How to test an independent mechanic

[celcius]

No, not all. I have given and taken my own share of racism back in my time so i can tell the difference from a joke, no worries.

Besides, what use is an internet forum if you can't rant about and went your frustrations every once in a while, eh?. Hell, if i had found this place when i was in U.K or even better in Romania, i would be the Rant-Master in the regional forums.

Wish i could provide you some help, as I did in L's case, but i don't know any software/computer suppliers.

 

[L]

you see?
the best result is obtained by asking customers etc
not puttin bits of yellow paint on everything

OF COURSE!!!! STUPID ME!!!! why didn't I think of asking the UKGSer site for recommendations of Turkish mechanics in the first place!

Besides, is putting bits of yellow paint or scratching lines REALLY the only way to test a mechanic???????? What about, for example, deflating a tyre a little just before arriving to see if he picks up on it, or removing a bolt to see if he replaces it or comments on it.... that sort of thing??? I would hope that someone who knows his stuff and is customer orientated would actually pick up on this sort of thing and either tell me or fix it then tell me. That's what Wollastons always did when I had my bike serviced there....

 

[L]

No, i don't know him myself. Never had any work done by him but after a bit of asking around i see he is amongst a few BMW-exclusive mechanics highly praised amongst the local tossers....
Oh, a pint or two with a fellow biker is always something to look forward to. Will send an e-mail. Maybe we can squeeze in a small ride too.

Thanks for the input Celcius, will let you know what happens. Send the email soon and it will be over a beer.

 

[L]

Landed up staying with the bike whilst he serviced it - just because I couldn't be bothered to get a taxi back to the office

Total cost - 540TL (£230 odd) of which 240 was labour (£100 odd).

All went well, Olkan is a good bloke, though with his limited English and my limited Turkish, conversation was often based on mime!

A few things worth noting:
1) The fuel filter hadn't been replaced since new - 25,000km and 7 years. He reckons in Turkey its worth changing them every 10,000km. Does this sound reasonable (fuel quality in Turkey was the cited reason).
2) I was missing a couple of nuts/bolts which he was able to replace on the spot. If I'd done the service myself, I probably would have found them, but would have been trapsing around the city looking for them
3) One of the o-rings on the fuel line connectors starting leaking. Again, something he had to hand, but would have cost me a couple of hours trying to get sorted.
4) Watching someone do the full service is confidence inspiring. If you're in doubt about doing it yourself, try and arrange a self service with someone who knows what they are doing at hand. It'll save you hours!
5) In future, I'll probably do the services myself, but will make sure I have access to a car for the day so i can drive around looking for spares that are needed.

 

[Stewart H]

It sounds like a good experience, apart from the paying bit , I would agree on the filter point if dirty fuel is expected, I hope it gives you the confidence to attempt a little DIY at some point.

Stewart