Frustrated and Anxious Customer Comes to pick up his 400 Pontiac Engine - Will he take it??

[@cuttersperformance]

Great work! When a customer comes to me to build an engine, they dont realize im actually interviewing them to see if I even want to take on the project. Some people are never satisfied and shouldn't own old school hotorods...luckily most guys are great. Cheers! 🇨🇦

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for commenting Cutter, I agree, that is one of the reasons to do this, I have met a lot of nice people and now they are my friends. Good luck with your channel. AG

[@kevchev9952]

Cutter, I gave your comment a thumbs up. You're right. If I can learn from where a customer buys a builder engine, I'll call that place and verify. I have learned that, "Yep, he bought it here. He wants something to pound on and beat the living hell out of." I then refuse the build. Why? They pound on it all weekend looking for glory, then at 8:01 a.m. on Monday morning they steal 10 minutes from their employer to call me. They tell me that something's messed up and ask if I can take care of it by Thursday night so they can have it for the weekend. No way.

[@toddbrown2236]

Very nice video. I applaud you for your patience with this customer, Allan. I hope he was ultimately satisfied so you could send him on his way. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It's a good reminder for us all to live our lives with gratitude, appreciation, and charity. Thanks again, Allan. Have a great day.

[@edsmachine93]

Sounds great Alan. I think you went above and beyond. Very thorough. 👍 Thanks for sharing.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks Ed. Ag

[@adamhodgeson9812]

Customer was Mr Happypants. Great work Alan, you'll be glad to see that one out the door.

[@1996slamster]

You went way above and beyond on this one and it turned out great! But unfortunately everything that goes wrong with his car now will somehow be your fault. Another great video though.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks 1996. AG

[@stephenflowers8516]

Can anything put a smile on that guys face?

[@richcar3434]

...maybe a sharpie😄

[@michaelmartinez1345]

@@richcar3434 The customer seemed pretty happy with the work that was done to it there...

[@arturozarate1752]

I've had that client more times than I care to admit, but damn it if I'm a sucker for fixing problems. Just yesterday I took one in that had the 5.3 in his '09 Tahoe "rebuilt" 10k miles ago at another shop. He drove off today 100% satisfied. The most important thing to remember is to not give them a SINGLE thing to question. Meet and exceed their requirements and then go the extra mile. I learned a long time ago that par won't always make them happy. No leaks, squeaks, or creeks. Leave nothing to question. It's not the best way to keep the lights on, but it's good for bragging rights.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for sharing your experience Art. It is a challenge sometime. AG

[@DavidMiddleton-w6x]

is 110% more than 100% satisfied?

[@arturozarate1752]

@@DavidMiddleton-w6x typo....fixed

[@michaelmartinez1345]

Awesome job , straightening-out the issues on this engine... That was a good find on the leaky #1 intske valve, and a good repair , to lap it in.. The engine sounds good and the valvetrane is reasonably quiet.. I liked showing the customer the MAP of the.engine being of high vacuum, and a very steady needle on the gauge... The only thing that I have a question about is :.why is MAP going to the didtributor advancer unit? The port for that venturi vacuum on Q-J's is to the front of the carb, on the baseplate off to the left side of that forward flange... A 3/16" fitting... That vacuum INCREASES as the throttle plates start opening up... The MAP foes the opposite of the distributor vacuum does... It is highest at idle, then starts to DECREASE as the throttle plates start to open -up.... Manifold Absolute Pressure vs. Ported vacuum to be used on the distributor of non-forced induction engines... 0:00

[@goldsgarage8236]

Good question Michael. i connected it there because it was the only Manifold vacuum port available in thar carburetor that I could connect my gauge. Manifold vacuum sees full vacuum at idle and drops as the throttle plates close. AG

[@michaelmartinez1345]

@@goldsgarage8236 I believe that the AFB's have the ported vacuum fittings towards the front of the carbs,.Check the vacuum gauge to see which of the fittings increases the vacuum as the throttle plates start opening up... I brlieve that the vast majority of carburetors have places that ported vacuum fittings are locsted, for the distributor advancer units....

[@goldsgarage8236]

Yes, the lower fitting is manifold vacuum (below the throttle plates) and the upper one id ported. The manifold fitting has vacuum at idle. AG

[@RonRussell-sj1zf]

Should be a happy customer. Have him drive by this summer when he has it running and give us an update!

[@blown6976]

Good looking engine, me and my brother built a few 400 pontiacs. We learned a lesson about making sure to put hardened seats in the heads the valves sunk right into the seats with only 15000 miles. Keep up the good work.

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

Thank you for the video You have a happy customer there he will have many miles of trouble free cruising

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

The Pontiac engines were always great torque engines. Came out nice and purrs like a kitten!

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks Jimmy, AG

[@racerd9669]

This is the kind of costumer I do not want to do any work for. He will never be satisfied and thinks you will work for nothing.

[@arturozarate1752]

I've been there. Then I had to show him how his build should've been done and how to make 500hp from 350ci. He had no choice but to pay up!💲💲💲💲 Risky but rewarding if you've got it in you.

[@Shade_tree_garage01]

@@arturozarate1752 I've turned customers away and will continue to, that were "Know it all's" my Retort is always "If you can build it better, take it home and do it yourself".

[@arturozarate1752]

@@Shade_tree_garage01 completely understandable. I usually take that opportunity to ask if they brought a 🖊 cause it's time to take notes. After a brief 5 minute education they tend to change their tone. There's nothing wrong with refusing a customer. I prefer to show them why they want to be my client. I wasn't always this way.

[@Geezer1320]

I agree. Guys that don’t know anything that will make you nuts.

[@mikeburnett7028]

Power brakes should operate on manifold vacuum, not ported like the distributor

[@Chopper650]

old mate didn't like the camera there but it kept him in check

[@Shade_tree_garage01]

best way to keep a "Know-it-all" customer off his high horse of "Engine-power" said this or "Engine-Masters" said that, and my favorite "I read in *Insert magazine name* magazine in 199*". I've turned customers away and will continue to, that were "Know it all's" my Retort is always "If you can build it better, take it home and do it yourself".

[@doomman700]

9.5 on a Pontiac iron head is max coming out of my shop. I will run a point more with aluminum

[@waynetoneseekerandersen2213]

And now you are learning to be a master of click bait!

[@jerryfarmer5989]

What I have found is lots of folks slide a new cam and expect ka boom and whoopie. I might be nuts but I ask about valve springs that go with cam as well as spring height and push rod length if them were handled and nope. As well an intake and msd shock treatment. They run but do not last.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for sharing your experience Jerry. AG

[@johnnyhonda7576]

You did a great job. People are a pain in the butt. He will never be happy

[@smilsmff]

18-20 inch vacuum is very good and will idle excellent, I had small cam and was perfect

[@SalterRacingEngines]

Good morning Allen, hey just a real quick tip for doing valve adjustments. This works for any engine ever made that is a 4-stroke engine including small engines. When the exhaust valve starts to open(don't go past Midway down) adjust the intake, when the intake valve starts to close(don't go past mid way up) adjust the exhaust. That is a foolproof method for any four-stroke engine including diesels and small engines that's ever been made and it will always put you perfectly on the lowest point of the Bass circle. This is especially helpful for fine-tuning a race engine with a solid camshaft. A lot of solid cams have a clearance ramp ground into the Bass circle and I like to be right dead on that when I do a lash adjustment but again I use it for hydraulics as well that way I just feel 100% sure of where I am on the lobe Take care

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for the tip Salter. ( I apologize, I don't recall your first name) The method that you are describing is very popular and probably most commonly used. It is also very accurate if it is done correctly. I have used this method myself many times. The most important part of adjusting the valves is to be sure that the lifter is on the base circle of the cam and not on the lobe when the valve is adjusted. Both methods achieve this. When the piston is at TDC firing as I demonstrated the crankshaft is 360 degrees from the overlap cycle when the intake and exhaust valve is active. The cam is 180 degrees away. The intake valve has been completely closed for more than 100 degrees and the exhaust wont start to open until more than 100 degrees later. I prefer the TDC firing method that I demonstrated for a few reasons. 1/It is faster, I checked all the valves in less than 2 minutes, even while I was narrating the process on camera. 2/It is less prone to error and easier to keep track of where you are. 3/It requires less turns of the camshaft which is important when breaking in a new flat tappet camshaft. It is interesting that the GM manual describes a way to adjust all 16 valves with only 1 rotation of the crankshaft for hydraulic lifter and two for solid lifters. This many be a good topic for a future video for either of us. Give me your thoughts. Thanks for contributing to my channel. AG

[@SalterRacingEngines]

Yes the TDC method is faster for sure. However I am OCD. LOL. I prefer the other method even though it takes longer because if I don't do it that way I can't remember which ones I checked. I know that sounds crazy but it's the truth. But the main reason is because with some very aggressive camshafts they are very different from a stock type camshaft. Some of the cams I use hold the valve open till the very last second before the Piston hits the valve and in that case you must use the method I was describing or you will still be on part of the ramp when you try and check it. But yeah for me being OCD it works perfect for me with the type of engines I build and I don't have to worry about wondering if I missed one or not. If you build an engine with a very long duration and high lift, find the clearance ramp on the lobe using the method I described and then try it with the TDC method and see if you are still able to hit the clearance ramp. The clearance ramp the factory puts on the lobe drops it about .001-.0015 sometimes .002 and that can be quite a bit of lash if you add in error with the feeler gauge on top of that. Meaning stack tolerances. I use a go no-go method with my feeler gauge. For example if the lash should be 010, I will use a 9 and 11 feeler gauge. The 9 should fall in and the 11 should not go and that way I know it's dead on .010. If the driver wants more acceleration off the corner, I will loosen the lash, and if he wants more top end, I will tighten the lash. Basically adjusting lash changes the duration and the lift on the camshaft so technically you are growing or shrinking the cam itself. However if you get the cam right to start with you usually don't have to do that very often. Anyways thanks for getting back to me those are my reasons for doing it that way.

[@SalterRacingEngines]

It's Brian Salter

[@MrsSunshine75]

@@goldsgarage8236The ol Bass circle! It’s a fishy engine I suppose!

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks Brian, always good to have solid knowledge and experience weighing in on my channel. appreciate it. AG

[@dondotterer24]

You went way above the call of duty. I think if he took it somewhere else they would have charged twice as much and probably wouldn't have fixed all the problems!

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks Don. AG

[@brokendad2222]

If you have customers regardless of business you will have customers that cannot be made happy. I was called into a meeting with a client about developing a fairly large subdivision, I found out after the project was finished that the president realized he would not be able to work with the client. I got it because they knew I was the one who would make the effort. Got a stupid bonus for dealing with the gentleman and it is a really nice neighborhood.

[@70sport37]

I found that lock nuts are fine if there not wore out .locknuts use the threads closer to the base of the rocker stud .i caught this after a polli lock shaped the top of a stud off .

[@rogerstill719]

I'm scared to cut an engine off before 20 minutes on a f/y Cam.. Keep these AWESOME videos coming

[@glennsouthard9208]

Don’t be it’s ok. In fact, if the valve springs are new it’s recommended to run it for three 10 minute intervals and let it cool in between.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for the comment Roger. AG

[@ulose9395]

Nick my only suggestion. When you have a picky or potentially problematic customer coming to inspect his engine. Throw some header gaskets on there. Don't give the customer a single reason to question a ticking sound. Button everything up and you won't have to reassure him it's just an exhaust leak.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Good point, thanks for your suggestion.AG

[@MrGeorge1978]

Yeah, loose noisy belt and exhaust leak makes it impossible to satisfy a customer that is already sceptical... A shady "mechanic" would do such things on purpose to hide something.

[@tomstrum6259]

Thx for sharing video....Not taking Either side but seems that 389 don't sound right, spitting thru carb on starting & Sluggish responding to throttle jab openings...Not like either 389's had in late '60's & Very familiar with starting, throttle jab response & overall sounds....I would be right concerned & wary also accepting a new built running like this until it sounded & run Lots better.....

[@rodriguez199000]

Sounds great thanks for sharing ✌️

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for listening, AG

[@Red9GearHeads]

What a nightmare. I’m a contractor and have fired a few customers over the years. People are nuts.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for the comment.AG

[@victormaholik594]

Tell this customer to pound sand and never come back.

[@ericempson2498]

I would have definitely pulled the distributor and put the motor to top dead center then reinstalled. But definitely aim the distributor rotor at number one

[@metaxa715]

21:58 vapor locking ?

[@ImNotHereToArgueFacts]

Did you change the video? I see comments about a terrible customer and the video doesn't match that.

[@goldsgarage8236]

No i did not change anything. I was surprised by the comments as the video ended amicably. I did a follow up video just to explain this and i regret any negative reaction towards the customer. AG

[@brentcecchini5843]

Hey Alan, I apologize, I didnt catch the name of the machine shop you used. I need to find a decent shop for nlock work. Thanks!

[@goldsgarage8236]

I mostly use Atchison machine in London Ontario Canada. Atchison's have a long successful racing history, 3 IHRA funny car championships, hall of fame and they build all kinds of racing engines. You can depend on them for precision work. They also have a new young machinist there named Nolan who is meticulous and provides great service. AG

[@brentcecchini5843]

@@goldsgarage8236 excellent! Thank you sir. I'm North of North Bay, but I'm down your way often for work.

[@babaoreally8220]

RA/IV,top of the line.Ever deal with one of these rare birds.

[@turbotempest4095]

and the oil galley plug with the hole drilled....noisy valve train I thought you said.

[@goldsgarage8236]

We installed a plug without the hole. AG

[@John-or9ccUndauntedRaceCars]

I constantly tell customers like this that they should find another shop to do the work for them.

[@mariocooldude9092]

Why ?? This dude just wanted to be sure the issues were solved ...are you a hard ass???

[@John-or9ccUndauntedRaceCars]

@mariocooldude9092 Because when you've developed an impeccable reputation for honesty , integrity , and attention to detail, when some walk in customers who are spending peanuts want to play games and question your integrity they are never worth the time ,frustration , or associated BS . Everyone recommended me because of my expertise, honesty ,and attention to detail / quality of work. I don't advertise, you came to me . Stop treating me like some dirt bag working out of his two car garage that you went to so you could " save " a few bucks like the first four guys you went to. I stay plenty busy with existing customer base , and they can afford my services .

[@mariocooldude9092]

@@johnz8210 yeah after getting screwed once anyone would be extra diligent in making sure it was done right the second go round

[@joe-hp4nk]

Sometimes you get a pouch customer. It goes with the territory. In your case it worked out. If it didn't, you sell the engine to recoup your losses and move on.

[@jimmyjimbo61]

Wonder what the dynamic compression was on the engine.

[@jmc3676]

Awesome job!!!!

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks JMC. AG

[@jonathannagela2130]

If you added the gaskets it wouldnt make the ticking sound. Just do that next time to demo the motor for a customer.

[@Christopher-re2hl]

I noticed the customer wanted 20" of vacuum. Not with a performance cam it won't. My summit SUM-2800 only has 18" if it was a 2802 it would probably have about 15". The only cam that will give a strong 20" vacuum is a smog emissions compatible very very conservative cam where the lobes look like needle. The cam used in a choked down 190hp 455 2bbl 😆 you can set a glass of water on the hood 😆 nobody wants those 🤣

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks Christopher. AG

[@mariocooldude9092]

Handsome motor 😊

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thankyou Mario. AG

[@larryssnova76]

It had way too much timing in it when you started it to check the vacuum

[@goldsgarage8236]

The battery was low. The timing was 35 degrees.

[@goldsgarage8236]

The battery was low, timing was at 35 degrees. AG

[@stevenbarnett2169]

What are you using for assembly lube on the cam lobes and lifters?

[@goldsgarage8236]

This cam didn't come with anything so I used COMP CAMS assembly lube. AG

[@jims2286]

Don't know why you are checking the valve lash so often if it moves you either have a cam going flat or valve train problems

[@goldsgarage8236]

That is why i am checking it. AG

[@davidjeep6543]

miss the latch on the dis cap wtf , else he miss

[@tomstrum6259]

I'm sure it's all good but that 389 just has some strange starting & running Sounds for some reason.....

[@dfabeagle718]

I'd think a flywheel instead of an auto flexplate might have made me happier. It's a four speed car, right?

[@williamscore5322]

That dude…. last time I’d work with him.

[@gregmaggielipscomb9246]

Nice run, and good customer service as well!

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks Greg, we always do our best for everyone. AG

[@ericuncapher9922]

Good job!!!!

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks Eric. AG

[@wti70]

Looks like he sold the 1970 GTO on facebook. Mentioned in ad that the engine was seized.

[@mkimble21]

I couldn’t find the listing. Maybe he deleted it?

[@wti70]

@@mkimble21 It was only on Facebook for a few days. Either sold it fast or kept it, I dont know. I do know the car(very nice) and owner somewhat.

[@blake86303]

Can I ask what you timed it at?

[@goldsgarage8236]

35 degrees. AG

[@richceglinski7543]

Customers body language looks like he's doubtful and uncomfortable being filmed. He doesn't know what good engine vacuum is or its significance. Now which one was carrying the check book.lol

[@anthonypaules7893]

Lifters are just noisy. That's just normal with a big cam, isn't it?

[@gailtaylor1636]

Hope the check didn't bounce. His & her body language told me they weren't gonna be happy no matter what.

[@fredblase5608]

My thoughts exactly!

[@utahcountypicazospage5412]

I would done everything roller top dollar or I wouldn’t of touched this engine especially with inspector gadget 😂

[@tjs_welding_and_fabrication]

Put a bell housing on that thing. That customer walking around is cringe worthy.

[@fratzogmopars]

His wife warned him I think when he bent down. I was fearing those drawstrings were going to get caught in the flywheel.

[@mikeg4163]

Hard to start when hot? Ticking sound? Hmmm.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Not hard to start, hard to turn over. The battery was low. The fan takes a lot of power and there is no charging system on the test stand. AG

[@bradnunn9127]

If he is that picky let him find another mechanic. If he can't trust me to do what I do go somewhere else

[@carlyleporter5388]

Good job of BSing them.

[@jimdandy849]

The engine tested as a quality rebuild. I get the feeling that customer is playing unhappy to see if he can get engine work for free. His body language, silence, and demeanor match up with a con artist.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for watching Jim.AG

[@Hopalong..75]

The customers posture and general attitude would have prevented me from working for him.

[@scott196464]

always pump then crank.

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for the comment Scott. AG

[@markthegunplumber8376]

I didn't want to be the first to point out the guy seems to be a bit shall we say a Pecker Head!!. So, I didn't comment and let someone else be the first and I wasn't alone on that sentiment. I'm a Gunsmith and occasionally run into that type and do my best as you did to make them happy and if they ever want more work done I just turn them down. I charge all parts moneys upfront and you have a set time to pay me or I own the firearm. People come back after 3 years and after numerous e-mails etc. and want their project back and that don't fly here. Had he not been recorded I think it would have turned out quite differently and probably been a heated exchange. I think you did the job correctly and handled the situation correctly. Now just move on.

[@lisalarrr]

A customer so mechanically challenged and negative. Needs to take up golf or something.

[@paulneron375]

What the hell is his wife doing there. Getting ready to hit him with the purse?

[@luisrivera3056]

Happy customer, but your neighbors must hate you... lol

[@goldsgarage8236]

Actually, as far as i know they don't mind. I don't do it very often. Sometimes they come over to see what it is. AG

[@4004SPD]

Customer looks and acts like Eeyore.

[@royderouin7510]

I would only take cash from him ,I would srart asking him to go ahead and back up to the garage within 10 min. after he got there wouldn't keep mentioning a loose belt , no vacu gauge for him cause he don't know what it is or dose wouldn't mention about no ex gaskets,..the guy thinks he's Aldo Nova

[@dethstormpx4]

I would have installed the gaskets lol

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks, if i had known it was going to cause a fuss, I would have. AG

[@twincam825]

Watching video nice job i just rebuilt 400 in 1968 gto 4 speed runs strong but your customer needs to get his balls out of his wife's purse.

[@ronnieterry4916]

This guy brought you junk parts from a junk yard and some how thought the engine would be as good as the original new car engine on the show room floor. A remanfactured engine will never be new car quality unless your engine has wet sleeves. People that is fact. So.e metal shavings are normal after a rebuilding of a engine. You can also cut into the oil filter to see if there are any metal bits in the filter. Lastly I would say that customer didn't make a good first impression. I wouldn't accept Ann engine that was brought in peacemaker as this was apparently brought in

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for your comment Ronnie. AG

[@kdogg82]

I thought this was Craig Ferguson at first

[@goldsgarage8236]

That's funny! AG

[@bobagost3882]

Hi As a boom my self I try to never work for them they are disappointing disrespectful and not nice to work with if there's a choice work for a the younger generation They appreciate what we do Just saying

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks for your comment Bob.AG

[@Just1Spark]

Customer will sell it within 2yrs.

[@63grandsport11]

🏆

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks Grandsport. AG

[@thomascoker3600]

That's the problem you youtube machine shops worry to much about making videos when you should be worrying about doing a good job for the customer

[@Lobo-tommy10]

This is why I got out

[@PaulLorenzini-ny2yw]

Stuffy and picky and condescending customers not welcome here.

[@patrickwendling6759]

Thank you for your knowledge and video's USA 🇺🇸 TRUMP TRUMP

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks You Patrick, AG

[@rosswalker3284]

Blimey mate you waffle on :)))

[@Tom-og7fi]

Looks like a dude who doesn't know what he's talking about but wants the builder to think he does.

[@Chad-em2fg]

He’s the kid who got beat up every day in school now’s his a prick !! Until he gets challenged again!

[@brianholcomb6499]

You probably should be real careful about people you don’t know! Some people have no business owning an old school muscle car! (All they do is sue everyone!) You also have no clue what happens when it leaves! How old is the gas tank? How old is the fuel? Ect, ect! Does he know that it’s probably going to need to be retimed once the engine goes in? I wish you luck brother! If we had people like this, we would always dyno the engine, then would go to the customer, when it was being installed in the car, & start it ourselves! You get some moron that thinks he can time it by ear, & cranks a shitload of timing in it, & it’s start over! (Ask me how I know!) What distributor did it have in it before? Points? Need to also make sure there’s a 12v supply for the new distributor! I really hope all goes well!

[@goldsgarage8236]

Thanks Brian, i prefer to dyno them all but it is the customers choice. AG