You guys are being awfully hard on Parts Counter people. I know some that don't know to get in out of the rain, but I also know some that know more about cars than you and I combined. Our problem is knowing which to listen to and which not to listen to. I always say, listen and you will learn. This thread got started with a parts person saying, "This oil looks thin to me, Maybe you need to add a thicker oil" or something to that effect. Maybe he has seen gas or fuel diluted oil before and knows that something is wrong. So just listen, and say "I'll look into it", and leave.

No I am not a parts counter person, but I know a lot of them.

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

I agree with the knowing who to listen to part. Autozone - no, local independant parts shop - maybe. But I also have to admit, as I am sure many of you will also, is that I am a pain in the ass to the average parts or service place. They have no clue about my 21 year old diesel car. I usually go in after I have called ahead to check availability and pick up the part that I need.

The only people I have any questions for are you guys.

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Doug

1987 300TD x 3
2005 E320CDI

Agreed, I know which ones to talk to, and which ones to avoid. The one kid that works there, I've taken aside a few times and taught him things, instead of treating him like he should already know what I need. He's a good listener, and I think he's going to be a great counter person. He's just young and inexperienced right now. Heck, with the amount of different cars I've worked on, and gotten parts for, I'm sure he's learned quite a bit.

with all the engine rebuilds and vehicle maintenance I have done over the years there are a TON of better informed parts salesmen out there!
Most of them don't know more than how to look on the computer for your make and model. it is rare indeed for one to offer me advice or have info I don't have, but it has happened.
John

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

20 something guys working at the local Sutherlands lumber and hardware store didn't know what a 'finish nail' is.......or 'ring shanked'; or as I found out; any nail terminology whatsoever.

Much less that I was requesting some 'ring-shanked finish nails'

It was pathetic & sad ....2 dudes pulling nails out of bins, showing them to me and I had to keep telling them "No, I don't want 16d coated sinkers" or "No, that is a galvanized roofing nail"... "No, that is a wire brad";... This went on for a while until I realized they had no idea of nail sizing or type, Or even what galvanized meant.
It was like a holy revelation on their faces when they realized I wanted the "small head ones" with "little circles around them" ( in their words).

I weep for our future.

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"Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration...
don't Fail Us Now"

Most chain auto parts stores employ whatever they can get for the buck. But belittling them won't get you anything. Like some have said, if it is a young guy take a little time to teach. I have found that a lot of them have project cars of their own and are willing to learn.

I have an indy parts place that is strictly parts and machine shop. The guys there are very knowledgeable. In fact, one of them knows just about any German make, especially VW's, inside and out. They are folks I can call early in the day and have my parts ready for pick up on the way home. Some of the parts may cost a couple of dollars more, but places like that make it up in service. My $$'s are spent more in places that provide service.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I am a parts counter guy (flame suit on) and it is actually nice to see people who give a flyin poo about their cars. I withstand and amazing amount of idoits in a day. It is no wonder why so many parts guys have low iqs, it is the customers!!! "i want a belt for my car" customer
"ok what kind of car is it??" me
"its an impala" customer
"what year?" me
"it shouldn't matter"
"it does" (anyone know how long they made the impala?)
"does it have AC?"
"yes but it doesn't work so give me the one for the ones w/o ac"
"its the same belt" me
"it cant be mine has a compressor"
"you sir are an idoit, the non ac cars have an idler pulley"

Also,
"how do i get the pin in the piston" cust.
"i put the pin in the freezer overnight and it will slide in"
"that will change the metallurgy" cust 2
"so if you leave your car overnight outside and it drops to 30*f your car's engine will be no good b/c it got cold?" me
"that is different" cust 2
"how the hell do you figure?" me
(puzzled look) cust 1

I hate people who refuse to accept reason, that is how you guys rock, if you didn't care about anyone elses op. you wouldn't be part of this forum.. I release the floor.

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I like cars.

You absolutely make the case. People in front or behind the counter can be idiots, sometimes both at the same time.

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'83 240D with 617.952 and 2.88
'01 VW Beetle TDI
'05 Jeep Liberty CRD
'89 Toyota 4x4, needs 2L-T
'78 280Z with L28ET - 12.86@110
Oil Burner Kartel #35

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b1...oD/bioclip.jpg

I've got a small carquest store by my house I go to for most trivial stuff (the bigger stuff I order here). The guys (and gal) there are awesome all the way around. Only one knows anything about diesels, but they are all wrenches on gassers. Best part is that they will special order any additive I ask for. I run RL Catylist and RL Injector cleaner in my car and they special order a case whenever I ask and only ask that I buy 1/3 of a case to make it worth it to them :-)

Just the other day I bought new wiper blades, Before I realized it the parts runner (the guy who delivers to indy shops), had taken the new blades out and installed them for me. Brought the old ones in and left them on the counter. Sales guy asked I wanted them thrown away and I was all:
me: "Those arent mine dude"
him: "you sure?"
me: "yeah I think those are the other guys" (did not know he was the runner)
him: "well, these are your's he installed them for you"
me: "holy moley! you guys rock!"

That is a shop worth going to. I can S.O. almost anything through them (except their BOSCH injectors are only Indian, and the BOSCH GPs are too expensive compared to fastlane).
-nB

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'83 300D Turbo
Current: ???K mi - 19.2mpg -> 17.4mpg -> 22.9mpg ---> ODO Died
bought at: 233.8K mi - 10MPG For $1.00
3.5 cylinders work: 320 320 100 340 280
Got insurance? FarmersReallySucks.Com

Mr Kenny,
What year is the Olds behnd the Motor Cycle. Looks to be about 56 or so.

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

Oh I have been there! Working in the marine field I have had the exact same conversations, just swap in a Volvo 4.3GLX for the first one.

Thats why I avoid the chain stores. Bought some oil from the local store today, the counter guys were talking about there hot rod builds and resto projects. They are so so about diesel but for a gas engine they know a ton. They are pretty good when it comes to Mercedes. I remember one time I was buying some 0w40 for my buddy. I think I was driving my moms Olds. I put 8 quarts of 0w40 on the counter and the guy gives me a funny look. (he was probably thinking it was for the Olds) He said something along the lines of "What do you plan on using that oil for" I said its for a Mercedes, he said "oh yeah thats what they spec".
Drove right past Autozone and spent $50 on Mobil 1 at the local store insted, score 1 for small business.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Looks to me like a 1957 Pontiac

www.57heaven.com

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

In regards to the counter guys: it kind of depends what store you are at. The NAPA here might as well have mechanics working there, for the counter is very knowledgable, and know what they are talking about. The last time I was in an Autozone, I had a nice argument (him arguing mostly) with the guy about how my headlights (US spec, round) were aftermarket (according to his computer he couldn't even get them), and what they carried (hid's for the solid lense euros) was stock. I said no, he said yes several times very aggressively, like I was giving him a hard time. I got the lights I needed by having him look up headlights for a 240. Bingo. He kept trying to convince me that the 240 ones wouldn't even fit on my car. "Look," he said, "they aren't even the same model car. Look at the numbers!." He went on to mention that his brother owned a 300, and that they had the square lights. An SD? I thought, but no. His brother owned a 300d! I talked to his manager, who didn't seem any more capable of customer service. After years of them ordering the incorrect parts, giving the incorrect brake pads for my cars, I finnally retired autozone from my suppliers for good. I won't even look for prices there anymore. I HATE AUTOZONE (sorry to rant!)

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1989 300E 144K

yeah, the last time I went to aotuzoo (in march) there wer 3 guys "working"(standing behind the counter, BSing) along with 1 unloading a truck. I stood at the counter for 5 minutes waiting to be helped-no other customers at the time. I simply walked out, saying "well, I'm sure the guys at Napa will be willing to help me." all three turned and were very eager to help. too late. havent returned.

most napas are individually owned, so at least a few guys there will know something. allthough i sent the wife for a gallon of zerex G-05 for her chrysler, and one guy was trying to sell her zerex dexcool- he said they're all the same. at least my wife knows enough to see that if i take the time to write down a specific brand and type, she better not bring home something else.

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

I used to work in the Automotive Dept at K-Mart in the early 80's. Idiots there to...

Customer: I need an oil filter and can't find it in the Fram book you have hanging out there.

Me: Ok, lets go take a look. Sometimes people tear the pages out...

Customer: I have a Cadillac Cimmaron, '81, and I want the Fram for it. I'll let you show me in the book where to find it.

Me: Not a prob...I go through the book, find the Cadillac Cimarron, and the book has in bold print "See Chevrolet Cavalier" I flip back to the Cavalier, locate the filter number, and then she says...

Customer: I TOLD you I have a Cadillac, I DO NOT have a Chevy! Don't you know the difference between a plain Chevrolet and a Cadillac?

As she was storming off...

Me: That Cimmaron is nothing more than a Cavalier with a $10,000 trim upgrade.

She just looked back and glared at me.

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RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K