Engineer costs

Doug Stormforce · 13 December 2010, 08:52

Before i start, this is not a name and shame thread so please don't ask who it is about. I am however after an opinion from you guys.

We recently had a replacement air compressor fitted to a Opti 150.

The previous one had already been removed so the job was simply to fit the new one.

I was under the impression that this was less than half an hour's work but have been billed for four hours without an explanation of where the 4 hours went. I have raised this once over the phone but did not get anywhere

Before I go back and argue this, what sort of time do you think is involved in this job?

Jizm · 13 December 2010, 10:58

Just had mine done, I supplied the part and they removed the old one and fitted the new, think they then tested the pressure rail as well. About 2-3 hours total labour I think. I was going to do it myself but don't have the means to pressure test and was told that was needed.
It was held on by 4 bolts and obviously the belt and tensioner needed removing to gain access. Some parts (barbs etc) needed removing from the old and putting on the new. Reckon it would've taken me well over half an hour, probably nearer 2 hours the for the first attempt due to checking everything after...

aquatec · 13 December 2010, 11:04

As an indication, the warranty flat rate time to change an air compressor is .6 of an hour.
ie. 36 minutes. If there are no other charges involved for travel ect, IMO this job should be no more than 1 hour tops.
Aquatec

Turbodiesel · 13 December 2010, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquatec

As an indication, the warranty flat rate time to change an air compressor is .6 of an hour.
ie. 36 minutes. If there are no other charges involved for travel ect, IMO this job should be no more than 1 hour tops.
Aquatec

Yeap, i 2nd that!!

biffer · 13 December 2010, 12:02

i would have charged you an hour, getting it in, clearing up and putting tools away, in an ideal world with the engine on a stand etc, i can see half an hour

martini · 13 December 2010, 14:35

I replaced mine in well under an hour, and I'm a welder. Don't believe there's any need to check pressures etc, at least I didn't and it worked fine.

As previously said, 4 bolts and the tensioner you just stick a ratchet on and twist it to remove/replace belt.

Think you're being taken for a ride there

Doug Stormforce · 13 December 2010, 16:51

OK guys.

Thanks for your posts and pms, you have pretty much all confirmed what I thought.

I have spoken to the guy in question and got the bill reduced accordingly.

Aquatec's 0.6 hrs was exactly the sort of evidence i needed