LX176 Spark Plug Blow Out

[JD-LX176]

I had a spark plug blow out on a John Deere LX176. The dealer had to remove the head and install a spark plug insert. The bill reads 3.7 hours to complete this repair which seems like a long time to me.

Can anyone tell me if this seems excessive or how long something like this should really take? I'm not familar with small engine repairs so any guidance anyone could provide would be very much appreicated.

I would like to be a little more knowledgeable about this before giving the dealer a call.

Thanks!

 

[PineRidge]

I would bet that the dealer is using a flat-rate service manual. That is, it tells him to do the repair there is 3.7 chargeable hours involved, regardless of how much time he actually spends on the repair.

And personally I do believe that removing a head and installing an insert could easily chew up that much time.

 

[Soundguy]

I had a spark plug blow out on a John Deere LX176. The dealer had to remove the head and install a spark plug insert. The bill reads 3.7 hours to complete this repair which seems like a long time to me.

Can anyone tell me if this seems excessive or how long something like this should really take? I'm not familar with small engine repairs so any guidance anyone could provide would be very much appreicated.

I would like to be a little more knowledgeable about this before giving the dealer a call.

Thanks!

At the going labor rate.. i wonder if a new head might have been cheaper?

Soundguy

 

[JimR]

He could have probably done the job without removing the head. I've done that on cars and trucks before. All you need to do is spin the motor over to blow out the small chips from retapping the hole for the insert.

 

[rcmike]

I'm no engine expert but I wouldn't think that would be too good on the cylinder and rings.

 

[PineRidge]

I'm no engine expert but I wouldn't think that would be too good on the cylinder and rings.

ditto......

 

[KENSFM]

Just curious what is your dealers labor rate?
Ken

 

[Paddy]

Sound guy,

I'll bet the labor would have been nearly the same, minus tapping.

patrick

 

[JD-LX176]

Thank you all who have provided feedback - I'm still interested in more.

To answer the labor rate quoted posted by KENSFM. It is $60 an hour.

 

[Soundguy]

Sound guy,

I'll bet the labor would have been nearly the same, minus tapping.

patrick

Labor? heck.. i can put a couple head bolts in a lawnmower engine...

Soundguy