Cummins engine rebuild failure. Opening a can of worms

Dave, you should follow through on these videos, even if it’s just a minute or two summary at the end of here’s what ultimately happened and here’s a clip of the vehicle running and driving at the end. Lots of these videos end of cliff hangers!

"I don't want to spend any more of his money until he knows that this is what it's going to really cost" This is one of the golden customer service skills spot on

My father, who was an aerospace engineer for NASA for over 4 decades, had a saying, "You only get one chance to do it right the first time." A motto ingrained into my soul since my earliest days, rest in peace Pops!

He’s not angry man he’s a man that doesn’t like shabby work. I completely understand this man. Good job.

All this kid can do is learn from his mistakes. Hopefully it does not deter him from any further mechanical ventures. Working on your own stuff is a very valuable skill, especially nowadays.

Dave's "Disappointed dad look" sends me straight back to the days of my youth and my lousy report cards.

I worked for Cummins Illinois Engine Sales/Chicago for several years starting in the '70's and they were a superb engine rebuild shop for Cummins (obviously). We rebuilt EVERYTHING Cummins, ground our own cranks, completely machined blocks, rebuild heads and all engine subassemblies and every engine received a full, several hour dyno test before it left. When Cummins Engine Company started their ReCon program it was based a lot on what was done at our facility. Cummins Illinois is no more, bought out by Cummins Engine in early '90s' and is a mere shadow of what it used to be. So, I'm very familiar with what you guys do Dave, keep up the good work!

So….love this vid too…I also strikes me that there is no stupid reality show crap in this channel….no fake personality conflicts…no contrived drama….no fake “breakout” stars…..just real mechanics doing real work for a great boss….I’d be a shame if this channel ever went that way….

So much more intriguing than a crime investigation or murder mystery, these episodes are so captivating. Great job! I hope this works out well for the owner (and the next owner).

My LS3 dropped a seat at about 200k miles. It just barely tapped the top of a piston and it happened while I started it up so I immediately shutdown and it didn't do any more damage. Pulled the engine, disassembled it, took it to a shop to be machined and measure the journals, cylinders, etc. Ordered all the appropriate parts for it and had it all sitting in my living room. I'd already had the same shop rebuild the good head and order me a new head to replace the one that dropped the seat. Sitting on over $10k parts and labor and decided "I can take an engine out, put it back in, disassemble it, and while I can put one together, I don't know the decades of knowledge to do it RIGHT." So I went to the builder with everything and said "you've already done the machine work, I ordered everything from GM and sized on the measurements you took. I understand if you don't want to warranty it but bro, one mistake and I'm out DOUBLE the money and there aren't any LS3 engines available anywhere now." They built it for me and it's been perfect ever since. GLAD I made the choice because I knew that I've learned a ton in my life but as I work in IT and meet other IT guys all the time who don't REALLY know what they're doing, I recognized I didn't REALLY know how to put an engine together. You can't replace 30 years of work, muscle memory, the micron-level touch in our fingers. It can only be hard won through doing the work and doing it well. I went as far as I could go and I wasn't afraid to say so.

Prob one of the coolest customers. Very understanding. I love having customers like that, they understand that your being honest and straight forward.

Dave you are the man. Extremely talented in your profession. Love how you don’t hold back.

You are perhaps the most ethical repair shops I have ever watched! You are a testament to your integrity and honesty! Kudos!

Came across this site by accident, happy I did. As a former A&P Aircraft Mechanic in the 70's and 80's I really enjoy watching honest good mechanics at the top of their game.

Absolutely needs a part 2! I. Still waiting to see what is gonna happen with that cracked crank M156 (6.2 AMG Mercedes V8)!

I am really impressed with Dave and his way of doing business. His customer skills are spot on. There's no BS going on here, just the hard facts. Kudos to Dave's Auto Center.

The knowledge on this man is insane, he called the guy and went through every option down to the cleaning of the engine. And pointed it out that’s crazy

As far as the comments to the service writer...I dont mind when someone is firm and direct with me when I miss something, it helps so much to know where you sand with your boss. Constructive correction with respect...beautiful. Man I wanna for for this guy.

I been taking notes from every video to make myself a better mechanic. I love the way this guy questions and explains the why and how behind everything. I also have seen many engines installed and never once did any mechanic do a cleaning first when it got back from the machine shop. This channel will be the reason why every mechanic will up their game.

Dave, As a mechanic and engine machinist/ builder since 1988, I applaud your sincerity, integrity, and no compromise values of your shop. When you turn out quality, you can look everyone in the eyes and smile. Kyle Johns