Stage II labor, M8

[vito]

My local dealer quoted $1300 labor to install a stage II cam. When I had a Crane cam put in my Evo they cut the stock push rods then replaced them with adjustables to avoid pulling the heads. The M8 kit includes adjustable pushrods for that purpose so the cam change ought to be easy. Any idea why it'd take $1300 worth of labor?

[rhino 2]

First; did you ask the dealer why its gonna take that much time [Labor]
Second; how much did it cost on your Evo and how long ago was that..

[Keystone]

What he said. I'd ask the dealership why the install labor is that price.

[Springman2007]

I think it is because the M8 is new and the dealer(s) see an opportunity to "SOAK" customers......

Actually, I experienced it before when the Twin-Cam came out.......
Obviously, it is time to shop around and let the dealers know your going to......

Springman

[tfdeputydawg]

Many places are charging $100/hr labor. So, 13hrs to replace the cam?
Careful where/whom does the change to keep warranty going!

[vito]

First; did you ask the dealer why its gonna take that much time [Labor]
Second; how much did it cost on your Evo and how long ago was that..

1. No. My throat is so ate up by cancer I cannot talk so I had SWMBO call.

2. 25 years ago b4 most here began riding.

Steps are:
remove air cleaner.
remove pushrod covers
cover lifters with rag and cut pushrods in two and remove them.
Raise lifters & hold with clips.
remove cam cover
turn engine to align timing marks
on evo, slip old cam out and new in.
replace cam cover and drop lifters onto cam.
set new adjustable pushrods to shortest setting and install.
adjust each pushrod with lifter on heel of cam.
install pushrod covers and air cleaner.
test ride.

Looks like maybe 3 or 4 hours labor too me.
$1300 .... naw.

[rhino 2]

1. No. My throat is so ate up by cancer I cannot talk so I had SWMBO call.

2. 25 years ago b4 most here began riding.

.

I would check on that price quote' Yourself' Sometimes things get lost in translation
25 years that isn't so long ago.. I still have underwear older than that...

[Jack Klarich]

The MOCO is insane on their labor rate, they would have us believe they are the only ones that can do it, NOT
The M8 is not that much different other than the valve train and the single cam, if you can find torque specs I say have at it

[rhino 2]

The MOCO is insane on their labor rate, they would have us believe they are the only ones that can do it, NOT
The M8 is not that much different other than the valve train and the single cam, if you can find torque specs I say have at it

The MOCO, Doesn't set hour rates .. Each individual dealer does.. Thats why some charge $75 per. and Others as high $125 per. The MOCO does suggest how long each job should take to do [Book hours] .
.

[Mykneesbehurtin]

13 hours labor seems high even on the early twin cams when the cams had to be pressed into the cam plate i could swap them in less 8 that is from start to finish including exhaust removal.And i am just a garage mechanic.

[vito]

I stopped by the dealer to ask why a cam change cost $1300. I began going over the needed steps: remove air cleaner and pushrod covers ..... When I said "cut the push rods it two you'd think I said "F*k your mother." Dude went catatonic mumbling about all the adjustments. Clearly they thot you had to pull the heads to get the push rods out altho he didn't say that. Equally clear is that I do not want them screwing with my motor. Jeeze, the kit includes new adjustable push rods and new covers.

Don't make it a priority but if anybody happens to be in another shop, check their price.
Thanks.

[Bill G]

That's why I do my own work and document. Most dealers not all and I say again not all are idiots when it comes to working on Harley's in general. Some do have really good techs/mechanics (because of warranty) but you need to do your homework and find out which dealers these are.

Then make sure that specific tech/mechanic works on your bike. Also make sure you and that tech/mechanic are on the same page with each other on what and how things are being done on your bike.

Ride Safe,
Bill G

[vito]

That's why I do my own work and document. Most dealers not all and I say again not all are idiots when it comes to working on Harley's in general. Some do have really good techs/mechanics (because of warranty) but you need to do your homework and find out which dealers these are.

Then make sure that specific tech/mechanic works on your bike. Also make sure you and that tech/mechanic are on the same page with each other on what and how things are being done on your bike.

Ride Safe,
Bill G

Thanks, Bill, but health no longer allows me to do my own work. Too bad, I used to enjoy it almost as much as riding and certainly recommend it to them who can.