truckerjack

BimmerJeeper, I appreciate your write up. I've been a receational mechanic since I was 16 years old. I'm now 78. I currently have a '93 GC and I'm currently in the process of replacing the brake line going to the rear axle. Oh how I wish i could have found a write up such as yours on the VC gasket. Perhaps the guy with the olive drab green jeep sitting on 35" tires will do the honors. I need details details details. Like how to get the line under the steering shaft.

I also plan on replacing my vc gasket. I have looked at it and thought 'what a job'. I will be using your write up as a guide. Thank you,
BimmerJeeper.

BimmerJeeper

You're very welcome, sir. I attempt to document out every last step, so you know what to encounter, and you will be prepared with all the tools you need. Otherwise, there's always something no one mentioned, and now you're stuck.

A man wrenching on cars at 78 is an inspiration to us all.
Let us know how it goes.

dwright98xj

Have you so much as looked at the sample tests for certification???

TheHollowNick

Ahh.. I remember the first time I did a VC gasket, loosened the bolts, and wigged er out, cleaned er up, and put er back in, took ahhh, about 20 minutes.. At any rate, this is thread is why I always come to cherokee forums.. Not the right up, the thread.

BimmerJeeper

Good job. You're a natural. Did you know the dealer charges $306 to change a Valve Cover gasket? So, in 60 minutes, an ace like you could do 3 of them and gross $918/hr. Sure, there is overhead, but how much? That's right. Where else can a person who barely finished high school charge $300 for 20 minutes of work? That's how much demand there is for this supposedly simple work. Do YOU make $$300 in 20 minutes at work? If not, maybe you should reconsider your career choices? Grossing a pro rata $900/hr is more than the best lawyers in the world. That's more than most surgeons. Pro rated, that sort of hourly revenue on par with someone who grosses $2 million dollars a year in sales. So, Nick, if you earn anything less than $150,000 a year, I'd seriously consider starting your own garage.

odgreen

You never seem to suprise me bimmer....

austinjoe13

Who goes to the stealership? Should be $40 for the gasket and <1 hour of labor, so less than to around $150.


OD, I see you have the appropriate avatar...

JackJare9455

i have to find this shock thread

wiggles

This just confirms how stupid you really are, because if "someone that just barely finished high school" did it in 20 minutes and it took you 10 hours, I'm surprised you aren't required to wear a helmet..

JWheeler

This is what I have been thinking since this thread started.

Bimmer, what ever dealer you have been going to is ripping you off. I believe flat rate time on that job is an hour. The dealer I work at charges $110 an hour. It should be a $150 job.

Rogue4x4

How dare you, sir. What makes you so much better because you have a college degree? I happen to know of several mechanics who hold degrees, they do this kind of work because they like it. I'm a high school dropout, and I worked for NASA for 20+ years. Having a degree doesn't make you smart, but in your case, it sure makes you arrogant. Simple work? Is this why it takes you weeks, even months, of planning, days of "doing", and then taking to a pro to finish the job? You need to deflate your ego and check it at the door. So, in short, **** YOU, sir. **** YOU very much.

dwright98xj

He quit on trying to remove a differential cover.... 'nough said.

Rogue4x4

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tri...failed-185487/

JackJare9455

WOW

BimmerJeeper

High school drop outs make much less money than college graduates. This is fact.
It supposedly takes 20 mins to do a valve cover gasket, which costs over $300 at a dealer.
When a drop out can bill $900 for an hour of his time, it speaks volumes.
More than doctors and lawyers. This just confirms that auto mechanics takes a lot of experience and a lot of skill.

How can mechanics can charge $900 for an hour of work?
B/c it's not easy, and no one knows how to do this stuff.

Working on XJ's is insufferable b/c every single bolt is rusted solid.
And, it's the got the most poorly documented write-ups of any car forum out there.
For these 2 reasons, XJ is the hardest car I've ever worked on, but it has raised my game.
That which doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.
You better own torches, compressors, grinders, welders, you name it!

Working on XJ's are not for the fainthearted beginner.
And dealers charging $300+ for 20 mins. of work is the proof.