Welding to engine block?

[Hawaiian Style]

Wow, I'm not sure I'd let those guys wash my XJ let alone weld something to the engine block. Sounds to me like they owe you a new engine. Compeletely unacceptable. I would tell them that they have two options. Replace the entire engine or replace the XJ. This is a simple case of incompetence and I wouldn't let them fool around with it anymore. Rigging up some kind of crap mount now will not change the fact that they've ruined the block and the XJ with the welded mount nonsense. What happens now if thier weld doesn't hold? More fabrication? Who are these idiots anyway?

 

[Kejtar]

My 95 Cherokee Sport,has also sheared the heads off the motor mount bolts 3 times.From what I have heard,this a common problem.

Hmm... I have been frequenting for close to 3.5 years I think and with the variety of people we have here, and variety of driving styles and weather conditions (rust belt and so on) I must say that I recall of hearing it once or twice, ussually in conjuction with some hard trail and some other damage that would add to it....

In any case, I have to say that the hard mount is definately not the way to go, and it will give you more headaches (even if only from vibrations) then you're entitled to. If I was you, I'd threated them with a lawsuit, court (politely and reasonably: no shouting, no yelling from your end, just persistance) as what they did is wrong and it even prohibits you from pursuing fixing the normal mounting option! ALso other mounting options will be screwing with your geometry. THe engine mounts (all three) work in conjunction with each other, and if they create a new mount spot, they will be messing with the "engineered/tested/proven" design.... I definately wouldn't let them.... I guess they owe you a new block, but I'm not sure if I'd let THEM put it in...

Kejtar

 

[Rev Den]

I have seen a few replies mentioning legal and BBB action. While that may be a justified action, let me play deviuls advocate here and ask, did you use any of these phrases when you left it to be fixed?
"Just fix it!!, I don't care how!!"
"Fix it once and for all!!"
"Fix it cheap"
"Just put it together, I'm gonna dump it"
"It is only a beater, I just want it fixed"

If you did not use any of these, then post the name and location of this shop. So if the rest of us find ourselfs in your neck of the woods, we don't use them.

Rev

 

[Kejtar]

Umm Rev Den, what they did was wrong and they should know better.... I think that no matter what I say, unless I sign something on paper for them specifically saying so, they should not redesign and get creative on an OEM design...

Kejtar

 

[BlackJack95]

A little history on this shop. Several years ago I owned a small courier business. One van. Anytime I had a breakdown, they would take it in right away. Never anything major, but I always had a good relationship with them. They also did some minor work on my other vehicles, again, no complaints. So I decided to buy the Cherokee off his lot about 2 years ago. I've had no problems with it except for the motor mount on the right side. The first two times the bolts sheared off before the lift was installed. This time, after the lift, it broke off the mounting points on the block. I wasn't able to clearly see all the damage, partly due to the welding and plating over the area. I think my problem now, legally, would be : I didn't save the receipts from the first two repairs, a lift was put in (3" with a transfer case lowering kit), I was so disgusted with this repair (of course no charge) that I didn't wait for him to print out a receipt. It's obvious looking at the XJ that it goes off-road. He could easily say that I abused it. I'm afraid I don't have much if I do end up in a confrontation with them.
Again, this is why I'm trying to be calm & cool and giving them the opportunity to make good. I'm probably too easy-going, but I will do all I can if the repair is unsatisfactory :twak:

 

[Eagle]

IMHO the repair is already unsatisfactory, and I personally cannot think of any way to make that mess into an "acceptable" repair. What agency in your state licenses motor vehicle repair facilities? If I were in your situation, I think I would already be on a first name basis with the director of that agency.

 

[Hawaiian Style]

I understand your wanting to give these guys a chance but in my not-so-humble opinion, they've already cost you one engine block. I don't have any idea how they can undo the damage that has already been done to your XJ without swapping out the engine.

You took the XJ in to have a broken engine mount repaired/replaced. You didn't give them authorization to fabricate an entirely new mounting system, to be welded to a cast iron block! Unacceptable, pure and simple. I'd be furious if someone did that to my Chief. Tell them to replace the engine or you'll see them in court, pure and simple. I'd even be leary of having these guys do an oil change after this. What a bunch of :bs:

 

[Rev Den]

Umm Rev Den, what they did was wrong and they should know better.... I think that no matter what I say, unless I sign something on paper for them specifically saying so, they should not redesign and get creative on an OEM design...

Kejtar

Know better? Yup they SHOULD.
Thats why I am asking.....I cannot believe a reputable shop, with a good customer, would do this. They MUST have a damn good reason....OR....they don't give a Sh**. I agree, they screwed up, but how many stories do we all hear, and find out later we just got half the picture?
If this is what it sounds like.......A replacement engine would be on my list of requests, but do not let them install it.

Rev