Thread: Replacing Upper Coolant Outlet. 3 hours labour???

Originally Posted by discomatt69

Justin, I have been self employed a long time and fully understand your post and where you are coming from BUT when a workshop charges 150-200/hour for a fully trained tech to work on your car to fix complex issues that is one thing but to charge out an apprentice at the same rate to spin a filter and pour in some oil is just taking the ****.
Most mechanics around my local area charge 95-130 / hour , Land Rover "specialists" charge 150-200, most of which have no official LR training

Still 'should' have supervision by a leading hand , i certainly won't let unsupervised apprentices loose on a 150k FFRR... there are only 2 of us in my workshop, combined experience of over 50years, over half that on Landies... i have a 3rd hand every 5 to 6 weeks for a month at a time from a Marine Engineer/ landy mechanic too to give us a bit of a breather... i am loathe to employ a young person or apprentice ever again, unless they present as a hard working, well behaved and honest person...
So until then we work as hard as we can, with what we can, and charge accordingly.

Originally Posted by Eric SDV6SE

Sean C

Any chance of some pics?

I've got to my D4 soon and your description is very clear.

Thanks in advance

Eric

Hi Eric no pics. It is quite easy.

Try the method below for removing the throttle body. It will save removing the fan shroud and unbolting and moving the inlet at the front of the throttle body. I pulled it forward so I had to make room. Didn’t know about twisting it.

Originally Posted by Graeme
To disconnect the throttle body from the inlet manifolds, raise the front of the throttle body slightly, rotate the throttle body anti-clockwise causing the outlet going to the driver's side inlet manifold to go down at which time it will clear the inlet manifold, then pull the throttle housing out of the passenger side inlet manifold. Refitting is the reverse. No springing is required

Originally Posted by justinc

Do you realise just how much expences have climbed in the last few years??? Our insurances are ridiculous, workers comp premiums are skyrocketing, and EVERYONE is charging more to collect waste oil, coolant, and general waste too. Our rates and water, rent and services have become an all time high. We purchased 28k of diagnostic gear last year, an extra hoist and compressor was replaced, wages were increased and my general sundry running costs are higher every year. I would like people to think long and hard as to why we charge these rates , and remember that mechanics are no longer just points and plugs kinds of people. Training, tools and the minefield of OHS is another added cost burden .

I'm no disbeliever Justinc as I know from family that their own business costs rose considerably over the last few years. But if it's getting tough staying in the trade, get out of it and go camping.
If I can do a job myself for less, especially when buying oils from the stores or even filters from the stealer (not known for being cheap) I'll do it.
AlanH.