Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/02/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  07/08/2024 1410
  Called Gartner repair informed ***** the owner I had an old ****** *** ******** Engine with a water pump mounted to it; also a old mower 2008 that was burning oil. I told ***** I suspect the valves may be out of specs. I said I had the ****** *** ******* ( will refer as *** from this point on) I had it running, but it only runs about 10-20 seconds. I think it is a fuel problem. I told ***** that both pieces of equipment are old so I don't want to spend very much money on them. I took both to Tyles garage and he said he already know the problem. Can I wait an hour and I will have it ready to go.
  One hour later ***** called and said he will need more time.
  07/12/24 went and picked up equipment. was shocked that ***** charged me $699.68
  I took equipment home and the mower was popping and coughing. The *** was running, but it was like the choke was stuck because it would not run faster than idling RPM.
  07/15/24 Called ***** back and told him what was happening.
  ***** said bring it back because I stand behind my work at no charge.
  Later that same day ***** called and said the carburetor is dirty and how much money do I want to spend.
  I told ***** I was not going to spend anymore money on the old equipment because I just gave him almost $700.00 and I will be down the next day to pick the equipment up.
  07/16/24 Went to pick up equip. ***** was outside waiting for me.
  I told ***** I could have bought a new motor and pump for what he charged.
  ***** held out the keys to the mower then slammed them in my hand and stated don't ever bring anything back to me again and stormed off.
  07/27/24 received a bill for $339.84 for a carburetor cleaning and shop supplies!!!
  I had already told him I was not spending anymore money.
  Upon further inspection of the mower and the carb I discover it to be filthy with dirt and debris.
  Also noting the spark plugs ***** installed were for different engine, an oil filter is for a car!!!
  I have pictures of all of this.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/19/2024

  As of 7/8/2024 ***** ****** brought me the water pump, it was full of rust inside the tank. I got it cleaned out and running in mint condition. I told him he had to had to put it to 1 1/2" to 1 1/2" to keep it running smoothly. When he said it would only run for 20 seconds he did not have it set to 1 1/2", only 3/4" so it was sucking so much water it wouldn't stay running. I have a person that can testify it was pumping water just fine for 30 minutes at least. Moving on to the lawn mower; ***** said to only adjust the valves and not touch anything else. I checked the spark plugs on it and there was no gap and there was a lot of carbonization built up; so I replaced them. I never stated that I would work on anything for no charge. ***** told me not to touch anything else on the lawn mower. There is no way ***** could have bought a new pump or mower for under $700. The spark plugs and filter were for the lawn mower and I have the pictures to prove it. The carburetor was completely covered in dirt and oil. He said his friend in Washington had cleaned the carb before he moved down here. I also have pictures of the carb. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/21/2024

  The most important information about this claim is that I told ***** I was not going to spend anymore money fixing this old equipment!  There was nothing wrong with the water pump and I had already cleaned the pump out. The issue was the engine would not continue to run. 

  The engine would not run above an idle after I had taken it back the second time. At an idle it would not pull water out of a 20 foot well. It is not the same as letting the engine idle with a garden hose running in the inlet let. A higher RPM is required. No the less the ****** *** ******** engine I spent $700 does not even run now.

  I went to ****** **** in Rapid City and purchased  a brand new 4 HP Honda engine with a brand new pump for $656. 

  The mower carburetor does not appear was worked on. The coughing and popping I described earlies was caused by ***** the first time because it was not doing it before.  I do have picture of the dirty carburetor ,but was unable to download photos. 

  By ***** own admission I did not authorized the work he said he did!

  ****** ****** in Rapid City Cross referenced the plugs and stated they are for a different engine. The oil filter is not a ****** *** ******** part. I have only used original parts not car parts. 

  ***** stated he stands behind his work,  but obviously this is not correct either.

  I would like this matter closed because as stated by ***** I did not authorize any work other than what was stated. I would like to submit the photos but unable to at this time. I shows the carburetor was never removed. The photos ***** submitted could be from any of his other customers, because the mounting screws and bolts to removed the carburetor are still covered with dirt.