jwischer

never met Shawn personally but he helped me over the phone a couple times and knows his stuff... wish I lived near Denver I'd hire him in a heartbeat

this will be my final comment(s). I was polite and cordial throughout the whole process. Here are some facts: I'm picking the engine up today. My shop says I got FOUR used pistons. See how this goes? My oil pump was like new, and I wanted it back as a spare. When I mentioned it they said they put gaskets & seals in them. This was a "goof" I guess, since newer pumps are re-buildable but EA82's get new ones. So my "demand" was just a request that they be sure to use mine, which they did. Later during the "warranty" process this came to light and I asked for the new pump I had paid for, which I got. So, in summary: EA82 rebuilt without new oil pump as result of "misunderstanding" (?). No/low oil pressure on start-up. Returned for warranty diagnosis?repair with request for upgrade to new heads for more $. Got it back with new oil pump but original heads- raising ? of what they actually did. CCR agreed to pay my shop to complete the "warranty" work. My shop found ground crank with standard bearings, used pistons et al. CCR gave complete refund. No, Emily, I kept my word- you won't hear from me again. This part is my civic duty, as it were. I think they did good work in the past. The "Net" suggests my experience was not unique. Caveat emptor...

Arnhem was a very busy place in September of 1944! I think CCR was capable of good work in the past- I've met some of their previous employees- but they sure saw me coming this time! Can't really say I out-smarted them; just got lucky and was able to get my $ back. What blew me away were the "layers" of dishonesty- not just one goof they tried to cover-up. Just hope to save other folks the anguish and, not to mention an engine that might run for 3 years but not be half of what they thought they were paying for!

Crank was turned/ground .010 but std. bearings put in. (When torn-down later in my local shop the owner said "the crank's flopping around in there like a stick in a barrel"). Would not build oil pressure. Removed and took back to CCR for warranty. Decided to pay more $ for new heads (6 left in US) anticipating tear-down to find oil pressure problem. Got engine back with explanation of bad seal in oil pump. Then noticed original heads still on, meaning engine never actually torn-down. Got very upset and CCR shipped heads same day and promised to pay my local shop to complete warranty repair. Then local shop tore-down engine and found loose crank as oil pressure problem but also used pistons and other work not done or poorly done. Commerce City police agreed to possible criminal activity but suggested I ask for refund- CCR agreed to refund rather than a visit from the police. There are a few more details but that's most of it. Neat, huh?!

See my new post about CCR! Give $2000 to your favorite charity and then take it to a good local shop.... you'll save weeks of heartache and feel better too! I had trouble with CCR that couldn't be resolved and when my local shop tore down the engine I found out just how badly I had been "done". Evidence suggested criminal action and they gave my $ back rather than talk to the commerce city police. DON'T DO IT!

I recently had an awful experience with my EA82 at Colorado Component Rebuilders of Commerce City, Colorado. This included poor workmanship, work not done, used parts, wrong parts, and significant dishonesty for both the original "rebuild" and subsequent abortive "warranty" non-service. Only a promise to go to the Commerce City Police resulted in a full refund. I strongly recommend you find a reputable local shop or get a referral from someone with a good experience. I found a great shop in my home town if you're interested. This was by far my worst experience as a consumer.

When I bought my 2008 Outback was disappointed to learn that manufacturers no longer allow owners to buy "factory" service manuals (I'm 56 yrs . old so I lived a long time in the good ol' days...). Car is great and at 40K all I do is oil change, filters, plugs, etc. But when I get due for timing belts etc. am I at mercy of dealer or are there aftermarket (or black market?!) options?

I am orig. owner of car; 290K now! Rebuilt AC syst. several years ago: new comp. & evap. coil- all works & is cold, except: comp. cuts out seemingly at random & will restart also seemingly at random- also when it cuts out the interior HVAC fan cuts out. Don't really know where to start looking- maybe there id a relay somewhere that is just old and temperamental- please advise!