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Really need some HELP please!!Let down by a so called professional vintage mechanic!

Dirty Gerty

By Dirty Gerty
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Dirty Gerty Gongoozler

Dirty Gerty

Posted
Posted (edited)

Hi guys (and ladies of course).

 

Just wanted to ask a question....Who in the right mind would strip the cylinder heads off their engine ,leaving the engine bay in total 'abandon', leaving oil and water everywhere ( and i mean ..Everywhere!) to then say to the customer..."I cant get back to you for 4wks to complete it?? Oh..to add one more thing, the mechanic doing the job then said "I have to be on holiday a week later so it may be 6wks?"

 

The guy doing the job was clearly told that the customer lived on board and was in need of this issue being done as quickly as was possible, as he was having to rely upon the engine for his battery power . This just did not seem to mean anything to the mechanic at all?

This guy has not only left a serious mess everywhere , but also, ruined carpets on board and also tried to charge for stuff that was not required at all! I being there just in time too, was able to prevent that, otherwise he would have charged for new injectors and a water manifold, that was not required at all! Hes taken one of the cylinder heads away and is going to replace it with another due to water ingress possibly a crack? Everything else seems like new !

 

I have been called out of 'Medical retirement' to help this couple and try and rebuild the engine for them. Difficult because of my problems with limited movement. Hey ho....could be worse i suppose,

 

We spent nearly two hours just trying to rid the once immaculate engine room from oil and water and grease deposits from everywhere! He even did not remove some of their clothing (Expensive coats) that were in the engine room hanging on the door before he fired the engine over with pipes and covers off to release the heads! This procedure i have seen done , but normally the covers are slipped back on and some dust sheet covered over the rest. These coats etc are 'peppered with oil.

This is a supposed 'Recognised face ' in the canal and river world.

Honestly..I should like to name him just to make sure no one out there suffers like this couple are having to do at this time,but i may have the post removed?

 

My concerns are that I am ok with tools and i can get my self around most things , However, JP's even though they look simple, are above my pay grade i think? Looks like specialist stuff!

 

Can i ask for anyone to politely assist with any technical information like Tappet sizes , bleeding procedures , torque settings etc etc , to help build this engine back up and get them moving again please?

I don't mind the dirty work, just would like some Moral support to help these guys if possible from anyone?

Really feel sorry for this couple .

They have been Let down badly by some fool acting as a specialist, that I know for sure.

 

Please feel free to call me on o seven eight o 9 six 6 seven 5 nine five and ask for Kev.

Really would appreciate any help at all please.

Edited by Dirty Gerty
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frangar Veteran II

frangar

Posted
Posted

Firstly that doesn't sound good!

 

Where are you/the engine in the country?

 

I'm about to have a longish day here but will sort out a longer reply this eve if it's helpful?

 

JPs aren't that tricky just big & heavy. What was the problem with it to start with?

 

Feel free to send me a PM if you don't want details in public.

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

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Arthur Brown Influencer

Arthur Brown

Posted
Posted

Suggest also that someone sorts out a method of recharging batteries for the boat owner. There has been a generator for sale on the forum and there may be cheap viable chargers too, someone may even be prepared to lend bits. Even a 250w solar panel will help for two months, less so after that over winter.

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Timleech Veteran II

Timleech

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Posted

Name and shame the guy that caused the problem.

 

It sounds on the face of it like poor service, but there are two sides to every story and naming & shaming on the basis of one person's (apparently secondhand) side of it would be extremely dodgy.

 

Tim

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smileypete Veteran II

smileypete

Posted
Posted (edited)

Very good of you to help, hope you'll get suitably rewarded.

 

Don't know anything about listers other than they go donk-donk-donk, but a google search on 'site:canalworld.net jp2' should bring up some posts that may get you a manual.

 

Agree with Tim doesn't sound great on the face of it but would be good to hear the other side of the story. Bit puzzling they have an vintage engine in immaculate engine room (with expensive coats! smile.png) but are using it for day to day liveaboard batt charging.

 

Tell them they're welcome to sign up for some help on alternate ways of charging. One of the truisms of living on a proper boaty boat, seems to be that everything tends to get a bit trashed at some point... ohmy.png

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

Edited by smileypete
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mark99 Veteran II

mark99

Posted
Posted (edited)

Richard Milligan did (a good job) on my engine a few months back. IIRC Richard has two Listers on his boat (a proper engine and a single pot genny). Well and his Alsation dog called is Lister so that's three.

 

Below is his mobile.

 

 

zero seven nine seven three eight two six two six zero

Edited by mark99
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Barry Veteran

Barry

Posted
Posted

People who do good work have their name passed on, why not if they do bad work?

 

Because people who are being named as doing good work are not going to create trouble for Daniel to deal with. The others, on the other hand....

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Dirty Gerty Gongoozler

Dirty Gerty

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Posted

First of all..

 

Thanks to all of you for your emails on this forum. Really is good to know that there are a lot of folk out there who actually care. Shame about one or two though?

The bit about the engine room being pristine and expensive coats etc. Please don't put people into boxes .

It seems as if because the guy lives on board his boat, and has only the luxury of batteries to power everything, together with having some nice clothes hanging up on a coat hook, you are able to show some sort of criticism against it? Or have i read this totally wrong? My apologies if I have done.

 

Pristine because he cares about his boat.

Nice coats, because he like some of us, still has his pride.

Batteries only....pensioner without all the funds ,so to be frivolous and carefree like some of us, its only a dream to them.

His boat...His home and only home

 

Can i upload pictures on here to show the chaos he left them with? Perhaps that may open your eyes a little?

 

As regards who he is.....A colleague of mine went across to act on our behalf . (Will call him 'P' ,40 years Heavy industrial engineer in Generator systems from 1kw to 300kw and Cat engines for heavy earthmoving machinery) to collect the parts the so called 'professional' had taken away to carry out tests on. He was also to help the customer from being sold something he did not need or want.

 

Upon getting there he and the owner was directed to the rear of the property and taken into a shed. True enough..firstly he was told he needed new injectors and a water manifold! Each injector was priced at silly money and the water/exhaust manifold..well that was just ridiculous!

'P' asked to see these items and stated that there was no reason to replace the injectors as they were showing no signs of dribble or coked up etc. Also he asked why they were not pressure tested on their own for spray effect and atomisation?

This seemed to stun the guy to be honest. He said it was in his own experience that these needed doing! Money for nothing if you don't know better? Con artist or what?

 

He was given a replacement head and the old unit back. The 'Professional vintage chap' had stated to the customer that he had tested the head and found nothing wrong with it, but had only stripped it of valves and left the Hi Lo compression valve in place together with the injector. 'P' (our colleague )asked how he could carry out such a test without all items being removed ?He also asked why a pressure test had not been being done? At this point the ' Professional ' started to get a little fidgety and realised he was up against someone who knew his occupation , and knew it very well!

'P' then asked also why it was that he carried out the engine start up procedure whilst no dust covers were in place and also why no dust sheet was placed around the engine to protect everything from being covered in oil? The 'professional' at this point allegedly called 'P' a jumped up c++t and asked what did he know about anything? Im sure you can well imagine the next bit! That did not bode well with 'P' at all! Especially being sworn at!

'P' being the guy i know very well, backed off a little and then asked the 'professional' to apologise for being very rude and to also refund the customer for the serious issues he had caused . At this point the 'Professional' swung out at 'P' who stopped him cold! 'P's" a big bloke to be honest. Really ideal to have on your side! He advised him to back off and refrain from any further actions as he was not prepared to accept the responsibility for his actions next! The original customer was now in a state of panic and confusion. He handed the 'Professional' the funds originally agreed for the completion of the job although this had obviously not been done at all, and grabbed 'P' and pulled him away. He asked to be taken off site and to leave it.This they did but with out abuse and foul language being shouted at them!

The story could go on i'm sure, however, the original customer walked away with his replacement head and the old unit.

He has now been left to get the job done else where.

'P' has nobely (if thats the right word) offered to complete the job for him and get him up and running again FOC.

 

The moral of this story is.....Steer clear from 'professional vintage mechanics ' who work from Eccleshall and sell Audio Books as a side line!

 

To all of you who know this guy, and I am sure there are a few of you that do, there are better people about i have now got to know. The responses from some of the txt messages i have received was and are quite overwhelming really.

Thanks to all of you for your help with this. I will keep you informed of the rebuild as 'P' finishes off the job for him.

Kindest regards to the moderators for letting me post this on here and for the rapid response i /we have had from 'Proper professional folk who have assisted us with this, especially 'P'.

 

Regards Kev

 

 

 

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Dirty Gerty Gongoozler

Dirty Gerty

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Posted

Richard " Blackhands" Milligan lives aboard his boat and is an excellent, reliable vintage engine mechanic. Unfortunately, his number has disappeared from my phone. He was mentioned recently in a post-can anyone help?

 

Dave

Thanks Dave.

 

He has been mentioned to us before.

regards Kev

 

It sounds on the face of it like poor service, but there are two sides to every story and naming & shaming on the basis of one person's (apparently secondhand) side of it would be extremely dodgy.

 

Tim

Hi Tim. Thank you for your comments. If i am able to post pictures on here, I know you will look at things little differently hopefully?

Regards Kev

Dirty Gerty,

 

Thank you for the update. I'm sorry to learn of the experience of your friend, though it is most gratifying to hear that 'P' has taken up the case, and is working to resolve the problem.

Thanks for your support.

Regards Kev

Manual and parts list to cover JP & JK 2/3 marine versions here if it helps. You can view it directly or download to save.

Thank you ever so much for your help with this. Really appreciated

 

Regards Kev

Firstly that doesn't sound good!

 

Where are you/the engine in the country?

 

I'm about to have a longish day here but will sort out a longer reply this eve if it's helpful?

 

JPs aren't that tricky just big & heavy. What was the problem with it to start with?

 

Feel free to send me a PM if you don't want details in public.

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

Hi Gareth. Thanks for your concerns,

 

Hopefully it should get sorted soon now. Fingers crossed!

 

Regards Kev. (Sorry Great Haywood area heading onto the staffs and worcs towards Penkridge)

Just noticed you will need 5 posts before you can send a personal message....so reply to this and we will be getting there!....also you might want to disguise your phone number a bit to stop spambots getting hold of it!

 

Cheers

Thanks again Gareth. Just altered the number arrangement.

Regards Kev

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Timleech Veteran II

Timleech

Posted
Posted

Hi Tim. Thank you for your comments. If i am able to post pictures on here, I know you will look at things little differently hopefully?

Regards Kev

 

 

I'm not sure what you mean by that?

I was not questioning your story, merely pointing out that one person's version of events, particularly a new poster on here, was not a proper basis for 'naming and shaming'.

 

Tim

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Dirty Gerty Gongoozler

Dirty Gerty

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  • Author
Posted

 

I'm not sure what you mean by that?

I was not questioning your story, merely pointing out that one person's version of events, particularly a new poster on here, was not a proper basis for 'naming and shaming'.

 

Tim

Hi Tim.

 

Sorry if it sounded a little ominous. It was not meant to. I have looked at it as if it was 'questioning the bias' towards the issue and not as you have explained. Sometimes a little difficult to interpret someone's actions via an email. Hope i have not offended you in any way.

Kev

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Sabcat Rising Star

Sabcat

Posted
Posted

First of all..

 

Thanks to all of you for your emails on this forum. Really is good to know that there are a lot of folk out there who actually care. Shame about one or two though?

The bit about the engine room being pristine and expensive coats etc. Please don't put people into boxes .

It seems as if because the guy lives on board his boat, and has only the luxury of batteries to power everything, together with having some nice clothes hanging up on a coat hook, you are able to show some sort of criticism against it? Or have i read this totally wrong? My apologies if I have done.

 

Pristine because he cares about his boat.

Nice coats, because he like some of us, still has his pride.

Batteries only....pensioner without all the funds ,so to be frivolous and carefree like some of us, its only a dream to them.

His boat...His home and only home

 

Can i upload pictures on here to show the chaos he left them with? Perhaps that may open your eyes a little?

 

As regards who he is.....A colleague of mine went across to act on our behalf . (Will call him 'P' ,40 years Heavy industrial engineer in Generator systems from 1kw to 300kw and Cat engines for heavy earthmoving machinery) to collect the parts the so called 'professional' had taken away to carry out tests on. He was also to help the customer from being sold something he did not need or want.

 

Upon getting there he and the owner was directed to the rear of the property and taken into a shed. True enough..firstly he was told he needed new injectors and a water manifold! Each injector was priced at silly money and the water/exhaust manifold..well that was just ridiculous!

'P' asked to see these items and stated that there was no reason to replace the injectors as they were showing no signs of dribble or coked up etc. Also he asked why they were not pressure tested on their own for spray effect and atomisation?

This seemed to stun the guy to be honest. He said it was in his own experience that these needed doing! Money for nothing if you don't know better? Con artist or what?

 

He was given a replacement head and the old unit back. The 'Professional vintage chap' had stated to the customer that he had tested the head and found nothing wrong with it, but had only stripped it of valves and left the Hi Lo compression valve in place together with the injector. 'P' (our colleague )asked how he could carry out such a test without all items being removed ?He also asked why a pressure test had not been being done? At this point the ' Professional ' started to get a little fidgety and realised he was up against someone who knew his occupation , and knew it very well!

'P' then asked also why it was that he carried out the engine start up procedure whilst no dust covers were in place and also why no dust sheet was placed around the engine to protect everything from being covered in oil? The 'professional' at this point allegedly called 'P' a jumped up c++t and asked what did he know about anything? Im sure you can well imagine the next bit! That did not bode well with 'P' at all! Especially being sworn at!

'P' being the guy i know very well, backed off a little and then asked the 'professional' to apologise for being very rude and to also refund the customer for the serious issues he had caused . At this point the 'Professional' swung out at 'P' who stopped him cold! 'P's" a big bloke to be honest. Really ideal to have on your side! He advised him to back off and refrain from any further actions as he was not prepared to accept the responsibility for his actions next! The original customer was now in a state of panic and confusion. He handed the 'Professional' the funds originally agreed for the completion of the job although this had obviously not been done at all, and grabbed 'P' and pulled him away. He asked to be taken off site and to leave it.This they did but with out abuse and foul language being shouted at them!

The story could go on i'm sure, however, the original customer walked away with his replacement head and the old unit.

He has now been left to get the job done else where.

'P' has nobely (if thats the right word) offered to complete the job for him and get him up and running again FOC.

 

The moral of this story is.....Steer clear from 'professional vintage mechanics ' who work from Eccleshall and sell Audio Books as a side line!

 

To all of you who know this guy, and I am sure there are a few of you that do, there are better people about i have now got to know. The responses from some of the txt messages i have received was and are quite overwhelming really.

Thanks to all of you for your help with this. I will keep you informed of the rebuild as 'P' finishes off the job for him.

Kindest regards to the moderators for letting me post this on here and for the rapid response i /we have had from 'Proper professional folk who have assisted us with this, especially 'P'.

 

Regards Kev

 

 

 

 

That's shocking, it's a shame the guy who's engine it is isn't a few years younger and not so easily intimidated. It offends me that the scum bag got paid.

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smileypete Veteran II

smileypete

Posted
Posted

Sorry to hear of the further woes... :(

 

If the old gent is off grid long term, sounds like he could do with a solar setup, if there's anyone local who can help him with it? If his needs are modest then £200ish could be enough, plus some timber/bracketry to fit on the roof. Maybe start a new topic for suggestions?

 

When living aboard it can be very useful to have a second source of eleccy/heat/hot water to rely on.

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

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Tiggers Community Regular

Tiggers

Posted
Posted (edited)

The man in question has always worked on my engine (JP2) and has been bloody brilliant, including coming to my rescue when breaking down at the bottom lock of Audlem in a blizzard within half an hour of calling him. I know a hell of a lot of people that will only use him because he knows his stuff, is sensibly priced and is an all round absolutely lovely guy that wouldn't hurt a fly.

I suggest you don't go shaming him in this way (it's quite obvious who you're talking about) when he does not have a chance to defend himself. As previously mentioned, there are always two sides of the story and as it is we are getting it second hand.

Don't believe everything you read people, because for this one story, I could name a hell of a lot more people who would do nothing but sing his praises

Edited by Tiggers
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Tiggers Community Regular

Tiggers

Posted
Posted

Oh and he always brings a bag of rags with him to kneel on and to clean up with after and quite often leaves me some for future use! Granted some of the random items of clothing in his rag bag are a bit odd!

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