Alex Bruene

We get paid straight time from Ford to do them, as long as your documentation is correct. I got 36 hours to replace a high pressure fuel pump on one. Problem is, I don't come to work to make 8 hours a day.

We got a call from them again yesterday... Seems like another rash of buses have broken down.

It may burn great amounts of diesel fuel, but I'm sure a great amount of alcohol was involved in it's conception!

I don't work on F-150's. Thankfully.

That's kind of what I thought.

I also elected cab removal to replace the head. Easiest cab ever... and this is coming from a guy that NEVER removes cabs!

I've used one with the spacer. I couldn't figure out how it went either. But, I could not get the spacer to remain installed, so I installed the seal as I normally would, but the spacer fell out, so I installed the pulley without the spacer. It's been fine... so far, at least.

I've had a 6.0 with the same concern. Replacing the wiper motor fixed it. It was so long ago, I can't remember how we came to that conclusion.

This guy (somehow) welds a stud on to the broken bolt and spins it out with the manifold still installed. He won't tell anybody what kind of rod he uses and takes the removed piece with him... perhaps so you can't see what the "stud" he welds on to the broken bolt actually is.

Right side is easy. Even easier when you have a guy you can call in that can get the broken bolts out with the manifold still installed!

I am quite happy where I work (again). As much as I blab about wanting to leave Ford, I don't think it will ever happen. I like the money. I have fun doing the job. I like the freedom and relaxed environment most of all.

I'll never forget my fuck-up on the first 6.0 I replaced. I won't even mention what I forgot to transfer... But I know I wasn't the first, and am definately not the last! When I see people changing 6.0 engines for the first time, I always wait until they have the flywheel back on to ask if they forgot anything.

I've done that. It doesn't always work IMHO.

That dealer group has a completely different demographic than I am used to. It's all about 3 things... 1. Volume... 2. Volume... and 3. Volume. In the mix of that, customer and employee satisfaction seems to take the back seat.

I use the Channel Lock method for reassembly. But, I cut a hole in the hose I'm replacing to let the coolant run out before separating the connector.

Okay. Lesson learned. It's not all about the money!

I left the dealership in question about a month ago to return to my prior employer. I did not drop the dime as far as these questionable practices are concerned... But did use the information I had as collateral to get all the money they owed me in a timely manner. I feel a lot more comfortable working at a place that does things by the book. And, FWIW, I haven't been debited once since my return to my old store.

What can you do? It's obvious they don't want techs discussing the real issues or telling it like it is.

I've been threatened with the James Warman treatment when I spoke my mind on the message board...

I do know of one position available in that range... Check your inbox.

Really? Is it that bad? Up here we don't get too many really stupid questions...

The town I live in has no red lights, but the city I work in has a few thousand. I guess that's relative. Dealers around here (that I know of/have heard of) pay anywhere from the low 20's to the mid 40's for licensed flat-rate techs. It is the indi shops that are paying in the teens. I'm a firm believer in getting what you pay for.

So, I peruse a few job sites on a daily basis... along with being on countless e-mail lists from recruiters and such... Not that I'm looking for a new job (again), but rather than to not miss hearing the knock of opportunity... Any-hooters, the amount of postings that I see for "Licensed Mechanics" that pay between $15 and $20 per hour boggles my mind... Are we not worth more than that? What kind of "qualified" techs are you going to get for that kind of cake? Is it just me that thinks that rate of pay is extremely low? $31200 per year? Would you like fries with that?

I keep hearing the rumor more and more that we will see the full size Transit in North America very soon.

I did a few in the fall, but I haven't seen one in quite a while. Wat'up wit dat?