three belts in these motors: accessory/serpentine belt, timing belt, and balance shaft belt. Here's an article from Jack's Transmissions (legendary transmission people in the EVO/DSM world) about it balance shafts and belts: Keep Your Balance Shafts ? Jacks Transmissions (http://www.jackstransmissions.com/pages/keep-your-balance-shafts)

It seems like a broken balance shaft belt can cause the timing belt to skip. When was the last time your balance shaft belt was replaced?

[jasonturbo]

Take your car to another shop, it's entirely possible the mechanic isn't screwing you.. but I wouldn't risk it.

It's hard to quote the repairs for a snapped timing belt until after the head comes off, even if you borescope the engine and there is no clear damage, you tend to see a lot more once the head is off.

I have seen interference engines suffer timing belt failure that did not result in any damage, as a general rule, if I scope the engine and it appears fine I will put a new timing belt on and perform a leak down test, if the leak down is good and the engine turns freely I will just leave it as is.

[LightKeeper]

It seems like a broken balance shaft belt can cause the timing belt to skip. When was the last time your balance shaft belt was replaced?


I'm not to knowledgeable on that balance shaft belt. I don't think it was replaced recently.

It can be the cause of this problem.

I'm more concerned with how to deal with this consequence more than figuring out how it happened though.

[fliptuner]

1. Get your car out of that guys house and either home or some place reputable.

[LightKeeper]

Take your car to another shop, it's entirely possible the mechanic isn't screwing you.. but I wouldn't risk it.

It's hard to quote the repairs for a snapped timing belt until after the head comes off, even if you borescope the engine and there is no clear damage, you tend to see a lot more once the head is off.

I have seen interference engines suffer timing belt failure that did not result in any damage, as a general rule, if I scope the engine and it appears fine I will put a new timing belt on and perform a leak down test, if the leak down is good and the engine turns freely I will just leave it as is.

The mechanic said he towed my car to his home and performed a check. That's why he gave me a quote today of 2200$ (without taxes).

I would love to have it run again by just installing a timing belt, but according to him it is not the case. I need to replace camshaft sensors and valves and the whole timing belt kit.

I still haven't heard back from the mechanic today. I will have to call him tomorrow.

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he would charge me storage fees.

[dn53]

Sorry, but if in doubt-- tow it out. Sounds like youre being taken for a ride..better to eat the 1 hour diagnostic fee or whatever the fuck hes charging than get hosed for much, much more.

[dared3vil0]

Sorry, but if in doubt-- tow it out. Sounds like youre being taken for a ride..better to eat the 1 hour diagnostic fee or whatever the fuck hes charging than get hosed for much, much more.

So much this. And consider the shady as fuck mechanic will probably cut the corners on the work he does... Yikes.

Tow is to a sponsor shop. Don't wait. Have the tow truck show up at 9:00am tmrw op. seriously.

[LightKeeper]

Sorry, but if in doubt-- tow it out. Sounds like youre being taken for a ride..better to eat the 1 hour diagnostic fee or whatever the fuck hes charging than get hosed for much, much more.

I totally got that feeling when he asked "do you have some money? I need it for parts" I had a feeling that phrase would keep coming.

At this point I wasn't even sure if I'm going to do it yet since he just broke the news to me that it will cost that much. I told him don't do any work to it yet. And all he's was trying to convince me was that he ordered the parts already. "paid with his credit card" he claimed. I told him I will call him back because I want to discuss this with someone first.

An hour later, I called him and told him I couldn't afford this and I asked him to tow it back to the shop so I can tow it home. He was like "shit, I thought you wanted to get it fix. It's still a good car you know?" I'm telling him I'm not sure if it's worth it since my car doesn't worth that much. Then he said it won't worth it if I sell it out again.. And then he's said he was busy so he'll call me back later.

Which the call never came back today. So I will have to call him tomorrow.

I honestly don't know if my car is back at the shop or not at this moment.

[dn53]

Yeah... even if he purchased the parts with his credit card he will have no problems returning them (Lordco, napa, wherever-- I do it all the time). The very most you pay him for the time he spent diagnosing the vehicle, and tow it out.

$5 says the car does not need have the things he says it does, and is afraid to be caught in his lie when overlooked by someone else.

[VR6GTI]

I would have called the cops if someone towed my car to another location without my permission

[LightKeeper]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I will see what happens tomorrow.

[Lowered_Klass]

First things first, you need to get your car back from this guys house and/or shop.

Don't let him strong arm you into keeping it, or feed you some sob story.

Tell him you want your car back NOW. Not tomorrow, not in a few hours, now. Ask for his address and get the tow truck driver to pick it up there if need be. If he dicks you around, threaten to call the cops.

Once you have your car back, you can then tow it to a proper shop when you've got the money.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Gh0stRider]

The only car shop in that area is Big O Tires (http://www.bigokingsway.ca/)

[LightKeeper]

First things first, you need to get your car back from this guys house and/or shop.


Good luck and keep us posted.

He said he took everything apart today to check the damage. I was thinking I don't want him to leave any part of my car out so I will give him time today.

But you're right, I feel more empowered to get it out now that I posted here.

Thank you and I will keep you guys posted.

[underscore]

Like others have said, get your car from him ASAP. Call him up now and tell him to tow it back right away or you'll be calling the cops and reporting it stolen. If any parts are missing, report them stolen as you didn't authorize this clown to move your car or to take it apart at his house.

[The_AK]

More often than not your timing belt will be inside your engine making it very difficult to extract whereas accessory belt you can actually see by opening your hood. If he's saying he already pulled out the belt then I'd be very suspicious since it takes some effort to get to a timing belt in the first place. Someone correct me if I'm wrong with Lancer engines.

[LightKeeper]

More often than not your timing belt will be inside your engine making it very difficult to extract whereas accessory belt you can actually see by opening your hood. If he's saying he already pulled out the belt then I'd be very suspicious since it takes some effort to get to a timing belt in the first place. Someone correct me if I'm wrong with Lancer engines.

The belt he showed me was dangling outside on top of the engine. It is to the left of the engine. I could see it clearly that it is ripped with a piece dangling.

It can very well be the accessory/serpentine belt that blew since the timing belt is harder to get to.

I wish I had a picture, but my phone had to run out just when I take a picture of it.


It's also strange now that I think about it. After we pushed the car into the shop to try starting it. The first thing he said was "oh shit I think the timing belt broke"
And then I told him I changed it not too long ago and it is clear written on the engine that it was serviced at ~150000.
I had a different thought in my mind, thinking it is fuel related. But my car was left in the lowest priority of all the other cars all day.

I was literally there waiting for him to talk to me about what was wrong until pretty much the end of the day to show me that broken belt.
So, pretty much I wasted my whole Saturday for him to quote me this much today.
And on that day it was hot as hell, I was steaming. I had to take the sky train home.

Also, when he opened it up today. He was saying how the previous mechanic didn't replace the timing belt at all as "everything was original".
I told him the previous mechanic showed me the belt he changed.

[AzNightmare]

Don't let him dick you around with stuff like

"shit, I thought you wanted to get it fix. It's still a good car you know?"


You didn't give him consent to tow your car or take it apart.
People like this are the same type of people that will just do things without your consent like take it for a spin to meet up friends at a car meet afterwards.
Probably won't even get your car back for weeks or months.

[Mr.C]

When the car broke down, it felt like it was out of gas. Everything shut down and all the lights were on. I didn't hear much of a loud noise either.
I wasn't going too fast maybe 40km/h after a redlight. The car would not start up after. At first I thought it was fuel pump or filter related.

It turned out it was some belt.. I think it could be an accessory belt like you said.

I'm afraid I'm no expert so I didn't check if there were teeth mark in the belt.

If he's trying to deceive me then shame on him!

He still haven't called me back today. I'm hoping to get it back tomorrow.

Probably the alternator belt.

[jcmaz]

Does it look like the belt in the diagram of a 4g69 engine? If so, it's the serpentine belt.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc191/aaronpatrick01/beltroute.jpg

[Mr.C]

This part:

"When the car broke down, it felt like it was out of gas. Everything shut down and all the lights were on. I didn't hear much of a loud noise either.
I wasn't going too fast maybe 40km/h after a redlight. The car would not start up after. At first I thought it was fuel pump or filter related."

Makes me think 99% it's the serpentine belt. Timing belt snapping would make an insane noise.

Get your car back right the hell now.

[LightKeeper]

Does it look like the belt in the diagram of a 4g69 engine? If so, it's the serpentine belt.



It really does seem like it because I can clearly see it.
I'll take a picture of it when I get it back

[Gucci Mane]

oh its for sure the serpentine belt if you can just see it. timing belt hides behind a cover.

get your car out of there tomorrow first thing and have it towed to a reputable shop. fuck this shady guy, he's trying to milk you.

[Curren$y]

Sounds like all the proper advice has been given.

As most have mentioned, first and foremost get your car back into your possession and properly assess the actual damage/cost AFTER.

[underscore]

Once you have the car back, let us know who this clown is so he can be avoided at all costs.

[Reeyal]

Yes, as suggested, get your car out of his place. He's just jerking you around.

[jasonturbo]

VIP Auto Service?

[ZN6]

Says you need to replace all those parts.....


for his car is more like it.

I wouldn't trust my car at some random guy's garage anymore than I would trust leaving my girlfriend at some random guy's house. Worst still is that he towed your car to his house without consent.

http://www.dennisservice.com/wp-content/uploads/Timing-Belt.png

If it's not spinning cam gears it's not a timing belt like the one pictured above.

[LightKeeper]

Finally got back my car now.
Those mofos tried to charge me 300$ for diagnosis fee.
That's so unreasonable.
After a long talk, I ended up paying 200$ to get it back from these guys.

I felt like my car got kidnapped and I needed to pay ransom.

He took out a lot of parts and didn't put it back in together.
I have no battery and power and they left my freaking window open.
These guys are robbers. I warn everyone not to go to this car shop at all.

[yray]

:suspicious: uhmm... thats theft

For all you know, he could've took out your engine and put a seized one with a legit broken timing belt.

[LightKeeper]

:suspicious: uhmm... thats theft

For all you know, he could've took out your engine and put a seized one with a legit broken timing belt.

That is totally what i'm thinking.
These guys are vicious.
Stay away at all cost.

One of you who replied got the place right.

Time to take some pics for you guys.

[AzNightmare]

That is totally what i'm thinking.
These guys are vicious.
Stay away at all cost.

One of you who replied got the place right.

Time to take some pics for you guys.



The only car shop in that area is Big O Tires (http://www.bigokingsway.ca/)

:devil:



When did you find out parts weren't put back in?? You should have brought this up...
If your battery is still good, now you're gonna have to buy another one. wtf

[underscore]

Finally got back my car now.
Those mofos tried to charge me 300$ for diagnosis fee.
That's so unreasonable.
After a long talk, I ended up paying 200$ to get it back from these guys.

You should've just called the cops right then, they did shit without your consent and wanted you to pay for it? If you paid with a credit card I'd call them up and have them do a chargeback. Is the battery missing or just disconnected?

[Reeyal]

Holy shit, that's outright robbery. :ahwow:

[LightKeeper]

:devil:



When did you find out parts weren't put back in?? You should have brought this up...
If your battery is still good, now you're gonna have to buy another one. wtf

Seriously fuck these guys. They made this problem more difficult than it is.


You should've just called the cops right then, they did shit without your consent and wanted you to pay for it? If you paid with a credit card I'd call them up and have them do a chargeback. Is the battery missing or just disconnected?

I paid with cash.. Honestly it was very uncomfortable to negotiate with these people. I kept telling them how it is so unreasonable to charge 300+tax for a diagnosis like this. He said he spent 4 hours working on my car and he earns 100$ an hour. "I'm already cutting you a deal" he claims.

Can anyone tell me how much would a mechanic normally charge for a diagnosis?

There was an asian(vietnamese guy) and a caucasian guy there today. The asian guy is the one who towed my car to his home and wanted charge me that much.
I kept arguing with him and the caucasian guy ended backing the asian guy up. I was like how would I know you spent 4 hours working on my car? Is there any proof that you spent that many hours on it?
The caucasian guy assured me that this is the system and it is how it works. He said "My family has been in this business for 50 years and this is how it works" but to me, he was just bragging how proud he is about his business.
But I can tell, he agrees with me. I stress on that there is no proof that he spent that much time on my car. He replied "that's just how the system works" and I tell him "well the system isn't working, there has to have a way to let your customer know how much time you spent working on a car" I ended up with that comment.

Oh yeah. Right before I went he was telling me on the phone that I had to pay for the part that he ordered and couldn't return. The camshaft sensor. He didn't charge me for that luckily. I showed up with my family friend. I'm guessing they didn't become so vicious if I were alone.

[LightKeeper]

Hmm I can't seem to upload pictures here.

I think it's too big of a file size and I have to resize it.

[bcrdukes]

I have been to the Big O'Tires on Kingsway for simple tire changes in the past.

The owner is a very reasonable guy, but unfortunately, he isn't always there to see the day to day operation of the shop. The Asian guy you are referring to is who I believe is the manager.

I have to question his integrity by pulling cash deals like this because essentially, he is either stealing from the owner of the shop or the operate this way for financial reasons. I used to recommend friends/family to go there for a simple tire change as the service/price was reasonable, but after seeing this go down, absolutely not.

[smoothie.]

call the cops

[LightKeeper]

I have been to the Big O'Tires on Kingsway for simple tire changes in the past.
.

I'm guessing they could be good for small tire rotations and oil changes.

For my experience, definitely not big repairs.

The reviews on this place is pretty good on yelp/ google. (Actually one of the reviewers on google is one of the guy who works there so I question this validity)

I thought I was in good hands the first day.

But one of the review on yelp claims
"I brought my tire in for repair, the service advisor showed me the price off the list, upon inspection of my tire, he said the hole was larger than normal and the price was almost double from the list price and almost half the cost of a new tire. He said it needed some kind of 'different system' to repair the tire. When the tire was ready I was presented with a handwritten invoice and was asked to pay cash?!? If I paid cash would he try to evade the taxes?"

[LightKeeper]

It actually could be the timing belt that broke?

[Great68]

I have to question his integrity by pulling cash deals like this because essentially, he is either stealing from the owner of the shop or the operate this way for financial reasons. I used to recommend friends/family to go there for a simple tire change as the service/price was reasonable, but after seeing this go down, absolutely not.

Yeah that's kind of bizzare.
In my experience, I've never seen GOOD shops actively solicit cash work...
Usually they'll do it only if the customers ask (If at all), and if they're good customers.

Edit: Based on the above pic, yeah your timing belt is pretty munched. Looks like it was rubbing on something.

[LightKeeper]

Yeah that's kind of bizzare.
In my experience, I've never seen GOOD shops actively solicit cash work...
Usually they'll do it only if the customers ask (If at all), and if they're good customers.



To be fair, he did say I can pay the diagnosis fee by credit card.
That's only when I tell him I don't have much money on me.
After I paid him the 200$, I didn't even get a receipt.

Honestly, I'm not even sure if those guys read this forum.
So, I think my rant should be over soon.
And I really just want to put this behind me for now.

[fliptuner]

4 hours to take the valve cover, coils and upper timing cover off. That's literally 30 minutes of work, that can be done in a parking lot with a socket set and a few hand tools. An hour of shop time would be acceptable. Maybe add another 30mins if he spun the crank/cam to get an idea of which valves are bent.

Another thing to note is, the SHOP rate is $100/hr, the mechanic doesn't make anywhere near that. If he took it home, he has zero overhead and if you're paying cash, he's not paying tax on it.

[LightKeeper]

call the cops

He was using that "if you go to a restaurant, you order a meal and you don't pay" analogy.

I told him I'm willing to pay a reasonable amount and there was no proof on how much time he spent on it. I said you could say you spent 10 hours on it and I would have to pay 1000$.

I also noted that I became very worried when I was told my car was towed to another place.
I was asked to see my car yesterday but he told me it isn't there anymore.

[fliptuner]

If I go to a restaurant, I don't expect the cook to go home and cook the meal in his kitchen.

[ZN6]

4 hours to take the valve cover, coils and upper timing cover off. That's literally 30 minutes of work, that can be done in a parking lot with a socket set and a few hand tools. An hour of shop time would be acceptable. Maybe add another 30mins if he spun the crank/cam to get an idea of which valves are bent.

Another thing to note is, the SHOP rate is $100/hr, the mechanic doesn't make anywhere near that. If he took it home, he has zero overhead and if you're paying cash, he's not paying tax on it.

^^^ Agreed.

Fucking 4 hours of work to do THAT? Fucking scam artist. It took him all of a span of 15 minutes to pick out his deep socket, spanner, and possibly a philips screw driver. Like, 2 minutes per spark plug, 7 minutes to undo the timing belt cover. and 15 minutes is being generous for a guy who's supposedly a professional mechanic by occupation. The plug wires were just under a plastic cover.

Ignition wires are like, right there when you open the hood and remove the cover. No top mount IC in the way or anything. I'd hate to be the shop to hire him if it took 4 hours to do that and take off a cover hiding the timing belt. Took me half an hour to change my spark plugs on my old GT-four, only because a fucking ATW intercooler was sitting on top of everything getting in the fucking way. No fucking way is that a complex job when the valve cover is wide open with hardware openly exposes and easy to get at.

No one told him to take it to his place. This shop makes me ANGREEEEEH.

[Great68]

He was using that "if you go to a restaurant, you order a meal and you don't pay" analogy.


In this case it'd be more like you showing up at a restaurant, and the cook starts making you a meal before you even order it.

All you asked him to do was to give you a diagnosis (which you reasonably paid for) and quote for the actual repair.

[ZN6]

In this case it'd be more like you showing up at a restaurant, and the cook starts making you a meal before you even order it.

All you asked him to do was to give you a diagnosis (which you reasonably paid for) and quote for the actual repair.

Yeah, don't forget he'd be holding your bag hostage for looking at the fucking menu.

[impulseX]

That is just fucked up. Hopefully they didn't make your car any worse OP

[LightKeeper]

I was so anxious in the morning I called him at 7:30.
He called me with his personal number yesterday because I know it's not the same as the one on the business card.
No answer at 7:30, but he called me back at 8.
Saying he can directly tow the car to my house.

I didn't feel good about that because I know I should just pick it up from where I left off.
Also, I don't want him to know where I live.

At this point, he told me it will be towed back to the shop before noon because it's still at his house

He said he will call me back, and he did at a little past 11. The feeling of whether if he is going to call me back surfaced again during this 3 hour.
When he did, this is the time when he said "he was going to charge me for the camshaft sensor part because it cannot be returned" "Be prepared" he said
I said I will come now and let's talk about it.

[fliptuner]

Where's your battery?

[LightKeeper]

That is just fucked up. Hopefully they didn't make your car any worse OP

Man.. I think they made it worst.

The parts are all out. There's no power to the car. The window is fuckin open.

How will I close the window without power?

Any suggestion?

[LightKeeper]

Where's your battery?

The battery is there.
But I think it is out of power now.

[fliptuner]

Pm me a contact number. I'm going for family dinner by nanaimo/Broadway. Can hook up your batt and close your windows if you're close to my route.

[LightKeeper]

Pm me a contact number. I'm going for family dinner by nanaimo/Broadway. Can hook up your batt and close your windows if you're close to my route.

Thank you for your offer.
I just checked now though there was a bit of juice left to close the window which I wasn't able to earlier.
I can see it's dangerously low now though.
The digits on the dashboards are flickering.

[fliptuner]

Disconnect the neg(-) batt terminal for now.

[StanleyR]

Still trying to figure out if this shop ripped OP off since $200 for diagnoses and towing seems kinda reasonable. No shop is going to help you for free
:suspicious:

Aside from towing car to mechanic's house, everything else seems ok from the dealings I've had in the LML with shops.

[LightKeeper]

Still trying to figure out if this shop ripped OP off since $200 for diagnoses and towing seems kinda reasonable. No shop is going to help you for free
:suspicious:

Aside from towing car to mechanic's house, everything else seems ok from the dealings I've had in the LML with shops.

They were asking for 300$+tax = 336.
On top of that, the guy said he could charge me for the towing fee.
I told him "I never asked him to do that"

I also have to pay for it my own to get it towed back to my house, which of course is my problem.

I spent the whole day there on Saturday. I could've dealt with the problem on that day if he gave me the quote on that day. I would have towed my car home already.

Instead I felt like I was preyed on because I may look like a youngster and didn't care about anything.
They kept saying "I have 50 years experience in this business" and the other "20 years experience as a mechanic"

[LightKeeper]

I do think I made mistakes with this experience.

I should have stayed calm and not go in to a place which I have no idea of.
But I just happened to break down in front of it.

It's kind of like going to a movie theater and they charge you hell for pop corn.

I may also have dragged this out for too long.

[StanleyR]

I agree. It was just unfortunate that your timing belt failed the way it did, despite already being replaced before

[Matsuda]

did you make sure that they didn't swap your engine when they towed your car to the guys house? did your engine have writing on it before? it says Aug 2014 on it

[LightKeeper]

did you make sure that they didn't swap your engine when they towed your car to the guys house? did your engine have writing on it before? it says Aug 2014 on it

Yes it did. That was the time when the timing belt was replaced.
The numbers were the mileage.

[LightKeeper]

I agree. It was just unfortunate that your timing belt failed the way it did, despite already being replaced before


I'm just posting here now to share this experience in case of anyone's car breaking down to remain calm.

Don't act so hastily and think of a proper plan that wouldn't cost you a fortune.

[fliptuner]

What did the shop that changed the timing belt say?

[Bath Tussue]

Can anyone tell me how much would a mechanic normally charge for a diagnosis?


I typically charge 0.5 to 1 hour depending on what it is. If I need more time, I give the customer a call and get their OK before continuing.
If the customer doesn't want the work done by me, they get their car back the way it came in.

It actually could be the timing belt that broke?

Looks like something is rubbing on the timing belt.

[fliptuner]

I don't think that's from rubbing. Looks like it separated when it failed.

[Gh0stRider]

figure it was that fucking place.

would never take a car to a tire place to do anything other than tire replacement

[LemonT]

Drive by Big-o-Tire quiet often and they have a big sign on the side of the shop that says they patch side walls.... last time I checked, its NEVER a good idea to patch side wall. Seems like there is some major conflict of interest occurring with the manager

[underscore]

did you make sure that they didn't swap your engine when they towed your car to the guys house? did your engine have writing on it before? it says Aug 2014 on it

I still wouldn't be convinced they didn't swap the motor and just swap the valve covers over, looking at the pictures there's a bunch of bolts missing and the vent hose is disconnected.

Still trying to figure out if this shop ripped OP off since $200 for diagnoses and towing seems kinda reasonable. No shop is going to help you for free
:suspicious:

Aside from towing car to mechanic's house, everything else seems ok from the dealings I've had in the LML with shops.

Most shops don't do sketchy cash jobs at some dudes house with no receipt, or start doing work with no consent from the owner.

[LightKeeper]

What did the shop that changed the timing belt say?

The previous car shop isn't there anymore. I drove by there recently. They either moved or out of business. I'm gonna have to look this up and call them.

I still wouldn't be convinced they didn't swap the motor and just swap the valve covers over, looking at the pictures there's a bunch of bolts missing and the vent hose is disconnected.



Most shops don't do sketchy cash jobs at some dudes house with no receipt, or start doing work with no consent from the owner.


There was another thing. Today he told me there's a good chance I didn't damage anything in the header.
He was asking if my family friend was a mechanic at first..Strange question..

So, I highly believe that I don't need to pay that much he quoted. I know it's wishful thinking, but I honestly wasn't going that fast with low rev..

I really hope he didn't switch any parts or left anything out because I have no idea.

[Cillu]

That's really messed up. From my past experience (got tires mounted, balanced and installed), they were pretty hospitable guys. I even bought some spare parts on the side that their employee had specific to my car. Nonetheless, what happened to OP is super shady and it looks like I won't go back anytime soon.

[bcrdukes]

I know the topic has been beaten to death, but for anyone interested or curious, the owner of the Big O Tires responded to this thread back in 2009.

http://www.revscene.net/forums/596385-never-go-big-o-tires-kingsway-mount-balance.html

My suspicion is that the integrity and ethics of the manager (Asian guy) is questionable. We may not know whether the owner of the shop is aware or not.

[LightKeeper]

We may not know whether the owner of the shop is aware or not.

If he doesn't know, then I have busted him big time.
I was saying how a reputable car shop wouldn't tow my car away to another location and quoting me 2200$ or 3000$ if done at the shop.
I can see the asian guy's face quickly turned red.

But, the owner did back him up for me to pay the diagnosis fee.
So, he may know but keeps a blind eye.

I kind of knew they read this forum.
It's a small industry after all.

I'm just happy I may have gotten my car out of this situation that could be worst.
Regardless of the requested hefty diagnosis fee.

Thank you everyone here who gave me advice.
I do not regret starting up this thread.

[Reeyal]

The previous car shop isn't there anymore. I drove by there recently. They either moved or out of business. I'm gonna have to look this up and call them.


Moved or out of business? Sorry to put more salt on your wound, but what kind of shops have you been visiting?

[LightKeeper]

Moved or out of business? Sorry to put more salt on your wound, but what kind of shops have you been visiting?

This shop was close to where I live. I thought it was convenient.
It used to be near cassiar connector close to pne. Diagonally across from that McD.

I wasn't aware until now that I should visit one of the sponsors here.

[Reeyal]

Thanks for keeping the scene updated.

[marksport]

I would look into getting BCAA roadside assistance.