A & A Complete Automotive Repair

Patrick Simpson _{on Google}

Mar 2nd, 2024

This review is in regards to William Oakey's repair. I have called and talked to Joe myself. I worked with Ford for 5 years, tech, advisor and service manager. Been in service for 12 years Now managing a multi brand dealership in Washington. I've been involved with this repair countless times. When I talked to Joe he made no sense, I asked if the leak was through the weep hole, he said no it was in the engine. So I then asked how there was no oil pressure codes, timing etc. He stated they didn't pull the codes... I prefer to stick to facts, because they don't lie. I believe replacing the waterpump was the correct repair. I do not believe the system needed to be service multiple times unless the repair was sloppy. If the oil/coolant mix was that bad then the vehicle would've went into limp mode, flashing engine light prior to the overtemp. Water pumps don't just all of a sudden fail and leak all at once. (Joe agreed to this statement). The fact is William picked up his vehicle after the repair, returned within a week, Joe pulled codes and found timing codes, cleared them then stated to keep an eye on it. Within 200 miles the engine seized. This shop concluded this was due to main bearing failure and this was not caused by the repair.
BACK TO THE FACTS: Timing code within a week, engine failure after 200 miles. The common denominator is oil pressure, these engines are oil pressure based timing systems. Main bearings get lubricated by OIL PRESSURE THROUGH THE OIL PASSAGES!!!!!
These engines very rarely have main bearing failure, these water pump repairs are very common. The workshop manual states to be extra careful to ensure no debris gets in any passages. After removing the timing cover, some coolant(minor) will drop in the oil pan, this will be fine because you do an oil change after.
NOT OK: When removing the silicone from the front engine surfaces for it to find it's way into passages. i.e "whizzy wheels" are not recommended. Most likely used though, they are way quicker than blade. Spraying brake clean then spraying with air, Also faster than using a rag. Both very common practices, (I use myself on most other repairs) do not work with this repair. One or both methods are most likely where the debris came from. To sum it up, this shop refused to take responsibility for a clear WORKMANSHIP failure.
Upper main bearings have a groove, which contributes to the transfer of oil via the passages in the crankshaft to the connecting rod bearings. Thus, the oil hole in the upper bearing in fact performs as a lubricant source for the operations of both main and connecting rod bearings.
WILLIAM:
Never have I written a negative review. I have to write this one. Service needed to replace water pump and timing chain. Two weeks later I get my 2007 Lincoln Mkx back.Next day, back to A&A for check engine light timing code. I was told after resetting code lets see if it works itself out. Had to know problem exists. Returns vehicle back to me. The first highway drive later, engine seizes. Back to A&A for diagnosis to find crankshaft bearings burned due to lack of oil flow. Workshop manual states CAUTION cleanliness is extremely important! Any foreign material that enters oil passages, cooling passages, or oil pan can cause ENGINE FAILURE. This happened. I cant prove it. Better yet Joe, prove me wrong. Although labor intensive, not a difficult task to perform.Attention to detail, or in this case, lack of it cost me an engine/vehicle. You have a choice when in need of a shop. Pass on this one. No acknowledgment of fault.No responsibility ever expressed to customer. I hold Joe Dattolo and his shop personnel responsible for my loss.
OWNER RESPONSE:
William, we understand this situation is frustrating. When you brought your vehicle to us, there was coolant mixing in with the engine oil. We changed the water pump and oil. We flushed the engine multiple times, and everything looked good on our end before you picked up your vehicle...

William Oakey _{on Google}

Feb 27th, 2024

Never have I written a negative review. I have to write this one. Service needed to replace water pump and timing chain. Two weeks later I get my 2007 Lincoln Mkx back.Next day, back to A&A for check engine light timing code. I was told after resetting code lets see if it works itself out. Had to know problem exists. Returns vehicle back to me. The first highway drive later, engine seizes. Back to A&A for diagnosis to find crankshaft bearings burned due to lack of oil flow. Workshop manual states CAUTION cleanliness is extremely important! Any foreign material that enters oil passages, cooling passages, or oil pan can cause ENGINE FAILURE. This happened. I cant prove it. Better yet Joe, prove me wrong. Although labor intensive, not a difficult task to perform.Attention to detail, or in this case, lack of it cost me an engine/vehicle. You have a choice when in need of a shop. Pass on this one. No acknowledgment of fault.No responsibility ever expressed to customer. I hold Joe Dattolo and his shop personnel responsible for my loss.

Manoj Kumar _{on Google}

Feb 26th, 2024

Good service and faster response

Venkatachala moorthy _{on Google}

Feb 24th, 2024

Car Service was good and informed about my front brake condition.