Company Response
12/7/2022
Company states; Mr. Holderby had services cornpleted at my repair facility, Talley's Autornotivs, not Talley's Auto Sales, at the first part of November 2A22, and the ticket had been processed and closed on November 9,2022, invoice number 251.
Mr. Holderby had brought in his truck with well over 200,000 miles on it. Holderby had complained that his vehicle runs rough. We performed testing and determined that the engine was mis-timed due to excessive play in the timing chain, given the high mileage on the vehicle. Holderby was given a verbal quote over the phone in the amount of 52,105.05 for replaciag the
timing chain. Holderby agreed verbally on the phone to perform repairs.
We ordered parts and performed the work requested. After work was completed, we primed the engine and started vehicle, allowed to run at idle for one hour for close monitoring in case of leaks, overheats, noises, or any malfiraction indicators (check engine light, engine overtemp light, low oil pressure light). No issues were noted during this test. Performed test drives to
check vehicle perfounance. After driving for about 5 or 6 miles, the vehicle acted as if it was losing power. Returned to shop, and as the truck was pulling up to the shop door, the engine stalled.
Checked engine oil level, and coolant level, both were full. No signs of overheating. Attempted to start the engine, would not start. Performed testing to determine why engine would not turn, and determined that the engine had seized during the test drive, and would need to be replaced. The valve train in the upper end of the engine shown signs of lack of maintenance, extended periods of time between oil changes, causing sludge buildup. We did not charge Holderby for this testing.
We called Holderby and explained what had happened, and given with the high mileage on the vehicle, and signs of lacking maintenance, sometimes things like this just happen.
Mr. Holderby came to the shop to talk to us in person about the event. We explained to Holderby that the engine had likely locked up in &e top end due to maltreatment of the engine. Holderby had seemed to be very understanding of the situation, given the proof of lacking maintenance and age of the truck, and paid for work performed without any argument or disagreement.
Holderby requested verbal quote of a remanufactured engine only, not including gaskets, fluids, or labor charges for installation. We suggested to Holderby that we can remove the valve covers and determine the exact cause of malfunction, but he had no interest, and decided to have the truck towed back to his house, claiming he had plans to "part-out"(sell flrnctioning parts off of)
the truck.
Attached (upon request) are written, accurate quotes with two options: Remanufactured engine or Salvage Yard engine with approximately 125,000 miles on it. Remanufactured engine with all required gaskets and fluids for installation, plus labor totals fi6,413.29 including tax. Salvage yard engine with all necessary parts and fluids, plus labor totals $5,539.29 including tax.
Neither of the quotes provided meet or exceed the $10,000 claim that Holderby states. We believe that the cudtomer should not be entitled to compensation, as all work performed was requested by the customer, and the effects of the work performed are at no fault of Talley's Automotive.
Myself, I have worked for Ford Motor Company as a Master Certified Technician for 7 years, starting my own business in the early months of this year,2022.I have employed a retired Senior Master Ford technicim,of 27 years for Ford Motor Company, who left the dealership environment earlier this year. All work, especially on Ford vehicles, will be precisely and exceptionally performed.
Here at Talley's Automotive, customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we have no intent of releasing a vehicle to a dissatisfied customer.
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