Closed for the winter... - Page 2

Scottwax · 11-21-08, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by weekendwarrior

I don't like washing engines - and don't, primarily for this reason. Even if the issue isn't caused by me, the client will remember I was the last one in there, and that I hosed that engine down.

The only thing I will do is to use damp rags and a few brushes with a squirt bottle of water / ONR to do a wipe down of the engine bay. I will then dress plastic covers with a water based dressing. I just don't want the liability of saturating an engine with water.

Same here. Besides, I may get asked once or twice (seriously!) to clean an engine.

longdx · 11-21-08, 01:41

A similiar thing happened to me of a late nineties VW. Detailed the engine and inevitably the check engine light came on and the rear power window regulator broke while cleaning the window (apparantly a commonplace problem with that vintage). Fortunately the check engine light turned off the following morning, but I was stuck with replacing the window regulator. I try to avoid doing details with that generation VW's for that reason and am much more cognizant about engine details.

Scottwax · 11-21-08, 01:46

Just an FYI when doing a '97-01 Mercedes. There is a transmission computer right under the shifter, you get it wet and it is $1000 to replace. It was mentioned in a trade magazine.

jeteast99 · 11-21-08, 03:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelM

FWIW proper business insurance will cover accidental damage like that. Obviously you have to make the decision whether it is worth the potential increase in your rate for claiming but sometimes it's worth it.

I recently was handed a bill for over $1000 to replace a motor that controls the audio/nav screen on an A8 (with 90,000 miles no less). I turned that one in to my insurance, only had to pay my $100 deductible.

Is this general liability insurance?

DaGonz · 11-21-08, 03:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by dublifecrisis

VAG coil packs will fry if you sneeze near them. especially in the 99-2005 range.

For the record.. it was a 2005 S4... and it was hologram city when I picked it up.

brwill2005 · 11-22-08, 09:20

I feel for you. I just blew out a run flat tire today on a customer's Mini-Copper. Some industrial strap with huge metal buckles was in the middle of the road on the way from picking up the car. Customer was not too upset but it is going to cost me money.

toyotaguy · 11-22-08, 12:53

Yep, thats the reason I dont do engines period....let the local car wash have at it for $25 bucks...

Jakerooni · 11-23-08, 08:06

Just out of curiosity there... How do you guys go about shampooing the engines? You do air purge them completly dry after shampooing correct? I think the biggest issue I've ever had washing out the engine bay is I got a cap and rotor wet once and had to take it off to dry it out. This is the first I've heard of this many common issues to washing out engine bays. Is it mainly just an audi issue?

MichaelM · 11-24-08, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeteast99

Is this general liability insurance?

I have a garage keepers policy with a general liability portion as well that covers over and beyond the GK. Not sure which it falls under.

ShineShop · 11-25-08, 08:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottwax

Just an FYI when doing a '97-01 Mercedes. There is a transmission computer right under the shifter, you get it wet and it is $1000 to replace. It was mentioned in a trade magazine.

Another FYI, we detailed a 2006 GMC dually last week and after washing the truck and rinsing the doorjambs the truck would start but wouldn't stay running. We barely even got the jambs wet but the mechanic at the dealership said the wiring harness runs right under the door sill plate and it was a little damp which was causing the problem. It started right up again when they got it back to the dealership (free tow thanks to gm roadside)

. First time for that one. Apparently there is a computer in the door of the gm trucks too that if it gets wet causes BIG problems.

David Fermani · 11-25-08, 08:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Picus

Coil pack problems are hugely common on early to mid 2000 Audi's and VW's. I understand why you paid, but it is unlikely that you caused the issue. I'd chalk it up to a crummy learning situation and continue detailing,

This may be the case(coil packs on every vehicle are sensitive), but if he initiated the final failure, he owes for it. IT's hard to give this excuse to a customer and expect them to let your off the hook for the repair.

Sorry to hear about this Gonz. I hope next year takes a turn for the better.