So, I am the one who posted about starter problems.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...arting-104517/

I couldnt really reach the starter or look at the bendix so I had it towed to my jaguar mechanic.

He says, 1. Drive flex plate is torn to shreds and need a new one. 2. says that my starter is bad. So, he wants $300 or a flex drive plate that he already has and $875 in labor. Stating he has to take off the tranny to do all this work. Total of $1175 not including starter that I can get replaced via warranty.

So, my question is. Does all this sound reasonable to you guys?

 

Well, the trans *does* have to be removed to replace the drive plate/flex plate.

The labor charge seems high to me. Not outrageously so, but he isn't doing you any favors.

Cheers
DD

 

My record replacement time for a Series III torque converter drive plate is about 45 minutes.
Back in the early 1990s I had replaced a drive plate because the teeth were worn. I got the gearbox installed and the starter just 'spun-free'.

I was stunned and the boss told me that the customer would be there around 5:00 PM (it was about 4:00 PM). I panicked.

I got to thinking that maybe I installed the drive plate BACKWARDS!!!!!!!!!!!
I looked and sure enough the ring gear TEETH were on the WRONG side of the flexplate!!!!!!!!!!

I still had all the tools laid out so I went like a MAD MAN and got the gearbox back out.
I turned the plate around and put the gearbox back in.

I had it done before the customer showed up and the starter DID engage the teeth when I cranked it!!!

A realistic time would be 5 or 6 hours with corroded bolts and other stuck parts.

bob gauff

 

Thank you so much guys! This forum has helped me so many times I just cant express my gratitude enough. YOU GUYS ROCK!

 

Yeah. Gotta remember that the mechanic is in it to make a living. Around here, shop time is about $125.00 per hour. If he is running his business, he has tons of overhead to pay before he takes home a nickel. Rent, utilities, taxes, insurance, etc.

300.00 for a flex plate sounds a tad high. But if new, might well be worth the nice clean teeth as well as the tight rivets. if used, I don't think so, unless it is pristine.

As to the starter, mixed feelings. Same source on warranty for the same risk. Rebuilds are not all the same. I am a tad shaky on the newer geared reduction things. Asian critter with an alloy adaptor of the "one size fits most'.

Too bad you are so far away. I'd give you a good used OEM unit that came from my car when it was a running 4.2. The critters are heavy to mail!!

OTH, I installed a CARQUEST sourced rebuild for my Jeep. I did not opt for the premium unit. But, I was pleased with it's looks. Nicely done. and it has worked just fine. Right around 70 bucks as I recall.

lesson, if it doesn't sound right, stop and fix erst things go haywire. I didn't have to say that, did I!

Carl