Yep, finally got my new water pump installed along with the d-max fan and 180 deg t-stat. Truck maybe hit 140 degrees on the drive home and I was romping on it (oh yeah, I also turned down my turbo). I was really impressed. That d-max fan really moves some air too, it sucked my shirt against the grill. The guy only charged me $100 and a 12pk compared to a shop probably charging me $300. This guy has built over 400 engines, which is probably why he didn't use a torque wrench. He also told me that after the first 200 engines he stopped using plastigauge. I think if I ever need anything I will be definatly calling him. He also let me work next to him, which was nice because I learned quite a bit. Overall, pretty pleased with today.

I'm glad you got a good deal; and I can see him not using a torque wrench on the water pump bolts - good mechanics don't often snap stuff orr or leave it too loose, and that isn't a high-precision part. Enough wrenching and you 'get a feel for' tight/loose.

I still use a torque wrench on stuff that counts, though... heads, bearing caps, wheel lugs, stuff like that.

But not using plastigauge? You wanna tell me how he 'gets a feel for' bearing tolerances?

Plastigauge isn't for setting anything... it's a diagnostic tool, and personally, I wouldn't put an engine together without it.

Not doubting him as a mechanic, but this is an information and discussion forum, and lots of rookies read this place for information. I wouldn't want somebody rebuilding their own bottom-end and skipping the plastigauge because they read it on here.

:cool2: Glad it went well for you

I know, I was kind of wondering how he puts the bottom end together as well. He said he just doesn't like it. Used it for the first 200 engines. I guess after rebuilding over 400 engines it might be different. Had a IH farmall tractor that he did sled pulling with......VERY IMPRESSIVE. He also told me that my head gaskets could be replaced by looking at my coolant hose and how bloated it was. I didn't know that (some of you probably do) but he said if I take care of my truck and dont let it get hot it could last me quite some time.

Hey farmboy56:
Do you know this mechanic personally? I live in Minneapolis and am looking for a decent diesel mechanic and don't mind driving down to Mankato especially if he charges reasonable rates and does a good job.

As I am not a mechanac, nor someone who has ever rebuilt an engine himself, what exactly is plastiguage?

As I am not a mechanac, nor someone who has ever rebuilt an engine himself, what exactly is plastiguage?


How it works - http://www.plastigaugeusa.com/how.html


Andy

Well he did 3 exhaust systems prior to when I came out at 3:30pm on saturday. I just met him, by listening to him and the vehicles he has around (along with a car lift) he seemed like a pretty good mechanic. He actually lives in Madelia (I think thats how you spell it), but if you want to I can give him a call and see if he is up to it. What do you have that needs to be done? With harvesting season coming up he may or may not have time but I will still give him a call.