Okay, I just spoke to the mechanic - dirt got into the fuel lines, so for them to install TWO fuel filters will be $120.  Normally they charge $60 to pick up a bike but he's going to waive that for me...

My question is, since I bought the bike from them, they were supposed to have cleaned out the tank and the carbs - how can this dirt issue have happened if they had done all that?!  This was the FIRST tank of gas I put into the bike since they did the work.

Talk to me, fellas!  Am I off base or is this guy trying to bend me over?!

Two things...

First I don't know the details of what they say they are going to be doing to your bike for 120 bucks, but it seams wierd that you would install two filters. There is only one line going to you carbs. Unless they would be putting the filter in the line before the fuel valve, there are two lines going to that, maybe they are telling you there are going to put two filters in to jack up the price? Also, they cost around 2 to 10 dollers, and the job might take them at most a half hour.

Second, it is possible that when they worked on it earlier, they may have unintentionally pluged something up in the carbs rather then cleaning them. If it was bad when you got it back it would be their fault. I wouldn't pay for anything.

I'm highly dubious (imagine Spock with one eyebrow raised).
I take it that the bike won't run or start (since they need te "pick up the bike")?  IF that were a result of dirty gas, then that could only be caused by a serious blockage of the mesh fuel screen inside the tank,  or crud in the carbs.  Anything that gets through the tank mesh should flow through the hoses just fine.  Either way, adding a filter now between the tank and the carbs will not fix the problem... only help to prevent carb crud in the future.   Their suggestion is like saying that getting your teeth cleaned will help fix a cavity in your tooth.  Filters are only preventative.

Adding a filter is a good idea.  Adding two is overkill unless you put the filter up between the tank and the petcock, and ride on PRIme alot.  The parts would cost about $3, and take 15 minutes to install.  I'd expect to pay about $30 to have a filter added at my local grungy mechanic shed (mostly for the hassle of getting the bike into the shop... the work is quick), or maybe $50 at a "motorcycle boutique"-type dealer (Harley, Vespa, etc.)

This sounds to me like they really don't know what the problem is, so they made up a story, mentioning crud in the fuel (which is a common problem), then quoted you a high price, to cover themselves in case it takes them a while to sort it out... this is not necessarily melicious, but not up-front either.

If the problem IS crud in the fuel, then either the tank needs to be emptied-out, and the mesh in the bottom of the tank sprayed-out (maybe $40-$60 with the filter); or else the carbs need cleaning (that would be worth $120).  But judging from your mechanic's odd suggestion that adding a filter will fix your bike, and the high quoted price, I don't think they know what the problem is yet.  They want to get a look at your bike so they can try to make a real diagnosis... and they may be a little bit worried that they really screwed something up, but they won't tell you that.


Can you elaborate: does the bike turn-over when you press the starter?
If so, does the motor catch?
...and run?

Well, I would think if dirt got in the fuel lines, and was causing your bike to run poorly, then dirt got into the carbs.  If $120 includes carb cleaning, then it's a deal.  But, if they're just adding an in-line fuel filter, then that's kinda ridiculous.  Not sure about the "two filter" thing either - maybe they mean they'll replace or clean the in-tank fuel filter and add an in-line?  In which case, $120 sounds more reasonable.

Still, If you just need to add a filter, I'm sure there plenty of us around here  that could help you out w/ that in exchange for a frosty beverage.

Quote from: RandiBBBAm I off base or is this guy trying to bend me over?!

Definitely trying to bend you over. A filter is $2-5, and all it takes is to split a fuel line and insert it. Like Briggs said, there is no reason to install two. Besides, I don't know how they could tell you that it's dirt in the lines if they haven't seen the bike. The should have given you a bike that is fully functional, unless they have warned you of some problem. If it was not, it's up to them to set things right.
I hate to say this, but have your husband give them a phone call. Too many time I have seen the repairs costs of my fiancee's car change dramatically when I went to talk to the mechanics.

I agree.  Run, do not walk, to the nearest exit!

If you're in a situation that fuel filters might have prevented, then installing some can wait - the "damage" has already been done.  The filters may help prevent something in the future, but they're not going to solve tomorrow anything they might have prevented yesterday.

MAYBE they really are planning to do some cleaning, etc. and just mentioned the FINAL step to you?

I'm with chimivee.  Don't drop the $120 - drop a quarter and call on your SoCal GS500 brothers!

Jesus!  Talk about a total screwing.  For $120 I could fly out there(on Southwest), have you pick me up at the airport, install a fuel filter in your bike and still make $15 in profit.

Quote from: johnJesus!  Talk about a total screwing.  For $120 I could fly out there(on Southwest), have you pick me up at the airport, install a fuel filter in your bike and still make $15 in profit.

GO FOR IT BROTHER....it's not like you have a JOB or anything
:mrgreen: and you get $15 BUCKS :mrgreen:

Quote from: werase643
GO FOR IT BROTHER....it's not like you have a JOB or anything
:mrgreen: and you get $15 BUCKS :mrgreen:

One little problem.  Return airfare costs another $99.  If she hires me she is stuck with me forever :lol:

Quote from: john

One little problem.  Return airfare costs another $99.  If she hires me she is stuck with me forever :lol:

For 120 bucks, I'll gladly hire you indefinitely.  After working on my bike, I'd appreciate it if you could change the oil in my car.  And don't make a mess.

when you got to the people who sold the bike to you, blame them for the problem....tell them that it's their fault for not cleaning the gas tank and that $120 is the price you will pay if the clean the carbs and install the filter... if that doesn't work just buy a inline filter for any auto parts store or Wal Mart (that's where i got my filter) and install it your self...if you can't install it yourself then try to get a friend who know a little about that stuff...it's not hard at all but if the carbs are very dirty then you have to get someone to clean them out

Jesuuuuus, there has to be someone in the LA area who is willing to give this young lady a hand?? $120 Is high even if they are going to clean the carbs and add fuel filters.

Which dealer/shop is it?  www.socalsvriders.com keeps a list of LA and San Diego shops with ratings on their website.  

Also where in LA are you?  A fuel filter installation is quite simple actually, and there are excellent instructions on the gstwin.com main page.

Adam,
Now THAT is an avatar worthy of praise...

Sorry, but that's not my backside!  :kiss:

Thank you ALL so much for giving me so much helpful information.  

I called the bike shop and this time I took notes like a good executive secretary...

They told me that they had flushed the fuel system before, and asked me how many tanks I had gone through since I'd bought the bike.  I said that this was still my first fill up.  He asked where I bought the gas, I said the Union 76 station, 91 octane. (where did we leave it on octane in that discussion?  I'll go look again)  So now he said that he would flush the fuel system again and install an additional fuel filter between the petcock and the carburetor, and he dropped the price down to $60, still without me having to pay for him picking up the bike.

Bet your bottom dollar that the next time I have another issue, before I call the shop, I'm going to find my way to a computer and get the 411 from you all?  

Thanks again, guys - awesome resource!  

Good work, $60 sounds a lot more reasonable

What year is your bike, because you may want to check for rust in the tank?

Quote from: JohNLAWhat year is your bike, because you may want to check for rust in the tank?

My bike is an '89.  They told me they cleaned out the tank, but I see where you're going and it makes sense ... possibly time for a new tank?

If you have rust in the tank flushing the fuel system is only a temporary shortcut. Sounds like a good way to have you back there in a month or so. If they flushed the fuel system one time already, it is sign that they knew there was something wrong.
Check with a flashlight if you can see any rust in the tank. If there is, have them kreem it.  My opinion is that they should have done it in the first place, before selling the bike, if they thought there was rust. You should ask that they do it for free.