Keith Browning

There have been quite a few posts in several forums about technicians leaving the business. It is also becoming more difficult to find new techs, experienced or entry level. We have witnessed the closing of hundreds of dealers that once employed thousands of trained technicians but every year we are reminded that there is a dangerous shortage. This is finally hitting home for me. My dealer has always had problems finding good, employable technicians and truck/diesel techs are harder to find yet. But we have always been able to fill the bays after some time went by. I am now saying good bye to two good auto techs in our shop with training. They have been with the company over ten years and are leaving to work in different fields. Well, one is going to be a state employed mechanic. The trend seems to indicate more will leave before long. Why are skilled workers finding it difficult to make decent money in this business? This is a high tech industry that represents retail and service business. Will we hit bottom and find ourselves in a business that cant support itself?

Outstanding guys! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rockon.gif

Sadly, ours is too with a broken dock latch handle. It still makes a good tester even without the module programming. We decided it wasn't worth the money to fix.

There's always Ebay. I wonder how much it would fetch? And I am sure if you wanted to sell it, one of our Canadian peers would probably be interested since it seems to be a U.S. offering. Jim would be the cat's ass up in Slave Lake being the only kid in town with one!

Quote: I was wondering how you actually verified employment. Remember filling out the form? The where you work and work telephone number must be filled out. Most of the time I will call you, at work. I may not actually speak to you directly, but I call. My apologies to those who picked up the phone and nobody was there. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/blush.gif I have spoken with some members though and every so often, nobody has ever heard of who I am calling for. I have other methods as well, but thats for me to know. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif Then there's guys like Jim who lets it all hang out and there is little doubt who they are. Remember, I am a member of just about every forum out there including the Genuine Quality Care Ford Message Boards on QCDealer.com Hang your email address out for all to see there, you get an invite! My methods are not perfect and it sometimes comes down to my mood when I get a new member notification whether I check or not but there is a system in place and it is used. Unlike most boards, there is a REAL person behind admissions and every registration is reviewed so you can't just skate right in.

Amazing how the silliest little tricks bring us so much joy. I remember giggling at the stupid simplicity of spraying penetrating oil on a clamp.

Quote: Will you have a repair facility category? The possibilities are unlimited. It really comes down to how popular this kind of thing becomes. There is so much CRAP out there on the Internet that using search engines is sometimes a complete waste of time. The key is to not try to be everything. I came up with the first 100 "top level" links and I am still finding more. More categories will eventually be added and each category can be split up into sub-categories. If I see a very large interest in creating a repair facility category, I don't see why not but I would have to set it up by state. I would like to see on line retailers on the site but I want THEM to find me and sign up. Heck, while I am at it, why not a category for dealers? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/shrug.gif Alright! Let me finish up with my art designer and finish the logo design first!

Quote: SSM 0107 - 2008 F-SUPERDUTY - 6.4L ENGINE - MAY EXHIBIT COOLANT LEAKS LOCATED AT THE RADIATOR SIDE TANK CRIMPING AREA. SOME 2008 SUPER-DUTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT COOLANT LEAKS AT THE RADIATOR SIDE TANK CRIMPING AREA. ALL SERVICE PARTS WITH A BUILD DATE OF 7/9/2007 OR LATER ARE CERTIFIED STOCK. BEFORE INSTALLING SERVICE PARTS VISUALLY INSPECT TO ENSURE THAT END TANK CRIMP TABS ARE COMPLETELY CLOSED AND NO CRACKS ARE PRESENT AT THE TRANS COOLER LINE FITTINGS OR INLET/OUTLET PORTS. BUILD DATES ARE LOCATED ON A YELLOW OR WHITE LABEL LOCATED ON THE TOP RADIATOR CROSS RAIL. AFTER THE RADIATOR IS REMOVED FROM IT'S PACKAGING INSPECT TO VERIFY THERE IS NO DAMAGE PRESENT THAT MAY RESULT IN A LEAK OR REPEAT REPAIR.

Yes, I like it too. In fact, I saved the picture... now I need a picture if a big steamy pile of... with a white background... I have a great ad idea! I'm always thinkin! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

Quote: Molsons and Labatts Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif Forgive my ignorance, what's the occasion?

Alright. I just visited that thread again, much longer than I last saw. Who is "blacksnapon" and what are you trying to do? Wreck the thread with intelligence? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rofl.gif Hmmm, 31 years in the business... anyone from this site? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/scratchhead.gif Then again, now that it looks like we won't get pummled...

I have evasively mentioned here in the DTS forums that I was developing a new web site. Well, I have just about completed development and the web site is live and functioning. I need to finish some email templates and test them leaving the final color choices and logo to be finalized... but I am letting it rip anyway! DieselMentor.com Diesel Mentor , "A Diesel Powered Guide To The Internet" is a web site link directory where web site owners can create an account and add their diesel/truck related web site to the directory. The directory itself as it grow larger will be a great place to surf diesel related links. There are quite a few categories that make up the directory and some will be broken down into sub-categories as needed. I did this in place of having a "Links" page here on the Diesel Technician Society web site but as I looked at it I decided it could do well on it's own. A links page is limited but a Directory becomes a valuable resource. I will however tie it into the DTS web site. I invite you check it out and look forward to your comments. Negative feedback and suggestions are welcome - please don't be bashful or afraid I will be insulted. I need honest opinions. Some of you are owners or administrators of a diesel web site that is most likely already listed. You do not need to do anything to enjoy the benefits of being listed, it is a free directory. If you want to be able to delete /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/surprise.gif (I couldn't imagine why) modify or protect your listing, I recommend that you sign up and activate an account and request that the administrator change the link ownership from the site administrator to you. I hope that you find the directory useful and that it grows into something great. Thank you for your continued support!

Jim, I don't think you need to do that, really. In the past I have had a few batteries that had a bad cell proven by a hydrometer test that passed using the tester. Likewise, I have seen the tester pass a few batteries that simply just would not hold a charge over a day or two. Perhaps I had the good fortune of having a good factory Rep that knows how to make the proper judgment call. All I needed to to was show my Service Manager who gives me the nod to replace the battery. All he asks is that I document my findings with an accurate description and write the RO# on the battery. The Rep has no problem approving the claim when we play fair. Am I repeating myself? Sorry if I am... But I am not going to screw around with a bad battery and a stupid tester. I have a lot of shit to get done! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

Remember, the bean counters at Ford don't care about YOUR PRODUCTIVITY, they care about THEIR PROFITABILITY! While I certainly don't condone replacing good batteries, or any other part for that matter, some of the tools and tests Ford has shoved up our asses over the years are solely to protect Ford's bottom line. That battery tester is not perfect and I trust my hydrometer and a good load tester more. If you know the battery is bad, replace it and get the truck out of your shop and the customer back on the road. Let the battery sit in your shop with the tester connected to it while you move on. Just don't forget to add the ACES and DTC codes to the repair order!

Jeff, does he have you do all of his maintenance?

Cant say enough about how right you are. Thanks for the update!

Well, Steve, that is something to think about and that would be a completely valid concern were I addressing a group of technicians that make a living upselling un-needed work. We know they are out there. Just to drive my point home, ANY time a customer comes through your door and trusts you with their vehicle, you owe them the respect of dealing with then and their vehicle with honesty and integrity. If you take a few minutes to look their vehicle over and document anything that requires immediate or future attention, you are not only doing your job but you are providing the customer with a valuable service... no matter if they they say "no thanks." They are likely going to have someone else check your recommendations and validate your findings assuming you are "on the level." You bet, it can go either way but I certainly would not let that stop me from providing any customer with an honest report on their vehicle. Hey, all they can say is no! Right? Don't let opportunity pass you by.

Jim, what is a QC550? Is that the Canadian equivalent of our QCRC (Quality Care Report Card)?

While a recall is a negative thing for consumers, this sort of thing will bring 3.6 million vehicles into the dealerships. That is 3.6 million opportunities to add extra work - even a simple oil change combined with a QCRC could potentially bring repeat visits. A large number of these 3.6 million vehicles are likely not maintained at Ford dealerships. Turn a negative thing like a recall around with an excellent service experience and you might just gain new customers and bring some old ones back! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/2cents.gif

No, not that type on the filter. The 80's trucks starting with the 6.9L and the first year of the 7.3L idi. The water separator was located ... I'll go snap a picture...

Did you fellas see this today? /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbup.gif Quote: "6.4L Power Stroke Diesel Certified" Leather Jacket To further recognize the commitment and competency of our diesel certified technicians we are pleased to announce that all Specialty 51 diesel certified technicians who: Had completed the new 6.4L Diesel Engine Theory and Operation Web Based Course (51S10W0) by March 31, 2007, and, Complete the new 6.4L Diesel Engine Diagnosis and Repair Classroom Course (51S11T0) by September 28, 2007, will receive a custom made leather jacket featuring an image of the 2008 Super Duty truck, the words "6.4L Power Stroke Diesel Certified" and the PTS logo. For complete details, see the Dealer Communication ""6.4L PowerStroke Diesel Certified" Leather Jacket", published August 3, 2007. If you have completed the web-based course by March 31, and the classroom course before September 28, Click here to enter your STARS2 ID to order your jacket.

But to stand in front of one of these trucks and look at the filter set up on the engine, would it not have just been easier to change to the new filter with the open end on the bottom for the water collection bowl and sensor... and buy the collection bowl? When Navistar updated to that design it seemed as though it was just that simple. Of course the WIF sensor lead was now 4 feet to the right but you could easily splice some wire into the harness... Okay, who am I kidding.

I think the valve itself leaked but I personally have never touched one either. That is what I remember.

This was posted in the Ford Message Boards. Quote: A Japanese company (Toyota ) and an American company (FordMoCo ) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race. On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile. The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing. Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing. Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager. They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the "Rowing Team Quality First Program," with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses. The next year the Japanese won by two miles. Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India. Sadly, The End. Sad, but oh so true! Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can't make money paying American wages. Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US. The last quarter's results: Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads.... Signed: anonymous .. (never mind the login I.D. ....) /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif