Caution when buying an alleged rebuilt engine!!

[billlobban]

Agreed, and in the Minor world all the more reason for MMOC members to get organised and demand that the 'working party' set up to look into this is re established, this time with more focus and determination to make a difference, and protect the Minor owners.

Couldn't agree more

[Alec]

Hello AW54,

"There are plenty of companies who manage to keep trading regardless of the service they provide!"

That must be so but that doesn't mean I understand how they keep trading? Dissatisfied customers are quick to spread the word.

Alec

[bmcecosse]

Hmmmm - well - not on this Forum, which is the BIG problem!

[ARMWRESTLER54]

You would have thought that would be the case! but they still keep getting plenty of customers!
As to the reason why they do, I dont know either, maybe its because not everyone has the same bad experience.
But remember the engine I brought was a private sale.

Hello AW54,

"There are plenty of companies who manage to keep trading regardless of the service they provide!"

That must be so but that doesn't mean I understand how they keep trading? Dissatisfied customers are quick to spread the word.

Alec

[MMaurice52]

Hello AW54,

"There are plenty of companies who manage to keep trading regardless of the service they provide!"

That must be so but that doesn't mean I understand how they keep trading? Dissatisfied customers are quick to spread the word.

Alec

Alec,

It may take a few years but the word does spread! "What goes around, comes around".

[billlobban]

The fact is word does not spread or more correctly is not allowed to. There is no doubt that this forum must be allowed to NAME and SHAME.
Subject to legal restrictions of course

[Alec]

Hello Bill,

I wasn't talking about this (or other) forum, more a general word of mouth literally.

Alec

[ptitterington]

I think it would be very unfair on an open messageboard like this to name and shame. Many folk have their own agenda and think nothing of posting potentiolly harmfull coments that in the real world could damage a trader unfairly.

I was quite suprided to read in one of the national papers how companies are now starting to prosecute people who have posted harmful and unsubstantiated information on message boards. They thought that by choosing an anonymous name that they were free to do what they wanted. It is quite shocking how easily you can be tracked down.

On another point, Bull Motif offered a really carefully rebuilt gearbox, does anyone have first hand knowledge of running one of these as opposed to a 'normal' one.
Cheers

[bmcecosse]

So - do they also offer a rebuilt gearbox that has NOT been done carefully ??????????
The important question I would ask is - has it been fitted with new 1st and 2nd gears - new layshaft - and new bearings throughout, including a new tailshaft bearing - and seal.

[ptitterington]

Dunno, look at their site, thats why I asked. There is about £100 difference in price. Just appeared a bit odd.

[bmcecosse]

Maybe one is just a 'second hand' box - the other has been 'carefully' rebuilt! But do ask the questions !! If they just say it has had new syncro rings fitted and been 'checked over' - walk away.........

[billlobban]

I've done most mechanical things you can think of on a car but never rebuilt a gearbox. I've recently obtained a 'spare' in unknown condition. Is a home rebuild feasable? nothing wrong with the old box just something to while away my time till the snow returns.
With regards to the BM box phone them, they are extremly helpful

[bmcecosse]

I rebuilt them many a time in my youth! Mini boxes too (basically the same - slightly better access!) - converted a couple of them to straight cut gears - lovely noise!! And nice close ratios.

[les]

Home build is possible and reasonably straightforward, you do need to be accurate with the shims though and if the rear tailshaft bearing is worn, replacing it is quite difficult and when fitted needs reaming. Unlike the mini gearbox there are no special tools required!

[bmcecosse]

Special tools ?????? Hmmmm - never had any of them!

[billlobban]

Roy thought you had a 10lb hammer, a set of Stilsons and a gas axe

[bmcecosse]

Large hammer and chisel for undoing the nuts......... and yes - 3 stillsons actually, varying size - an excellent tool.........

[MMaurice52]

So - do they also offer a rebuilt gearbox that has NOT been done carefully ??????????
The important question I would ask is - has it been fitted with new 1st and 2nd gears - new layshaft - and new bearings throughout, including a new tailshaft bearing - and seal.

Interesting! I have rebuilt so many engines, transmissions and final drives (professionally) over the years I have NO idea how many. There are various grades of rebuilding. As an example I recently rebuilt an MM gearbox that was removed from a wreck many years ago. The gears and synchros showed very little wear, all ball bearings were replaced and all parts were carefully inspected and measured for "fit". I would guarantee this gearbox five or ten years without hesitation. Most transmissions this age are not worth rebuilding without new parts which are not available so....

The "bottom line" is that you get what you pay for. The race engines, marine engines and antique engines we built were very expensive compared to the common sedan engines with "off the shelf" parts we had on hand.

As far as what you get from the major suppliers of rebuilt units I can say, from experience, that it is a crap shoot. The supplier contracts from a number of rebuilders good and bad. One example: a noisy final drive from a Triumph shipped to me from Maine a few years ago had a pinion gear that rattled it was so loose. The pinion was measured and properly adjusted with the proper parts and sent on it's way never to be heard from again. That final drive should have been inspected by the supplier before sending it to the customer. But how is the guy in the shipping room to know how it should be inspected?

BTW The cost of most rebuilt units are so high because of the problems they cause. If you go to McDs and get bad service they are happy to give you a $5 book of coupons. The hamburger cost 20 cents to make. Same with a rebuilt final drive. The supplier paid me and refunded $200 to the customer. The only loss was to the actual "rebuilder" is my guess.

[les]

Special tools ?????? Hmmmm - never had any of them!

You frighten me sometimes Roy!!!

[bmcecosse]

Not aware any 'special tools' are necessary ? It was a long time ago - but I'm sure it was all very straightforward. Mini gearbox experience is much more recent - again - straightforward, although I haven't ever worked on a 'rod change' box - which has a more complex selector set-up.