This has made me so happy, I just have to share it.
Just before I went on vacation last week (two thursday's ago), my 300zx started
blowing white smoke out the exhaust. After cursively checking it out, I
thought it was the head gasket (or head). I brought it to a mechanic that came
highly recommended as trustworthy, excellent, and expensive (but worth it).
After an initial exam (nothing too technical), he agreed that it was probably
the head gasket or head. He wanted $900 to change the gasket, do a valve job,
and change the timing belt and tensioner. Around $200 more if the head needed
to be replaced. I went on vacation with the instructions to complete the job if
that's truly what was wrong.
WHen I came back, I found out that before starting work, he double checked with
a compression and leak down test. Result: no leak. The white smoke was being
caused by a vacuum modulator in the tranny that had sprouted a leak. Cost of
job: $135, and no problems in over 100 highway miles.
This mechanic could have completely ripped me off since I gave him the OK for
$900 in work. He could have fixed the modulator and charged me $900. I
probably would have never known.
I guarantee I will bring my car(s) there again if I have something to get done
that's over my head. Occurances like this, and the interaction with mechanics
on these lists are really restoring my faith in the profession. Thanks guys.
Michael
BTW: THe mechanic is Tom Treacy (Treacy Auto Repair: 718-648-1700) in Brooklyn
NY. He also has a machine shop where I understand he also does an EXCELLENT
job. Oh yeah, no financial gain in this plug for his shop.
'87 300zx
'78 MG Midget (About to get ready for the SPRING)
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