Re: Strategies for parts stores; was Re: IML: EFI plugs

[Brad Hogg <luxoliner@xxxxxxx>]

Here's a story I'd like to relate regarding looking up your own numbers and 
asking the parts guy for stuff by part number.

A friend of mine walked into his local auto parts store and asked for spark 
plugs for Make and Model of his car.  The parts drone fumbled through the 
computer and then shortly after retrieved the spark plugs off the shelf. 
Some time later, on an extended road trip, the engine in the car failed.  It 
was determined that the failure was caused by an incorrect spark plug 
burning a hole in the piston.  With this information in hand, my friend went 
back to the parts store and requested compensation.  After looking at the 
facts, it was determined that the catalog listing for his car was incorrect 
and he was indeed sold the wrong plugs.  The parts store made good and 
bought the man a new engine.

I'm not saying that every parts store would buy a new engine or that we 
shouldn't know what we need when we go in there.  I just think it is 
noteworthy that there is a liability issue whereby if you ask for part A, 
and you get part A and it is not the correct part, you are on your own.  If 
you ask for a frazzits for a 72 Convoy and the man hands you the wrong part 
and that part does damage to your vehicle, you MIGHT have a leg to stand on.

I've run into this with mechanics.  I've gone in there with a rattle or a 
squeek and told the mechanic to tighten up the gudgen pin (because that's 
what I thought was the problem) only to have the mechanic do just what I 
asked of him and yet leave the rattle or squeek remaining.  I try not to 
diagnose for the mechanic now.  I simply say, "It rattles".  That means, 
"Make the rattle go away." so that is what the mechanic is charged with 
doing...by any reasonable means necessary.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and there are times when you 
want to tell the mechanic EXACTLY what you want done or tell the parts drone 
EXACTLY what part you want.  I'm just pointing out that sometimes, we can be 
too helpful, to our own detrement.



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