"We don't work on Diesels" - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Shorebilly · #16 11-04-2006, 06:43 AM

G'mornin' Folks,

I know that your feelings got hurt a bit when your loved aging MB Diesel got turned down at the repair shop. However, you are probably way better off because he didn't work on it. Gasser folks, and mechanics are "different", or wait a minute...is it us who are "different"...regardless...even though a Diesel does not have all of that complicated ignition system stuff....some of which I can't identify on the newer autos.....it is "different" enough for a technician who is afraid to say "I don't know"...to just say "I don't do diesel".

I happen to be a NASCAR fan, and I finally went into a shop with several (half dozen or so) race cars (amoung other junky looking stuff) in the lot. I needed to get an inspection sticker for the Benz. Those guys are, for lack of a better word, amused by my '85 300D-T. We talk racin' and about their high HP small blocks, and about the suspension, brakes and all the superior stuff MB installs. It has gotten to a point where, if I bring over some beer after business hours they let me on their lift to change oil or whatever I need a lift for.....I bring my own parts and stuff....they don't keep Rotella and other diesel related products.....and some of my own tools.....and we have a grand time....and I get to work on my own stuff, and have an extra hand available if needed.

Don't rule out the grimy shop!! It may have some true motorheads inside. These guys, a father and 4 sons, are generally pretty busy and work on cars, so that they can play with cars....my kinda folks!!!

SB

bgkast · #17 11-04-2006, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ara T.

My dad's mechanic who did the brakes for me told me he doesn't like working on diesels, cause they're evidently dirty.

Maybe it is because most of them are coverd with oil.

aklim · #18 11-04-2006, 06:11 PM

For one, diesel oil leaves a black patch on concrete that is hard to clean up. I split oil on the driveway a few months ago and it is still there. Gas oil would be over and done with much easier. Diesel fuel stinks and stays for a long time. Spill diesel in your garage and spill gas. Open door and come back an hour later. Tell me which one is still there.

Bottom line is that diesels are few and far between. Mechanics make money by beating book time. So, the more familiar I am with a product, the faster I will be. The faster I am, the more money I make. I'd rather work on a gas car that I am familiar with so I can work on another instead of cracking my head trying to work on a diesel I am not so familiar with. A job that pays 4 hrs is just that. When I am more familiar, I do the job in 2 hrs so that is 2 hrs of free money. That means I get to book say 10 hrs in a day. With a diesel car that I am not familiar with, I may take 6 hrs to do a 4 hr job. That means I get paid 4 hrs. So, why would I work on diesels unless I am familiar with them?

BenzDieselTuner · #19 11-04-2006, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

I prefer to ONLY work on diesels.

Gassers are sloppy, cheap, inefficient and overcomplicated.

i agree 100%

Hatterasguy · #20 11-04-2006, 06:39 PM

Some shops are just crummy, but working on old cars in general is a pita, not just diesel.

Both of my cars have ruined the driveway with various leaks.

TheDon · #21 11-04-2006, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Some shops are just crummy, but working on old cars in general is a pita, not just diesel.

Both of my cars have ruined the driveway with various leaks.

yep same here

BenzDieselTuner · #22 11-04-2006, 07:03 PM

mine has ruined both the driveway AND the garage floor.......

aklim · #23 11-04-2006, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Some shops are just crummy, but working on old cars in general is a pita, not just diesel.

Both of my cars have ruined the driveway with various leaks.

Another thing about diesels is that they are either newer ones the tech is not confident on or they are older ones that can break bolts and cause problems. Like I said, diesels are few and far between. They are not familiar with them so as policy, they don't want to work on it.

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