6th Gen/$1450.00 quote from Honda dealership for a stripped Sparkplug.

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by rvmiller, Jan 17, 2018.

  1. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    My 04 has been down for a while. I finally took it to my local Powersports dealership and they said my VFR has a stripped Sparkplug and it will have to be re-threaded. They told me that they tried to do it without pulling the Head off but they were unable.

    So, pulling the heads off and re-threaded for $1450? Does that sound reasonable?

    I do know a couple of decent mechanics they say that I could do it myself?

    I appreciate your opinions...

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  2. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    My understanding is that it is a DIY job but your mechanical skills, tools and work environment may dictate whether it's easy or difficult. With the motor removed from the frame, let alone the cylinder heads, it would definitely make the task much easier to achieve but with that comes labor time, which is probably why the cost you were given. Sometimes taking the long way to do something has its advantages but mostly at the cost of additional time.

    Do you know which cylinder needs the re-thread? Getting a good look at the various "obstacles" that would hinder or make difficult, the access to the plug hole may make up your mind for you. If you cannot see the hole or cannot get the tools inserted in the correct fashion, may screw things up further. Additionally, with re-threading task, usually comes with it a bit of removed material, keeping this from getting inside the engine will be difficult if not impossible. Being able to remove any material that could get inside the cylinder and potentially cause damage is something else to consider.

    This video may help you out but note that this is one way to do this so maybe do a search on YouTube to see if there are other methods that might give you other ideas. The video is a bit long but very thorough.

     
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  3. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Any good machine shop can do it much cheaper, but it really depends upon how truly buggered the threads are. It's the access, not the task.
     
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  4. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    When I go pick the bike up, I will (of course) find out which plug. My mechanic friend has already told me that he is willing to help me. And I have another friend that has rebuilt a motorcycle engine before so I am thinking that I will attempt this...

    I will keep you guys posted

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  5. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Sorry to hear. For perspective, we tend to be aghast when we see repair quotes on motorcycles. They cost little to buy compared to what we spend to buy cars but one of the main differences between them and a car is: minus two wheels. It still has an engine that is sometimes harder to reach and work on, a transmission, instrumentation, a drive train, suspension, electrical system, lights, controls, electronic ignitions, fuel systems, etc. Comparatively cheap to buy but not so much to fix by a dealer. Ask a dealer about the costs to repair a four wheeler they sell......
     
  6. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    you might get away cheaply by buying a simple $10 thread rethreading/ cleaning tool without much debris getting in. rear plugs are ez access, fronts less so but not that difficult either. depending upon how badly damaged, it might need whole new threading (helicoil or timesert) or simply a thread cleaning, cheap and EZ. considering the time, trouble and cost, a cheap rethreading tool would be the first thing to try.

    https://www.amazon.com/BikeMaster-S...13&sr=1-5&keywords=spark+plug+hole+rethreader



    how did it happen ? did your "mechanic" screw it up ? :eek: or was it you ?
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2018
  7. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    The last time I touched my sparkplugs was 2014 so I honestly don't know. I am most worried about leaving behind metal shavings and causing further damage

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  8. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Did you watch Ootv's video?
     
  9. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    So, after watching the video on the entire process and talking to a few "Experts" I decided to have the dealer make the repairs. I Love my VFR and I want it repaired correctly versus my possibly making it worse.

    I went in and paid half at the dealership on Saturday.
    And because I am a Veteran, I will be getting discount off the entire amount.

    Cant wait & I will be Overjoyed so I can ride in Florida Winter weather

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  10. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    I didn't hear from the Repair shop all last week (said they keep me informed) and purposely waited- trying to be patient. I did call in Monday, Jan 29th and I was told that all the parts were in and work was about to begin, and they should be finished either this Tues or Wed, and they will call me.

    Thursday, still waiting...

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  11. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Hope you get it for the weekend.
     
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  12. thtanner

    thtanner New Member

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    For $1400+ I'd be cutting my losses and riding away on a new 8G
     
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  13. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    My VFR is family...

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  14. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Did you get it yet???


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  15. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    For $1400+ they damn well better do a good job, with cherries and whipped cream on top!
    Err, I hope they fix it right. And detail it for you, at that price. ;)
     
  16. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    Drive over to the shop and ask to see your parts and work in progress. :Faint:or :Bravo:
     
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  17. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Exactly what squirrels said.
    It’s so frustrating when shops don’t stick to there word, been there.



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  18. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    I 've worked in too many shops where the owner lied consistently every day promising jobs that wouldn't be ready when he said........ When the customer finally got too tired waiting he'd usually tell the customer to pick the bike up or he'd deliver for $30.:Crazy::whipme:
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2018
  19. rvmiller

    rvmiller New Member

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    My bike is done.

    When I took it there, the right and left Fairings were off; I took them off...

    So last night when I began putting the Fairings back on - they left off the front bracket and some fasteners on the right side were missing, and one bolt was about to fall out. I paid to much money for their carelessness.

    My VFR is running great but that is what I paid for. Overall I am disappointed, and will let them know that. I will give them the opportunity to rectify this situation....

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  20. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Always a good idea to take pics of your bike before handing it over to any repair shop. Also before taking back your bike, give it a look over to be sure there isn't anything out of place, bent, missing or otherwise not how you handed it over to them. Having pics on a smart phone is handy as you can whip that out if they deny or otherwise don't own up to it.
     
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