Fuel Bowl Heater- Reasonable Repair Bill?

[BigRedWeather]

TITLE

My truck has been at the mechanic's for a full week. The problem turns out to be that the fuel bowl heater was burned up. It in turn shorted out the computer and the truck would not start. The mechanic spent hours 6 - 8 to determine that the computer was at fault. Then he said the computer worked fine. I don't think I should have to pay for 6 - 8 hours of unnecessary diagnostic work.

I need some guidance on what a reasonble bill would be.

1) What is a reasonable bill for diagnosing and replacing just the Fuel Bowl Heater?

2) What is a reasonable amount I should pay of the overall diagnostic work?

 

[JLDickmon]

what was the original diagnosis?

fuel heater, ECM, ECM
or
ECM, fuel heater, ECM

 

[Tbar]

Your fuel heater probably shorted out and blew the fuse that is shared with the pcm. Shouldn't of taken that long to diagnose.


Tbar

 

[DaveBen]

If that is what you think, then it is between you and your mechanic. Talk to him first. You can take him to Small Claims Court if necessary.

Dave

 

[BigRedWeather]

what was the original diagnosis?

fuel heater, ECM, ECM
or
ECM, fuel heater, ECM

When I took it in Fuse 22 was not blown as they would have expected with a shorted out Fuel Bowl Heater. Their first diagnosis was that the computer was bad, ordered one and put it on and it still wouldn't start. Then they put my computer in another 97 F350 and it did run. So they looked elsewhere and eventually found the Fuel Bowl Heater.

So the diagnosis has been ECM (OK), Fuel Bowl Heater. I have not gotten a bill yet, but am trying to prepare myself in case they want to charge me for X hours times Y dollars per hour = big bill.

Is this non-professional troubleshooting or "the way it goes" on the very electronically engneered Power Strokes. My ultimate questions, is how much I should pay for this repair.


Thanks,


BigRedWeather

 

[BigRedWeather]

Your fuel heater probably shorted out and blew the fuse that is shared with the pcm. Shouldn't of taken that long to diagnose.


Tbar

Please see my respose to JLDickmon.

 

[Tx_Atty]

replacing the heater shouldnt take more than 10 minutes. If you are anticipating a large bill for their hunt and destroy mission, you might consider raising the issue ahead of time and let the guy know of your concern. It might be easier to head it off first rather than try to argue it after-the-fact. How long it should take to figure out it was the heater? Who knows. How long to fix that part? 10 minutes.