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Rivets or other mechanic's

#1

H

hitmanharleyk

How much should I expect for the repair on my kawasaki fh531v? They are replacing the head for the stripped out spark plug and looking at the carb, it was leaking gas when I took it in.

I know you can't tell me for sure, just looking for a ballpark estimate. They did say 2 hours of labor at $56 each.

Thanks,
Harley K


#2

R

Rivets

Cylinder head prices range from $125-$185 depending on where you get it and which cylinder it is. Those are aftermarket prices, don't know dealer prices, probably a little higher. Two hours labor sounds inline, maybe a little low if they have to fully remove hoods, exhaust and intake manifolds, etc. With new gaskets, head, valve work, and carb work, I would have quoted it between $350-$450, but remember I have not seen it. After I torn it down I would have at least reconditioned the valves, if not replaced them. This could push the price up to $500. My labor rate is $70/hr. for Kaws. Just my opinion, which according to some on this forum is not worth much, because he is a professional and I'm not.


#3

H

hitmanharleyk

Rivets said:
Cylinder head prices range from $125-$185 depending on where you get it and which cylinder it is. Those are aftermarket prices, don't know dealer prices, probably a little higher. Two hours labor sounds inline, maybe a little low if they have to fully remove hoods, exhaust and intake manifolds, etc. With new gaskets, head, valve work, and carb work, I would have quoted it between $350-$450, but remember I have not seen it. After I torn it down I would have at least reconditioned the valves, if not replaced them. This could push the price up to $500. My labor rate is $70/hr. for Kaws. Just my opinion, which according to some on this forum is not worth much, because he is a professional and I'm not.
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He originally said around $300, but that was without opening it up. I should know friday the final price.
He said the head would be around $100-$125.


#4

R

Rivets

That's a lot cheap than I found. Good luck, let me know if he does the valves.


#5

reynoldston

reynoldston

The last striped out out plug job I did I replaced the head with a used head and the bill was $350. Also as I recall it took a lot longer then two hours. Maybe if everthing was just right in a shop that you didn't have to look up and chase after your own parts, work with air tools, and nothing gos wrong you could do the job in two hours. I hope you lots of luck on the two hours. Myself it takes me more then two hours for a lawn mower service. ( new filters, change oil, sharpen the blades, and genral check over.


#6

H

hitmanharleyk

This is a pretty decent size shop. I think he has 5 full time mechanics and a couple extra he can call if he needs them, a couple of older guys. They also have 3 folks working parts.

I've never been in there that I wasn't behind 5 or 6 people minimum in line.


#7

reynoldston

reynoldston

hitmanharleyk said:
This is a pretty decent size shop. I think he has 5 full time mechanics and a couple extra he can call if he needs them, a couple of older guys. They also have 3 folks working parts.

I've never been in there that I wasn't behind 5 or 6 people minimum in line.
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Been there and did that, worked in a large shop for over 25 years that we got payed by the job. To make money it was all about how fast you could do the job. I'm not new to large shops. We called it flat rate pay. If they are installing a new head + carburetor work for 120 dollars go for it its a good price and a lot cheaper then then any shop around here will do it. The last large shop I worked for which was around five years ago their hourly rate was 65 dollars.


#8

H

hitmanharleyk

reynoldston said:
Been there and did that, worked in a large shop for over 25 years that we got payed by the job. To make money it was all about how fast you could do the job. I'm not new to large shops. We called it flat rate pay. If they are installing a new head + carburetor work for 120 dollars go for it its a good price and a lot cheaper then then any shop around here will do it. The last large shop I worked for which was around five years ago their hourly rate was 65 dollars.
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I figure when it is all said and done it will be $350 plus


#9

H

hitmanharleyk

Spoke with the shop this morning and they are extremely backed up just starting on my mower this morning after having it since last Wednesday. The owner did give me good news, he said the final bill would be between $250 and $280.


#10

R

Rivets

Please let us know what the all did. Would like to know if they did anything with the valves.


#11

H

hitmanharleyk

Picked up the mower today, final bill was $277

Note on invoice says "Replaced #1 cylinder head and all associated gaskets, cleaned carb and replaced carb gasket"

Invoice itemizes the head, 2 hours labor, a head gasket, a float bowl gasket, a muffler gasket and and one simply listed as gasket.

I asked the mechanic on the way out about the valves and he said they did have to lap the valves or something like that, they were very busy so I didn't ask much.


#12

R

Rivets

Sounds to me like the mechanic did the job just the same as I would. Lapping in the valves is what I was looking for, which he should do, because you have a brand new head. $277 is a very reasonable price. Good Luck.


#13

H

hitmanharleyk

Got another one for you Rivets.

I had picked up a new fuel filter for the mower and when I went to put it on today I noticed the fuel line was pretty dry-rotted. Since I was going to mow my mothers yard I loaded it up and swung buy the shop, they gave me the hose and installed it for free, said I had spent enough the day before. As they were doing this I noticed a idler pulley on the deck that had come apart (2 pcs separated) so I asked if they had one and they did, the owner installed it for me in the parking lot and only charged me $21. They did all of this starting at 4:45 and they normally close at 5!

They have earned my future business:thumbsup:


#14

reynoldston

reynoldston

I can see one thing for sure you live in a differant location then I do. Prices must be a lot cheaper in Georgia then here in NY. I can't buy the parts for the prices you pay for the whole job.


#15

R

Rivets

That is the reason why I always recommend buying from a dealer. I know that there are a few bad ones out there, (I have one 5 miles from me) but the good ones always show why they are still in business. I hope you spread the word to your friends and enemies why you will continue to go back.


#16

G

greggn

hitmanharleyk said:
Got another one for you Rivets.

I had picked up a new fuel filter for the mower and when I went to put it on today I noticed the fuel line was pretty dry-rotted. Since I was going to mow my mothers yard I loaded it up and swung buy the shop, they gave me the hose and installed it for free, said I had spent enough the day before. As they were doing this I noticed a idler pulley on the deck that had come apart (2 pcs separated) so I asked if they had one and they did, the owner installed it for me in the parking lot and only charged me $21. They did all of this starting at 4:45 and they normally close at 5!

They have earned my future business:thumbsup:
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Great sounding dealer with fair prices and excellent service.


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