adamant628
Veteran Member
I need someone who can do body work in SE PA.
I talked to Josh at Keystone European, and he doesn't do body work anymore.
I talked to Josh at Keystone European, and he doesn't do body work anymore.
Trusted TDI Mechanics - By State
- Thread starter jwlionking
- Start date
Mechanic in Southern IN
Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in Southwest Indiana? I see a couple listed for Indiana, but one is in Indy, the other is further north - both are over 3 hours away.
I'm located in Evansville. I know of a shop locally called Marks Metric, but I believe he specialized in air-cooled VW's - does anyone know more? Also Foreign Performance, but they charge as much, or more than the dealership.
Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in Southwest Indiana? I see a couple listed for Indiana, but one is in Indy, the other is further north - both are over 3 hours away.
I'm located in Evansville. I know of a shop locally called Marks Metric, but I believe he specialized in air-cooled VW's - does anyone know more? Also Foreign Performance, but they charge as much, or more than the dealership.
VW Oil
Anyone else have any experience using Valvoline SynPower 5w40 in a BEW TDI? I've been using it with good results for a few years, since it's the only stuff I can walk into a store locally and pick up that's actually 505.01 certified (and I do always check the label for the spec).
Opinions?
Anyone else have any experience using Valvoline SynPower 5w40 in a BEW TDI? I've been using it with good results for a few years, since it's the only stuff I can walk into a store locally and pick up that's actually 505.01 certified (and I do always check the label for the spec).
Opinions?
Last edited:
woodchuck
New member
Thanks, TornadoRed! I talked to Phil, the VW specialist at European Service Works in Memphis, TN (one of the shops on the preferred list), and he seemed very knowledgeable - at least asked all the right questions. So, I'm going to flatbed it up there next week and get the TB work done. Is there anything else critical that should be taken care of at 110k? Might as well get whatever taken care of while it's there, considering the distance.
OshawaOgre
Member
your not kdding, they are great
Made me feel right at home instantly and he did a great thourough job, I do believe I have found a great doctor for my my Jetta if and when i need one.
Fred
I went there to have a 03 jrtte TDI checked out before I put in an offer and the first words from him were "Welcome to the Family" as he extended his hand.JoaoF said:
Made me feel right at home instantly and he did a great thourough job, I do believe I have found a great doctor for my my Jetta if and when i need one.
Fred
I recently did my timing belt and as I have purchased the tools to do so I would like to offer my services to those who need someone that will do a good job. I live in Hattiesburg, MS, however this week I will be in New Mexico and Nevada. I will be bringing my tools. I am a computer guy that does all his own work on whatever. I am very mechanical and do things right the first time. If interested my number is 2286977499
jsrmonster
Veteran Member - TDIClub Enthusiast
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2002
- Location
- Red Lion, PA
- TDI
- 15 Golf SW DSG, RC3 piped, 99.5 Jetta Rocket PD150 6spd 4motion, 2000 ASV110 RC6 "Silverbullet" 5spd Race Car, 2003.5 Cummins QCLB 4x4 "Blue Monster" Jeep CRD juiced, MB Sprinter van juiced up
I just got the worst botched TB job from Mark1 in Maryland. The customer didn't want to post here, and doesn't want to pursue legal compensation, cuz his wife just died, and he has no need to complicate his life more.
Long story short, he had his car towed to the shop for a new TB with concerns that his old one may have failed or not running right. Car still ran before job. New TB was installed by shop, and car started, and then dropped a valve and trashed the head, pistons, and cam.
Shop called back and said you car is trash, come get it and pay your bill.
Enough said. I have many pics from teardown, loose belt - tensioner anchor not in slot, loose cam bolt (not even torqued 10ftlbs), old crank/cam seals reused, etc. I have to tear this motor down completely, and rebuild now.
Note to shops, if customers have pre existing belt problem, check lifters for crowning damage due to minor valve collision before starting job. Pull head or get a good optical probe to see valve marks on pistons. I see this same problem every day. It seems I am getting alot of work lately from other shops that can't do it right the first time. Always ask many questions about the job, procedures, tools, in-house vagcom, and quality part suppliers, and get customer references from shops who claim they work on TDI's!
Jeff
Long story short, he had his car towed to the shop for a new TB with concerns that his old one may have failed or not running right. Car still ran before job. New TB was installed by shop, and car started, and then dropped a valve and trashed the head, pistons, and cam.
Shop called back and said you car is trash, come get it and pay your bill.
Enough said. I have many pics from teardown, loose belt - tensioner anchor not in slot, loose cam bolt (not even torqued 10ftlbs), old crank/cam seals reused, etc. I have to tear this motor down completely, and rebuild now.
Note to shops, if customers have pre existing belt problem, check lifters for crowning damage due to minor valve collision before starting job. Pull head or get a good optical probe to see valve marks on pistons. I see this same problem every day. It seems I am getting alot of work lately from other shops that can't do it right the first time. Always ask many questions about the job, procedures, tools, in-house vagcom, and quality part suppliers, and get customer references from shops who claim they work on TDI's!
Jeff
Last edited:
TornadoRed
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2003
- Location
- West Des Moines (formerly St Paul)
- TDI
- 2003 Golf GLS 5-spd, indigo blue; 2003 Jetta TDI wagon, silver; 2003 Jetta TDI wagon, indigo blue; 2003 Golf GL 5-spd, red (retired); 2003 Jetta TDI wagon, Candy White (sold)
It looks like Mark1VWs was added to the list based on the recommendation of a single person, Dave_D, who had an AC system repair performed there.jsrmonster said:
I will PM jwlionking and recommend this shop be removed -- they may be fine for general VW service, but they are not TDI experts.
Thanks for the head's-up, Jeff.
cmariusz1
Member
Seattle
BUG AID is questionable. They do ok work but overcharge as if i was driving a porsche. 2hours of work [if that] and $100 in parts [if that] turned into a $600 repair bill. I suckered myself by not researching before I had them do the job.
Oh and they will change your rear brakes for $250, with a straight face.
Oil change is $100.
BUG AID is questionable. They do ok work but overcharge as if i was driving a porsche. 2hours of work [if that] and $100 in parts [if that] turned into a $600 repair bill. I suckered myself by not researching before I had them do the job.
Oh and they will change your rear brakes for $250, with a straight face.
Oil change is $100.
jasonTDI
TDI GURU Vendor , w/Business number
Pads and rotors plus labor for $250? What are you crying about? It's an HOUR a side by every labor book.
And $8 a qt oil, filter and they are charging the .5 hour allowed for the oil service. It takes that long to do a proper pan drain. Looks like they didn't want to have a "loss leader" in O.C. services. At $70 I make less than $17 for an oil change and have to get rid of your parts and fluid.
And $8 a qt oil, filter and they are charging the .5 hour allowed for the oil service. It takes that long to do a proper pan drain. Looks like they didn't want to have a "loss leader" in O.C. services. At $70 I make less than $17 for an oil change and have to get rid of your parts and fluid.
cmariusz1
Member
Ok
They did the dogbone mount, right side engine mount, and glowplug harness for six hundred dollars. Does that sound right?
They did the dogbone mount, right side engine mount, and glowplug harness for six hundred dollars. Does that sound right?
jasonTDI
TDI GURU Vendor , w/Business number
I'd say that was about $150 high. Depends on where the parts came from.
If they were dealer items the right mount is $150, the dogbone is $120 and the GP harness is $100.
2-2 1/2 hours labor.
Bout' right for a metro area shop.
I'd have been under $400. But I source parts other places for less $$.
If they were dealer items the right mount is $150, the dogbone is $120 and the GP harness is $100.
2-2 1/2 hours labor.
Bout' right for a metro area shop.
I'd have been under $400. But I source parts other places for less $$.
cmariusz1
Member
Thanks Jason,
I hate walking out of a shop feeling something is not right. I think they could have just done the bushings in the dogbone. I have to get better at talking things through with with the mechanics. I don't mind paying for fair work and I am not trying to get anything for free. I just want to find a mechanic with whom I can trust my car with, and develop a good business relationship. If anyone knows a good shop in the Seattle area please let me know?
I have had work done at FixUmHaus in Portland, OR. good guys that know their stuff and excellent work. Not an inexpensive shop by any means, but they do good work and explain it.
I hate walking out of a shop feeling something is not right. I think they could have just done the bushings in the dogbone. I have to get better at talking things through with with the mechanics. I don't mind paying for fair work and I am not trying to get anything for free. I just want to find a mechanic with whom I can trust my car with, and develop a good business relationship. If anyone knows a good shop in the Seattle area please let me know?
I have had work done at FixUmHaus in Portland, OR. good guys that know their stuff and excellent work. Not an inexpensive shop by any means, but they do good work and explain it.
Last edited:
ymz
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- May 12, 2003
- Location
- Between Toronto & Montreal
- TDI
- 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon, 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon
Could you please change your profile to read "Seattle" and not "Richmondale PA"??cmariusz1 said:
Just outside Seattle, Zahntech Import Automotive in Redmond has gotten very good reviews...
Yuri
VeeDubTDI
Wanderluster, Traveler, TDIClub Enthusiast
Bad news about Mark1VW!
Hi all. Did my own timing belt replacement over 2000 miles ago on my single owner 2003 jetta alh tdi in southern mississippi. I'm now in the Albuquerque, NM area and looking for work. I will travel within a reasonable distance and do timing belts on-site.
TornadoRed
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2003
- Location
- West Des Moines (formerly St Paul)
- TDI
- 2003 Golf GLS 5-spd, indigo blue; 2003 Jetta TDI wagon, silver; 2003 Jetta TDI wagon, indigo blue; 2003 Golf GL 5-spd, red (retired); 2003 Jetta TDI wagon, Candy White (sold)
Update your profile.jwpierce3 said:
I would like to recommend Banchwerks in Pawtucket, RI. Check them out at http://www.banchwerks.com/ . I drive a mk III golf with an ahu swap in it along with lots of other goodies so that it can pull trailers and go off jumps. I haven't found any other shops close by that I trust with my car, so I usually drive down there twice a year from VT (5hrs) to keep my car happy.
The address is 579 Weeden st., Pawtucket, RI 02860
The address is 579 Weeden st., Pawtucket, RI 02860
VeeDubTDI
Wanderluster, Traveler, TDIClub Enthusiast
rosylea, interesting project car! What work have you had this shop perform for you?
a320drvr
Member
SW Denver
Just had the timing belt, H2Opump, and fluid changeout at Hardey's Motorwerks in Parker, CO. I can not say enough about Hardey and the crew. They did outstanding work and got my TDI out earlier than expected. Hardey was considerably less expensive than the dealers I shopped. If you want straight up excellent work, contact Hardey. This is the only place I will let touch my TDI!
http://www.hardeysmotorwerks.com
RJ Johnson
Elbert CO
Just had the timing belt, H2Opump, and fluid changeout at Hardey's Motorwerks in Parker, CO. I can not say enough about Hardey and the crew. They did outstanding work and got my TDI out earlier than expected. Hardey was considerably less expensive than the dealers I shopped. If you want straight up excellent work, contact Hardey. This is the only place I will let touch my TDI!
http://www.hardeysmotorwerks.com
RJ Johnson
Elbert CO
YellowBugGirl
Veteran Member
Just wanted to give you a good report on Wolf DMS in Las Vegas. They replaced the turbo in one of my bugs last August, it's running great. Then last week I blew a headlight and didn't have time to replace it. I stopped by the shop, they did the work and "no charge". Wolf says it's just good customer service. He knows I'll be back.
BTW, the local dealership wanted $130 to change that one bulb........ Outrageous!
BTW, the local dealership wanted $130 to change that one bulb........ Outrageous!
DEZLBOY
Veteran Member
@YBG - you are so right! My shop (Wheaton Auto Center, Wheaton, MD) has the same policy. Makes so much sense.....YellowBugGirl said:
JettaTDI8655
Veteran Member
Just wanted to post that vwjettadsl, Ben, does outstanding work! He did my TB and WP change for me super fast and now I am confident my engine is safe for another 100K!
If you are anywhere in the MO, KS, NE, or AR area, I suggest you have him work on your car!
Thanks again Ben!
If you are anywhere in the MO, KS, NE, or AR area, I suggest you have him work on your car!
Thanks again Ben!
anyone in new orleans area ?
I know sk8rdi16 is an hour away - but it is my wife with car and she doesn't travel well.
I want the tranny fluid changed in an 04 wagon ( i have filter, gasket and fluid ) along with 507 oil change.
thx
I know sk8rdi16 is an hour away - but it is my wife with car and she doesn't travel well.
I want the tranny fluid changed in an 04 wagon ( i have filter, gasket and fluid ) along with 507 oil change.
thx
pgenis
Veteran Member
Wheaton Service Center is OK and another shop in Silver Spring, MD
Another good place is Beltway Chevron - Georgia and Beltway (I495) - across the street from Staples and CVS. They are between Texaco and little strip mall. Paul is one of the owners and is a chief mechanic there. He is working on our diesel Liberty now. Very honest folks and very knowledgeable. The address is 9475 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910. tel. 301-587-3525 shop, cashier 301-587-6161. The advantage of the gas station mechanic is that one can pick up car any time (or drop for that matter). The cashier is always there.
Peter
We are taking our VWs to Wheaton Service Center and they do a good job. Years ago my old mechanic recommended me this shop (he passed away now, but some in MD may remember Jack Belgard of Belgard Engineering on Rt. 410 in Silver Spring). They only work on VWs and bulk of their work is petrol cars, but they know how to work diesels too.TornadoRed said:
Another good place is Beltway Chevron - Georgia and Beltway (I495) - across the street from Staples and CVS. They are between Texaco and little strip mall. Paul is one of the owners and is a chief mechanic there. He is working on our diesel Liberty now. Very honest folks and very knowledgeable. The address is 9475 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910. tel. 301-587-3525 shop, cashier 301-587-6161. The advantage of the gas station mechanic is that one can pick up car any time (or drop for that matter). The cashier is always there.
Peter
greendi
Member
north central PA
Hack's Service Center
10 Washingtonville Road
Bloomsburg, PA 17815-6542
(570) 437-2671
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hack%27s+service+center%2Bjerseytown+pa&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=
Hack's Service Center
10 Washingtonville Road
Bloomsburg, PA 17815-6542
(570) 437-2671
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hack%27s+service+center%2Bjerseytown+pa&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=
pyankura
Vendor
Jamie Jenkins
588 Ridgewood Drive
Fredericktown, Pa. 15333
(724) 267-3555
Pittsburgh, Washington, Pa, Ohio, THE tri-state area!
13 years master VW/AUDI
Not your typical VW tech.
He scored genius on I.Q. test when he was like 11. He has a limited intellect which he focuses on VAG not Quantum Mechanics. He has made his employer what it is but he can not work on all the cars that go there. He is just one person! When you have ANY VAG problem with ANY VAG, call him!
588 Ridgewood Drive
Fredericktown, Pa. 15333
(724) 267-3555
Pittsburgh, Washington, Pa, Ohio, THE tri-state area!
13 years master VW/AUDI
Not your typical VW tech.
He scored genius on I.Q. test when he was like 11. He has a limited intellect which he focuses on VAG not Quantum Mechanics. He has made his employer what it is but he can not work on all the cars that go there. He is just one person! When you have ANY VAG problem with ANY VAG, call him!
Last edited:
jasonTDI
TDI GURU Vendor , w/Business number
Who, what, when, what tools, background. One brake job won't cut it.
More detail is required.
More detail is required.
greendi said:
ymz
Top Post Dawg
- Joined
- May 12, 2003
- Location
- Between Toronto & Montreal
- TDI
- 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon, 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon
Fredericktown, Pa is 4 hours away from Washington... Are you serious??pyankura said:
As JasonTDI said about the previous post... what has this service person done that shows his expertise with the TDI engines???
Yuri
greendi
Member
Best VW guys I've found anywhere! From brake jobs to engine jobs to parts. 40 plus yrs in business.