[class8]

Hello -

I am trying to understand the engine parts market and service. What do most folks do for engine repairs - do you take it to the dealer or go to the engine distributor for the repairs or take it to a independent mechanic? What is the preference for parts OEM New, OEM Recon or aftermarket?

Thanks!

[firebird_1252]

it depends what it is. anything IN the motor. OEM, AC/PS/Air compressor, i go reman or aftermarket.

as far as PM's. i go to speedco.

small mechanic work goes to well.. my local mechanic (who is on the move so thats nice. )

major engine goes to cat (in my case)

major on the truck goes to the dealer (like the ac in my truck now. )

[class8]

Thanks for the color firebird! More feedback from others would be great.

[solo379]

I'm pretty much the same. But i won't buy anything w/o recommendation. Btw. parts at the dealer, KW in my case, a lot cheaper than some small shops, not to mention truck stops. For example, a brand new, name brand alternator is around $150. Truck stop will charge you more than double that for reman. After 2-3 hundred K miles, i usually buy one, and carry with me, just in case.

[class8]

Thanks Solo - I am sure the truck stops are more expensive for all parts vs. your dealers and distribution center just because they know you must need it.

[Copperhead]

I do oil changes and lubes. I will use independent shop for truck repairs. For engine work, I usually go to Detroit shop. Preference, where I run, is Interstate Power Systems for engine, I have known several of the techs there for years and worked at a previous carrier with the shop supervisor. Sometimes when time is critical, I will stop in to a lube shop for the oil change. When I have to do that, I prefer Housby Lube in Des Moines, or the Sapp Brothers truck stop chain. Can't use Speedco, since they do not know how to charge for only the oil change using my filters and oil (which I always carry filters and enough oil for a complete change). They do not carry the oil (Delo full synthetic) or filters (Donaldson Extended Life) I prefer. They are great though for stopping in and running a quick oil sample. Have done comparisons before between their sample machine and sending a sample to a lab, and the results are pretty close to each other.

I like using remanned brand name components. For some items, I only use new. I have several supply houses around that I can shop to get best pricing on parts. The independent shop I like using, Pro Diesel in Des Moines, does an excellent job of shopping the area for the best price on parts for me.

[Ferry]

For minor problems, I repair myself. But For Large repairs I go to machanic.

[mitchno1]

engine parts at dealer ,cummins etc.truck parts at or through dealer .service at reliable local workshop or yourself if you up to it

[Steve3662]

I have tried them all here and I have to say small shop unless its under warranty. The mechanic I use gives me a great deal he also shuttles the trucks to his shop and back to the yard. So I use him for everything except warrantee work. I have tried the engine companies and they seem to be worse than the dealers around here. They overcharge and still don't fix it right. The dealers charge way to high of a hourly rate and take too long to fix it. So if I'm paying I go to the little guy.

As far as parts I am in the same boat as everyone else. OEM on some parts aftermarket or remanned for others just depends on what it is and the price difference also weighs in.

[boneebone]

I stay away from the Stealership unless I need a specific Volvo part that no one else carries. As for Service I fix what I can myself, if the job is too big or I have a problem troubleshooting it, I take it to a Independent Shop I know of in town that lets me stand there while they are working on my truck.

I've had way too many experiences where mechanics have worked on my truck and damaged something or repaired something and put it back together with bolts missing and when confronted denied it until I ripped Management a new one to fix or repair it right. There are Crooks everywhere, especially the Stealership.