first time working at a shop...

got some sidework at a shop over the weekend and the first bike I was put on is an 76 gs 550 with minuki's. They guy who brought it in said it sat for 15 years and wants it running for as cheap as possible. I cleaned and rebuilt the carbs which were in bad condition and the airbox boots are shrunk so bad that they will not seat. Someone tried to rebuilt the carbs and left out the oring and washer under the mixture screw. I tried to explain this these things to the guys at the shop but they didn't want to here it (they're sport bike guys that only do maintance and lost theyre tech guy), and arent interested in ordering new parts. This is my first time at a shop (and first time doing something halfassed) so what do you think about leaving out the oring and washer (adjusting for the height difference with rotation) and wraping the boots to the carbs with electrical tape? I see it working and I don't think the owner will mind if I get it running. Or should I just walk out and try to get my days pay

 

I wonder how they lost their tech guy.....

 

That is a bit of a pickle. I guess, if I were in that position, I'd Rube Goldberg it to get it running (as cheaply as possible), make sure the owner knew it and give the owner Chacal's info and encourage him to order the replacement parts it needs as he can afford it. Not sure how the carb screws would work without the missing parts.

Good luck with the job.

 

Right? I thought the same thing too.. No, he went down last week and broke his arm. The guys at the shop when I brought up the problems were saying "cant you use some piece of rubber or something? thats what so and so would do"...

 

i feel the washer and oring under the mixture screw only act as a seat for the spring and protection for the screw when tightening; not to provide any sealing action - the only thing I'm going to have to deal with is the difference in height when seated which shouldn't be a problem.

 

Get out while you still can!! Obviously the fellows at this shop don't give a crap about their workmanship or their customers. I'd walk.
just my .02

 

Don't walk, RUN away. As fast as you can. The way that they are doing things is ultimately going to lead to them (and you) being culpable for killing someone or setting them on fire, etc.

 

Sounds like that job would suit me. :lol:

 

Appearantly wiz likes setting people on fire 8O

 

I'm thinking im going to get the guys number and let him know the deal. See if he wants it done right or the Rube Goldberg way. In the mean time look up prices for him for the boots and the washer/oring and let him decide.

 

You'll gain more respect as a mechanic that way. You'll be getting your days pay, POSSIBLY making your shop a little more cash, gives you a project to work on for a few days, and you'll be doing it the right way.
What self absorbed American wouldnt appreciate a Job well done the right way?
-SLKid

 

That's EXACTLY why I like to do things myself when I can. It amazes me to no end how so many incompetent shops can stay in business.

Heck, if a job is going to get screwed up, I might as well screw it up myself rather that pay someone else.

 

I was going to say the same thing. Its really hard to find Quality these days. You go in and fork over some hard earned cash and hope you get a good job by an experienced mechanic. More often than not you are getting a butch job by a hack. My son just ran into this at a Chevy dealership. Even when you think your at a good shop your not.

 

Precisely why I've done all my own automotive and motorcycle work since forever.

Every time I break down and take something somewhere they reinforce my original prejudice. Car dealers, motorcycle dealers, it makes no difference. All the GOOD competent ones I once knew are gone now.

 

Sorry, I didn't respond to your initial quandry.

I've been faced with this situation before; my opinion would be to tell the shop that you won't DO sloppy or halfway work; if they want you to stay they will have to accept that you are going to do things right or not at all.

If they're smart, they will realize you're right.

 

I just thought of another thing:

In Michigan anyone can spin wrenches all he wants FOR FREE. If one accepts a buck for doing it a state license is required. I can't imagine NY is any different.

If you don't have the necessary license(s) you could be setting yourself up for a world of hurt.

 

I'd be sure to offer the customer options, informing him of what you found and your recommendations and let him decide.
I'm with Chacal, that shop is not interested in the customer save his money. You might want to start packing your things in preparation for a swift exit. No need for you to have a bad shop's stigma stuck to you.

 

Carl - one would assume it's a he said this, but I say that sort of thing.

If I work on someones bike, they leave. They come back in a week, "I am suing you, you messed my bike up!"

"Uh, no man. I don't even know you."

Do you think that'll fly? It's not like the person will provide proof you did it.
And to top it off, usually I have someone sign a waiver when I work on computers for them, stating no warranty/service is implied and I am not a certified technician, you waive all your rights as a consumer. <---that sounds funny. lol.

That sound appropriate enough?

 

I am with Fitz. talk to the shop people first. If you are willing to take your money and go in the first place, then it is certainly worth telling them you won't do less than a proper job. Hopefully, they respect you for it. If not, it isn't a place you want to be anyways. If they agree, you get a happy customer, if they disagree, then you no longer work for them and you can, in good conscience, speak to the customer and tell them what is needed and what the shop is planning on doing. It can then be up to him if he wants to go with a cheap and easy fix that may cause problems, or if he decides to walk away from him, you may get some side business. You can then find another shop that will take you.