Does anyone know of a trustworthy experienced mechanic in Orange County CA who can work on older Detroits? I do not have any problems yet (touch wood), but if/when something happens I would like to know where I can take my Crown for some TLC. I keep hearing stories about the importance of finding someone who worked on these engines in their heyday, rather than some spotty kid fresh out of tech school who has barely heard of 2-stroke engines. (When I had a 1970 Mercedes my rule was to never have anyone younger than the car working on it, and I managed to find a solid German mechanic who had worked in the factory in Stuttgart in the 1960s when these cars were made, so he knew all the tricks such as adjusting worn door lock cores and correctly reaming kingpin bushings.) My bus has a silver 6V92TAC DDEC II, and it starts and runs well - no smoke, no leaks, about 9 MPG, all new fluids and filters, but the Jakes sometimes do not engage so perhaps I need a tune-up. Yes, I know Don Fairchild in Bakersfield is The Man, but he's 150 miles from here.
Thanks for your collective wisdom,
John
I used to live there but don't remember anyone. Don Fairchild in Bakersfield is one of the best at two strokes. I know it's not close but well worth the extra drive.
~Paul~
One county over is PEDCO, in Santa Fe Springs. IMO, absolutely the best two-stroke shop in the LA metro area. They have in-framed my 8V92 twice, and we lived aboard at the shop both times.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
I agree about Don. It's worth the drive, he's the best. I take my stuff to him from San Diego and it's well worth every moment getting there...
Drive to Don's well worth it, Virgil (Pedco) is a good 2 stroke guy but dealing with him get everything in writing his invoices can grow in minutes. good luck
Hi John,Don Fairchild ?the gold standard so far as I am concerned.If not doing the work myself,He is one of the few I would ever let near my engine.Worth the trip every time