I just called the local dealer about setting my timing. The service writer told me it would be 1 hour labor, $85. Does this sound correct? I asked if they check plunger lift, and he couldn't answer; the diesel tech is off today. If what he quoted was correct, I think that is a good price compared to other shops I've talked to. I scheduled it for Thursday.

 

It's way too cheap for the dealer, the service writer doesn't know what he's talking about. You should expect at least $200
If you want your timing advanced forget the dealer, by law they can only set it at the stock setting.

 

Why so much Bill?
Ace mechanic at local shop dropped a valve to mark damper for TDC and advanced the pump timing in just under an hour.

 

I don't know John, why is everything so expensive?
I've heard reports of people getting away with less than $200, but not very many.
Perhaps they want you to help pay for their tools?

 

Everytime I get quoted more than 200 I think about just buying the tools and doing it myself. I guess I'm just nervous to try it myself right now because it is my daily driver. I don't want to screw anything up. I know I could do it, though. Maybe even advance it a little. I'll call the dealer today and see if I can get the tech on the phone.

 

I can Remove, rebuild and install a Cummins motor in 24 shop hours, but I still charge 35.5 hours. Just because I'm good at it, doesn't mean I short change myself. My first motor took me alot longer than that...

With my mechanics here at the shop, I pay them full book time on thier jobs. if they take less time, they get rewarded with extra pay, because they can be working on another job, while still getting paid for the job they were working on. At the end of the day, if everything goes smoothly, they can be making up to $40 - $50 an hour for the last two hours of the day.

On the other hand, if they take too long, they lose money. If he spends 8 hours on a 3 hour job, he's down to $3/hr or so.

That's the way it should be. I don't punish my mechanic with less pay just because he is good at it, and vice-versa. I don't bend my customers over when my mechanic is too slow at a job.


That's My $.02

Merrick

 

I got mine done by a DTR member locally and he charged me $125.00 for the labor, I thought it was high until I saw what was needed to do the job.

 

Timing

one of the procedures with this truck that just plain scares the heck outta me, I have someone that will do it for me, at a good drive, and im NOT EVEN GONNA touch that issue.. ive read the instructions and so forth, and im willing to pay for the work provided its done right.. 200 bucks alot of money? U guys aint lived in south texas before... things are INSANELY OVERPRICED HERE at some of the shops... I wont say anymore..

Merrick is right.. he is ONE OF THE FAIREST if not the Fairest mechanic in LDO... His employees, as well as our local EPA chapter think highly of him, John and I arent too far behind either....

Tx

 

i charge 100 bucks to set timming, some times i make good money at it, other times not so well. some times it is simple sometimes it is a pain. try putting 20 or more degrees in a 215 pump. it hopes back every time you pop the gear free, so you have to do it more than a few times to get it right.

 

If anyone in SE IL or SW IN need theirs done, I'll do it for $120 a pop.

 

Geez and I thought setting the timing on my old Benzs was a pain, you guys are scarring the hell outa me. I 'm gona have my KDP done next week, Is there anything I should have done, timing wise, while hes in there?

 

Steve;
You can get the KDP & other projects done for free at one of the numerous NW Bombers work parties.
www.nwbombers.com

IslandDodge Which Island do you live on? I lived in Puget Sound for 16 years before moving back here.

 

I wasn't questioning your business policies nor was it part of my original comment on the high cost for timing p-pump. Quoting an engine R&R versus a simple timing job is very off base to most people. I understand the principles of FRM and what it takes to keep a business running.

 

It all boils down to the cost of running a business at a price the market will bear.
Shop rates have to include business overhead of many things including tools. The problem arises when you pick a shop that has frivolous overhead such as a racing habit.

Mike's shop rate is around $60 per hour this year. That is high rates by some people's pocketbooks, but beats the $100 & more charged by many other shops in the area with less skilled techs.

My $200 bill for timing included 3 dyno runs.

 

im still not convinced

Ive printed and re read the dodgeram.org instructions about 15 times, looks simple enough, but its one of those things id rather have who knows how do, then i learn, take notes etc, whatever... Ill be drivin when i have the funds and some other bombs in to the DFW area to get it done..

Tx