rennwerkes Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Okay, used some of my contacts on the Big Island and this is what they came up with: Hualalai Garage at 324-4772 Contact : Jimmy Nakagawa or try Umeno's Auto repair at 324-4791 Contact : Mike Umeno Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey.T Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 rennwerkes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z_Pilot Posted September 3, 2006 Author Share Posted September 3, 2006 Quick update from Oregon (be back in Hawaii in a couple days): I had Nissan replace the timing belt and tensionor assembly after talking to one of their techs. The tech has seen many belts go on the VG30E...typically found NO valve damage. Perhaps they were playing me for $, I dont know, but the valves are indeed F-ucked up. I think i will drive it back to Hilo and contact one of the meachanics that Rennwerkes (THANKS!) suggested to pop on some rebuilt heads. In the meantime, in an attempt to turn this lemon situation into lemonade, I emailed L&P and asked if they can send me some rebuilt heads that are ported and polished.... I'll keep you all posted! Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rennwerkes Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 Hey Z, don't forget that the mechanics I suggested are on the Kona side and NOT Hilo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z_Pilot Posted September 3, 2006 Author Share Posted September 3, 2006 ..haha.. that's what I meant... Thanks! Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slick Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 good luck Z! keep us updated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z_Pilot Posted September 5, 2006 Author Share Posted September 5, 2006 (edited) Hey Z, don't forget that the mechanics I suggested are on the Kona side and NOT Hilo. You Sure? Hualalai Garage 77 Maluhia St # 6069 Hilo, HI 96720 (808) 324-4772 SAVE LISTING | WRITE A NOTE Hualalai Garage Keauhou, HI 96739 (808) 329-8993 * EDIT: There is a Hualalai Garage over here So much for online technology...the 'ol phone book is correct. Yellowpages.com and googlemaps are showing that they're on the other side of the island. However, Umenos Auto Repair 76-5913 Mamalahoa Hwy Holualoa, HI 96725 (808) 324-4791 It looks like these guys are over here on the west side. Perhaps I should consult with some old technology (phone-book). Nonetheless, thanks! (I've gotta work today...I'll get in touch with them tomorrow). Edited September 5, 2006 by Z_Pilot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z_Pilot Posted September 5, 2006 Author Share Posted September 5, 2006 BTW- I drove the Pathy 100 miles to Kona...on 4 cylinders, I think. I don't think the valves were hitting the piston, but who knows? Question: With the next phase of this situation, which route is the best option \ most cost-effective? A> Have the shop replace the damaged valves and associated gaskets only. ...Reduce the potential for more wear on the rest of the engine (new heads + old engine > rings, gaskets, etc) B> Would it be better in the long run to just order a re-man set of heads from the mainland ($400 - 600)? C> Should I turn this bad situation into a good situation and get L&P rebuilt polished & ported heads? Would i risk blowing the rings on a 100,000 mile engine? Thanks for your opinions Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rennwerkes Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Oops, sorry, when I think Hualalai I think of the Kona/Kohala side. Not sure if you're problem is bent valves. If your valves got bent and the belt either slipped or broke your car wouldn't be running right now. So maybe not as bad as we first thought? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pathoffroad Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 With the next phase of this situation, which route is the best option \ most cost-effective? A> Have the shop replace the damaged valves and associated gaskets only. ...Reduce the potential for more wear on the rest of the engine (new heads + old engine > rings, gaskets, etc) B> Would it be better in the long run to just order a re-man set of heads from the mainland ($400 - 600)? C> Should I turn this bad situation into a good situation and get L&P rebuilt polished & ported heads? Would i risk blowing the rings on a 100,000 mile engine? Thanks for your opinions Z I'd get the heads checked and rebuilt. Brand new ones would be a waste IMHO unless the old ones are somehow damaged so badly they can't be fixed. Ported/polished heads won't do anything to your lower end, don't worry about it. The rings should be fine past 200K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z_Pilot Posted September 23, 2006 Author Share Posted September 23, 2006 Ouch. Trying not to get raped in Hawaii. Of the two garages recommended to me above, one did not want to touch it for 6 weeks+. The guy at the other shop was nice (Umeno's), but I think I am realizing that he is taking me for a ride. His grand total was $3000 :contract: The machine shop he uses wants $860 to rebuild the heads, not including the valves! He charges 10 hours of labor at $95 an hour to take them off and put them back on! He said that the top end gasket set would run me $450! He recommended other "add-ons" (most of which I don't disagree with) but, for example, $150 for spark plug wires Gawd, living in Hawaii is exspensive, I know, and I realize that people need to charge more to cover higher living exspenses...but this is insane! :eek: Realize this is a Mom&Pop operation out of a house garage. A quick search online and eBay gives me a set of rebuilt heads for $280 shipped & top-end gasket set for $225. I need to find a mechanic that will do this as a side job for $500 labor...then I can survive. So, with that said, I need your help with a technical question: Which cylinder head casing part # do I need for my 1995 SEV6? > L85E > R85E ...as seen here: eBay cylinder head #1 or the: > RV52 ...as seen here (written on a head, in a picture): eBay cylinder head #2 Thanks again guys! Z Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rennwerkes Posted September 23, 2006 Share Posted September 23, 2006 Sorry to hear about those price but actually, I think those prices, while not inexpensive, aren't a rip off. All they're doing is charging you suggested retail and without the additional dealer mark up. I think Nissan over there would charge you more for the gasket set. If you need help with parts let me know. As an example I can get you that gasket set for $75 plus shipping. Wire set (NGK) for about the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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