Have a quote from a mechanic and need to know if it is a good price...

[relcock]

I have an 81 gs850gx and I bought a set of used carbs off ebay. I gave them to a mechanic I know and he said that the needles and seats need replaced and that the "tubes" (don't think thats exactly what he called them but not sure) are scummy and are going to need some work. He quoted me $235 to clean, repair, and sync them on my bike. I am wondering if this is a good quote. I live in Indiana if that makes any difference.

Unfortunately I do not have time to learn how to do all this myself right now as I am graduating from college in a couple of months and currently am seeking a job and working a full time internship. Otherwise I would save some money and put the time in myself. I just need this bike ready for spring.

Thank you,
Ryan

 

[Guest]

I wouldnt pay it.

 

[Guest]

If that includes the cost of the parts also, i would say yes.

 

[spyug]

As most shops charge out labour at $60 per hour or so 4 hours worth would be about right so I'd say its fair. Having said that why don't you try it yourself and save that cash for something else. I know you mention a time crunch but one Saturday morning for tear down and carb dipping and one Sunday morning for re-assembly.

Rebuild kits are available from online sources or even from your local "stealership" or bike store, cycleorings.com (Robert Barr) is your source for o-rings and the carb cleaning tutorial will take you through it step by step. Synching the carbs does need a manometer and you could make one or buy a profesional model. Their might be a member local to you that can loan one or help you with that or worst comes to worst your, mechanic can do it in about an hour so you should save a pile of money even if the pro did it.

Have a go at it. Its not that difficult as many here have found out.

Good luck.

Cheers,
spyug

 

[Guest]

If that includes the cost of the parts also, i would say yes.

What parts?
All ya need are o-rings and gaskets.

 

[tkent02]

If you must pay someone to do it, that's a fair price.
If he does it right, a real crap shoot there.
If you must pay someone to do it you need a newer bike.

 

[will61310]

I would say alot depends on the price of the bike. If you got it cheap enough,and thats all it takes to make it right, then go for it.

 

[SqDancerLynn1]

It's a fair price. I would verify if that includes parts? I don't suspect it does... As others have said Probably just need a very good cleaning and O ring replacement.. NO rebuild kit unless he needles to replace the mixture needle screw

 

[Guest]

I'll save you some money and do it right.
http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=148764

 

[gggGary]

Before the horse cart putting but why eBay carbs? I would guess your bike came with some? Did you already "work" on those or was it a British style carbs optional model? If you do have two sets of carbs there should be enough of everything except orings and maybe gaskets.
Wanting the "rest of the story"

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes! Let Mr. chef1366 do it. Since you're half a continent away, he won't be able to sync them on the bike, but at least your carbs will be spotless and get a good bench sync. For more information, here is your "mega-welcome" again......(or did I forget?)....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

I've seen others charge $300 to clean a bank of carbs. So I guess that's a fair price if he does it right. Mr. chef1366 will do it right. There could also be a member closer who would do a good job too. Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[bwringer]

There are several GS-ers in your area who might be able to help.

At the very least, I would definitely double, triple, and quadruple check the mechanic's reputation.

If he's talking about using rebuild kits, run away -- he's an idiot and your bike will never run right again. Seriously. The rebuild kits are shoddy crap, and anyone who talks about using them obviously doesn't know what he's doing.

 

[kdo58]

i found this link they charge $300.
http://www.vintagecarbs.com/smooth_bores.html

 

[tkent02]

Let Mr. chef1366 do it. Since you're half a continent away, he won't be able to sync them on the bike, but at least your carbs will be spotless and get a good bench sync.

+1, go with Chef, he knows what he's doing and will get it right.

I bought an old beat up set from him, they work perfectly.

 

[Nessism]

Send them to Chef. He's a broke hot rodder that works for peanuts to feed his expensive engine blowing habit. Toss this deserving GSR'er a bone, he won't do you wrong but you will have to find it in yourself to R&R the carbs yourself.

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys

To ED
I think

 

[twr1776]

Ryan, if you do not want to mess with them send them to Chef, he knows these carbs and will do a good job for you.

The NW Indiana garage might be able to carbtune/colortune them after you get them back and installed on the bike from Chef.

If you decide to have it done local PM me with the mechanics details and info before you have it done, there is a particular mechanic in our area I hope you found and I would trust, the others around here are mostly hacks and will not do a good job for you. I have run across some local "mechanics" work that was just plain lousy. The thing that sounds a bit fishy about your mechanic is the tubes need work. If he is referring to the emulsion tubes they can only be cleaned and should not need any "work".

 

[almarconi]

$235 to clean, sync carbs is actually a very good price. I know guys that have paid twice that to get the work done on a old bike. I would not pay that since I would do the work myself but if you are not capable go to the mechanic. Most shops won't even work on older bikes.

 

[Calvin Blackmore]

i found this link they charge $300.
http://www.vintagecarbs.com/smooth_bores.html

Im not sure but werent these guys mentioned for bad service on here a while back?

again not sure but that a big wad of cash to shell out to someone who may end up breaking more than they fix.

 

[feelergaugephil]

Start learning yourself and save $$$$$$.
FYI, I charge $40hr, but that's on everything I fix (note, I didn't state work on!!! lolol)